<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Broken Earth]]></title><description><![CDATA[Broken Earth]]></description><link>https://www.broken-earth.com/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Mon, 25 May 2026 05:27:48 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.broken-earth.org/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Meet Our Local Partner: Adopta o Casă]]></title><description><![CDATA[At Broken Earth , we understand that real impact begins with local expertise. Every program starts with a fundamental question: Who is already doing the work here? In Romania, the answer is Adopta o Casă  — an organization committed to restoring homes, preserving heritage buildings, and supporting vulnerable communities with long-term dedication and knowledge. By partnering with them, Broken Earth ensures that programs go beyond superficial involvement. Participants gain insight into...]]></description><link>https://www.broken-earth.com/single-post/broken-earth-local-partner-adopta-o-casa</link><guid isPermaLink="false">696f1ee9a5f9dd009d3959d5</guid><pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35ad4d_0a4302bfdfe94d02a9e9d8b5dba2b1fa~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_800,h_450,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Shivani Mittal</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Being Part of the Beginning: The First Broken Earth Program]]></title><description><![CDATA[Every journey has a starting point. For Broken Earth , that beginning is Romania. Joining the first Broken Earth program isn’t simply about travel or visiting new places — it’s about engaging intentionally, contributing thoughtfully, and helping build a program from the ground up. Early programs are unique. They’re more intimate, personal, and shaped by the people who participate. Your presence influences how future initiatives develop, how partnerships evolve, and how Broken Earth grows...]]></description><link>https://www.broken-earth.com/single-post/being-part-of-the-beginning-the-first-broken-earth-program</link><guid isPermaLink="false">696f2118892cb3def492f204</guid><pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35ad4d_c94cf0a55f5648689ab754a661fe3c8e~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_800,h_449,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Shivani Mittal</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What the Broken Earth Romania Program Is Really Like]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Broken Earth Romania program offers an experience unlike conventional travel or volunteer opportunities. It’s not built around checklists or superficial “impact tourism.” Instead, the program is intentionally designed to integrate visitors into the rhythm of the community, fostering deep understanding, meaningful engagement, and personal reflection. This program emphasizes being part of community life, learning from local rhythms, and observing the nuances of rural Romanian traditions....]]></description><link>https://www.broken-earth.com/single-post/what-the-broken-earth-romania-program-is-really-like</link><guid isPermaLink="false">696f1ce0423c15f2e1f0973e</guid><pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35ad4d_b083d8e3e28646f0a9316bd664f59338~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_975,h_732,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Shivani Mittal</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Story Behind Broken Earth’s First Program]]></title><description><![CDATA[Broken Earth didn’t begin with a destination. It began with a question: how can we invite people into real communities in a way that truly matters? For our first program, the answer was Romania — a place where tradition and transition coexist, rural communities thrive, and the impact of thoughtful presence can be meaningful. In this article, we explore the story behind Broken Earth’s first program , why Romania was chosen, and how the program reflects our core principles of depth, humility,...]]></description><link>https://www.broken-earth.com/single-post/the-story-behind-broken-earth-s-first-program</link><guid isPermaLink="false">696f195ea5f9dd009d394799</guid><pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35ad4d_87158c193a1c480cad48c9eaefc257d9~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_975,h_548,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Shivani Mittal</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Meet the Locals: The People Who Make Every Program Possible]]></title><description><![CDATA[Behind every transformative volunteer experience is a team of local leaders, coordinators, cooks, drivers, teachers, and artisans who bring Broken Earth programs to life. They are the bridge between cultures, the keepers of local knowledge, and the reason our work is grounded in respect, humility, and authenticity. The impact of a program isn’t measured by the number of volunteers who arrive — it’s measured by the strength of the relationships  formed with the people who welcome us, teach us,...]]></description><link>https://www.broken-earth.com/single-post/meet-the-locals-the-people-who-make-every-program-possible</link><guid isPermaLink="false">693aa14db4dd1f407cee0d42</guid><pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 02:40:06 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35ad4d_e427921c9b1b45bb8bd381304c3abc2f~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_975,h_548,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Shivani Mittal</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Volunteer Gift Guide: 10 Meaningful Ways to Give Back This Season]]></title><description><![CDATA[The holiday season often arrives with a predictable rhythm: crowded shops, endless sales, and pressure to buy things that rarely hold lasting meaning. For many, the expectation to give more can overshadow the real purpose of the season. Yet thoughtful giving does not depend on elaborate packaging or expensive purchases. It begins with intention and an understanding of what truly creates value for others. At Broken Earth , volunteer programs are built on community partnerships, cross-cultural...]]></description><link>https://www.broken-earth.com/single-post/the-volunteer-gift-guide-10-meaningful-ways-to-give-back-this-season</link><guid isPermaLink="false">693aa45e3aa9eb11ebb00687</guid><pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 01:07:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35ad4d_f5383ae2ae384f7491f6b4fb7b32e09a~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_975,h_731,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Shivani Mittal</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[2025 in Reflection: How Broken Earth Grew Through Honesty, Learning, and Slow, Meaningful Progress ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Every organization has its defining years—periods that shape its direction, its identity, and the foundations it will build upon. For Broken Earth, 2025 was not a year marked by rapid expansion or highly visible achievements. Instead, it was a year of careful steps, deliberate learning, and quiet but significant progress. This reflection explores how Broken Earth  developed during 2025: the first official experiential learning program in Nepal, the realities of building an employee-owned...]]></description><link>https://www.broken-earth.com/single-post/2025-in-reflection-how-broken-earth-grew-through-honesty-learning-and-slow-meaningful-progress</link><guid isPermaLink="false">693a9b25aa0a3016e1ffae36</guid><pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35ad4d_5919c6dc6e504f2e80d1d23da904b573~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_731,h_975,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Shivani Mittal</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Sustainability in Action: How Broken Earth Minimizes Environmental Impact While Strengthening Community Learning]]></title><description><![CDATA[Sustainability is not just a concept attached to environmental projects or outdoor work. It is a guiding principle that shapes how an organisation travels, partners, learns, and engages with communities. For Broken Earth , sustainability is not a marketing phrase or a tool for attraction. It is a foundational practice woven into every decision, from transportation and accommodation to program design and learning objectives. This article explores how Broken Earth integrates environmental...]]></description><link>https://www.broken-earth.com/single-post/sustainability-in-action-broken-earth-programs</link><guid isPermaLink="false">693a9df5e443dcaf48aad346</guid><pubDate>Sun, 07 Dec 2025 18:30:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35ad4d_05e58957023b44e686bd321a5743d988~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_975,h_650,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Shivani Mittal</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Living Local: What Community-Based Stays Really Teach You]]></title><description><![CDATA[Living local through community-based stays means more than just visiting a new destination it’s about becoming part of it . At Broken Earth , we believe that travel should create connection, not distance. When you stay in locally owned homes and guesthouses, you experience real cultural immersion while directly supporting the people who make each place special. These stays don’t just offer a room and a meal; they offer a perspective one rooted in empathy, sustainability, and respect. The way...]]></description><link>https://www.broken-earth.com/single-post/living-local-what-community-based-stays-really-teach-you</link><guid isPermaLink="false">691ad95c8a6bbce4592b94d9</guid><pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 08:17:31 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35ad4d_f603dc1c8b494e6d85f26cf431d2dc59~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_901,h_601,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Shivani Mittal</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[From Trip to Transformation: How Volunteering Shapes Your Career and Character]]></title><description><![CDATA[Volunteer abroad career benefits go far beyond adventure and travel. Volunteering abroad isn’t a break from real life it’s a masterclass in it . The lessons you learn, the people you meet, and the challenges you overcome all help shape who you are both personally and professionally. At Broken Earth , we’ve seen how stepping outside your comfort zone can reshape the way you lead, work, and live. Every project builds skills that last long after the journey ends turning travel into...]]></description><link>https://www.broken-earth.com/single-post/from-trip-to-transformation-how-volunteering-shapes-your-career-and-character</link><guid isPermaLink="false">691ad61b71a5daaf1ba05e34</guid><pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 08:11:37 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35ad4d_f5f86bee82c74921a7037a89b39e3d96~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_756,h_505,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Shivani Mittal</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Safety &#38; Support: How Broken Earth Cares for Travelers Abroad ]]></title><description><![CDATA[When parents or educators consider sending a young person abroad, the first question is often: “Is it safe?”  This is especially true for experiential travel and volunteer programs in destinations like India, where cultural differences and unfamiliar environments may raise concerns.  At Broken Earth , we understand that guardians want reassurance before choosing a program provider. Safety and support are at the heart of everything we do. From risk management protocols to on ground staff care,...]]></description><link>https://www.broken-earth.com/single-post/safety-support-how-broken-earth-cares-for-travelers-abroad</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68d39f370bf4ea1c4916a43d</guid><pubDate>Mon, 13 Oct 2025 04:50:56 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35ad4d_fd0d64bed4df4025ae9bb857042bf93c~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_678,h_451,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Shivani Mittal</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Choose Broken Earth for Experiential Travel in India? ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Travel has changed. Families and educators are no longer satisfied with trips that only tick off monuments or attractions. Instead, they are seeking journeys that spark curiosity, encourage personal growth, and leave a positive impact on the communities visited. This is where experiential travel in India comes in—a style of travel that blends adventure, cultural exchange, and education.  For parents, the challenge is finding a program that is not only engaging for their children but also safe...]]></description><link>https://www.broken-earth.com/single-post/why-choose-broken-earth-for-experiential-travel-in-india</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68d3a40612f296bd9775f683</guid><pubDate>Mon, 13 Oct 2025 04:50:29 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35ad4d_4c21e5fb078f4cf6bfaf3f0814823476~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_936,h_624,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Shivani Mittal</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Will You Learn During a Week Community Stay in India? ]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you’re seeking more than sightseeing if you’re craving authentic cultural immersion, personal development, and meaningful global learning   week community stay in India may be one of the most transformative decisions of your life. More than a travel experience, it’s a curriculum‑based opportunity to engage, serve, and evolve.  From cultural exploration and language acquisition to professional skill building and emotional growth, let’s  explore what adult learners  will gain from this...]]></description><link>https://www.broken-earth.com/single-post/what-will-you-learn-during-a-week-community-stay-in-india</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68b685e4fcffb11462e3eb27</guid><pubDate>Tue, 02 Sep 2025 06:07:28 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35ad4d_346cc8e6e5184fdda2bb43f16edbfddf~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_900,h_502,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Shivani Mittal</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Volunteer Abroad Opportunities in Dharamshala ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Dharamshala, nestled in the picturesque hills of Himachal Pradesh, India, is more than just a scenic getaway. It's a town rich with cultural heritage, spiritual resonance, and a thriving Tibetan exile community. Known globally as the residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Dharamshala has become a beacon for those seeking meaningful travel experiences that go beyond the typical tourist trail.  Volunteering in Dharamshala offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a blend of Tibetan...]]></description><link>https://www.broken-earth.com/single-post/volunteer-abroad-opportunities-in-dharamshala</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68b67dc2e25f02068eeaeb4e</guid><pubDate>Tue, 02 Sep 2025 05:40:15 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35ad4d_0bdad2711bd54380b80139329b5df9c2~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_936,h_702,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Shivani Mittal</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Can Experiential Learning Boost Teen Leadership? ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Teenagers are naturally in a stage of growth and self-discovery, yet many traditional classrooms limit their ability to actively engage with the world. Experiential learning flips the model—allowing students to learn by doing, interacting, and reflecting on real-life situations. When done right, it transforms passive students into confident, capable leaders.  At Broken Earth, we’ve seen firsthand how our international programs  help teens develop critical life and leadership skills. Whether...]]></description><link>https://www.broken-earth.com/single-post/how-can-experiential-learning-boost-teen-leadership</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6887a7e665e042dc2488621a</guid><pubDate>Mon, 04 Aug 2025 06:27:59 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35ad4d_9c144fea254b422e92fb09c52ddbc14a~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_960,h_717,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Shivani Mittal</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Does a Teen Study Abroad Program in India Include? ]]></title><description><![CDATA[A teen study abroad program  in India is more than just an educational trip—it’s an opportunity to explore one of the world’s most culturally rich countries while gaining leadership skills, global awareness, and unforgettable life experiences. At Broken Earth , our India-based student program is designed specifically for teens aged 15–22 who are ready to step outside of their comfort zone and grow. From volunteering with local communities to engaging in mindful reflection in the Himalayas,...]]></description><link>https://www.broken-earth.com/single-post/what-does-a-teen-study-abroad-program-in-india-include</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6887a4b1c0f8f75ab3c223b2</guid><pubDate>Mon, 04 Aug 2025 06:26:10 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35ad4d_3616516efd08479989ad97354ae0dee0~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_960,h_640,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Shivani Mittal</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How commitment and passion from students and teachers impacts education-based challenges in Gorkhe]]></title><description><![CDATA[Madeleine McCormick is in the second year of a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree with specializations in International Development and Ecology at the University of Guelph.]]></description><link>https://www.broken-earth.com/single-post/how-commitment-and-passion-from-students-and-teachers-impacts-education-based-challenges-in-gorkhe</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6872a8c604c529beb8cc9ba0</guid><pubDate>Sun, 25 May 2025 18:32:18 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a197a8_e8d8391245eb4ec4870cb1b26c2f11a8~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_250,h_300,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Madeleine McCormick</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[First Impressions]]></title><description><![CDATA[After five days in India, I am very conscious of being “othered” and how my skin conveys privilege. I am so intrigued by everyone around me and often wish to smile or wave. I try and smile in a gentle and non-threatening way as I don’t want people to feel like I expect a smile back, or that I am some how entitled to it. It’s strange the things you worry about when you feel uncomfortable about your position and how it relates to those around you. Our day in Amritsar was extremely overwhelming...]]></description><link>https://www.broken-earth.com/single-post/2017/02/08/first-impressions</link><guid isPermaLink="false">60408f683c635c0016be7d3a</guid><category><![CDATA[Student Blog]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 08 Feb 2017 16:07:46 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a197a8_d3241e2e8ca24730a42fe5fd9a7f1202~mv2_d_3168_4752_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Steph Oldfield</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Behind the Scenes]]></title><description><![CDATA[Arriving in India was unlike any other experience I have had in my lifetime. After a dizzying cab ride that saw us momentarily lost in the streets of New Delhi, we arrived at our accommodations and began to settle in. The days prior to our arrival in Dharamsala saw us travel from Delhi to Amritsar to spend time at the Golden Temple, from there we made the drive to Dharamsala. In Dharamsala I have spent now two days at my placement with Students For a Free Tibet. An event that was in the...]]></description><link>https://www.broken-earth.com/single-post/2015/05/06/behind-the-scenes</link><guid isPermaLink="false">60408f683c635c0016be7d3b</guid><category><![CDATA[Student Blog]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2015 15:07:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a197a8_9d7bb559d0d74812939a401824e17693~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_960,h_960,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Michael Harris</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Fine Balance]]></title><description><![CDATA[I am volunteering at the Gamru Village School in lower Dharamsala which is a school that is completely funded by donations and provides an education to over 170 students from the region. Please follow this link to learn about the opportunities provided by this school for these students that from my perspective makes the Gamru School a special place: http://gamruschool.com/ . I feel extremely grateful for this experience with both the Gamru School and the course, however, I am feeling very...]]></description><link>https://www.broken-earth.com/single-post/2015/05/02/a-fine-balance</link><guid isPermaLink="false">60408f683c635c0016be7d39</guid><category><![CDATA[Student Blog]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2015 15:14:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a197a8_e5f19f23f1154655925c16b0d7222f11~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_800,h_530,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Natasha Edmunds</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>