NAAIS: An Introduction

 

The North American Association of Indian Students (NAAIS) is a non-biased umbrella organization that seeks to represent students of Indian nationality, origin, and background. NAAIS strives to collaborate with governmental and non-governmental organizations, passionately working towards fostering a community of Indian students while advancing the North America-India relationship through its students and youth. 

 

Motivation for Joining NAAIS

 

As an international student in Canada, when I first moved away from home everything initially felt unfamiliar, requiring time to acclimate. Having experienced the challenges of moving to study abroad, I aspired to positively impact other Indian students facing similar hurdles. I aimed to amplify their voices and offer necessary support, which propelled my decision to join the North American Association of Indian Students from June to September 2020.

 

My Role at NAAIS: Bridging Content and Outreach

 

During my tenure with the organization, I assumed a dual role as a Content Writer and an 

Outreach Intern. As a Content Writer, I crafted and designed various publishable materials aimed at raising awareness on platforms pertinent to the organization's mission. Simultaneously, as an Outreach Intern, I spearheaded efforts to connect with Indian students across Canada and facilitate their integration into the organization. I executed these duties through:

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• Leveraging social media platforms to recruit Indian students nationwide.

• Conducting research on issues affecting international Indian students in North America.

• Produced content based on research findings to be published on the organization’s platforms, raising awareness about issues affecting Indian students.

 

Accomplishments at NAAIS

 

I successfully recruited over 50 students to the organization. Additionally, I contributed to the growth of NAAIS's Instagram following by implementing a weekly content strategy. This strategy involved creating and posting targeted content addressing the interests and challenges of Indian students in North America. I engaged with the community through interactive polls and stories, collaborated with related organizations to broaden our reach, and maintained visual consistency across all posts to enhance profile attractiveness and increase follower engagement.

 

Key Learnings

 

Through this experience, I found a sense of belonging away from home. Collaborating with fellow Indian students within a growing organization not only connected me deeply with the Indian community in Canada but also honed my organizational and writing skills. I grasped the significance of strategic communication in effectively reaching and resonating with our target audience, especially through social media platforms. Additionally, this role refined my ability to research and tackle the unique challenges confronted by Indian students, fostering empathy and problem-solving skills.

 

Direct engagement with the student community further polished my public speaking and networking abilities, vital for my role in recruitment and outreach. This experience not only sharpened my professional skills but also underscored the importance of adaptability and resilience in a multicultural environment. It has greatly influenced my approach to future endeavors on a global scale.