The village experience
By Sarah Haefner
Feature Editor
If any prospective or current student questioned the applicability of a degree from the University of Indianapolis to life after college, the university’s motto “education for service” could provide an answer.
Alumni from various areas of study, from business to international relations, have managed to put their education to work in local and international community service projects and organizations.
One such relatively new organization, The Village Experience, culminated from the creative and business savvy of former graduate student Kelly Campbell and her sister Anne Campbell. After venturing in other areas of business and career paths, the sisters decided that international travel, humanitarian work and fair trade partnerships with local businesses around the world better suited their interests and talents.
“I just figured out that I operate really well in the developing world,” Kelly Campbell said.
Campbell capitalized on her international relations background to form an organization with an emphasis on fair trade as well as international travel. Today, The Village Experience is connected with charities, micro-financing groups, women’s projects and global cooperatives.
With the hopes of opening a store in the future, The Village Experience offers online merchandise from local artisans from all over the world, with proceeds going both directly towards the artisans and The Village Experience organization.
International travel is also an option, with some of the proceeds from the expenses going towards small businesses in Africa, Asia and numerous other parts of the world.
“The goal is two-fold. We want to expose people to what’s happening around the world, whether they leave their city or not,” Campbell said. “It’s an opportunity to learn and become aware.”
Future travel destinations include Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa, Uganda, India, Jordan, Thailand, Guatemala, Belize and Mexico. Kelly and Anne evaluate every hotel and personally partake in offered tours to ensure an authentic cultural experience.
Rather than simply participating in a trip with The Village Experience, several other UIndy graduates have secured internships and positions within the organization. Former international business student Tony Rojas was acquainted with Campbell while attending UIndy and jumped at the chance to get involved with her work. Currently, he is a village leader and will be taking his first group to India and Jordan in December.
“My family and parents, Catholic faith, and visitations to my hometown of Mexico City contribute to my values in service and community,” Rojas said.
Rojas also recognizes the impact The Village Experience can have on the local and international community.
“This is huge for the local community,” Rojas said. “It can open the eyes of people here who don’t have international experience or knowledge. It can provide long-term help internationally as well. Really, this is just a drop in the bucket of what we can do.”
Campbell has numerous hopes for the future of The Village Experience.
“For younger generations, there are few outlets to do this for a living and for them to obtain jobs they dream of,” Campbell said. “We want to operate successful stores, but also start our own foundation and provide scholarships, while focusing on specific areas of interest.”
International travel program costs range from $1,500 to $2,000 and merchandise prices run the gamut from $4 to $125. All merchandise and trip information can be found on www.experiencethevillage.com.
