Development from the Inside

Participant Feedback

DFTI has now been running for six years with over a hundred participants in total from countries including the UK, Italy, Germany, Iraq, USA, New Zealand, Australia and India. At the end of each course, an evaluation discussion took place, which revealed what people really got out of the course. Here's what they had to say:

Helped give both practical and theoretical insights:

"The mixture between lectures and site visits and the quality of the speakers makes this course unique"

"The course was a perfect mix of talks, practical visits and discussions."

"I couldn't have got this experience any other way."

Gave participants a good overview of development:

"DFTI is a must for those wanting an insight into issues faced by NGOs."

"DFTI is ideal for graduates and post-graduates trying to find their way in development."

"Anyone who wants to work in development should have to do a course like this."

"Overall this has been a brilliant course that has given us a unique view of NGOs in India and a wider understanding of development in general."

Focussed career choices and facilitated career changes:

"I will definitely use the experience and knowledge gained to broaden my career"

"DFTI has increased my enthusiasm for development issues, and has presented me with further career options.

"DFTI helped me to focus my mind on what I wanted to do. It encouraged me to step outside the box in which I was moving to consider other opportunities where my skills might be useful."

Clarified ideas:

"It was invaluable to visit the NGOs in the field and see how work is done. The course made me question and rethink the role of westerners in the development process."

"I got a greater understanding of how my studies in development can actually be applied in practice."

"The course has put many things in perspective, clarified many issues and challenged my viewpoint on some aspects and approaches."

Increased sensitivity:

"At university you generally get a Western view, so it was great to hear views from the grassroots."

Gain a greater understanding of India:

"The course is great for people with an interest in the history and politics of India."

Meeting people:

"The diversity of people attending was a significant strength."