http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/Stories, photos and videos from our volunteers while they're abroad and once they have returned. Request their e-mail addresses so you can chat to them yourselfenFri, 10 Feb 2012 08:07:30 +0000Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:07:30 +0000Volunteering AbroadProjects Abroad Ltd., IT Officehttp://www.projects-abroad.org/rss/volunteer-stories/Projects Abroad Ltd.info@projects-abroad.org (Projects Abroad US)office@projects-abroad.net (Projects Abroad IT Office)1440Carehttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=care/south-africa/emily-kaufman/ If I could roll my experiences of five weeks in South Africa into a giant ball it wouldn’t roll; the jagged edges of Table Mountain might stick out, with some shark teeth sticking out, panoramas of gorgeous sunsets and staggering heights would wrap around it, it would smell like pap and unmistakable low tide, the ball might sit on the back of an ostrich, bubbles would float around it, there would be singing in Xhosa and Afrikaans, the sound of a vuvuzela would cry out and there would be lots of laughter. My Placement In the mornings the big blue van would pull up toDiamond Drive, and I headed to Masikuhle Educare where fifty smiling little faces shouted “TEACHER!” and I became the human jungle gym. Unfortunately I could not always support the pack of small children clinging to ...Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=care/south-africa/emily-kaufman/Teachinghttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=teaching/sri-lanka/kimberly-hatzl/ After teaching the young monks for a couple of weeks at Welipitiya temple, I had gotten the routine down well. I’d step out of the tuk tuk, walk through the temple gates, take my sandals off and walk to the area outside of a building where we would be holding class for the day. As our class was held outdoors, the sounds of Sri Lanka flooded into our classroom; the sounds of tuk tuks on the road, people speaking in Sinhala, and the mooing of the many cows that lived at the temple. A new teaching experience It became a common thing that roughly forty-five minutes into the class, cows would come running from all directions from behind the temple towards the gates followed by a man, who I presumed to be in charge of the cows. One morning as the cows were being herded towards the gates, ...Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=teaching/sri-lanka/kimberly-hatzl/Conservation and Environmenthttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=conservation-and-environment/mexico/jennifer-skues/ Staying at the turtle camp was a once in a lifetime experience I will never forget! From waking up to the sound of the waves crashing on the beach every morning; to seeing the sun set over the ocean every evening, every second spent there was incredible. First Impressions When I first arrived in Mexico, it was late in the evening but I couldn’t wait to explore. I was greeted in the airport with a massive smile from Roccio and taken to her welcoming family home where I spent the night. The next morning I got on the bus and made my way to the turtle camp in Tecoman. The views from the bus window were breath taking, and only a taste of what was to come. The Conservation Project Campemento Tecoman, or the Turtle camp, as it’s known, was stunning. It was so simple yet homely. ...Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=conservation-and-environment/mexico/jennifer-skues/Teachinghttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=teaching/mongolia/nadia-studer/ When I left for Mongolia in summer 2011, it was not my first experience with Projects Abroad. Indeed, I had already had the opportunity to go to Costa Rica in 2009 for a Conservation & Environment project in a national park, and a Care project in a day center for poor children. Therefore, though I had already traveled many times, including outside Projects Abroad’s frame, my trip to Mongolia was the most surprising I have ever done. It is a land of contrasts. On the one hand, vast, virgin, wide plains, which I visited during the weekend excursions, and through which I went in the Trans-Siberian Railway on my way back home; countryside where a few people are still leading a nomadic life. On the other hand, Ulaanbaatar, a dusty, dirty and congested city where you cannot spend a single ...Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=teaching/mongolia/nadia-studer/Journalismhttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=journalism/mongolia/rachel-hardy/My Placement Although, at first, there was a little uncertainty as to where my placement would be, my supervisor at Projects Abroad found me an excellent private media and communications company. Whilst there, I was given opportunities that I would never have been given as a graduate back in England, making it overall a hugely valuable experience. As Assistant Producer, I was able to contribute my thoughts and ideas towards a documentary that was being made by the company about homeless children in Ulaanbaatar. My involvement in this documentary meant that I was often out on location assisting the TV crew, which allowed me to see areas of Ulaanbaatar and remote parts of the countryside that most tourists would never get the opportunity to explore. One particular excursion saw ...Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=journalism/mongolia/rachel-hardy/Medicine and Healthcarehttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=medicine-and-healthcare/electives/sri-lanka/maura-mcglynn/From October to December 2011 I had the opportunity to work at Daya Nivasa orphanage in Kandy. As an Occupational Therapy student, I was able to utilize my time with Projects Abroad as my final doctorate level rotation. Daya Nivasa, a home for children and adults with physical and cognitive impairments, is run by the Missionaries of Charity, Mother Teresa’s sisters. In addition to developing my therapy skills, working with the Missionaries of Charity and Projects Abroad provided an incredible opportunity for personal growth and self-reflection. My placement in Sri Lanka Although working with so many people with physical and cognitive challenges can be taxing, there is so much that volunteers can do. While I was there, I focused on providing therapy for the children and education/training ...Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=medicine-and-healthcare/electives/sri-lanka/maura-mcglynn/Medicine and Healthcarehttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=medicine-and-healthcare/physical-therapy/vietnam/mychelle-phan/The last time I visited Vietnam was 12 years ago in Saigon. I traveled to Vietnam to make a connection with my heritage. This was my second visit to Vietnam and I was there to implement my goal of becoming a Physical Therapist and to help as many people as possible. I came to the Institute of Acupuncture, also known as Bien Vien Cham Cuu, to gain hands-on experience and improve my knowledge of Vietnamese medical terminologies to better help my own Vietnamese community at home. The Institute of Acupuncture is located in the middle of Hanoi. The stark difference between this hospital and American hospitals was evident when I first stepped into the hospital. While the goals of both places are the same, the Institute of Acupuncture must perform treatments without many of the equipments and instruments ...Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=medicine-and-healthcare/physical-therapy/vietnam/mychelle-phan/Medicine and Healthcarehttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=medicine-and-healthcare/medicine/tanzania/nick-allcroft/Why I chose to volunteer I’m Nick, I've always wanted to travel and see the world, to experience different cultures and do things I’d never otherwise do. However, while all those things are important to me I also really wanted my traveling to have a positive impact and for it not just to be focused on me. This is where Projects Abroad came in. They had been recommended to me by a family friend who had been on a project with them in 2009. I found out that in most cases you’d stay with a host family; this was great as I felt it would give me a better view of the culture in the country than if I stayed in a volunteer house. They offered projects in Tanzania where I greatly wanted to go as I’d been both to Uganda and Kenya before and wanted to return to that part of the world ...Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=medicine-and-healthcare/medicine/tanzania/nick-allcroft/Medicine and Healthcarehttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=medicine-and-healthcare/medicine/jamaica/jonathon-sheen/ If I was to sum up my experience in Jamaica in one word it would simply be WOW! After not getting through my interviews to study graduate medicine first time, I decided to apply again but needed something special for my applications, so I thought what better way than to go and get some experience abroad. After searching through a few volunteering websites, I decided on Projects Abroad as they seemed to offer the best medical-based opportunities. Jamaica immediately stood out and after a bit more research I was hooked and knew I had to go. I got in touch with Projects Abroad who answered all my questions, and within weeks everything (placement, host family, flights, insurance) was sorted and I was on a plane to Jamaica. Arriving in Jamaica On my first day, I was thrown ...Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=medicine-and-healthcare/medicine/jamaica/jonathon-sheen/Carehttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=care/fiji/sophie-baldwin/This summer I spent a month in the town of Nadi, in Fiji, volunteering at the local Methodist Kindergarten. It was the most amazing and beautiful experience of my life so far, and I can tell it’s going to stay that way! I am 17, live in Birmingham in England and chose to go to Fiji because it’s probably the furthest I’ll ever travel and I’ve always fancied going there. At the airport I was feeling quite nervous to take on such a big adventure by myself, but I soon met another group of people who were also travelling to Nadi to volunteer. The flight was long but very luxurious! When we landed in Fiji there was a lovely group of men singing and playing ukulele to welcome us, and someone from Projects Abroad was waiting to take me to my Fijian home. My host family I was welcomed ...Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=care/fiji/sophie-baldwin/Teachinghttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=teaching/tanzania/nick-allcroft/Why I chose to volunteer I’m Nick, I've always wanted to travel and see the world, to experience different cultures and do things I’d never otherwise do. However, while all those things are important to me I also really wanted my traveling to have a positive impact and for it not just to be focused on me. This is where Projects Abroad came in. They had been recommended to me by a family friend who had been on a project with them in 2009. I found out that in most cases you’d stay with a host family; this was great as I felt it would give me a better view of the culture in the country than if I stayed in a volunteer house. They offered projects in Tanzania where I greatly wanted to go as I’d been both to Uganda and Kenya before and wanted to return to that part of the world ...Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=teaching/tanzania/nick-allcroft/Carehttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=care/senegal/charlotte-aspinall/ Senegal is found in the west of Africa. Its capital is Dakar, found on the coast. There are many languages spoken, including Wolof and Poular, however most educated Senegalese speak French fluently and as such this language serves to unite the country. Whilst there are evidences of affluence in the country, many families live very simply and there are a high number of street children known as talibes, who beg to supplement their family’s income. It was these children I intended to help when I chose to travel to Senegal for a month. My decision to travel Saint Louis was brought about from a passion for travel, incited by my parents’ vast experience, a desire to help others and an aspiration to become fluent in French. Why I chose to travel with Projects Abroad I chose to ...Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=care/senegal/charlotte-aspinall/Teachinghttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=teaching/fiji/rebecca-greer/Why Fiji? My name is Rebecca Greer; I am 22 years old and come from Belfast. For 3 months at the end of 2011 I volunteered in the beautiful country of Fiji teaching in a local elementary school. I went to Fiji just 6 weeks after graduating from university. I chose Fiji as a challenge – it is literally the other side of the world with very different climate and food. It was also a personal dream to visit ‘paradise.’ Projects Abroad was one of the few organizations I could find online who offered Fiji as a destination, it being a newer project made it more appealing. I wasn’t nervous before travelling to Fiji, although going alone I managed to talk to a few people going the same time as me through the Projects Abroad Fiji Facebook page – it was nice to recognize a few ...Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=teaching/fiji/rebecca-greer/Journalismhttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=journalism/india/william-stinson/ As I stepped off the plane at Madurai Airport, my senses were seized by what I later learned to be the thing I love most about India; its incomparable essence. The combination of new smells, sounds and impenetrable heat were of such caliber that my whole body was, at first, in shock. However, from my initial research of Tamil Nadu, I had prepared myself for this. What I could not prepare myself for was the unprecedented generosity, kindness and beautiful gestures I received from people that had every right to ignore my presence. Before I had even reached my guesthouse, I felt part of the Indian family. To begin with everything was confusing, loud and chaotic. However, after a couple of hours walking around the city, it became obvious that the Indian people were relaxed and eager ...Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=journalism/india/william-stinson/Medicine and Healthcarehttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=medicine-and-healthcare/medicine/mongolia/annie-yu/ When I informed my mom that I wanted to join Projects Abroad’s Medical placement in Mongolia for two months, it was not a pretty sight. Although she never agreed with my adventure, even after I arrived in Ulaanbaatar, the moment I stepped out the plane after 18 hours, I knew this was going to be one of the most meaningful summers in my life. Choosing my project As a sophomore in the University of California, San Diego, who not only majors in Biology but recently applied for the Global Health minor, I was eager to try out volunteering in a completely different country, and Projects Abroad offered the perfect program in such a mysterious and friendly country. Project Abroad’s Medical placement in Mongolia stood out in that it actually offered hands-on experience, even for a ...Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=medicine-and-healthcare/medicine/mongolia/annie-yu/Law and Human Rightshttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=law-and-human-rights/human-rights/ghana/glen-brown/ During the summer of 2010 I spent a month working in the Human Rights Office in Accra, as part of the Law & Human Rights project. It was an enjoyable and challenging experience which left me with fond memories of Ghana and the people I met there. I had always toyed with the idea of volunteering abroad, but it wasn’t until the day before I was due to leave that I realized I’d signed up for a month away from all friends and family in a country I’d never been to and with people I’d never met. I thought to myself...’what have I done?’ But thankfully any early worries were soon put to one side by the friendly and welcoming atmosphere I found in Ghana. Arriving in Ghana Upon arrival at the airport I was greeted by Nyame, the ever-smiling Projects Abroad representative who ...Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=law-and-human-rights/human-rights/ghana/glen-brown/Law and Human Rightshttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=law-and-human-rights/human-rights/ghana/glen-brown/ During the summer of 2010 I spent a month working in the Human Rights Office in Accra, as part of the Law & Human Rights project. It was an enjoyable and challenging experience which left me with fond memories of Ghana and the people I met there. I had always toyed with the idea of volunteering abroad, but it wasn’t until the day before I was due to leave that I realized I’d signed up for a month away from all friends and family in a country I’d never been to and with people I’d never met. I thought to myself...’what have I done?’ But thankfully any early worries were soon put to one side by the friendly and welcoming atmosphere I found in Ghana. Arriving in Ghana Upon arrival at the airport I was greeted by Nyame, the ever-smiling Projects Abroad representative who ...Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=law-and-human-rights/human-rights/ghana/glen-brown/Law and Human Rightshttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=law-and-human-rights/law/china/martyna-kopacz/ In July 2011 I went to China for one month to volunteer on a Law project in Shanghai. I had no idea what to expect, to be honest I was a bit scared but still enthusiastic. When I went got on the plane at Munich Airport I asked myself: “What are you doing? Is going alone to China, without any friends or acquaintances a good idea? Are you crazy?” First Impressions of China All my doubts disappeared when I got into a taxi with Rico, a Projects Abroad staff member who picked me up from the airport. When I got to the apartment I was surprised - we had a huge living room, kitchen and 2 bathrooms! The flat was situated on the 14th floor, so we had an amazing view. Rico showed me the most interesting places near my accommodation and it appeared that my way from the apartment to ...Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=law-and-human-rights/law/china/martyna-kopacz/Medicine and Healthcarehttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=medicine-and-healthcare/medicine/togo/lauren-crozier/ I’m Northern Irish and I went to Togo in mid-September last year for three months during my Gap Year before hopefully studying Medicine in the UK. Arriving in Togo When I first arrived in Togo I had traveled for the best part of a day and was really exhausted. Once I eventually sorted everything with my visa I was relieved to meet the Projects Abroad staff, Delphine and Koffi, who couldn’t have been friendlier. I have to admit once in Lomé Airport I wasn’t immediately convinced I was going to enjoy myself, but when I got into the car and we started to drive through the area I would now call home, I instantly adored it. This was the beginning of my love affair with Togo! I remember being shocked by the number of people Koffi knew because he kept beeping the horn - the ...Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=medicine-and-healthcare/medicine/togo/lauren-crozier/Journalismhttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=journalism/ghana/rebecca-cooke/ After enduring months of pent up anticipation, anxiety and excitement I finally arrived in Ghana to start my two week journalism placement in Cape Coast. My flight from Heathrow arrived in Accra at 10pm so the sun had slipped away behind Ghana’s coastline but the stifling heat lingered through the night-time air. Stepping off the plane I thought I must be stood next to the engine blowing out heat before realizing that it was just the sweltering humidity. I was greeted by Projects Abroad staff member Nyame, who, with a huge smile and a friendly handshake, introduced himself to me with true Ghanaian hospitality which I would see much more of over the next couple of weeks. Nyame took me to the Projects Abroad guest house in Accra where I would stay overnight before my four hour journey ...Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=journalism/ghana/rebecca-cooke/2 Week Specialshttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=2-week-specials/care-and-community-in-sri-lanka/sri-lanka/fiona-rickets/ Last summer I traveled to Sri Lanka to do a 2 Week Special Care project. It was the most amazing experience and even though I was only there for two weeks, it was the best thing I’ve ever done. I went alone with Projects Abroad, but I am so glad I did because it meant that I had to be independent and I got to know new people better. It meant that I got talking to people that I would never normally have got talking to, like those on the plane journey. I got to know some great people when I was in Sri Lanka. There were seven of us doing the 2 Week Special and of the seven I was the only English person. It was weird as I was seeing a wide variety of cultures including French and Japanese, in a completely different place which had such an incredibly rich culture itself. My host family I ...Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=2-week-specials/care-and-community-in-sri-lanka/sri-lanka/fiona-rickets/Carehttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=care/sri-lanka/hayley-dearlove/ Hello, I'm Hayley and I volunteered in Sri Lanka for a month in July! This was definitely the best experience of my life; I had such a good month and met some amazing people. I am studying Childcare at college and had always wanted to travel, but only being 17 I thought I was too young for something like this. But after hearing about Projects Abroad I knew I could go with this company as you get so much help before you go, and also while you are there! I was lucky enough to be traveling with my friend to Sri Lanka, so it wasn't as nerve-racking! The first thing that hits you when you arrive in Sri Lanka is the humidity of the place, and the traffic! (It’s so busy!) Arriving in Colombo was a great experience as we got to stay here for a couple of nights before heading down to Galle. Adapting ...Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=care/sri-lanka/hayley-dearlove/2 Week Specialshttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=2-week-specials/care-and-community-in-ghana/ghana/mary-schafer/ I went on the 2 Week Care & Community Special in the Akuapem Hills, Ghana in July, and it turned out to be two of the best weeks of my life. I don’t know what drew me to choose Ghana, but I’m very glad I went! First impressions of Ghana I arrived in Ghana with no real idea of what I was about to experience but the initial nerves and ‘what am I doing here?!’ passed remarkably quickly; I soon felt at home in my host village of Kwamoso. The drive from Accra to the hills was a good time to get used to the heat, surroundings, and people that constantly try to sell you things through the windows of the tro-tros as you go along. The first day was the hardest, as I have to admit I wondered how I was going to get through two weeks in the strange world I found myself in. I knew ...Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=2-week-specials/care-and-community-in-ghana/ghana/mary-schafer/Journalismhttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=journalism/mongolia/ruth-allerstorfer/ I spent 10 weeks in Mongolia volunteering with the Mongol Messenger, a state owned English newspaper. With hindsight it’s hard to believe that it was really that long, as these were 10 of the fastest weeks I’ve experienced: jam-packed with new opportunities, experiences and, above all, friendly and bouncy people - both volunteers and locals. The first thing to learn about life in Ulaanbaatar (UB) is that there is always something going on (although half the time people have no clue what it actually is you are witnessing), and that no day can ever be the same unless you stay in your bedroom hiding under the covers. Arriving in Mongolia I arrived in Mongolia at 8am on a Sunday morning. The first thing that struck me was how deadly quiet everything seemed to be. Arriving on a Sunday ...Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=journalism/mongolia/ruth-allerstorfer/Medicine and Healthcarehttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=medicine-and-healthcare/medicine/sri-lanka/chrishny-kangatharan/ I have always wanted to do medicine so I decided to go to Sri Lanka do to a Medical project for a month during my gap year, after completing my undergraduate degree. Although I have been to Sri Lanka before, this was going to be my first time in the south of the country. My Medical placement My placement was in Karapitiya Hospital in Galle. This is the third largest hospital in Sri Lanka, however, it is closer in size to a medium hospital in the UK. It was not only the size that was different; cats and dogs wander around the hospital too! During my one month stay, I had the opportunity to work in the Emergency Treatment Unit, in Pediatrics, Medical and Neurosurgical wards. Everyone at the hospital is welcoming and always keen to teach if you show you are interested and willing ...Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=medicine-and-healthcare/medicine/sri-lanka/chrishny-kangatharan/Sportshttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=sports/ghana/liam-sharpe/ My Arrival I stayed in Cape Coast between 12th of June through to the 9th August. I began my journey from Heathrow airport where I flew directly to Accra airport taking around 6 and half hours, and from there traveled 3 and half hours on a local mini bus known locally as ‘tro tro’. I arrived shortly before lunch time at a local family household where I would be staying for my duration. I was introduced to the mother and father of the house and their small child. I was introduced to another volunteer from Norway; who was also staying in the same house. My First Day! On my first day I was given an introduction tour where I was taken around Cape Coast by a local man named Eric, who worked for Projects Abroad. My first impressions were somewhat shocking, with the heat and ...Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=sports/ghana/liam-sharpe/Teachinghttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=teaching/cambodia/katherine-chao/ My name is Katherine Chao and my trip to Cambodia was definitely one that has both completely changed my perspective of the world and heightened my appreciation for life in general. It has been an unforgettable experience and will certainly be one that will stay with me forever. Before my arrival, I had no clue of all the new experiences that would await me. The plane ride was definitely one of the longest of my life - a total of twenty two hours of travel time! I must admit that before arriving, I was a little apprehensive about coming to Cambodia; worries of meeting the volunteers, blending into the culture, and just feeling lost and overwhelmed were constantly running through my mind. However, I soon found that my worries would be completely unrealized the minute I touched down ...Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=teaching/cambodia/katherine-chao/2 Week Specialshttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=2-week-specials/care-and-community-in-ghana/ghana/beth-nash/ I would describe myself as shy, not good with new experiences or meeting new people, so I would seem like the most unlikely person to ever decide to travel across the world to volunteer on my own. Which is why, when my family and friends heard what I would be doing, nobody believed that I would end up going, I even doubted myself at times. However the decision I made to volunteer would turn out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made as it allowed me to have the most life changing experience I have ever had. I was browsing on the internet when I came across Projects Abroad. I have always wanted to volunteer in another country but always found myself too scared to embark on such a journey. I found that they had a 2 Week Special project for 16-19 year olds. I thought ...Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=2-week-specials/care-and-community-in-ghana/ghana/beth-nash/Law and Human Rightshttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=law-and-human-rights/human-rights/south-africa/victoria-hill/ It had always been my dream to visit South Africa as it is where my parents first met and worked for seven years, so when the opportunity arose for me to go abroad to do an internship, South Africa was my first choice. Little did I know that I would completely fall in love with the country as much as I did in four weeks. After a lengthy flight from London Heathrow to Cape Town I was eager to see the country I was spending the next month in. I was met by a really nice member of staff from Projects Abroad who took me to my host family. During the short car journey I learnt more about Cape Town than you could ever read on any website or guide book. The gentleman was so friendly and welcoming and I already felt safe and settled. My host family When I arrived at my new home I was welcomed ...Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=law-and-human-rights/human-rights/south-africa/victoria-hill/Carehttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=care/india/rachele-bulleri/ I always wanted to do some volunteering so at the end of 2010 with the New Year coming I just thought…this is going to be the year! I chose India because I wanted to face a completely different reality and had also heard a lot about the splendor of this country. I decided to travel alone to experience the trip for myself and to break my day to day routine. I have to admit I was a bit worried, every time I told somebody they told me “you are crazy!!” Even a couple of Indian colleagues of mine asked me if I was really sure because it would be hard due to the cultural shock, the weather, the food and, most of all, the risk of being sick and ending up in places that were not very clean and comfortable. Arriving in India Despite everything, one Friday in the middle June, I ...Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=care/india/rachele-bulleri/Carehttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=care/ghana/rachel-breeden/One of the Best Experiences of My Life... My trip to Ghana last summer was one of the best experiences of my life. Before I arrived, I was not particularly organized or prepared for what the next month would hold but was definitely pleasantly surprised. Upon landing at Accra airport I met Nyame who would take me to my host family in Akropong. Meeting Nyame was a great example of the many welcoming and friendly Ghanaians I would meet during the next month. He was really enthusiastic about his home country and assured me that when the time came I would not want to leave. He was right! My Host Family I stayed with a host family in a small village called Abiriw, just outside of Akropong. My host mum was a seamstress called Christiana who had a son and daughter and many other tenants ...Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=care/ghana/rachel-breeden/2 Week Specialshttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=2-week-specials/care-and-community-in-ghana/ghana/paige-baumgartner/ For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to visit every continent. Having traveled a lot with my family, I have seen much of Europe, the United States, and the Caribbean Islands. At sixteen, I wanted to do more than just explore the world, I wanted to experience it. I decided that one cannot truly embrace the culture of another country, unless fully immersed. Preparing for my trip Ghana is said to be an African country rich in culture and home to some of the friendliest people in the world, making it the perfect place for me. I had enough money saved up from work and I was ready to make a difference in the world, the summer after I turned seventeen. I braved through my series of needles as I read all the support material provided by Projects Abroad. As it was my first time ...Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=2-week-specials/care-and-community-in-ghana/ghana/paige-baumgartner/2 Week Specialshttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=2-week-specials/care-and-community-in-cambodia/cambodia/rachael-parker/ This summer I decided I wanted to travel somewhere, but due to still being in sixth form I had a year left at school, so knew I couldn’t travel for long. I stumbled across Projects Abroad over the internet and having seen leaflets at my school. After looking into this, I noticed the 2 Week Specials, this sounded perfect. I remember trying to decide on a country to visit; there was so much choice and they all looked amazing. A while back I had already visited Thailand and loved it so I decided that Cambodia would undoubtedly be the same. After reading about it, it just seemed the perfect option. First impressions of Cambodia I had read other volunteers stories so I knew what to expect but I didn’t believe it would be exactly how people had explained ...Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=2-week-specials/care-and-community-in-cambodia/cambodia/rachael-parker/2 Week Specialshttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=2-week-specials/care-and-community-in-jamaica/jamaica/isabel-acland/ This summer I visited Jamaica on a 2 Week Special Care & Community project. Before going I was quite nervous as I still didn't know exactly what to expect despite all the information I'd been given. What would the other volunteers be like? Would I get on with my host family? Had I remembered to pack a toothbrush? But I soon found out I had nothing to worry about. First impressions of Jamaica My first memory from Jamaica is of walking through the airport and hearing buskers play reggae music. This was just the first of several cultural experiences that would really open my eyes to an amazing new place. At the airport I was met by a Projects Abroad driver and a group of the volunteers who I would get to know really well over the next couple of weeks. We then had a two and a half hour ...Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=2-week-specials/care-and-community-in-jamaica/jamaica/isabel-acland/2 Week Specialshttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=2-week-specials/medicine-in-tanzania/tanzania/emma-sterling/ Arriving at the airport in Tanzania I was so excited but also a little bit nervous because I was traveling alone for the first time. Everyone traveling from Heathrow had been given each other’s e-mail addresses from Projects Abroad so we were able to arrange to meet and travel together. When we landed in Tanzania we were greeted by a friendly Tanzanian Projects Abroad staff member, who drove with us in the Dalla Dalla (bus) to our host families. My host family was extremely welcoming and kind. When we arrived we were shown to our rooms that had comfortable bunk beds. I was in the house with three other volunteers so we got a chance to get to know each other and rest for the first day before going to our placement. My 2 Week Special Medical placement The medical volunteers ...Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=2-week-specials/medicine-in-tanzania/tanzania/emma-sterling/Carehttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=care/mongolia/charlotte-gibbs/ Upon arrival in Mongolia, on the journey from Chinggis Khaan International Airport to the guesthouse in Ulaanbaatar, the first thing I noticed was the vastness of countryside and greenery. The air outside the city was incredibly fresh and cool. It was quite surreal seeing horses just loose at the side of the road, but Mongolia is renowned for having a larger number of horses than population. The life outside of the city was considerably different from than in the center – the nomadic families lived in Gers which look like huge circular tents but are warmer and far sturdier. After about a thirty minute car journey into the city, past some of the countryside, I arrived at the guesthouse where I was greeted with a warm welcome, shown how to use the facilities and was provided with a ...Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=care/mongolia/charlotte-gibbs/2 Week Specialshttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=2-week-specials/care-and-community-in-ghana/ghana/mikaella-caruncho/ I am 18 years old and I joined Projects Abroad the summer right before I started as a freshman at New York University. I took part in the 2 Week Special in Ghana and was placed to work at Lady Heike Nursery School and the Home of Hope in Cape Coast. During my placement, I was accompanied by eight other teenagers, one of which was my younger sister. Arriving in Ghana My younger sister, Francesca, and I took a five hour flight to New York, had a fourteen hour layover in New York, and then a ten hour flight to Ghana before we finally arrived. We stepped off the plane and were instantly welcomed by the humid Ghanaian heat. Our first impression of Ghana was frightening but once we got out of the terminal, things started getting better. We were greeted by Nyame, a very friendly Projects ...Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=2-week-specials/care-and-community-in-ghana/ghana/mikaella-caruncho/Carehttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=care/ethiopia/megan-keyes/ In previous years Drumragh Integrated College sixth form students volunteered in Tanzania, Ghana and Ethiopia. For the second year Ethiopia with Projects Abroad was our destination of choice. Seven other girls and I managed to fundraise over our target of £16,000 to £17,000 so with the rest of this money we sponsored three children from the ‘safe house’, and gave donations to the homeless and to Kidane Mehret Orphanage. First impression of Addis We arrived at the Kidane Mehret Orphanage at 4.30am on Friday morning. On the first morning we met with our Leaders, Tami and Sammi, to begin our orientation of the city. As we walked through the streets of Addis Ababa we were all in shock at the devastating scenes of homeless men, women and children. Every step we took people ...Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=care/ethiopia/megan-keyes/Culture and Communityhttp://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=culture-and-community/equine-therapy/argentina/shenandoah-cornish/ Before I left Argentina was a concept, a mysterious, magical place. When it came time to leave, Argentina was more than a reality. It was life changing. From missed flights to less than desirable hotels and hostels, to dealing with the other side of language barriers. It should have been difficult to assimilate not only to different cultural elements (such as having dinner at 10:30 instead of 6), having navigating public transportation in a new place (not being able to ask for help or directions did not help). It was kind of a sink or swim experience. Projects Abroad encouraged me to jump into the water without looking back. Through all of this, somehow, miraculously, I learned how to swim. As the frustrations were overwhelming, this was a personal challenge the likes of which I had never ...Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.org/more-info/volunteer-stories/?content=culture-and-community/equine-therapy/argentina/shenandoah-cornish/