Why did you pick this program?
I chose International Student Volunteers because I saw an amazing opportunity to see the world, and a very easy and organized way of doing so. ISV calmed my nerves, assured me when I had questions, and made sure I was nothing but ready to leave.
What do you tell your friends who are thinking about going abroad?
I tell all of my friends to go for it. No matter where they want to go, I tell them to just do it. When they say it's too expensive, I tell them they can always make more money later.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
I would tell them to embrace everything that is thrown in their direction - whether it is trying new foods or bungee jumping - and to not worry about spending too much money because you may never get the chance to do one of the activities again.
What's your favorite story to tell about your time abroad?
My favorite story to tell is about a day on project. My fellow volunteers and I were sitting outside our project container, enjoying lunch and talking about the next days objectives, when a local man from the township walked up to us. He didn't say anything, he just smiled and sat down with us. For five minutes he just sat there and hung out with us while we continued to eat and talk when suddenly he got up and turned to all of us. He said "Black. White. We are all friends." It amazed me that with all of the hatred and racism going on in the world, someone can see the beauty in all people like this man did.
Were you scared to travel alone?
Yes, I was extremely scared to travel alone but going with a group of people who also didn't know anyone helped. We all became friends so fast, and we talk every day still.