Why did you decide to volunteer abroad with UBELONG in Loas?
Van: I chose the program offered by Ubelong in Business development because to me that is a sustainable way of making other people to stand on their own feet. When the business of Vang Vieng Organic farm can earn more they can have money spare money to support school building activities.
Why I chose the country: Laos is a brother/sister of Vietnam- that is what Vietnamese students have been taught in school. I had never been there myself but always felt a strong connection with Laos. Whenever I have a holiday, I want to go back to Laos again, esp. Vang Vieng organic farm where I voluntered (yet the air ticket to Laos is expensive, 4 times more expensive than flying to any other neighbour countries :(
Describe your day to day activities as a volunteer.
Van: We had no guidance... despite the daily phone call from Ubelong (they were always there for us), we were on the field and we were the ones who knew the business/operation issues best. I would not be able to describe our daily tasks; there were rather different phases, including...
- Getting to know everyone and gaining their trust and support while assessing how the farm was run
- Drafting possible solutions/ suggestions and narrowing what we would realistically do
- Calling for support of local people and our friends to get things done
- Following up with emails (and now once in a while I send them an email
How has this experience helped you grow personally and professionally?
Van: Personally: My heart has grown definitely :) It is not about me all the time. I am a much more composed and calm person.
Professionally: I love my market research and business consultant job even more. I experienced how business ideas were implemented. My recommendations to clients nowadays are more concrete and actionable. In addition, besides being a full time Qualitative market researcher, I have been lecturing part time in a university in Vietnam. Until providing training to the staff of Vang Vieng organic farm, I did not fully appreciate the contribution of a trainer/lecturer.