Why did you choose this program?
I chose Projects Abroad Care and Teaching Program in Sri Lanka because I discovered the option to work with differently-abled children. My big brother has infantile autism, and I am therefore very interested in helping people with disabilities. I have always wanted to work as a volunteer, and help people who really need it. I also wanted to focus on the aspect of teaching, with the purpose of helping children develop new skills and tasks.
It has also been a dream to travel to a foreign country and earn experience.
What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
I reached out to my program provider from PA approximately three months before departure. She helped me make the final decisions regarding the choice of program. She helped out with the airplane tickets and preparing me for what was to come when arriving at the destination, what to expect and what to look out for.
I was also introduced to a web page with tips and guidelines.
When arriving, I received papers with practical information concerning my project. A few days later, I met the program coordinator at the destination, and she introduced me to the school, the kids and my coworkers.
The staff from PA has been absolutely great and helpful in the pre-departure, during the stay and post-departure. They helped out when I had any concerns or questions.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
The biggest advice I have is: just do it. It's a great experience you'll never forget. It is so important to enjoy every second of the stay and capture as many moments as possible. Even when it at times can seem tough, take it in a remember it, because you will develop from it. I think I as a person has grown a lot from my experience.
I still think about my journey, and I feel so blessed and privileged because of what I have seen and experienced.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
An average day started out with me waking up early in the morning. I walked to school and I was always greeted with a big hug from all the children playing in the schoolyard. We sang together, and then the children went to their classrooms. I was teaching the youngest class at the school, where the children were between 4 and 9 years old. The children had breakfast, and then the class started. I normally worked from 8 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon. My role as a volunteer was to be a supportive substitute teacher, who helped the teacher during class.
Every Wednesday we went to the head office to do a weekly workshop with the other volunteers from the other projects. This was a perfect way to get to know and to learn from each other. Afterward, we explored the city together.
On the weekends, we went on trips with the other volunteers. We traveled most of the south and eastern side of Sri Lanka. I have seen some of the most beautiful places on these journeys and I have met some of the most interesting people as well.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
My biggest worry and concern were if I would be good enough for the job as a volunteer. I really wanted to make a change, and I was a bit worried that I wasn't competent enough to do that.
Also, the thought of being away from home for so long was a bit frightening. I was volunteering abroad for three months, and it was my first long trip away from home.
The purpose of volunteering?
I have been asked several times: why I wanted to work as a volunteer. And the answer is pretty simple.
It is, in my opinion, one of the most meaningful things you can do.
First of all, you will be a big help and support for people who really need it. You can provide love and care for others, who will appreciate it. Second of all, you'll grow from your experiences and you will learn so much about yourself.
