I chose The New World Community because my good friend had gone on a trip to Haiti with them a few months before. I had always wanted to volunteer abroad and after hearing about my friend's experience, I knew it was the right decision.
The NWC's CLOUD Projects have a zero hidden administration fee, which made me feel extremely comfortable knowing my funds were going directly to the project I was working with.
I took on additional responsibility as a Community Ambassador, or "Team Leader". It was my responsibility to get a great group of people together to share in this incredible experience, as well as fundraise for the project. You can however, join a trip without being a Community Ambassador.
Aside from picking the dates I wanted to travel, fundraising and getting a great group together, The NWC took care of everything. From flights to food, accommodations to in-country travel, and even in-county Community Ambassadors who are from the country you are visiting that are with you 24/7. I felt very taken care of and safe throughout the entire experience.
Keep an open mind and try to remove yourself from the "Westernized way of thinking". You're going to be experiencing a whole other part of the world that works a lot differently than you're use to in Canada. That doesn't mean one way of life is better than another, but it will be different. Take advantage of every opportunity to speak to your students or the locals you'll meet.
Share stories, laughter, knowledge. Be compassionate and empathetic.
Last, but not least, carry all that you learn with you when you go back home. You'll be changed forever. Lean on your team members and loved ones when you need the support because trust me, you will.
Each itinerary that The NWC offers varies based on the location and project. I was able to travel to Haiti where we taught and facilitated our own classes Monday to Friday for a few hours a day, visited and supported a local orphanage a few days a week and then the rest was really bonding with the team and traveling the beautiful country of Haiti.
At the end of the week you get to go on a team retreat in the coolest tree-house bed and breakfast in the Haitian mountains. To wake up in the clouds (literally) was one of the most magical moments of my life.
I truly didn't have any major fears, other than traveling to the poorest country in the Western hemisphere and not knowing what the culture would be like. I tried to embrace every moment, take advantage of the time I did have with the beautiful people I was fortunate enough to meet.
Leaving was the hardest part of the whole trip...I had made such strong relationships in a short amount of time. The culture shock going back home was harder to adjust to than going to Haiti.