Why did you choose this program?
I chose this program because I had never done anything remotely like it. I spent my college career focusing on math, and my post-college career on teaching, so I wanted an adventure that would take me out of my comfort zone, while doing something good simultaneously. This program was everything I wanted, and I thought to myself, "if not now, when?"
What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
My program provider arranged the living situation and provided me with available flight information. While I chose to book the flight on my own, they did offer me one. The program also provided all transportation related to the project: to and from the airport, and any project destinations. They also provided numbers for reliable and reputable transportation companies for any non-program related activities we wanted to book. I was also given a packing list, but found it was not very helpful in the long run, and I ended up seriously overpacking. The program staff also provided me with instructional information for the PADI diving certification.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
I wish I knew to pack lightly. I wore about 25% of all the clothes I brought with me, and could have had extra room for souvenirs! I would tell my friends to pack fewer clothes, and do laundry as you travel - it will make unpacking much more pleasant when you return as well.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
On Mondays, we either did a beach clean-up or mangrove replanting after lunch. On Tuesdays through Thursdays, we went out on the boat to conduct dives locally and on the Phi Phi Islands. These days start very early, and we typically didn't return until late afternoon, but we were provided lunch. Friday's activities had a wider range: some days we went to schools, one day we took a trip to the Phuket Marine Biology Center to clean turtle tanks, another day we went to a Buddhist temple and took care of stray dogs from the local area. Always a surprise! The weekends were open for us to do what we wanted: hikes, weekend getaways, or relaxing beach days in town.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it and/or how did your views on the issue change?
My biggest fear was not feeling part of the group, but I tried to get to know each volunteer, especially my roommates, and was able to build connections. I was also nervous about not speaking the language, but found most people spoke English well enough, and the some staff members spoke Thai when necessary.
Is there anything I would have done differently?
Yes! I would have packed less but stayed longer. When my time was up, I wasn't ready to leave. You really don't get into the heart of the project in 4 weeks, and you'll get the most out of it in 5 weeks or more.