Alumni Spotlight: Steve Miller

I am 55 year old first time volunteer and think I may now back pack around the globe offering my services to people / countries in need.

I had no idea what to expect, I wear a suit to work everyday, I have 13 employees and I just thought I would take a 3 week break and , WOW, the unknown is now the "KNOWN" and I wish I had known about it 20 years ago.

It is never too late, I will have no hesitation offering my services again from both a self worth and cultural experience.

Steve Miller is a 55-year-old first time volunteer who left his family and staff of 13 to go and experience a life where he could help people less fortunate than himself.

Why did you choose this program?

Volunteers and locals in Thailand

I chose this program as it was close to home and not knowing what to expect, it was the best choice I could make for a 3 week period. I was also intrigued by the Hill Tribe people we were referred to in our literature.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

We were assisted with registration fees, program fees (which we paid), I had to arrange air fares and weekend accommodation

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

I would offer this: go with an open mind and be prepared to immerse yourself into the culture in all areas and you will be greatly rewarded. If you are going to worry too much about sleeping arrangements, what food you may have to eat, and the type of work you are doing, get over it or just don't go. If you are serious about it, embrace it and you will love it.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

Volunteering in Thailand

An average week could consist of anything you can think of outdoors including building dams, digging roads, renovating old buildings, painting anything that needs painting, exploring the countryside after work, admiring the beauty on the way to and from work, working hard and having fun. Oh and eating beautiful authentic food.

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 initial fears were my age and the food I would have to eat. Age went out the window after the first 24 hours as everyone is there for the same reason regardless of age, religion, or gender. Food was a concern as I'm not the best at trying different things so I told myself to eat all that was presented to me and it was absolutely fantastic.

Do you have anything else you'd like to share with prospective volunteers?

If you are prepared to work hard, the local elders are particularly interested to talk to you and find out about you. I met many interesting people who have lived in the hills of Northern Thailand for many many years and they were wonderful and very thankful for the assistance.

If you look at generic websites, you will have no idea of what you are going to do but if you find some heritage somewhere online, you may get a better understanding. I am 55 years old, all other volunteers were under 30 and we loved each other and I left Thailand with a new family in my life.

Embrace the culture, the people, the country but also your peers and you will be amazed.

I am thinking of backpacking and volunteering around the world for 12 months at end of 2017 and I cannot wait, may even take my 23-year-old daughter with me.