I chose this program as I wanted to do a volunteer trip overseas after I finished high school. Projects Abroad seemed to fit into all the categories of what I wanted, and they seemed very professional. The array of programs and destinations also attracted me to go with Projects Abroad. From the moment I applied, I felt supported by all the staff at the organization.
Alumni Spotlight: Abbey Cutler
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Abbey is 18 years old with a passion in travelling. She currently studies Law full time at Uni, and always looking ahead and planning her next overseas trip, especially one that involves volunteering!
Why did you choose this program?
What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
Projects Abroad assisted me with everything! They helped me organize my flights including my accommodation and transportation. They organized our placement as well as our more touristy trips.
Everything they organized was of a high quality. The only thing I was required to organize were my vaccinations and luggage.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
Be prepared to do anything. I found that we didn't end up doing what I expected we were going to do.
Although this wasn't a bad thing, I definitely recommend bringing a wide range of clothes and materials just in case you are doing different tasks.
I also suggest diving into everything! Don't be afraid to try new food or do something different. It all makes the experience worth it.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
An average week would involve going to placement about 3 out of the 5 days. Days on placement would include travelling by ferry to the island where placement was. We would then spend the whole day at placement doing teaching, painting, and building. The other days of the week we would see historical sites such as the death camps and temples.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
I was worried that the organization wouldn't sufficiently look after me, and that the entire trip would be a fail. However, as soon as I landed in Phnom Penh, I knew I had nothing to worry about. A few days into the trip, I felt safer and more comfortable, and I knew that the trip would be conducted well. I had no worries about the organization and professionalism of Projects Abroad.
Tell us about your placement.
Our placement was at a primary school on Silk Island which was a ferry ride away from Phnom Penh. We then took a bus from the dock to the school. As soon as we arrived and got off the bus, we were swarmed by the children!
They were so happy and excited, and it put a smile on all of our faces. We usually played soccer for a little bit before placement began. We spent the morning teaching and building. We then had lunch at a restaurant down the road which we walked to. Once we returned from lunch, we spent the afternoon painting which was relaxing. We would then finish the day anywhere between 3-4pm and would head back to the hotel. The children on placement were heaps of fun and always put a smile on our faces! It was also great to see their enthusiasm in the classroom.