I chose IVHQ because it was affordable and of great quality. I also wanted the opportunity to try something I had never done before – working on a game preserve – which turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life. Additionally, the options for how long to stay and work on the game preserve was another feature that I appreciated about the program.
Alumni Spotlight: Maureen Rooney
Maureen is an avid traveler, runner, and consumer of chocolate. She loves meeting new people, going to new places, and learning about new cultures.
Why did you choose this program?
What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own
The program provider helped with the entire visa process and was very quick to answer any question I, or any of the other participants, may have had. While we had to get taxis to town and back, and to the airport when we left, our program provider helped us with this. She also organized tours for us for the weekends. We, the participants, had the difficult task of deciding which tours we wanted to do and when!
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
Do NOT wear/bring white if working on a game preserve! It can frighten some of the animals away. I learned that the hard way after wearing white on my first day there, and we went out on a game drive – oops, sorry!
If you are considering going abroad, this is a great way to help you develop your confidence in stepping outside your comfort zone. Go for it!
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
There is a schedule we follow:
Mondays involved a game drive which usually had some work involved with it, such as counting animals, male vs female, health of animals. On Tuesdays, we worked on building a road in the morning and the lodge's garden in the afternoon. On Wednesdays, which seems to be a favorite with people, we visited a local school in the morning and then 'sundowners' in the afternoon/evening; sundowners are a drive out to a spot on the reserve to relax, have some drinks if so inclined, and watch the animals. Thursdays involved road building or conservation work on the reserve and then camping – yes, under the stars in the bush in Africa! Fridays would be spent clearing lanterna, an invasive flowering plant that needs to be eradicated.
We were served hot lunch and dinner every day during the week, and the food was delicious! Breakfast was toast/cereal. On weekends, there was always a great brunch! Plenty of down time during the day as well to rest, head into town, or do some activities!
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 travel quite a bit, usually by myself where I can come and go as I please when I please. Also, I never stay in one place for more than a couple of days – come, see and do, and leave.
This trip changed all that and opened my eyes and mind to a whole other way of traveling that truly connects you with the people and accomplishes some real positives as well.
The people I met were all incredible, and the program was amazing. Will I look to volunteer again on my vacation in one location? Absolutely! What better way to make real connections and a difference!
Some more things...
I am an avid runner. In fact, I need to run every day – it’s in my blood. I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to work out while volunteering but nope, not the case! I was able to run every day and had a few other volunteers join me. Smiles all around!
Don't be afraid to bargain with the shopkeepers, but also keep in mind that they are trying to make a living. A few dollars to us isn't always that much, but it can make a world of difference for some people. Get up to see the sunrise at Victoria Falls – a sight you will always remember! Enjoy all the moments, as the time does fly!