At first, I really wanted to study abroad and, while looking for those kind of programs, I stumbled upon Travel For Teens and never looked back. My original plan was to study in Australia for a year and so, when looking for a program with TFT that suited these requirements, I chose the service trip to Australia and New Zealand.
Alumni Spotlight: Kseniya Klyuchka
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Kseniya always wanted to go to Australia, but this trip included a place that instantly became her favorite: New Zealand.
Why did you choose this program?
What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
While I got ready for the trip, TFT helped throughout the entire process. As a first time traveler, I had a huge amount of questions that TFT answered with as much detail as they could. They helped organize my flight to meet with the rest of the group and also the flight home. A few months before departure, I was able to contact and get to know the people that I was gonna spend three weeks with.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
An advice that I would give for traveling with TFT is to enjoy it. Don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and meet new and amazing people, to explore the place you are traveling to, and to keep in touch with the people that you meet. When choosing what place to travel too, there is no wrong answer because, when traveling with TFT, even the most boring place will be the best place.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
An average day with TFT is an amazing day, even if you have to wake up before the sun is out. An average day consists of a quick breakfast and then off to do something exciting like visiting the place where Lord of the Rings was filmed, paragliding over Queenstown, New Zealand, scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef, holding a koala, or climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge in Sydney, Australia. For lunch, there is an amazing variety of places to choose from and after off to another exciting adventure. Never a dull moment.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
My biggest fear was leaving home, but from the moment I met up with the group, I didn't even think about it. I did miss my family and my own bed and room, but with so many things to do, my mind was distracted from that fear. Another thing that I was worried about was meeting new people. I am very shy, but traveling with so many amazing people you're bound to get out of your shell
What was the hardest part of your trip?
For me, and probably many other people starting out as travelers, the most difficult thing was packing. I tend to overpack for even two day trips with a suitcase that is meant for a few weeks. An advice that I would give about this is pack as little as you can. TFT provides a pack list specifically made for each program and I would definitely recommend sticking to it.