I chose this program because helping people out has always been a massive passion of mine, and it is also a career pathway that I intend to get into. I first heard about this program through an advertisement and I was interested ever since. What came to my interest was the range of projects that you could join.
Alumni Spotlight: Naomi Maras
Naomi is a university student studying a bachelor of Government and International Relations. She completed this work straight after she had completed her senior year.
Why did you choose this program?
What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
My program provider helped out a lot with everything before, during and after the program, including the medical requirements you had to have and also any visa inquiries, which made the whole process a whole much easier. The only thing that I had to organize on my own was the clothes I was going to be packing, but then again, a requirements list was provided.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
The one thing I would like to have known ahead of time was to always expect the unexpected. I know, when I went and travelled to Samoa, I had no idea what I was going to see and also experience. Because of that open mindset, I was able to embrace the cultural differences a lot more easily. I also tell my friends that it is also another way to grow more mature and independent.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
An average day as a participant in this program was quite busy. In the first week that you arrive there, you will be introduced to the coordinators and will be provided with the schedule of your entire trip. Generally, in the first week, you will experience a lot of tourist and cultural attractions. In the second week, you will work with the students and the staff at the local school, and help prepare them for a Christmas event.
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 going into a whole new situation that I have never experienced and especially not knowing much of the language. The way I overcome this fear of mine was by allowing myself to make a bunch of friends and get to know a lot of people, as well as fully embracing the cultural differences and getting to know more about it. Yes, it most certainly has! I am so eager to go back to Samoa and experience this once again.
What are some tips for over there?
I would definitely recommend asking to go to the To Sua ocean trench as I, unfortunately, missed out on going. I would also recommend swimming with the turtles when you get the chance. And make sure to NOT bring orange swimsuits there, as you will not be allowed to swim. I know this for a fact because, when I went over there, I brought orange bathers and because turtles eat Pawpaw (which is orange), I couldn't wear them as it was a risk.