Why did you decide to volunteer with Global Volunteers in Vietnam?
Barbara: Have always wanted to visit Vietnam and had done a prior trip with Global to Ecuador. Looking for another opportunity to serve, learn about a Vietnam as it is today, and work through lifelong issues of the atrocities of the Vietnam war.
Describe your day to day activities as a volunteer.
Barbara: Every day was somewhat different - generally have team meeting after breakfast, off to University with other team members, teach several different classes in Am, then lunch with team, several classes after lunch. Evenings spent with team members eating great food and exploring Hanoi.
How has this experience helped you grow personally and professionally?
Barbara: I have a much broader understanding of Vietnam, the culture, the people. It's amazing that the North Vietnamese are so forgiving; they welcome Americans with open arms. I learned that I could teach English, even though I had never done so before. I learned to be so much more flexible and this has carried through in my own professional life since my return. I made new friends on our team who we are still in touch with.