Why did you decide to join the Where There Be Dragons gap year program in South America?
Natalie: I decided to volunteer with Where There Be Dragons because I heard it was a safe, well known and experienced program. I also really wanted to go to South America and travel off the beaten path -- Where There Be Dragons allowed me to do just that. I wasn't a tourist but a member of the community in all the places we traveled. It was also a great mix of service work, language classes, home stays, trekking and an independent study project.
Describe your day to day activities as a volunteer.
Natalie: Activities really varied. One week would be staying with a host family and taking classes while working on independent study projects (I worked in schools) or we would be in the mountains camping and trekking.
How has this experience helped you grow personally and professionally?
Natalie: My experienced with Dragons forever changed me. It greatly impacted my life and love for travel and truly allowed me to become a global citizen. Thanks to my trip with Where There Be Dragons, I am now studying nursing and global health at the University of Pennsylvania. Before this trip, I had know idea my true passion in life was healthcare.