Karen Hite

Photos

Why did you choose this program?

I have been doing international volunteering for years now. I wanted to explore new city in Turkey and found this program. I am a sports teacher anyways and love sports. I enjoy being around kids and bond with them very easily. The program details on their website was very clear to let me know what I will be doing so I just enrolled.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

Since I contacted them and enrolled they were all around me. They have sent me an email within 24 hours from registering. They contacted me later on on whts app for quicker clarifications. They provided me the extra details mentioned on their manual. Accomodation, two meals a day, airport pickup and dropoff, orientation and welcome Tour.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Don't over think it, just register and go! Pack your comfortable clothes for this program as you will not need fancy clothes unless you are planning to go partying. Don't worry about language barrier because the local coordinator speaks 3 languages. The kids are very friendly and things are cheaper in here so don't bring gifts from abroad. Buy them toys from local market.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

We wakeup, have breakfast and dress-up to leave out and about. I walked around with the local coordinator if they were free to join me. After kids finish school, I meet them near their Orphanage and start our sports coaching for about 2 hours. Then I go back to accomodation for lunch and rest. I sit at my room to do my personal stuff and sleep early.

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 was told that turkey is not safe and people are not friendly to forginers. In Istanbul, I got some stuff stolen on my pervious trips but during this trip to Bursa nothing was. BURSA is safer and quiter with amazing nature. Language barrier is what makes turkish people rude but they are not once someone speaks turkish to them.