Why did you decide to volunteer with WorldTeach in Colombia?
Lauren: I was looking for a volunteer program for at least a year that was reasonably priced, as I didn't have a lot of money after graduating college or time to fundraise. Also, I was hoping to find a program in a country that was a little off the beaten path and away from other foreigners.
Describe your day to day activities as a volunteer.
Lauren: I worked in a local primary school. So I woke up early during the week and taught 4 hours of class a day between 7 and 1 with a Colombian co-teacher. I ate lunch at the school with my students and fellow teachers, and then walked home. I lived in a pension in the poor neighborhood where I worked, which I loved. In the afternoons, I had free time to plan my classes, grade papers, or participate in other activities in the school (I taught extra classes for the community). Then in the evenings I would relax or head into the city for dance classes, sports practices, meeting friends, or visiting the mall.
What made this experience unique and special?
Lauren: For me, my experience was unique because I lived in a city where there were hardly any other foreigners. For most people I met, I was the first American they had ever seen. In this way, I really became part of of the community and had lots of opportunity to practice my Spanish. Also, I worked in a school with a significant need and while teaching English is certainly a process and I didn't perform magic and leave my students fluent, I did feel that I accomplished a lot in the short year that I had. It was exactly what I had hoped for.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Lauren: The experience completely changed my life. I fell in love with the country and its people and ended up staying 2 more years, after my volunteer commitment ended. It also convinced me that I wanted to work in international development and continue to seek opportunities to improve education and the quality of life in developing countries. My experiences in Colombia inspire me in my life and career every day.