What inspired you to volunteer abroad with ISV in South Africa?
Masha: I have always loved animals and nature, and since I was a little girl I always wanted to go to Africa. It appealed to me for many reasons: the animals I would encounter, get to work with, see; culture and history; scenery; people. I have also always wanted to volunteer, as I believe it is important for those who are more fortunate, like ourselves, to give back.
And as I said before, I had the chance to work with animals which is what I am passionate about. ISV provided an incredible program which allowed me to do exactly this. Not all charities and organizations have such a broad range of projects.
ISV also organized tours around the host country which allowed me to see the country whilst staying safe and in a group instead of independent travel. What more could you ask for?
What was your favorite moment of the trip?
Masha: I couldn't just pick one favorite moment so will give a few for each, the volunteer project and the tour. Favorite moments for the project include: meeting a cheetah for the first time, petting it, hearing it purr and letting it lick me! Playing fetch with Midget (a cheetah cub) was also incredible.
Watching the wild dogs feed was another incredible moment. I also loved meeting Ann van Dyk- founder of the Ann van Dyk cheetah sanctuary where we volunteered.
The last day of the project (don't want to reveal in case I ruin the surprise for future volunteers) was another favorite moment. Getting to work with people who are passionate about cheetahs and meeting all the volunteers who love these animals as much as I do was also incredible.
Highlights from the tour: The scenic route from Blyde River Canyon to Kruger National Park. Seeing the Big 5 including a leopard (unbelievably lucky) on our safari around Kruger. Caving and hot pools in Swaziland.
The orphanage probably had the biggest impact on me out of everything we did. I still think about that day every single day! Surfing in Mozambique and not wearing shoes for 4 days we were there was another highlight. Overall this experience was so incredible that me and another girl from the UK decided to stay longer and go to Cape Town.
Tell us about one person you met.
Masha: I can't mention just one person in this as they worked as a team, but our project leaders Jaclyn Stephenson and Natascha Sibilski were probably the most incredible people I met. They worked so well as a team, got us involved and made us feel like part of the family. They truly changed my outlook on life and taught us a great deal.
I know that it is not just myself that feels that way, but all the volunteers that were on my project. They taught us a lot about sustainability and how to lead a more sustainable life. They raised our awareness towards environmental issues in the world today and made us think about it in depth. They did this through playing games with us, watching videos, etc.
I could not be more grateful to them because I have taken all these lessons home and I am now trying to encourage my friends, family and colleagues to be more sustainable and aware also. They weren't just our project leaders; we all became a big family and I still keep in touch with both of them almost daily which shows that to them we weren't just a work assignment, but we also all became friends.
Saying goodbye to them was probably one of the worst parts of the whole experience, but on a positive note we still keep in touch and I will definitely be visiting them in the future as I am planning on volunteering in South Africa again in 2014!
If you could go back and do something differently, what would it be?
Masha: I literally don't think I would change a thing. As mentioned before, me and another one of the volunteers ended up changing our flights and going to Cape Town which was absolutely incredible! What I would advise those who are considering volunteering and travelling is to make sure to say yes to all the activities.
I was terrified of caving as I am very claustrophobic, but doing this activity was one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. Make the most of it as it will fly by! Also definitely keep a diary.
Say yes to everything, if there is drama in the group try and avoid it at all costs as well. Remember, you paid for this trip, why should you let other people ruin it?
We were extremely lucky in the sense that our group (our project had 19 people) all got on really well and when we met the other two groups for tour we all got on with them too and we all made great friendships. Everyone got on which was incredible. I couldn't recommend this trip more. You do so much, your days are packed with activities - it is definitely worth the money.
There is no way I would have enjoyed this trip as much if I went on my own because I wouldn't have gotten to experience the culture as much and see as much. All the staff were so knowledgeable, they really taught us a lot about South Africa and this experience will definitely stay with me for a lifetime. I would do it all over again if I could!
Has your worldview changed as a result of your trip?
Masha: My worldview has changed immensely! I have become so much more aware of the issues people and animals are facing every single day. After visiting the orphanage in Swaziland I have become a lot more grateful for what I have and a lot less materialistic.
It was incredible to see how happy those children were even though they had nothing, and made me realise how unhappy people are in the West because they don't have the latest iPhone or gadget. My priorities have definitely changed. I am more humbled now and a lot less materialistic.
I have definitely learned a lot about who I want to socialize with in the future as well. This trip has also made me a lot braver when it comes to making life decisions. I have moved to Dubai very recently because of it, without it I don't think I would have had the guts.
It has increased my passion for travel and volunteering, and now I see what I want to do with my life a lot more clearly. If you let it and open your mind whilst you are there you will definitely come back having changed for the better!