Why did you choose this program?
It has always been something I wanted to do, to give back to the community. I researched IVHQ for solo women travelers over 60, and it came highly recommended. I wanted an opportunity to not only give back but to explore another culture firsthand, and this program delivered in all aspects.
What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
The program provider gave me step by step instructions that helped me through the entire process. There was a program guide to review, a suggested packing list and advice on travelers insurance. If you were unclear on anything, you were able to contact your program manager and they got back to fairly quickly. I organized my own flights and renewing my passport.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
I thought 3 months of learning Spanish via Duolingo would be adequate, however I wish I had taken actual Spanish lessons for a few months before my trip. Duolingo did give me enough basics that I was able to cope. I also relied on ChatGPT. I would suggest to anyone who wanted to volunteer in a country with a different language to take some lessons before you go.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
You volunteer for 4 hours per day, then the rest of the day is your own to explore. I volunteered in a school. The teacher was exceptional and recognized my abilities right away, so I was paired with children who needed one to one help, such as hand over hand assistance with printing. You are put up in a host home, with a shared bathroom, and they provide breakfast and dinner which is great. The weekend is yours to do as you please.
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 a bit worried about altitude sickness because I was based in Cusco, Peru. However, I saw a travel doctor before my trip and got medication to help relieve those symptoms and didn't end up having any problems health wise at all. My other worry was the language barrier, but that didn't end up being much of a problem at all.