I can still feel the excitement in the Costa Rica Conservation project when one of the forest camera traps was triggered by a jaguar, capturing rare footage of this beautiful shy animal. This project is doing really important work to rebuild the rainforest there. I also love the passion and community of Mexico and yearn for fresh fish cooked outdoors by our gorgeous Mexican host family.
Staff Spotlight: Liz Grassby
Title:
Volunteer CoordinatorPhotos
Anthropologist and experienced volunteer manager who has helped Outreach International's supported volunteer journeys across the world for the last 6 years. Specialist in South and Central America and also loves visiting our projects and host communities in Cambodia and Kenya.
What is your favorite travel memory?
Which destination is most underrated? Conversely, which is most overrated?
I would love to see more people visit Mexico. Its beauty extends further than the superb beaches that many associate it with. The culture is rich and complex and we can learn a lot from observing, living and working as part of the community and experiencing the deep community and family bonds which support life in Mexico.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
It is great when a volunteer that might not have travel experience or is shy and nervous takes the brave steps to volunteer overseas. I recently spoke with a returned volunteer from Ecuador who just landed a job in a children's charity as a result of her travels. She said the experience of learning to communicate in a new language, engaging with people of different life histories and beliefs gave her the confidence to know what she wants from life and to achieve it. She was shy and her new confidence means she can express herself and put her kindness into action.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
Each placement is unique and personal and really matters. The experience has the potential to change the lives of individuals on the projects and shaping the personality and careers of our volunteers. We dedicate a lot of attention to our projects, the communities and host families we work with, and the individuals that travel with us, to understand and support each with their own needs.