Involvement Volunteers International (IVI)

Personally, I really enjoyed the volunteer work. The coordinators at the camp were all friendly. I was able to learn a lot about turtles during this time and I also had a lot of fun working with them. It was also nice to go beyond my own limits (for me it was snorkeling with the manta rays at Manta Point). I was very scared as it was the second time I had snorkeled in my life (the first time was a week earlier at the Gili Islands). In hindsight, however, I am very glad I did it and would love to do it again. I got to know people from all over the world, even though most of them also came from Germany.

I spent the weekends on Gili Island and in Ubud and was able to take a lot with me.
Culturally, I learned a lot of new things, but I was also able to develop a lot personally on this trip.

The coordinators were all very friendly and helpful at all times. The food was very varied and diverse. There was something for everyone (including vegetarian and vegan).
There is also a small, reasonably priced kiosk directly between the old and new houses which is always open until 9 in the evening. I was in the new house. We had a small pool, which was great for cooling off, as well as some seating and an area for sunbathing.

In the six-person room I was in, there were 3 of us for the first 2 weeks and just the two of us for the last week. So it was very relaxed. The rooms were also cleaned daily, which I found very positive. As it is still quite new, there were unfortunately no storage facilities or cupboards to lock up important things when you left the room. As there is only one key, it is unfortunately not possible to lock the rooms.

What an incredible experience to be able to live in amongst the island community, fully immersed in village life. I really really enjoyed my stay and it was so amazing to explore the island in my free time. In the classroom, it was mostly helping kids one on one with the work assigned by the teacher, but for about 4-5 days I was in charge of my own class (because the teacher was away) so I organised and implemented different activities and work for the kids to improve their English. Not only did we help out with teaching in the classrooms, we also got to do lots of other community projects like beach cleanups, tree planting, preparing for the sports carnival, and cassava farming. Great for a really authentic experience of Fiji, but important to know that the living conditions can be quite challenging (no running water (so no flushing toilets, taps to wash hands, showers, etc), limited power/electricity, very limited access to fruit/veggies, and lots of different customs to adhere to). Overall a really positive experience that Im very grateful for :)

The host family was so awesome and made sure we were doing well, keeping us very well fed, caring for me when I saw sick, and constantly checking in on us. The food was SO DELICIOUS but I did struggle with the lack of fresh fruit and vegetables, especially at the start because my body just was not used to eating so much rice and noodles for every meal. On the mainland, Masi and Mere were so so awesome, super friendly, often checking in on us and so quick to resolve any problems that came up.

My volunteering stay went very well. I had an incredible experience. I was able to discover a new country, a new culture and great people. I would like to thank again all the team who welcomed me during this stay. The team there is really great. Everyone is very kind and concerned that our stay goes as smoothly as possible. Regarding the food, I enjoyed every meal! The place is very pleasant to live in.

Spending five weeks in Laos, teaching English and working at a daycare, was an experience that profoundly reshaped my perspective on life, community, and the power of education. From the moment I arrived, my Lao hosts enveloped me in warmth and hospitality, going above and beyond to make me feel not just welcomed, but truly a part of their community. Their kindness and accommodation knew no bounds, turning what could have been a challenging transition into a smooth and enriching experience.

The opportunity to teach English to eager learners opened my eyes to the transformative power of language education. Witnessing the students’ enthusiasm and progress was deeply rewarding, and allowed me to foster connections, understanding, and opportunities that transcend cultural and geographical boundaries. Working at the daycare was equally impactful. It was so heartwarming to see how, despite the initial language barrier, communication could unfold through smiles, gestures, and the universal language of play.

I was also fortunate enough to go on the adventure week! Buffalo ploughing connected me to traditional agriculture, offering insight into Laos’s rural life. A visit to Micky and Ticky’s village deepened this immersion, revealing the warmth and community spirit through shared meals and stories. Kayaking on the Mekong River provided a tranquil yet adventurous perspective of Laos’s natural beauty, showcasing the serene waters and lush surroundings. This week was a harmonious blend of cultural exploration, traditional practices, and natural wonders, enriching my understanding of Laos’s rich heritage and the resilience of its people. I would definitely recommend!

The most unforgettable aspect of my time in Laos was the incredible hospitality of my hosts. Micky, Ticky, Onsee, and Dao introduced me to Lao culture, cuisine, and traditions with open hearts, making me feel like family. Their generosity and kindness were overwhelming, providing not just a place to stay, but a home away from home.

Reflecting on these five weeks, the impact of this adventure on my life is indelible. It taught me about resilience, the importance of cultural exchange, and the beauty of simple human kindness. This experience was not just about what I could offer as a teacher and caretaker but also about what I could learn from a culture rich in history, tradition, and warmth. The memories, lessons, and friendships forged in Laos will stay with me forever, a testament to the power of immersive cultural experiences and the enduring bonds of global community.

I’ve come to Monduli in Tanzania to teach English and math to the children here. The volunteer house is perfect and they wake up very early to make us really delicious food from Africa.
I’m volunteering in a school with the teacher he is the best and he all the time let me do my job. I teach the two stories and they will have exams at the end of the year about that stories. I really like the vibes here, the children are amazing. They try all the time to ask to communicate, to talk to me to make me feel at home 😊
They are so happy and glad that I came and they are just waiting for another volunteer to come and teach them!