Projects Abroad

Last year in july, I spend two weeks in the archeological program in Peru, and it was really short ! I am willing to stay or to return. I went for learn more spanish, and discover inca culture by visiting archeologicals sites. I didn't suspect that I met new friends form the over side of the world with who I keep in touch one year later. I didn't suspect also that I discovered my taste for Antiquity and archeology by learn more about the profession of archeologist. For that I thank very much Dan and Delsi, supervisors of the amazing team of Lucky Charm !
What I will remember for my life is when we go to a private collection for cleaning inca textiles. It was amazing to see a part of the collection and above all the "quipus" which are supposed to be the writing support of the inca culture.
Over thing I remember, it's how long it was to remove lichens on inca's wall. But when at the end we understand how important is, not only the result, but also the meaning of this act.
It was an experience that make me discover myself, improve my practice of langages, and meet new friends by making fun together.

I spend four month in St.Louis, northern Senegal, teaching English and some French to motivated students!

During my time in St. Louis I lived with a nice host family with lots of children who welcomed me warmly into their family and showed my the authentic senegalese family life.

I worked at a center for the Talibé (kornic students who live under tremendous circumstances begging for food, wearing the same clothes everyday and sleeping next to dozens of other children on the floor in cold and dirty rooms.).
In our center we played with the younger ones and taught them some basic French. We gave them the possibility to shower, brush their teeth and in our small infirmary we treated their wounds. (Sometimes they get hit by their kornic teachers or they hurt themselves by playing on the rocky streets since they don't usually have any shoes to wear). Whenever the money allowed it we bought shoes and clothes for the children and at least once a week we cooked a meal for everyone!
I mostly worked with the older students (17 and older) who came and wanted to learn English or French. Most of them only speak their local languages and maybe a little French or Arabic since they only learn the koran (not Arabic in general but they learn the corn by heart). It was a great experience for me to improve my teaching skills and I had to get very creative with some of my student since we didn't speak a common language. As soon as I started finding solutions and ways to teach them it was the greatest feeling to see them making progress. They were always super friendly, grateful and patient not once complaining about my way of teaching.

The local staff was very friendly, helpful and open-minded! Every Friday we would meet with a staff member and all the volunteers and go to concerts, bars or just go dancing. It was a great way of getting to know both the staff members and the other volunteers.
Everything regarding my trip was well organized and I always had someone to contact in case of an emergency.

I'm soooo glad I went to St. Louis and made all these interesting, instructive experiences and meet all these amazing, kind and happy people who showed and taught more new things about life than I have learnt during my last five years in Switzerland!

PS: Don't worry if your French isn't perfect neither is mine and they are very patient and nice if you're still learning. Just be aware that most people don't speak English so whereas you don't need to be very good at French you should know some basics to be able to communicate with the host family and the other locals.

I arrived back in Nanyuki at a difficult time, just after the terrible events in Nairobi. This had an effect because of a heightened state of alert but the staff were excellent ensuring that we felt safe and secure.

At Queenstar, aged 71 (my 2nd visit). I worked with both the children (teaching English & Environmental Studies) as well as the staff team in developing the concept of community working. We explored a number of areas where community collaboration could be developed in ways that encourage sponsors & others to help them in meeting their objectives.

I was directly involved in the poultry project

After school it was good to be back sharing experiences with other volunteers. As before it felt like we were the United Nations.

I’ve took part to the Human Rights program (that can also count as a Internship!) for 2 amazing months.
I went to Cape Town with low expectation for this project not because I didn’t trust the company but because I didn’t expect to have so many responsibility as i did during the project. The PHARO office is amazing as also the work environment that they creat. During this journey i’ve met amazing people in and out of the office also because projects abroad encouraged us to explore the city and socialize with the others volunteers. The staff there is really good they understand the struggles that sometimes the volunteers feel once they arrived in SA and they really try their best to help you in every kind of situation.
At the start of the project I didn’t have any idea of what i was doing and if i was doing it wrong but the staff really followed us and thought us throw all the process and explain us everything step by step. At the end of the projects a felt confident with my work and even became a buddy for the new volunteers.

The houses that me and others fellow volunteers stayed in were overall good. What made the difference were the host family that opened up not only their houses but also their hearts to us making us feeling at home. Some houses were of course better than others for location or space but no volunteer during my stay did complain.

If you’re a Law student and you’re looking for a good project/internship in the human rights field or If you are a student passionate for social justice i strongly recommend this projects Abroad’s project

Taking part of this program has been one of the best decision of my life so far.

I joined the High School Special project in Peru for 2 weeks on the archaeology project and I loved it. It was only two weeks and I definitely should have stayed longer! It's such an amazing location and as a history geek, it was an amazing experience. Projects Abroad organised a trip to Machu Picchu as well, which I can recommend to anyone (it's a must see in Peru). My coordinator was so friendly and he really looked after us, and Dan on the Archaeology project is a brilliant teacher.
I then flew for one week to the Conservation project... again, I should have stayed longer and I would go back in a heartbeat if I could. That project was one of the best things I have ever done; living in the Amazon rainforest, surrounded by nature and helping protect one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet is an unforgettable experience. The staff here are great (special mention to Elvira who is so kind) and so passionate about what they do. You get a perfect mix of looking after rescued wildlife and conservation activities, so anyone who is passionate about animals should definitely join this project.
I can't recommend Projects Abroad enough!