AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE

I had my first international volunteering experience in Indonesia on the sea turtle conservation project in Nusa Penida, and it was the best experience of my life.

The IVHQ staff were incredibly helpful throughout every step of the registration process. My program coordinator, Ella, was always very clear and precise whenever I asked for information, she always responded to my emails comprehensively and promptly (considering the time difference between New Zealand and Italy). They didn't just answer emails, but also organized video calls to be able to answer every question more directly and quickly. Their service was truly impeccable.

I know what you guys and girls, who are undecided about what to do, are thinking because these are the doubts I had too: I don't know if I really want to leave because I'm alone, I'm not sure if I can communicate in English, I don't know if I can adapt to a culture so different from mine.
Let me give you some advice, I who traveled alone to the other side of the world and left Italy unsure of my ability to adapt and my English skills: all the people you will meet are in the same situation as you. Most travel alone, many are not native English speakers, as are the local coordinators, everyone has had your same doubts before leaving their home. But it is in these situations that we help each other: no one will ever criticize you or correct you for getting a verb or a word wrong in English, no one will ever judge you if you isolate yourself at first, no one will ever leave you alone. I found a feeling of mutual help and understanding of the other like never before in my life: I met guys from Italy, France, Australia, Mexico, the USA, Singapore, Colombia, few native English speakers who helped us non-native speakers when we found ourselves in difficulty speaking but never in an arrogant way, always in a comprehensive way; when there was someone alone someone else would go and suggest doing something together, whether it was going out to dinner or seeing some of the natural wonders that this wonderful land offers.
The local coordinators are wonderful, witty, cheerful, enthusiastic, always ready to explain and help everyone, no one excluded. You can see the love with which they take care of the little sea turtles and they transmit it to everyone. You will leave home with a little fear, but when you leave you will cry because the bonds, the memories and the friendships you will have collected will be so intense and so unique that you will never want to leave.

Would I recommend this experience? Absolutely yes. And leave with your mind and heart open to the other and his culture without prejudice because it will surprise you and leave you with a huge wealth of spirit, greater than you can imagine.

Francesca Fogliani