Turn your "whys" into "why nots" by living abroad!

Less than a year ago, I made the decision to turn my "whys" into "why nots" when it came to pursuing my dreams. I had always dreamed of living abroad and RVF International has provided me with a vehicle to make that dream come true. I don't know that I could have navigated all of the nuances involved in the Visa process without RVF's support. From the webinars with Q&A sessions to the personalized responses to all of my questions, RVF's step-by-step approach turned something that seemed overwhelming to manageable, bite-sized to-do items that, in some cases, were even enjoyable. I've emailed the support inbox so many times and I'm consistently met with responses that provide me with the detail and clarity I need to move forward. The RVF International staff are patient and their support never comes with a tone that might make one feel like their question is silly. I have been in my placement for just three weeks and nothing beats the feeling of hearing the students call your name when they need help. When they see me at the grocery store, I can see the twinkle in their eyes as they greet me and hold brief conversations with me in English. They feel a sense of accomplishment as the faces of their family members light up with pride at what they hear. It's beautiful! Equally as wonderful is realizing that being out of my cultural and linguistic comfort zone has encouraged me to re-engage with the world around me. I've tapped into the simplicity that comes with a life where you hang laundry on a clothesline, make meals from scratch, and get invited to dinner at a neighbor's house, which doesn't begin until 10pm. This program combines the things I'm most passionate about (traveling, teaching, and learning), and it has given me the opportunity to explore Spanish culture in such a unique way. If you are contemplating whether this program makes sense for you, let me reassure you: it does! Go for it! Don't allow your age or how well you do or don't speak Spanish deter you from this life-altering experience. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.