Volunteering in Samoa

Last year I volunteered in Samoa, and it was the most amazing experience I have ever had.

The staff at the Projects Abroad office were wonderful. It was my first time travelling overseas on my own so I was so far out of my comfort zone. The team helped me settle in and showed me around the town, explaining how to get to and from my placement and house. They offered 24/7 support (thankfully I didn't need it) which was a great comfort.

I didn't know what to expect with Samoa, but I was blown away. Samoa is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Everywhere I looked I saw green and the houses were so colourful. It's nothing like my home in Australia. On the weekends I went out and did as much as I could. One of my favourite places was the Ocean Trench. It was so beautiful, definitely a place I would recommend everyone go.

When I first arrived I was so nervous and honestly a bit scared. My host family were fantastic. They comforted me and helped me with anything I needed. They were s friendly and always up for a chat and were so bubbly all of the time. The food they prepared was amazing and I missed it so much when I returned home.
I love my host family and Samoa so much, I went back for a holiday this year. I was lucky enough to stay with the family again and go out exploring with them as well.

At my placement the children were wonderful. It was quite difficult with the language barrier but they were always smiling and respected me. I was teaching them sports so after a few demonstrations they picked up what I wanted them to do and had a ball running around, kicking a ball in the dirt. It was so rewarding.