Chios, Greece Kindergarten Program: Based In The Village Of Katarraktis

I had the privilege of being the first IVHQ member to go to Chios, Greece, let alone a volunteer from North America. Let me start off by stating that this trip went above and beyond my expectations and dreams. Between the check ups and preparation through the IVHQ website (which is so easy to work and well organized) to checking up on how my trip was going during my stay. IVHQ also emailed me after my trip came to an end to ask my thoughts on the trip. I booked the flights through IVHQ, well STA Travel, I called and paid and then was sent the itinerary and link to check in for my flights.

Everything went smoothly and when there was boarding confusion, Theo Jones the STA Travel coordinator that booked my flights was there to answer my calls and fixed the issue in a matter of minutes. I traveled 8 hours from Montreal Canada Airport to Geneva Switzerland Airport, from there I flew 4 hours to Athens Greece Airport, and finally from Athens I flew 45 minutes before landing at Chios Greece Airport. Waiting for me eagerly were Maria and Marcos Psora the Local staff for my program. The local staff made sure my accommodations were comfortable, I had their contact information, and they were there for any and everything. Marcos helped to guide me towards places I might want to see, drove me if I had no ride, was warm and made me feel at home. The accommodation I stayed at was in the Village of Katarraktis and it was clean and overlooked the Aegean Sea, with a backdrop of Turkey in the distance. The local staff was all in all amazing and went above and beyond to make sure I had the best experience of their everyday lives. My heart was so full watching the sun set and sun rise with a cup of Greek coffee in hand.

I loved my week long home so much, it was more than I could dream up. I thought to myself quite often, "I died and went to Greek heaven." I could live there forever. The people are so kind, I loved living like a local, taking in the culture, learning some Greek words, eating local authentic Greek food, walking around town, and walking the beaches of Chios. I got to walk to the village over every day to volunteer in the or if it was a bit cold the teachers would give me a lift on the way to school, which was very nice. I felt as if the feeling over overwhelming excitement I had for the trip never went away. I was smiling so much from arrival to departure. I learned a ton about Greek culture, language, and the history of Chios Island. This was a learning experience so special it will remain close to my heart forever. The view on the walk up the mountain to the village over was absolutely lovely, the Aegean Sea with the view of Turkey the entire way up the mountain.

It was such an incredible week with the children. I worked in the program for Kindergarten in the village over from Katarraktis the village I was staying in. Im so happy I got the chance to meet all the locals and learn so much from the kids and the local community in the short time of my stay. I think the exchange of culture, viewpoints and local customs all brought together is such a special thing. I love meeting new people and this trip has inspired me to continue traveling and I hope to stay in contact with all the wonderful people I have met with this trip.

When I got to the school i realized how small the schools are compared to North America, due to the small villages opposed to big towns and cities piled together. The kindergarten I volunteered worked with a class of 14-18 students daily. Class runs from roughly 8:30AM -12:30PM. During this time the children learn, pray, do craft, eat breakfast, sing, and play outside. The teachers were amazingly inviting and very appreciative for the volunteer help. The children were so welcoming and nice and understanding of language barriers.

Because I volunteered in a kindergarten I was able to learn what they were learning since beforehand I knew very little of the Greek language. The week I went was a special one too because this week the schools had a field-trip that I got to partake in. We went to the village over to a museum and a puppet theater, it was so cool. I was as in awe and excited as the children, maybe more so haha. The children are so smart and wild, I enjoyed working with them. I am thankful to have been aiding in their learning experience, as they aided in mine without even realizing it. My trip was full of laughs, deep conversations, good food, smiles, and to mention again..TONS of learning.

Learning about culture and exchanging cultural norms and experiences is something i am so grateful for and appreciate through all my travels. I have all these wonderful opportunities in life, and I am so happy IVHQ lead me to this particular opportunity. I had the time of my life. The feeling I had is the feeling I think of when I speak about traveling and what I wish to do with my life. While writing this review thinking of the memories and the feeling in the moment of this trip puts a huge smile on my face and fills my heart with a content feeling. Before my time in Greece came to an end I was already thinking about my next visit or at least my next trip through IVHQ.

I had my expectations for this trip set pretty high, because it's Greece and when you think of Greece nothing bad comes to mind. That being said, my high expectations were surpassed from the day I had arrived. I don't think I could of predicted just how it would be and just how perfect and wonderful the people, villages, learning experience, and culture would be. Leaving the village, the kindergarten, the people, children, and teachers was utterly bittersweet. I cried while saying goodbye and wrote thank you letters to the local staff and teachers that left a lasting impact on me. I will carry a part of Greece with me forever. This trip has inspired me, showed me so many things and taught me many life lessons I will carry with me for all time. I left Greece with a newly gained perspective on the beautiful world I share with the beautiful souls I had the pleasure to meet along the way. I am from Indiana, USA- but moved to Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Canada on an open work and travel visa for one year.

So upon my departure back to Canada I still carried the 'traveling to somewhere new that I get to explore' feeling. During my flights all I could feel was pure happiness, content/wholesome feelings. My heart is so full. My soul is at pure peace and I don't think I could ever write enough words to convey the raw meaning and true experiences this trip brought into my life. I give IVHQ a 10/10, the staff a 10/10 both local and international, and Greece of course a 10/10. I am so grateful. My first time overseas and solo traveling that is ... was a dream come true, a dream I didn't know I had until I pursued it. Thank you IVHQ!