Unforgettable Experience

The hardest part about volunteering in Chile with VE Global was leaving. I spent 6 months volunteering in a home for at-risk teenage girls in Santiago. It is hard to put into words how wonderful the experience was. The VE Global Staff are incredible. There is a fun, exciting, informative orientation before you start volunteering so you feel comfortable in the country with other volunteers right away. You are also supported throughout your stay with all the programs you create at the institution.
Every day in the home was different. There were some days when we just helped them with their homework, played cards, and listened to them talk about their days. Other days we created workshops, according to their wants and needs. I helped them improve their math skills, we taught them how to cook, take care of a garden, took them to the park, taught them english, held sports tournaments to create a sense of team work and supporting others, etc. We created a ton of arts & crafts, danced, had the girls teach other new things. I can go on and on. The most important, and valuable aspect, was building a friendship with these girls. They had unfortunate events in their lives that left them untrusting of adults. Teaching them how to have a healthy relationship was crucial. There were days the girls weren't as receptive to you being there but all teenage girls go through that :). I cried more on my last day at that home than I ever have. But I felt confident that I had left them with the knowledge and a little more confidence to continue their studies for the year and benefit from future volunteers.

The social scene with volunteers is also wonderful. VE Global does a great job at keeping people happy, entertained, and busy.

GO VOLUNTEER!!!!!!