Romania, 2013

In order to gain some experience in TESOL, I decided to volunteer in Romania for 3 months. Making that decision was possible the best decision that I made in my entire life. Everything there was better than I ever dreamed it could be!
First, there was the site location for my project. I worked about 20 hours each week as an assistant to the Romanian English teacher. The grades I worked with were 2nd. through 8th.. My actual classroom tasks differed depending on the age level of the students. From singing with the 2nd. grade to answering questions about life in America from the eighth graders, I did a variety of things, but my main purpose in being there was for the students to have a native English speaker they could speak with and model their conversation on. I soon grew to like the students and the teacher and was sorry to leave them at the end of my time in Romania.
Brasov itself is full of interesting things to see, from old ruins to museums and the mountains surrounding the city. Nor was I ever lonely. There was at any one time a different group of fellow volunteers whom one could do any number of things with, whether it was going out for a meal together, a drink, or a day trip to another city or town. Life was never boring.
Lastly, there were the Romanians themselves. My hosts were wonderful people. From time to time, I still miss the food they served. Between them and the staff of Projects Abroad, I soon knew myself to be in good hands. The staff were helpful if I had any questions about my placement, traveling, or life in general in Romania they were always there to help. My time there would not have been the same without these people.
In summary, I would recommend Romania as a place to go to volunteer. You won't be disappointed, believe me!