Posted 22 Jan 2009

A couple from the UK has spoken of the adventures they embarked upon after signing up to a volunteering abroad project with specialist i-to-i.

Rosie Plummer and Paul Mansfield shunned their routine Christmas celebrations last month for a stint in far-flung Sri Lanka, Waterford Today reports.

Putting themselves in the hands of the award-winning travel firm, the pair worked with orphans in Sri Lanka, paying games, teaching and being involved in their education.

Ms Plummer said: "Volunteering abroad is the best way to see a country, you become local and get to experience things that others only hear about."

Her partner Paul said that the experience was "amazing" and showed them "how different cultures live a totally different way of life".

The travel firm also provides Teaching English as a Foreign Language courses and could provide some ideas for those wishing to volunteer abroad, take sabbaticals or embark upon gap year travel.

According to the Mayo Clinic Women’s Health Source, older people who perform volunteer work are more likely to be healthier and have less chance of developing heart disease.

Category: Teaching and Learning