How travel/volunteering changed my life

A few accounts of the wonders of volunteering, proof that it really can be a life changing experience!

Volunteering doesn’t just change the lives of the people you help; it can change volunteer’s lives forever too. Seeing new places and meeting new people can’t help but deepen your understanding of the world and give you a far more informed view of some of the problems it faces. Instead of reading about these issues from afar, volunteers get their hands dirty (literally on the conservation projects) and come back with experiences they can’t and won’t forget. Here’s what they had to say about their trips.

<center>---------------------------</center>

“The trip changed everything! I came back to England with a whole new perspective on my life; suddenly sitting behind a desk doing the nine until five didn’t appeal! I was determined that I would build on the momentum and do something completely different. Having travelled solo around the world, there was nothing I couldn’t do! ”

Lucy Valantine, Teaching English in rural Costa Rica

<center>---------------------------</center>

“It made me more independent, outgoing and taught me more about myself and others around me. South Africa is a beautiful country with fantastic people. Being at the orphanage for 6 weeks gave me a glimpse of living SA style - Definitely coming back!”

Medha Kanitka, Community work with orphans near Cape Town, South Africa

<center>---------------------------</center>

“Ghana was the best and worst thing I have ever done in my life... the best because I felt like I belonged there with these children and worst because now I can't live a normal naive life where I'm happy just living life...I HAVE to keep doing these amazing things around the world and helping as many people as I can. Not just to help them but to help me. In teaching these children basic knowledge I am also learning amazing life lessons.”

Kelly Walton, Community work with children in Accra, Ghana

<center>---------------------------</center>

“Seeing the different way of life and the standard of living that the locals have has affected how I see things. Despite the fact that they had very few material belongings, they were all very happy and smiley. They spent hours making little nick nacs to sell to the tourist for just a few pence.”

Janet Hughes, Panda Conservation near Xi’an, China

<center>---------------------------</center>

“You quickly realise how lucky we are in the Western world and what blessings we have. When you see a third world society and how they live you feel really humbled. However, I learned what true riches really are and it’s not material things. In the face of poverty and adversity the spirit of these people is touching. I experienced much happiness in my project and it was a truly rewarding experience.”

Michelle McCarron, Community work in protect homes in Nepal

<center>---------------------------</center>

“Meeting people (locals, students, and fellow volunteers) and being a part of their lives was the best thing. It was great to experience how vastly different Indian culture and daily life is from my own and also noting the similarities of our cultures. Also my fellow volunteers were wonderful and it was so meaningful to spend time with children at the school.”

John Giddens, Community work in Bangalore, India

<center>---------------------------</center>

As you can see, whatever the project in whatever the country, volunteering has the power to affect you long after you put down your books or hang up your shovel. We’re going to take a closer look at the experience of David Howells who sums up so much of what is good about volunteering. Despite being in his sixties, he showed the enthusiasm and determination to enjoy a life changing experience.

In 2004, David travelled to Africa to do volunteer work on a school project in what he describes as “another of life’s interesting stepping stones”. In typically pioneering spirit David decided to travel somewhere he hadn’t been to before and ended up in Ghana. Even when he returned to his native Wales his experience in Africa continued to play a big part in his life.

“My eight weeks at the school gave me experiences which have undoubtedly changed me for the better. Essentially I was expected to teach the lovely children of the school, but both they and the staff taught me so many lessons regarding the fundamental basics of day-to-day living.”

“Since coming back to Wales in August I have embarked on a series of schemes to raise money for the school. Mr Nunoo, the proprietor of the school "had a dream" that one day he would build a library for the children. Having organised a concert, given a series of talks, persuaded two nephews to run in a 10km sponsored race, and received many donations for friends and well-wishers, I have collected £3,500.”

David’s experience demonstrates that volunteering is for everyone whatever the age or experience and that if you let it, it can really change your life. Keep up the good work David!

http://www.i-to-i.com/about-i2i/what-our-travellers-say/

http://www.i-to-i.com/volunteer-stories.html

Page Comments

Add Your Comment!

Log in to leave a comment or Create an account