http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/Ervaringen van vrijwilligers van Projects Abroad – vrijwilligerswerk in het buitenlandnlSun, 05 Feb 2012 08:06:14 +0000Sun, 05 Feb 2012 08:06:14 +0000Volunteering AbroadProjects Abroad Ltd., IT Officehttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/rss/volunteer-stories/Projects Abroad Ltd.info@projects-abroad.nl (Projects Abroad NL)office@projects-abroad.net (Projects Abroad IT Office)1440Teachinghttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=teaching/mongolia/nadia-studer/ When I left for Mongolia in summer 2011, it was not my first experience with Projects Abroad. Indeed, I had already had the opportunity to go to Costa Rica in 2009 for a Conservation & Environment project in a national park, and a teaching project in a day centre for poor children. Therefore, though I had already travelled many times, including outside Projects Abroad’s frame, my trip to Mongolia was the most surprising I have ever done. It is a land of contrasts. On the one hand, vast, virgin, wide plains, which I visited during the weekend excursions, and through which I went in the Trans-Siberian Railway on my way back home; countryside where a few people are still leading a nomadic life. On the other hand, Ulaanbaatar, a dusty, dirty and congested city where you cannot spend a single ...Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=teaching/mongolia/nadia-studer/Conservation and Environmenthttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=conservation-and-environment/mexico/jennifer-skues/ Staying at the turtle camp was a once in a lifetime experience I will never forget! From waking up to the sound of the waves crashing on the beach every morning; to seeing the sun set over the ocean every evening, every second spent there was incredible. First Impressions When I first arrived in Mexico, it was late in the evening but I couldn’t wait to explore. I was greeted in the airport with a massive smile from Roccio and taken to her welcoming family home where I spent the night. The next morning I got on the bus and made my way to the turtle camp in Tecoman. The views from the bus window were breath taking, and only a taste of what was to come. The Conservation Project Campemento Tecoman, or the Turtle camp, as it’s known, was stunning. It was so simple yet homely. ...Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=conservation-and-environment/mexico/jennifer-skues/Journalismhttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=journalism/mongolia/rachel-hardy/My Placement Although, at first, there was a little uncertainty as to where my placement would be, my supervisor at Projects Abroad found me an excellent private media and communications company. Whilst there, I was given opportunities that I would never have been given as a graduate back in England, making it overall a hugely valuable experience. As Assistant Producer, I was able to contribute my thoughts and ideas towards a documentary that was being made by the company about homeless children in Ulaanbaatar. My involvement in this documentary meant that I was often out on location assisting the TV crew, which allowed me to see areas of Ulaanbaatar and remote parts of the countryside that most tourists would never get the opportunity to explore. One particular excursion saw ...Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=journalism/mongolia/rachel-hardy/Teachinghttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=teaching/tanzania/nick-allcroft/Why I chose to volunteer I’m Nick, I've always wanted to travel and see the world, to experience different cultures and do things I’d never otherwise do. However, while all those things are important to me I also really wanted my travelling to have a positive impact and for it not just to be focussed on me. This is where Projects Abroad came in. They had been recommended to me by a family friend who had been on a project with them in 2009. I found out that in most cases you’d stay with a host family; this was great as I felt it would give me a better view of the culture in the country than if I stayed in a volunteer house. They offered projects in Tanzania where I greatly wanted to go as I’d been both to Uganda and Kenya before and wanted to return to that part of the world ...Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=teaching/tanzania/nick-allcroft/Medicine and Healthcarehttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=medicine-and-healthcare/electives/sri-lanka/maura-mcglynn/From October to December 2011 I had the opportunity to work at Daya Nivasa orphanage in Kandy. As an Occupational Therapy student, I was able to utilise my time with Projects Abroad as my final doctorate level rotation. Daya Nivasa, a home for children and adults with physical and cognitive impairments, is run by the Missionaries of Charity, Mother Teresa’s sisters. In addition to developing my therapy skills, working with the Missionaries of Charity and Projects Abroad provided an incredible opportunity for personal growth and self-reflection. My placement in Sri Lanka Although working with so many people with physical and cognitive challenges can be taxing, there is so much that volunteers can do. While I was there, I focused on providing therapy for the children and education/training ...Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=medicine-and-healthcare/electives/sri-lanka/maura-mcglynn/Medicine and Healthcarehttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=medicine-and-healthcare/physiotherapy/vietnam/mychelle-phan/The last time I visited Vietnam was 12 years ago in Saigon. I travelled to Vietnam to make a connection with my heritage. This was my second visit to Vietnam and I was there to implement my goal of becoming a Physiotherapist and to help as many people as possible. I came to the Institute of Acupuncture, also known as Bien Vien Cham Cuu, to gain hands-on experience and improve my knowledge of Vietnamese medical terminologies to better help my own Vietnamese community at home. The Institute of Acupuncture is located in the middle of Hanoi. The stark difference between this hospital and American hospitals was evident when I first stepped into the hospital. While the goals of both places are the same, the Institute of Acupuncture must perform treatments without many of the equipment and instruments ...Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=medicine-and-healthcare/physiotherapy/vietnam/mychelle-phan/Medicine and Healthcarehttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=medicine-and-healthcare/medicine/tanzania/nick-allcroft/Why I chose to volunteer I’m Nick, I've always wanted to travel and see the world, to experience different cultures and do things I’d never otherwise do. However, while all those things are important to me I also really wanted my travelling to have a positive impact and for it not just to be focussed on me. This is where Projects Abroad came in. They had been recommended to me by a family friend who had been on a project with them in 2009. I found out that in most cases you’d stay with a host family; this was great as I felt it would give me a better view of the culture in the country than if I stayed in a volunteer house. They offered projects in Tanzania where I greatly wanted to go as I’d been both to Uganda and Kenya before and wanted to return to that part of the world ...Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=medicine-and-healthcare/medicine/tanzania/nick-allcroft/Medicine and Healthcarehttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=medicine-and-healthcare/medicine/jamaica/jonathon-sheen/ If I was to sum up my experience in Jamaica in one word it would simply be WOW! After not getting through my interviews to study graduate medicine first time, I decided to apply again but needed something special for my applications, so I thought what better way than to go and get some experience abroad. After searching through a few volunteering websites, I decided on Projects Abroad as they seemed to offer the best medical-based opportunities. Jamaica immediately stood out and after a bit more research I was hooked and knew I had to go. I got in touch with Projects Abroad who answered all my questions, and within weeks everything (placement, host family, flights, insurance) was sorted and I was on a plane to Jamaica. Arriving in Jamaica On my first day, I was thrown ...Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=medicine-and-healthcare/medicine/jamaica/jonathon-sheen/Carehttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=care/fiji/sophie-baldwin/This summer I spent a month in the town of Nadi, in Fiji, volunteering at the local Methodist Kindergarten. It was the most amazing and beautiful experience of my life so far, and I can tell it’s going to stay that way! I am 17, live in Birmingham in England and chose to go to Fiji because it’s probably the furthest I’ll ever travel and I’ve always fancied going there. At the airport I was feeling quite nervous to take on such a big adventure by myself, but I soon met another group of people who were also travelling to Nadi to volunteer. The flight was long but very luxurious! When we landed in Fiji there was a lovely group of men singing and playing ukulele to welcome us, and someone from Projects Abroad was waiting to take me to my Fijian home. My host family I was welcomed ...Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=care/fiji/sophie-baldwin/Teachinghttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=teaching/fiji/rebecca-greer/Why Fiji? My name is Rebecca Greer; I am 22 years old and come from Belfast. For 3 months at the end of 2011 I volunteered in the beautiful country of Fiji teaching in a local primary school. I went to Fiji just 6 weeks after graduating from university. I chose Fiji as a challenge – it is literally the other side of the world with very different climate and food. It was also a personal dream to visit ‘paradise.’ Projects Abroad was one of the few organisations I could find online who offered Fiji as a destination, it being a newer project made it more appealing. I wasn’t nervous before travelling to Fiji, although going alone I managed to talk to a few people going the same time as me through the Projects Abroad Fiji Facebook page – it was nice to recognise a few faces ...Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=teaching/fiji/rebecca-greer/Carehttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=care/senegal/charlotte-aspinall/ Senegal is found in the west of Africa. Its capital is Dakar, found on the coast. There are many languages spoken, including Wolof and Poular, however most educated Senegalese speak French fluently and as such this language serves to unite the country. Whilst there are evidences of affluence in the country, many families live very simply and there are a high number of street children known as talibes, who beg to supplement their family’s income. It was these children I intended to help when I chose to travel to Senegal for a month. My decision to travel Saint Louis was brought about from a passion for travel, incited by my parents’ vast experience, a desire to help others and an aspiration to become fluent in French. Why I chose to travel with Projects Abroad I chose to ...Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=care/senegal/charlotte-aspinall/Culture and Communityhttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=cultuur-en-samenleving/bouwproject/ghana/stefan-hanszen/Bouwproject in Ghana door Stefan Hanszen Eind oktober ben ik voor één maand naar Ghana geweest wat een geweldige ervaring was. Ik kwam op zaterdag avond aan in Accra waar ik opgehaald werd door een werknemer van Projects Abroad en werd ik naar het hoofdkantoor gebracht waar ik mijn eerste nacht in Ghana zou verblijven. In het kantoor waren een aantal mensen die je al veel konden vertellen over Ghana en de Ghaneese cultuur ook gevenze jou het idee dat ze blij zijn om jou daar te zien wat wel een geruststellend gevoel gaf. De volgende morgen werd ik met een taxi naar Kwamoso gebracht waar ik voor één maand zou verblijven. Het was al een geweldige rit om te zien hoe je zo op de weg rijdt vol met gaten en hoe de weg ook zomaar ineens op kan houden. Toen ik aan kwam in Kwamoso ...Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=cultuur-en-samenleving/bouwproject/ghana/stefan-hanszen/Medicine and Healthcarehttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=gezondheidszorg/ghana/sanne-riepma/Medisch project in Ghana door Sanne Riepma Op 2 september afgelopen jaar werd mijn droom eindelijk werkelijkheid; werken als verpleegkundige in Afrika. Ghana was al snel gekozen, aangezien Engels hier de voertaal is. Na een lange vlucht met overstap werd ik opgehaald op het vliegveld van Accra en vanuit daar werd ik naar Koforidua gebracht en aan mijn gastgezin voorgesteld. Na een weekendje wennen en uitgerust te zijn, werd ik opgehaald en naar het ziekenhuis gebracht, mijn werkterrein de komende drie maanden. De eerste weken heb ik op de kraamafdeling gewerkt, wat super was. Veel kunnen doen zoals het voeden van babies en het badderen, de collega’s daar waren erg vriendelijk en ik heb erg veel gelachen met ze! Na vijf weken nog een paar dagen op de ‘special baby care’ ...Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=gezondheidszorg/ghana/sanne-riepma/Medicine and Healthcarehttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=medicine-and-healthcare/medicine/mongolia/annie-yu/ When I informed my mum that I wanted to join Projects Abroad’s Medical placement in Mongolia for two months, it was not a pretty sight. Although she never agreed with my adventure, even after I arrived in Ulaanbaatar, the moment I stepped out the plane after 18 hours, I knew this was going to be one of the most meaningful summers in my life. Choosing my project As a first year student in the University of California, San Diego, who not only majors in Biology but recently applied for the Global Health minor, I was eager to try out volunteering in a completely different country, and Projects Abroad offered the perfect programme in such a mysterious and friendly country. Project Abroad’s Medical placement in Mongolia stood out in that it actually offered hands-on experience, ...Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=medicine-and-healthcare/medicine/mongolia/annie-yu/Journalismhttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=journalism/india/william-stinson/ As I stepped off the plane at Madurai Airport, my senses were seized by what I later learned to be the thing I love most about India; its incomparable essence. The combination of new smells, sounds and impenetrable heat were of such calibre that my whole body was, at first, in shock. However, from my initial research of Tamil Nadu, I had prepared myself for this. What I could not prepare myself for was the unprecedented generosity, kindness and beautiful gestures I received from people that had every right to ignore my presence. Before I had even reached my guesthouse, I felt part of the Indian family. To begin with everything was confusing, loud and chaotic. However, after a couple of hours walking around the city, it became obvious that the Indian people were relaxed and eager ...Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=journalism/india/william-stinson/Carehttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=sociale-projecten/ghana/remco-duinmeijer/Sociaal project in Ghana door Remco Duinmeijer Ik ben nu alweer twee maanden terug uit Ghana, maar ongeveer vier maanden geleden hadden ik nooit gedacht dat het zo snel zou gaan! Op 16 september om kwart over 3 vertrok mijn vliegtuig naar Accra en hiermee begon ook mijn grote reis. Jeetje, wat was ik zenuwachtig die eerste paar uren alleen op het vliegveld in Nederland. Ik dacht, waar ben ik aan begonnen, ik wil niet meer, ik wil naar huis, weg hier! Maar als het vliegtuig opstijgt, weet je dat je niet meer terug kan. En dan, aankomen op Accra Airport, woow, maar gelukkig al snel Nyame van Projects Abroad gevonden. Overnacht in Accra en de volgende dag naar Koforidua gebracht waar ik mijn twee maanden zou doorbrengen. Wat een shock om ineens in zo’n land te zijn, normaal zie je zulke ...Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=sociale-projecten/ghana/remco-duinmeijer/Law and Human Rightshttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=rechten/south-africa/mariska-neefjes/Mensenrechten project in Zuid-Afrika door Mariska Neefjes Afgelopen zomer heb ik een onvergetelijke ervaring gehad in Kaapstad. Een paar dagen voor het vertrek kwamen toch wel een beetje de zenuwen, hoe zal het gastgezin zijn, is acht weken van huis niet veel te lang, hoe zijn de andere vrijwilligers, hoe zal het project zijn, etc. De avond dat ik bij mijn gastgezin aankwam, werd ik echter erg hartelijk ontvangen. Er was meteen een leuke klik, alweer een zorg minder! Tijdens mijn gehele verblijf zijn er nog twee andere vrijwilligers in hetzelfde gastgezin geweest, wat het wel erg gezellig maakte, ’s avonds lekker een keer een film huren en gezellig kijken met z’n allen. Ik heb twee maanden aan een project gewerkt bij PAHRO (Projects Abroad Human Rights Office). Er zijn twee afdelingen ...Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=rechten/south-africa/mariska-neefjes/Medicine and Healthcarehttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=medicine-and-healthcare/medicine/togo/lauren-crozier/ I’m Northern Irish and I went to Togo in mid-September last year for three months during my Gap Year before hopefully studying Medicine in the UK. Arriving in Togo When I first arrived in Togo I had travelled for the best part of a day and was really exhausted. Once I eventually sorted everything with my visa I was relieved to meet the Projects Abroad staff, Delphine and Koffi, who couldn’t have been friendlier. I have to admit once in Lomé Airport I wasn’t immediately convinced I was going to enjoy myself, but when I got into the car and we started to drive through the area I would now call home, I instantly adored it. This was the beginning of my love affair with Togo! I remember being shocked by the number of people Koffi knew because he kept beeping the horn - the ...Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=medicine-and-healthcare/medicine/togo/lauren-crozier/Law and Human Rightshttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=law-and-human-rights/human-rights/ghana/glen-brown/ During the summer of 2010 I spent a month working in the Human Rights Office in Accra, as part of the Law & Human Rights project. It was an enjoyable and challenging experience which left me with fond memories of Ghana and the people I met there. I had always toyed with the idea of volunteering abroad, but it wasn’t until the day before I was due to leave that I realised I’d signed up for a month away from all friends and family in a country I’d never been to and with people I’d never met. I thought to myself...’what have I done?’ But thankfully any early worries were soon put to one side by the friendly and welcoming atmosphere I found in Ghana. Arriving in Ghana Upon arrival at the airport I was greeted by Nyame, the ever-smiling Projects Abroad representative who ...Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=law-and-human-rights/human-rights/ghana/glen-brown/Law and Human Rightshttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=law-and-human-rights/law/ghana/glen-brown/ During the summer of 2010 I spent a month working in the Human Rights Office in Accra, as part of the Law & Human Rights project. It was an enjoyable and challenging experience which left me with fond memories of Ghana and the people I met there. I had always toyed with the idea of volunteering abroad, but it wasn’t until the day before I was due to leave that I realised I’d signed up for a month away from all friends and family in a country I’d never been to and with people I’d never met. I thought to myself...’what have I done?’ But thankfully any early worries were soon put to one side by the friendly and welcoming atmosphere I found in Ghana. Arriving in Ghana Upon arrival at the airport I was greeted by Nyame, the ever-smiling Projects Abroad representative who ...Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=law-and-human-rights/law/ghana/glen-brown/Law and Human Rightshttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=law-and-human-rights/law/china/martyna-kopacz/ In July 2011 I went to China for one month to volunteer on a Law project in Shanghai. I had no idea what to expect, to be honest I was a bit scared but still enthusiastic. When I went got on the plane at Munich Airport I asked myself: “What are you doing? Is going alone to China, without any friends or acquaintances a good idea? Are you crazy?” First Impressions of China All my doubts disappeared when I got into a taxi with Rico, a Projects Abroad staff member who picked me up from the airport. When I got to the flat I was surprised - we had a huge living room, kitchen and 2 bathrooms! The flat was situated on the 14th floor, so we had an amazing view. Rico showed me the most interesting places near my accommodation and it appeared that my way from the flat to metro station ...Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=law-and-human-rights/law/china/martyna-kopacz/Journalismhttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=journalism/ghana/rebecca-cooke/ After enduring months of pent up anticipation, anxiety and excitement I finally arrived in Ghana to start my two week journalism placement in Cape Coast. My flight from Heathrow arrived in Accra at 10pm so the sun had slipped away behind Ghana’s coastline but the stifling heat lingered through the night-time air. Stepping off the plane I thought I must be stood next to the engine blowing out heat before realising that it was just the sweltering humidity. I was greeted by Projects Abroad staff member Nyame, who, with a huge smile and a friendly handshake, introduced himself to me with true Ghanaian hospitality which I would see much more of over the next couple of weeks. Nyame took me to the Projects Abroad guest house in Accra where I would stay overnight before my four hour journey ...Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=journalism/ghana/rebecca-cooke/Medicine and Healthcarehttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=gezondheidszorg/nepal/tanja-crezee/Medisch project in Nepal door Tanja Crezee Stel je eens voor… … dat je klaar bent met je Bachelor geneeskunde en een paar maanden vrij hebt voordat je aan je co-schappen kan beginnen. Je besluit om twee maanden in een Nepalees ziekenhuis mee te gaan lopen en in een Nepalees gastgezin te gaan wonen. Maanden van voorbereiding volgen. Op de dag van vertrek, giert de adrenaline door je lijf, want “Wat als er niemand is om je op te halen van het vliegveld? Of wat als je gastgezin niet zo gastvrij blijkt te zijn als je van te voren gehoopt had?” Uiteindelijk blijken al je zorgen mee te vallen. Na een paar dagen word je al ‘zus’ genoemd door de kinderen uit je gastgezin, blijk je met je kamergenootje hard te kunnen lachen om alle cultuurverschillen die je samen meemaakt en ...Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=gezondheidszorg/nepal/tanja-crezee/Conservation and Environmenthttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=dier-en-natuur/costa-rica/marijn-de-lijster/Dier- en natuurbehoud project in Costa Rica door Marijn de Lijster Mijn dagelijkse leven tot aan mijn reis naar Costa Rica stond in het teken van wonen en werken in de drukke stad, zoals we die in Nederland kennen. Overal waar je komt rechte wegen en alles tot in de puntjes verzorgd en hier en daar een recht gesnoeid parkje. De tijd gaat snel en de dagen zitten vol met dingen die gedaan moeten worden, om het kort samen te vatten: een vooral niet-caribische cultuur. Al een paar jaar speelde ik met het idee om een verre reis te maken en daarbij vrijwilligerswerk te doen, maar toen uitstel afstel dreigde te worden, besloot ik eindelijk een vrijwilligersorganisatie te zoeken waarbij ik met een goed voorgelicht gevoel een project in het buitenland kon vinden. Omdat ik mij eigenlijk alleen via ...Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=dier-en-natuur/costa-rica/marijn-de-lijster/2 Week Specialshttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=2-week-specials/care-and-community-in-sri-lanka/sri-lanka/fiona-rickets/ Last summer I travelled to Sri Lanka to do a 2 Week Special Care project. It was the most amazing experience and even though I was only there for two weeks, it was the best thing I’ve ever done. I went alone with Projects Abroad, but I am so glad I did because it meant that I had to be independent and I got to know new people better. It meant that I got talking to people that I would never normally have got talking to, like those on the plane journey. I got to know some great people when I was in Sri Lanka. There were seven of us doing the 2 Week Special and of the seven I was the only English person. It was weird as I was seeing a wide variety of cultures including French and Japanese, in a completely different place which had such an incredibly rich culture itself. My host family I ...Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=2-week-specials/care-and-community-in-sri-lanka/sri-lanka/fiona-rickets/Carehttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=care/sri-lanka/hayley-dearlove/ Hello, I'm Hayley and I volunteered in Sri Lanka for a month in July! This was definitely the best experience of my life; I had such a good month and met some amazing people. I am studying Childcare at college and had always wanted to travel, but only being 17 I thought I was too young for something like this. But after hearing about Projects Abroad I knew I could go with this company as you get so much help before you go, and also while you are there! I was lucky enough to be travelling with my friend to Sri Lanka, so it wasn't as nerve-racking! The first thing that hits you when you arrive in Sri Lanka is the humidity of the place, and the traffic! (It’s so busy!) Arriving in Colombo was a great experience as we got to stay here for a couple of nights before heading down to Galle. ...Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=care/sri-lanka/hayley-dearlove/2 Week Specialshttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=2-week-specials/care-and-community-in-ghana/ghana/mary-schafer/ I went on the 2 Week Care & Community Special in the Akuapem Hills, Ghana in July, and it turned out to be two of the best weeks of my life. I don’t know what drew me to choose Ghana, but I’m very glad I went! First impressions of Ghana I arrived in Ghana with no real idea of what I was about to experience but the initial nerves and ‘what am I doing here?!’ passed remarkably quickly; I soon felt at home in my host village of Kwamoso. The drive from Accra to the hills was a good time to get used to the heat, surroundings, and people that constantly try to sell you things through the windows of the tro-tros as you go along. The first day was the hardest, as I have to admit I wondered how I was going to get through two weeks in the strange world I found myself in. I knew ...Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=2-week-specials/care-and-community-in-ghana/ghana/mary-schafer/Medicine and Healthcarehttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=medicine-and-healthcare/medicine/sri-lanka/chrishny-kangatharan/ I have always wanted to do medicine so I decided to go to Sri Lanka do to a Medical project for a month during my gap year, after completing my undergraduate degree. Although I have been to Sri Lanka before, this was going to be my first time in the south of the country. My Medical placement My placement was in Karapitiya Hospital in Galle. This is the third largest hospital in Sri Lanka, however, it is closer in size to a medium hospital in the UK. It was not only the size that was different; cats and dogs wander around the hospital too! During my one month stay, I had the opportunity to work in the Emergency Treatment Unit, in Paediatrics, Medical and Neurosurgical wards. Everyone at the hospital is welcoming and always keen to teach if you show you are interested and willing ...Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=medicine-and-healthcare/medicine/sri-lanka/chrishny-kangatharan/Journalismhttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=journalism/mongolia/ruth-allerstorfer/ I spent 10 weeks in Mongolia volunteering with the Mongol Messenger, a state owned English newspaper. With hindsight it’s hard to believe that it was really that long, as these were 10 of the fastest weeks I’ve experienced: jam-packed with new opportunities, experiences and, above all, friendly and bouncy people - both volunteers and locals. The first thing to learn about life in Ulaanbaatar (UB) is that there is always something going on (although half the time people have no clue what it actually is you are witnessing), and that no day can ever be the same unless you stay in your bedroom hiding under the covers. Arriving in Mongolia I arrived in Mongolia at 8am on a Sunday morning. The first thing that struck me was how deadly quiet everything seemed to be. Arriving on a Sunday ...Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=journalism/mongolia/ruth-allerstorfer/Journalismhttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=journalistiek/mongolie/sven-betjes/Journalistiek project in Mongolië door Sven Betjes “Dit jaar geen Bulgarije, Spanje of Griekenland, “ dacht ik in januari. Ik kwam tot het besluit eens wat anders te doen in mijn vakantie. Iets met meer nut en waar ik later met een goed gevoel op kon terugkijken. Na een korte zoektocht op het internet kwam ik bij Projects Abroad. Als geschiedenisstudent met een specialisatie in de journalistiek was mijn keuze snel gemaakt. Het voor mij vrij onbekende Mongolië van de befaamde veldheer Chinggis Khaan (in Europa beter bekend als Genghis Khan) werd de bestemming. Een aantal ongeduldige maanden en een lange vliegreis via Frankfurt en Beijing later, stond ik op 18 juli rond 11 uur ’s ochtends op Chinggis Khaan International, de luchthaven van de Mongolische hoofdstad Ulaanbaatar ...Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=journalistiek/mongolie/sven-betjes/Sportshttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=sports/ghana/liam-sharpe/ My Arrival I stayed in Cape Coast between 12th of June through to the 9th August. I began my journey from Heathrow airport where I flew directly to Accra airport taking around 6 and half hours, and from there travelled 3 and half hours on a local mini bus known locally as ‘tro tro’. I arrived shortly before lunch time at a local family household where I would be staying for my duration. I was introduced to the mother and father of the house and their small child. I was introduced to another volunteer from Norway; who was also staying in the same house. My First Day! On my first day I was given an introduction tour where I was taken around Cape Coast by a local man named Eric, who worked for Projects Abroad. My first impressions were somewhat shocking, with the heat and ...Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=sports/ghana/liam-sharpe/Culture and Communityhttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=cultuur-en-samenleving/landbouw/ghana/alice-bunt/Landbouw projects in Ghana door Alice Bunt In augustus en september ben ik in Ghana geweest, en nog steeds mis ik het land, de mensen, de manier van leven in Ghana. Ik wist niet dat je verliefd kon worden op een land maar dat ben ik, verliefd op Ghana en zijn bewoners. Zoals denk ik iedere vrijwilliger had ik geen idee wat ik kon verwachten bij aankomst op het vliegveld. Maar de ontvangst was geweldig: warm, hartelijk en vol humor. En al heel gauw begreep ik dat de Ghanesen zo zijn: vrolijk en hartelijk. Ook de ontvangst door Jeremiah was hartelijk, hij leidde ons rond een leerde ons de fijne kneepjes over de tro's, de weg in Koforidua (de hoofdstad van onze regio) en bracht ons naar ons gastgezin. Ook daar werden we heel hartelijk ontvangen door 'De Reverent' en zijn vrouw ...Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=cultuur-en-samenleving/landbouw/ghana/alice-bunt/Carehttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=sociale-projecten/tanzania/maartje-berkemeier/Sociaal project in Tanzania Maartje Berkemeier Vrijwilligerswerk is iets moois, je zet je in voor andere mensen en leert ongelooflijk veel over de cultuur en gebruiken van een ander land. Daarom was de beslissing om 3 maanden in Tanzania te werken ook geen gek idee na het stoppen van mijn studie. Ik ging online opzoek en kwam al snel uit op Projects Abroad. Het feit dat je 24/7 bij de organisatie terecht kunt, gaf mij een veilig gevoel. Bovendien organiseren ze wekelijkse socials waarbij je andere vrijwilligers ontmoet. Dit was mijn eerste reis, dus deze aspecten speelden een grote rol in mijn keuze voor Projects Abroad. Na een zwaar afscheid op Schiphol, stapte ik het vliegtuig in en begon mijn avontuur. Het landschap was ondertussen veranderd in een droge weide met bomen en struikgewas. ...Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=sociale-projecten/tanzania/maartje-berkemeier/2 Week Specialshttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=2-week-specials/care-and-community-in-ghana/ghana/beth-nash/ I would describe myself as shy, not good with new experiences or meeting new people, so I would seem like the most unlikely person to ever decide to travel across the world to volunteer on my own. Which is why, when my family and friends heard what I would be doing, nobody believed that I would end up going, I even doubted myself at times. However the decision I made to volunteer would turn out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made as it allowed me to have the most life changing experience I have ever had. I was browsing on the internet when I came across Projects Abroad. I have always wanted to volunteer in another country but always found myself too scared to embark on such a journey. I found that they had a 2 Week Special project for 16-19 year olds. I thought ...Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=2-week-specials/care-and-community-in-ghana/ghana/beth-nash/Law and Human Rightshttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=law-and-human-rights/human-rights/south-africa/victoria-hill/ It had always been my dream to visit South Africa as it is where my parents first met and worked for seven years, so when the opportunity arose for me to go abroad to do an internship, South Africa was my first choice. Little did I know that I would completely fall in love with the country as much as I did in four weeks. After a lengthy flight from London Heathrow to Cape Town I was eager to see the country I was spending the next month in. I was met by a really nice member of staff from Projects Abroad who took me to my host family. During the short car journey I learnt more about Cape Town than you could ever read on any website or guide book. The gentleman was so friendly and welcoming and I already felt safe and settled. My host family When I arrived at my new home I was welcomed ...Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=law-and-human-rights/human-rights/south-africa/victoria-hill/Carehttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=care/india/rachele-bulleri/ I always wanted to do some volunteering so at the end of 2010 with the New Year coming I just thought…this is going to be the year! I chose India because I wanted to face a completely different reality and had also heard a lot about the splendour of this country. I decided to travel alone to experience the trip for myself and to break my day to day routine. I have to admit I was a bit worried, every time I told somebody they told me “you are crazy!!” Even a couple of Indian colleagues of mine asked me if I was really sure because it would be hard due to the cultural shock, the weather, the food and, most of all, the risk of being sick and ending up in places that were not very clean and comfortable. Arriving in India Despite everything, one Friday in the middle June, I ...Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=care/india/rachele-bulleri/Carehttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=care/ghana/rachel-breeden/One of the Best Experiences of My Life... My trip to Ghana last summer was one of the best experiences of my life. Before I arrived, I was not particularly organised or prepared for what the next month would hold but was definitely pleasantly surprised. Upon landing at Accra airport I met Nyame who would take me to my host family in Akropong. Meeting Nyame was a great example of the many welcoming and friendly Ghanaians I would meet during the next month. He was really enthusiastic about his home country and assured me that when the time came I would not want to leave. He was right! My Host Family I stayed with a host family in a small village called Abiriw, just outside of Akropong. My host mum was a seamstress called Christiana who had a son and daughter and many other tenants ...Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=care/ghana/rachel-breeden/2 Week Specialshttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=2-week-specials/care-and-community-in-ghana/ghana/paige-baumgartner/ For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to visit every continent. Having travelled a lot with my family, I have seen much of Europe, the United States, and the Caribbean Islands. At sixteen, I wanted to do more than just explore the world, I wanted to experience it. I decided that one cannot truly embrace the culture of another country, unless fully immersed. Preparing for my trip Ghana is said to be an African country rich in culture and home to some of the friendliest people in the world, making it the perfect place for me. I had enough money saved up from work and I was ready to make a difference in the world, the summer after I turned seventeen. I braved through my series of needles as I read all the support material provided by Projects Abroad. As it was my first time ...Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=2-week-specials/care-and-community-in-ghana/ghana/paige-baumgartner/2 Week Specialshttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=2-week-specials/care-and-community-in-cambodia/cambodia/rachael-parker/ This summer I decided I wanted to travel somewhere, but due to still being in sixth form I had a year left at school, so knew I couldn’t travel for long. I stumbled across Projects Abroad over the internet and having seen leaflets at my school. After looking into this, I noticed the 2 Week Specials, this sounded perfect. I remember trying to decide on a country to visit; there was so much choice and they all looked amazing. A while back I had already visited Thailand and loved it so I decided that Cambodia would undoubtedly be the same. After reading about it, it just seemed the perfect option. First impressions of Cambodia I had read other volunteers stories so I knew what to expect but I didn’t believe it would be exactly how people had explained ...Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=2-week-specials/care-and-community-in-cambodia/cambodia/rachael-parker/2 Week Specialshttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=2-week-specials/care-and-community-in-jamaica/jamaica/isabel-acland/ This summer I visited Jamaica on a 2 Week Special Care & Community project. Before going I was quite nervous as I still didn't know exactly what to expect despite all the information I'd been given. What would the other volunteers be like? Would I get on with my host family? Had I remembered to pack a toothbrush? But I soon found out I had nothing to worry about. First impressions of Jamaica My first memory from Jamaica is of walking through the airport and hearing buskers play reggae music. This was just the first of several cultural experiences that would really open my eyes to an amazing new place. At the airport I was met by a Projects Abroad driver and a group of the volunteers who I would get to know really well over the next couple of weeks. We then had a two and a half hour ...Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=2-week-specials/care-and-community-in-jamaica/jamaica/isabel-acland/Journalismhttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=journalistiek/bolivia/gerben-de-rooij/Journalistiek project in Bolivia door Gerben de Rooij Na een afgebroken masteropleiding had ik een paar maanden over en wilde ik graag een tijdje naar het buitenland. Ik heb Spaans gestudeerd en koos mede daarom voor Latijns-Amerika en uiteindelijk voor Bolivia. Als je niet veel tijd hebt om alles zelf te regelen is Projects Abroad ideaal. Zij bieden namelijk het complete pakket met werk, onderdak en begeleiding ter plaatse. Het aanmelden en betalen gaat allemaal online zonder al te veel papierwerk. Voor vertrek kreeg ik uitgebreide informatie over de bestemming en mijn gastgezin en zelfs een telefoontje van het kantoor in Bolivia om me nog even een goede reis te wensen. Er zijn geen rechtstreekse vluchten van Nederland naar Bolivia, en dus nam ik op 26 mei het vliegtuig naar São ...Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=journalistiek/bolivia/gerben-de-rooij/2 Week Specialshttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=2-week-specials/medicine-in-tanzania/tanzania/emma-sterling/ Arriving at the airport in Tanzania I was so excited but also a little bit nervous because I was travelling alone for the first time. Everyone travelling from Heathrow had been given each other’s e-mail addresses from Projects Abroad so we were able to arrange to meet and travel together. When we landed in Tanzania we were greeted by a friendly Tanzanian Projects Abroad staff member, who drove with us in the Dalla Dalla (bus) to our host families. My host family was extremely welcoming and kind. When we arrived we were shown to our rooms that had comfortable bunk beds. I was in the house with three other volunteers so we got a chance to get to know each other and rest for the first day before going to our placement. My 2 Week Special Medical placement The medical volunteers ...Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=2-week-specials/medicine-in-tanzania/tanzania/emma-sterling/Carehttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=sociale-projecten/tanzania/evi-groenen/Sociaal project in Tanzania door Evi Groenen Een paar dagen uit het dagboek van Evi in Tanzania Dag 1 Ik sta om 8 uur op. Ik hoef namelijk geen wekker te zetten, want ik word vanzelf wel wakker van de kippen. Ze hebben hier zo’n 300 kippen en 2 honden. Vanochtend stond ik even onder de douche en ik had geen water dus moest ik me wassen met emmers (koud) water, maar gelukkig had ik het warm dus vond het niet erg om koud water over me heen te krijgen. Ook was er geen stroom.  We kregen wit brood en thee, er was niks op het brood dus ik moet maar even naar een winkel gaan om daarvoor iets te kopen. Ze verkopen namelijk echt alles, van pindakaas tot gewone kaas. Toen we gegeten hadden, zijn we met de dala dala (een lokaal busje) naar een markt gegaan in usa river, dat is ook het plaatsje ...Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=sociale-projecten/tanzania/evi-groenen/Carehttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=care/mongolia/charlotte-gibbs/ Upon arrival in Mongolia, on the journey from Chinggis Khaan International Airport to the guesthouse in Ulaanbaatar, the first thing I noticed was the vastness of countryside and greenery. The air outside the city was incredibly fresh and cool. It was quite surreal seeing horses just loose at the side of the road, but Mongolia is renowned for having a larger number of horses than population. The life outside of the city was considerably different from than in the centre – the nomadic families lived in Gers which look like huge circular tents but are warmer and far sturdier. After about a thirty minute car journey into the city, past some of the countryside, I arrived at the guesthouse where I was greeted with a warm welcome, shown how to use the facilities and was provided with a ...Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=care/mongolia/charlotte-gibbs/2 Week Specialshttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=2-week-specials/care-and-community-in-ghana/ghana/mikaella-caruncho/ I am 18 years old and I joined Projects Abroad the summer right before I started as a freshman at New York University. I took part in the 2 Week Special in Ghana and was placed to work at Lady Heike Nursery School and the Home of Hope in Cape Coast. During my placement, I was accompanied by eight other teenagers, one of which was my younger sister. Arriving in Ghana My younger sister, Francesca, and I took a five hour flight to New York, had a fourteen hour layover in New York, and then a ten hour flight to Ghana before we finally arrived. We stepped off the plane and were instantly welcomed by the humid Ghanaian heat. Our first impression of Ghana was frightening but once we got out of the terminal, things started getting better. We were greeted by Nyame, a very friendly Projects ...Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=2-week-specials/care-and-community-in-ghana/ghana/mikaella-caruncho/Carehttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=care/ethiopia/megan-keyes/ In previous years Drumragh Integrated College sixth form students volunteered in Tanzania, Ghana and Ethiopia. For the second year Ethiopia with Projects Abroad was our destination of choice. Seven other girls and I managed to fundraise over our target of £16,000 to £17,000 so with the rest of this money we sponsored three children from the ‘safe house’, and gave donations to the homeless and to Kidane Mehret Orphanage. First impression of Addis We arrived at the Kidane Mehret Orphanage at 4.30am on Friday morning. On the first morning we met with our Leaders, Tami and Sammi, to begin our orientation of the city. As we walked through the streets of Addis Ababa we were all in shock at the devastating scenes of homeless men, women and children. Every step we took people ...Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=care/ethiopia/megan-keyes/Medicine and Healthcarehttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=gezondheidszorg/ghana/irene-francke/Medisch project in Ghana door Irene Francke Ik heb, samen met een vriendin, vrijwilligerswerk gedaan in Accra, Ghana. Zij is journalistiek studente en heeft bij het radiostation gewerkt. Ik ben laatstejaars HBO-Verpleegkunde student en heb mijn vrijwilligerswerk gedaan in het Police Hospital. De eerste dag was er één vol met nieuwe indrukken. We werden door een staff medewerker, Amanda, meegenomen door heel Accra. Ze heeft ons alle belangrijke punten laten zien, aangezien ze in Ghana niet met straatnamen werken. Je wijst jezelf gewoon de weg door alle landmerken te onthouden, best makkelijk eigenlijk. Bij de lunch voor het eerst het Ghanese eten geproefd, red-red en banku, heerlijk! In Ghana ben je, als blanke, een obruni. Dit wordt dan ook de hele tijd naar je geroepen door ...Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=gezondheidszorg/ghana/irene-francke/Carehttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=sociale-projecten/togo/jon-lambrecht/Sociaal project in Togo door Jon Lambrecht 22 februari was het dan zover. Na een geweldige laatste nacht hier in België te hebben beleefd, vertrok ik samen met mijn zus en grootmoeder richting Brussels Airport. Eenmaal ingecheckt, kon het wachten op mijn vlucht richting Casablanca beginnen. Vanuit Casablanca zou ik dan uiteindelijk doorvliegen naar Lomé waar ik de komende drie maanden mijn intrek zou nemen in een gastgezin. Dit was hét moment waar ik de afgelopen maand naartoe had geleefd. Bij het uitstappen van het vliegtuig in Lomé werd ik meteen overvallen. Weliswaar niet door de eerste de beste zakkenroller, maar door de Afrikaanse hitte. Het was 3 uur ’s nachts, maar toch 23° warm. Lomé-heat in combinatie met het aanzicht van de ietwat ‘primitieve’ luchthaven deden mij ...Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=sociale-projecten/togo/jon-lambrecht/Communityhttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=community/equine-therapy/argentina/shenandoah-cornish/ Before I left Argentina was a concept, a mysterious, magical place. When it came time to leave, Argentina was more than a reality. It was life changing. From missed flights to less than desirable hotels and hostels, to dealing with the other side of language barriers. It should have been difficult to assimilate not only to different cultural elements (such as having dinner at 10:30 instead of 6), navigating public transportation in a new place (not being able to ask for help or directions did not help). It was kind of a sink or swim experience. Projects Abroad encouraged me to jump into the water without looking back. Through all of this, somehow, miraculously, I learned how to swim. As the frustrations were overwhelming, this was a personal challenge the likes of which I had never faced ...Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=community/equine-therapy/argentina/shenandoah-cornish/Law and Human Rightshttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=law-and-human-rights/human-rights/ghana/ishaq-mahmood/ I decided to choose Projects Abroad after finding that they would be able to support my needs for my trip. I took part in the Human Rights placement in Accra, Ghana, for 2 weeks in August 2011. In addition, I undertook my own project as part of my University degree. After speaking to Projects Abroad I was confident that I had chosen the right organisation. First impressions of Ghana I arrived in the evening after a long day’s travelling. When I entered my host family’s home, I was warmly greeted and shown to my room. I was somewhat shocked by the simplicity of the room and the facilities, however I soon got used to them. The induction day was very useful, although somewhat confusing with all the new place names and bus stops to remember. My placement at the Human Rights Office The ...Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=law-and-human-rights/human-rights/ghana/ishaq-mahmood/Communityhttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=community/disaster-management/jamaica/debbie-willcox/ My name is Debbie Willcox and after being made redundant I decided I wanted to do some travelling. Although I considered conventionally backpacking around, I felt a real urge to experience life in a different culture from “within”. The Disaster Management Project in Jamaica fitted all of my criteria; it was in an exotic and very different place from home; I would be living and working with Jamaicans rather than fellow tourists; I would have the support and friendship of Projects Abroad and other volunteers; and the work would be relevant to the work I do at home as an environmental planner. I signed up and having had the experience, I am so glad I did. My Jamaican host family My host family were amazing people, just so friendly, kind and welcoming. I was introduced to a large ...Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=community/disaster-management/jamaica/debbie-willcox/Buildinghttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=building/ghana/chelsea-baker/ I have always been interested in travel and over the years have collected various articles on places I would like to see one day and have listened to other peoples inspiring experiences. Last summer I decided I was going to stop dreaming and actually go somewhere and do something worthwhile, even if it meant going on my own. A Google search later Projects Abroad was clearly the most genuine organisation I could find and I enrolled on a Building Project in Ghana for a month the following summer. This was without a doubt the best decision I have ever made and I am so glad I did not take any notice of any doubts I had! The support I received from the Projects Abroad team was great and any queries I had were answered straight away. When I began my travel to Ghana it felt very surreal but ...Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=building/ghana/chelsea-baker/Medicine and Healthcarehttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=gezondheidszorg/ghana/caren-van-roekel/Een medisch project in Ghana door Caren van Roekel Een paar dagen uit het dagboek van Caren. 10 juli. Het is nu 16.10 lokale tijd en ik ben aangekomen! Op het vliegveld stond Ghammi van Projects Abroad me op te wachten en werd ik naar een groepje gedirigeerd. Er waren namelijk nog vier andere vrijwilligers! Allereerst gingen we naar het hoofdkantoor van Projects Abroad in Accra, waar ook het gasthuis was. We gingen om 12 uur slapen, ik werd ’s nachts een paar keer wakker en om 5 uur moesten we er weer uit, want om 6 uur vertrokken we met de bus naar Cape Coast! In Cape Coast werden we opgewacht door Eric, een Ghanees van Projects Abroad. Hij bracht ons eerst bij ons gastgezin, zodat we kennis konden maken en we onze koffers kwijt konden en daarna moesten we snel de auto weer ...Mon, 07 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=gezondheidszorg/ghana/caren-van-roekel/Journalismhttp://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=journalism/south-africa/michael-alhadeff/Before the beginning – thoughts ahead of my stay in Cape Town So I’m off to Cape Town. If I’m being completely honest I don’t really know what to expect. Before I’m accused of failing to read the latest edition of Lonely Planet’s discourse on Cape Town, I would argue that there is always an unknown element when travelling. There is something pleasurable about this. The excitement is going somewhere new and experiencing something different. I have also heard a lot about Cape Town. I’ve heard tales about how fun the city is, while I’ve also been warned about some of the dangers. However, I’m still finding it difficult to comprehend what Cape Town life will be like. My point is that you will never know what to expect until you reach your destination. You will never ...Mon, 07 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000http://www.projects-abroad.nl/ervaringsverhalen/?content=journalism/south-africa/michael-alhadeff/