What inspired you to travel abroad?
Growing up in Chicago, I didn't have a lot of opportunities to be exposed to many natural areas. When I moved out west I was exposed to a lot of new issues and opportunities to travel both recreationally and academically. When it came time to pursue an internship I knew I wanted to continue that trend by going to a place I had never been before — South America. Ecuador seemed like the perfect size to be able to experience its diverse offerings in a short period of time.
Getting out to sea!
Why did you choose NGO Taxi?
What appealed to me about the NGO Taxi’s volunteer abroad project was how well it aligned with my interests. This project was the perfect opportunity to combine important, local conservation work and my university studies while being able to have a unique cultural exchange. NGO Taxi offered something I had never seen before and made it possible for me to have fun while I worked.
What was your favorite part about your host country/city?
My favorite part about Ecuador was the people. I felt like I left with not only lifelong colleagues but lifelong friends too.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
I was doing things that I never thought I would have the opportunity to do.
Working with Galapagos Tortoises
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The local staff were very helpful and understanding about my skills and knowledge and would do anything they possibly could to help me advance and expand them. Whether it was Spanish language skills, work skills or professional skills, I left feeling confident to do work like this again.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I wish I would have explored Ecuador more. With such a diverse landscape in such a small country I wish I could have immersed myself into the entire thing! That being said, the little bit of traveling I did was completely unique to anywhere I've traveled before.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
Typically I would wake up and immediately travel to my project/work site to work various tasks throughout the morning. Then I would travel back to town for lunch with other volunteers and friends before heading to spanish classes for a couple of hours. After I would always go for a surf or run on the beach before watching the sunset. At night I would either swim at the accommodation, take a yoga/salsa/cooking class, play games with other travelers, or go out for a night on the town and get our salsa on!
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
There is so much to do and it's all so accessible. I loved making friends with locals and at the end of my 9 weeks I felt like a local myself. I would always surf or swim, check out the local art, lay on the beach, play soccer or frisbee, run on the beach or to the cliff-side lookouts, write, try a new restaurant, and dance...A LOT.
Sea Turtle nest protectors
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
The accommodation was in a great location making it easy to get to the beaches, bus stop, downtown, and the Spanish school. With the large, open kitchen and sitting place it made it really easy to meet other volunteers, Spanish school students and or travelers since there was such a mix. Whether it was cooking a shared dinner, playing games or hanging in the hot tub or pool there was always something to do with the people on site. The accommodation would also host cooking classes, game nights, karaoke and even salsa classes!
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
They should know that it’s better to be open to embrace the local lifestyle that is probably different from their own.
Would you recommend your NGO Taxi to others? Why?
100%. I loved the program and the tasks you will get involved with are things you probably will never get the chance to do again unless you go into marine biology etc.
Learning to surf
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
Opening your eyes to people and places that are different from your own. Travelling is so important for self-growth.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
This opportunity has opened up so many doors professionally and personally. My outlook on life has completely changed by seeing how different people live and thrive in a country like Ecuador. The people and their businesses/organizations are so adaptable and have to deal with a host of different problems that many businesses/organizations wouldn't have to in the U.S..
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means to me that you educate yourself before you travel. I think it's important to educate yourself about the local customs, history of the area/country and how to sustainably travel in those areas so that you make the best experience and least impact on the area.
