Staff Interview with Aurora Trentin

What inspired you to work for SLV Global?

After taking part in the placement in Sri Lanka, I knew I wanted to continue working with the company and support volunteers who, like myself, decided to take the leap and volunteer abroad.

Where do you find your pun-spiration for managing SLV’s social media accounts?

My pun-spiration partially comes from my deep-seeded appreciation for dad jokes, paired with my passion for word play. The fact that I get to use my weird creative talents on a daily basis is just one of the things I love so much about my job.

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of my role is reliving my days on placement every day through the eyes of volunteers who are experiencing it now. I get to remember how I felt on orientation day, getting to know everyone, and at the first weekend off traveling in Sri Lanka and seeing everything it has to offer.

I also, very luckily, get to experience traveling in Bali and India second hand. Not having been there, I am happy to be able to live vicariously through our volunteers and read their posts about their times on placement.

How does your Psychology degree and your past role as a Volunteer Happiness Officer influence your work in your current role?

I believe my Psychology degree has helped me exercise my customer service skills and keep cool under pressure. In times of difficulty, or if a volunteer has queries about something, I am able to calm them down and reassure them—this is why, additionally to being digital content supervisor, I also speak to volunteers in need through support calls.

What are common questions you get from prospective volunteers and how do you respond?

I often get asked if SLV.Global provides funding or bursaries, which it does not, however, we have found that over 80% of volunteers have successfully fundraised for their placements—most of them raising the full amount of their fees. This is helpful to know, and we are always available to help with advice and any supporting evidence regarding their placement.

Why is Sri Lanka a special place to you and why should volunteers consider SLV’s placement there?

My trip to Sri Lanka was the first trip I went on on my own—fully funded by myself—and I was so excited to gain experience in a field I loved and wanted to progress in. Aside from the excitement pre-placement, the time I spent there exceeded any expectation I could have.

The country is gorgeous and the people welcoming and warm. Everyone is curious about you and wants to know who you are and what brings you to their home country. We also have placements in Bali and India, though, if you’re looking for something new and exciting.

If you could participate in any SLV program, where would you go and what would you do?

Not wanting to take anything away from Bali or India, I think I would love to go back to Sri Lanka and re-visit my old stomping grounds. I would also go for a longer period of time, as I was only there for 5 weeks and would have loved to spend more time getting to know the culture.

Are there any qualities you think make up the ideal volunteer?

I think the main quality that’s important for volunteers is enthusiasm. Regardless of experience level, enthusiastic volunteers will thrive on placement and bring the best session ideas to the table.

What advice would you share with someone who is on the fence about volunteering abroad?

I would advise them to do their research and after a little consideration, go for it! These experiences can be once in a lifetime and it’s always exciting to experience what another culture has to offer!

What hopes do you have for the future of SLV.Global?

I hope one day, everyone has access to the appropriate support for their mental health needs and that mental health is de-stigmatized. I hope SLV.Global will continue having a role in diminishing that stigma and helping people in need in the countries we work in.