Alumni Interview with Carmen Ruiz Ricca

What inspired you to travel abroad? 

I have always loved travelling around, so when I came across this program I thought it was such a great way to get to know this thrilling country. 

Why did you choose Worldwide Friends Iceland? 

I had some friends and relatives who had worked and travelled with Worldwide Friends before and they had nothing but amazing reports to tell. 

What was your favorite part about Iceland? 

Considering I have been all around the island, it is just difficult to choose a favourite location. Reykjavik is such a lively and picturesque city, but when you go deep into the country it is just astonishing. Such a beautiful wilderness makes you really appreciate the amazing planet we live on and how much we should take care of it.

In Iceland, everything changes randomly—not only weather but also landscapes. You can walk behind magnificent waterfalls like Seljalandfoss or wander around the Ice Lagoon, trek to the top of the still-active Eldfell volcano or bathe in the thermal waters of Green Lagoon. 

What made your experience abroad extraordinary? 

The people I shared it with, of course. Iceland is a great country, but either weather conditions, lifestyle, or situations can be rough sometimes, so it’s really important to choose the right people to live it with and, personally, I really got lucky. 

How did the local program staff support you throughout your program? 

They were extra caring from the very first moment—picking us up, shopping for supplies, and making everything nice, comfortable, and fun as much as possible. 

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad? 

Nothing in particular, actually. Of course, I would have loved visiting more locations, but considering timing it was good enough for sure. We have been all around the island and visited the best spots; it was just great. 

Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like. 

A typical day involved an early breakfast, car lift to the location to be visited, energy-recovering lunch, some chilling time at the local thermal swimming pools, resting time or some wandering around the place where we were at, homemade international dinner, chats, and games before a well-deserved rest. 

What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad? 

Everything. Plans can randomly and suddenly change so, in my experience, the very best thing to do is to learn how to live far more freely without worrying and sticking to plans as we are used to. 

What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it? 

We had every kind of accommodation from luxury apartments to nice and cosy, huge shared houses belonging to the Worldwide Friends. 

What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins? 

It is really important to come with such a will to meet new kinds of people with greatly different mentalities or lifestyles but sharing one same purpose: having the best time in such an amazing country. 

Would you recommend Worldwide Friends Iceland to others? Why? 

Definitely. I believe it’s one of the best ways to get to know Iceland deeply and with the best company. You will be learning and sharing experiences not only with your partners, but with the people you meet along the way. 

What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is? 

It opens and awakens your mind. 

Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life? 

In every way. It has impacted the way I live my life and what I care the most about. I no longer have preconceived notions about anything at all, and I’m not afraid of what is unknown. 

What does meaningful travel mean to you? 

Meaningful travel is a way of travelling away from pre-booked attractions, massive groups, and ordinary experiences. It means achieving vital lessons while you are on the move.