What inspired you to travel abroad?
I have travelled a lot and seen a lot. But now I got the chance to do something by myself. The most I have travelled in the past was with my husband or with my whole family.
How the children sleep after lunch
Why did you choose Good Hope Volunteers?
I know people who have volunteered in the past, that's why I had a look on the internet. There were many agencies to choose from but I picked an agency close to my home village, so that I could communicate with them more easily before my travels.
What was your favorite part about Cape Town, South Africa?
Cape Town is full of life and can be very European, yet on the other hand very South African. A proper rainbow nation!
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
My host mother. My time at Good Hope Studies where I had a great teacher and classmates. The encounters with the Uber drivers I used to get around. My supervisor at the volunteer project.
The children at the deaf school undergoing an eye test.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
My Volunteer Support Coordinator sat with me at the start of my project and explained everything to me. We were also constantly in contact, so when there was a question I could call or text her via WhatsApp.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
Nothing, every day was special and exciting so there is nothing that I would change.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
Wake up at 7:20, take a shower, and then have breakfast. Head to Good Hope Studies to wait for the project supervisor to collect me. Drive out to one of the organizations the project supports at about 10:00, eg. Langa. Play with the children, working with Lego, building puzzles or wooden blocks. Lunch time at 12:00 and helping to serve or feed the children. After lunch the children go for a two-hour nap time. Afternoons are spent helping the project supervisor or meeting with friends in town. Supper at home at 19:00 and chats with my host mother. After supper, reading and relaxing in my room before bedtime.
The class teacher told the children a funny story using a sheet of paper with the pictures.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
I enjoyed discovering different locations in Cape Town either alone or with some of my friends. It was nice being able to do whatever I wanted and have the freedom to explore.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I had a wonderful room with a private bathroom. My bedroom window looked out directly onto the garden. The house was very clean which I appreciated a lot. The internet at the host family was very reliable and I always had a good connection.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
I'm not sure, but you have to be open to volunteering in Africa which such a project.
Would you recommend Good Hope Volunteers? Why?
Yes, definitely. It is very exciting and every day is different. You get to see people you would never meet - perhaps on a tourist type tour only.
Shoes
What do you feel is the biggest benefit of traveling abroad?
It's great to be able to go alone. I feel there is an understanding in the world and that people compare their lives with those who live abroad.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
I can go through my day a little easier. I am more open-minded. I am very satisfied with the things I have achieved and do not look at what other people are doing or worry what they think about.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
I always try to travel in a meaningful way. I want to see how other people live abroad, how they move, what they eat, and how they work to make a living.
