Alumni Interview with Ema Gurycová

What inspired you to travel abroad? 

Before this trip, I had never been outside of Europe before. What inspired me to travel abroad was that I wanted to experience a different continent, a different country, a different culture, and meet new and fascinating people. I also wanted to travel to a Spanish-speaking country as I am learning Spanish. Another reason why I wanted to go abroad and volunteer was that I wanted to help people less fortunate than me. 

Why did you choose Kiya Survivors? 

The supervisors that went with us had already travelled with this program many times and were always incredibly satisfied and happy with their experiences and the impact they made on the lives of those in need. 

What was your favorite part about Peru? 

My favourite part about my host country were definitely the people. Peru is filled with incredibly kind and caring people. Even though they may have less than us financially, they find happiness in their family, their environment. Seeing so many amazing, good people in one place restored my faith the world a little. It proved to me that there are people out there that genuinely care about the lives and wellbeing of others and that give even though they themselves don't have much. 

What made volunteering abroad extraordinary? 

The people that travelled with me and the people that I got to meet while abroad. The sights that we saw and the excursions we went on were breathtakingly beautiful but the most extraordinary part was being able to help and support people that deserve it so, so much. It was an eye-opening experience; I realise even more now than before how unbelievably lucky I am. 

How did the local staff support you while volunteering? 

The local staff supported us throughout all of our program; they were extremely kind and caring. They always made sure every one of us was happy and healthy. They were like our family, a family that consisted of only good people with a passion for what they were doing and what they were teaching and showing us. 

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently? 

I wish I would have brought more sunscreen for the warm weather and more bubblegum for the flights. 

Describe what a typical day with Kiya Survivors looked like. 

We got up in the morning and had a delicious breakfast. After getting ready, we travelled via a small bus with our helping staff to the children's shelter. We would work at the shelter for the first half of the day. Some of our group looked after children in the kindergarten, some worked with the physiotherapist, and some were busy painting and fixing things. The positions changed every day so that every person got to do everything and experience a wide variety of different jobs. After travelling back to our accommodation, we would have lunch and be able to relax in the afternoon. Some days, there were excursions in the afternoon to various sights and we often went to the ocean. 

What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad? 

Everything. I enjoyed every single moment of my free time abroad, even the most mundane things. I enjoyed being with my group and playing with the children at the centre as much as working, painting, and the travelling itself. Peru has the most beautiful sunsets in the world. Experiencing a new culture, new food, and getting to practice my Spanish was amazing. I am so thankful for all the time I spent in Peru. 

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

Our first type of accommodation were little bungalows right above the ocean. I loved that we had a swimming pool available in which we could swim when it got too warm. The garden and the view were stunning and you could see the sunsets so clearly from our bungalows. Our second type of accommodation was a local's house. Our hosts were wonderful people, I loved that we were so close to the culture and I felt like I was at home. Our hosts welcomed us and were warm and open with us. 

What is one thing every future participant should know about Kiya Survivors? 

What is important that the participant should know about this program is that their mind will be blown and that they may be surprised at how incredibly, beautifully different and fulfilling this experience is. The participants should keep an open mind and an open heart to what will be an incredible adventure. 

Would you recommend Kiya Survivors to others? Why? 

I would definitely recommend the program and provider to others because the staff made us feel so welcome and at home and we got close with them throughout the trip. Everything was well planned out and there were no misunderstandings or problems whatsoever for the whole of our stay. 

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

I feel the biggest benefit of travelling abroad is the widening of your horizons. You get to meet new people and understand how they live, what they think, what they find important, and what they value. Being able to experience a different continent or country is a blessing as you become more open-minded and learn so much more about the world you live in. 

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

Due to my time abroad, I think more about how my choices impact the environment. I have started volunteering more so that I can help the ones in need. I am grateful for more and more ordinary things such as being able to flush the toilet or eat a meal. 

What does meaningful travel mean to you? 

Meaningful travel is something that cannot be measured in money or material. It is an experience that gives more to you than it takes away. It gives you something to think about, something that can change you and make you a better and wiser person.