What inspired you to go abroad?
I have always loved travelling and discovering new cultures, but I wanted to do something more meaningful than simply visiting a country as a tourist. Volunteering abroad felt like the perfect opportunity to connect with local communities, learn from people with different backgrounds, and make a positive contribution along the way. As an animal lover and passionate nature photographer, I was also excited to discover Colombia’s incredible wildlife and culture. I hoped this experience would help me grow personally, improve my Spanish, and inspire me to continue volunteering in other parts of the world.
Why did you choose Voluntours Colombia?
I chose Voluntours Colombia because I wanted to experience Colombia beyond the typical tourist destinations and become part of the local community. The Children, Sports and Community Program in Bucaramanga appealed to me because it offered the opportunity to support children through English lessons, sports activities and social projects. I also loved that the program included different experiences, such as visiting a local prison to help with English lessons and supporting an animal shelter. As someone who loves animals, I was especially happy to have the opportunity to help rescued dogs and cats. The combination of meaningful volunteering, cultural immersion and Spanish lessons made Voluntours Colombia the perfect choice for me.
What was your favorite part about your host country/city?
My favourite part about Bucaramanga was how authentic and welcoming the city felt. It is a beautiful place with so much to discover, but without the crowds of tourists you find in more famous Colombian destinations. I loved being able to experience everyday Colombian life, meet local people and learn more about the culture. The surrounding nature was also incredible, which was perfect for someone like me who loves photography and exploring the outdoors. What made Bucaramanga especially memorable was the combination of its beautiful landscapes, warm people and authentic atmosphere. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to discover a different side of Colombia!
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
What made my experience extraordinary was the variety of activities and the people I met along the way. Every day offered something different, from teaching English to children and joining sports activities to visiting a local prison and helping people practise their English. I also loved spending time at the dog and cat shelter, where I helped wash the dogs and give them some extra care and attention. These experiences allowed me to connect with people and animals in a meaningful way. Taking Spanish lessons also helped me improve my language skills and feel more confident communicating with locals. Although I stayed for only two weeks, I returned home with a full heart, unforgettable memories and a strong desire to volunteer in other countries. This experience truly inspired me to keep exploring the world in a more meaningful way.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The local team at Voluntours Colombia made me feel welcome and supported from the very beginning. They helped me understand the different projects, introduced me to the local communities and made sure I felt comfortable participating in the activities. I really appreciated how approachable and friendly everyone was, and how they helped me discover different sides of Colombian life. Whether I was teaching English, joining sports activities with children or visiting the animal shelter, I felt that the team was there to guide me and make the experience meaningful. I also enjoyed taking Spanish lessons with Louisa, who helped me improve my Spanish and communicate more confidently with local people. The personal support and warm atmosphere made my two weeks in Bucaramanga truly special.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
If I could do one thing differently, I would definitely stay longer! Two weeks went by so quickly, and just as I was getting more comfortable with the city, improving my Spanish and building connections with the people and children, it was already time to leave. I would have loved to spend more time with the local communities, participate in more activities and explore even more of Colombia’s beautiful nature. I also wish I had given myself more time to discover Bucaramanga and its surroundings, especially because I love photography and exploring the outdoors. Looking back, I realised that volunteering is not just about the time you give to others, but also about everything you learn and how much the experience changes you. If I had the chance, I would happily return and stay longer!
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
Every day in Bucaramanga was a little different, which made the experience so exciting! My days were filled with a mix of volunteering, cultural experiences and opportunities to learn Spanish. I spent time with children, helped with English lessons and joined sports activities, where we could learn from each other and have fun together. On other days, I visited a local prison to support English learning or went to a dog and cat shelter, where I helped wash and care for rescued dogs. I also took Spanish classes with Louisa, which helped me improve my language skills and communicate more confidently with local people. In between activities, I enjoyed discovering Bucaramanga, trying local food and getting to know the Colombian way of life. There was always something new to experience, and every day brought meaningful encounters and special memories.
What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?
During my free time, I loved exploring Bucaramanga and discovering the city beyond the usual tourist spots. Since I am passionate about photography, I enjoyed capturing everyday life, the local culture and the beautiful nature surrounding the city. I also liked going for walks, discovering new places and trying local food. One of my favourite things about travelling is meeting people and learning about their lives, so I really enjoyed spending time with locals and practising my Spanish whenever I had the chance. Bucaramanga felt authentic and welcoming, and there was always something interesting to discover. Even though I only stayed for two weeks, I made so many memories and wished I had more time to explore Colombia and its incredible landscapes!
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I stayed in a hostel in Bucaramanga, which was a great way to experience the city and meet other travellers. What I liked most was the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It gave me a comfortable place to come back to after volunteering and exploring, while also offering opportunities to connect with people from different backgrounds. I enjoyed having a space where I could share travel stories, exchange experiences and feel part of an international community. The location also made it easier to discover Bucaramanga and experience everyday life in Colombia. For me, accommodation is not just about having a place to sleep, but also about the people you meet and the memories you create along the way.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
One thing every future participant should know is to come with an open mind and an open heart! Volunteering in Bucaramanga is much more than simply helping with a project; it is about connecting with people, learning from the local community and being willing to step outside your comfort zone. Every day can be different, and you may find yourself teaching English, playing sports with children, visiting a local prison or helping rescued animals. You do not need to speak perfect Spanish to get started, but being curious and willing to learn will make your experience even more rewarding. I would also recommend staying longer than two weeks if possible, because time passes incredibly quickly! Most importantly, be ready to embrace new experiences, appreciate the little moments and return home with memories and lessons that will stay with you for a long time.
Would you recommend your program/provider to others? Why?
Absolutely! I would recommend Voluntours Colombia to anyone looking for a meaningful and authentic experience in Colombia. What I loved most was the opportunity to get involved in different community projects, support children through education and sports, and help rescued animals. The program allowed me to discover a side of Colombia that I would probably never have experienced as a regular tourist. The team was welcoming and supportive, and the Spanish lessons with Louisa helped me improve my language skills while connecting more deeply with the local culture. Even though I only stayed for two weeks, the experience had a lasting impact on me. I returned home with a full heart, wonderful memories and the motivation to continue volunteering in other countries. If you want to travel with purpose, meet inspiring people and make a meaningful contribution, I can wholeheartedly recommend Voluntours Colombia!
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
I think the biggest benefit of travelling abroad is that it opens your mind and changes the way you see the world. When you experience a different culture, meet people with different backgrounds and step outside your comfort zone, you learn so much about others and yourself. For me, volunteering made this experience even more meaningful because I was able to build genuine connections with local people and contribute to projects that matter to the community. Travelling also teaches you to appreciate what you have, become more adaptable and see life from different perspectives. My two weeks in Colombia reminded me that even a short journey can have a lasting impact. I returned home feeling inspired, grateful and motivated to continue exploring the world through volunteering. I believe the most valuable travel experiences are not just about the places you visit, but about the people you meet and the lessons you take home with you.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
My time in Colombia had a much bigger impact on me than I expected. Even though I was there for only two weeks, I came home with a full heart, unforgettable memories and a new perspective on travelling. The connections I made with the children, local communities and animals reminded me how meaningful it can be to give your time and energy to others. I also improved my Spanish and gained more confidence in communicating with people from a different culture. Most importantly, the experience inspired me to continue volunteering in other countries and to explore the world in a more conscious and meaningful way. I realised that you don't need months abroad to make a difference or learn something important about yourself. Sometimes, just two weeks are enough to change your perspective and motivate you to take a new direction. I am incredibly grateful for this experience and would love to return to Colombia one day!
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
For me, meaningful travel means going beyond sightseeing and truly connecting with the people, culture and places you visit. It is about being curious, keeping an open mind and being willing to learn from others. Through volunteering in Colombia, I discovered how rewarding it can be to share your time, support local communities and create genuine connections, even during a short stay. Whether teaching English to children, helping rescued animals or simply having a conversation with a local person, I believe that small moments can make a big difference. Meaningful travel also means being respectful of local traditions, appreciating different perspectives and leaving a place with a deeper understanding of its people and culture. I returned from Colombia with so much more than photographs and memories. I came home inspired, grateful and motivated to continue exploring the world in a way that allows me to give something back while learning and growing as a person.
