What inspired you to go abroad?
I have been to South Asia before for several months. Since it was one of the best experiences of my life, I needed to do it again. Discovering new things is inspiring for me.
Why did you choose International Volunteer Services?
I choose this program because it was important to me to go out of my comfort zone and discover a new culture. I like children, so it was a great experience. INTVS provide me a full program: accomodation, food, work, and security.
What was your favorite part about Hanoi?
The culture, the streets full of colors, and the peaceful atmosphere.
What made your experience abroad unique?
To work with children for the first time, and to teach them French without speaking their language. It showed me how it is incredible to communicate with others even if we do not share the same language.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
By providing us tips and support, and they were beside me to translate things. They made me discover their culture and language to "survive" in Vietnam.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?
If I had to live it again, I would have taken more effort to improve my English.
Describe a typical day in the life of your program.
Wake up early, pick a fresh fruit in the kitchen, walk and take two buses to go to school, give French lessons to children, play with them on the playground, eat rice and vegetables at school, and then have a traditional nap for an hour. Go back in class to work with children, leave the school to go back home, buy fresh pineapples and bananas on the street, take a shower, have a walk with friends talking about our day and our next trip, and then eat in the streets of Hanoi with my roommates.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
Traveling across the country during the weekend or wandering the streets of Hanoi.
What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?
It was a nice place to live; it was clean and big.
What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?
That they are lucky to live such an experience and that this kind of trip will change their way to live and state of mind.
Now that you're home, how has your time in Vietnam impacted your life?
I realize how I am lucky to live how I live, to have family and friends, good health, a house, water, and food. As a European, it is easy to forget that people are in need and that we are lucky to get all we get.
Would you recommend INTVS to others? Why?
For sure, it was definitely the best experience of my life and I think that it is important to go abroad to be open minded and tolerant. INTVS provides security, because it is sometimes hard and unsafe to travel in some countries without knowing anything and anyone. It is also an opportunity to meet new people from around the world.
