Holding a diamond python for an educational tour in Australia.
What made you volunteer a second time with ISV? Why did you pick a multi-country program?
ISV offers alumni the opportunity to share their experiences in order to earn a free 4-week standard program. I had such an amazing time in Costa Rica, so it was easy for me to excite others about the programs and earn credits. I originally planned to travel only to Australia, but I ended up recruiting so many new students and fundraising enough that I was able to add New Zealand and Fiji to my itinerary.
Of the three different locations, which was your favorite and why?
I fell in love with Australia because of its beautiful beaches, friendly people, and unique wildlife. I hope to go back there someday.
What types of volunteer projects were you involved in, in each location?
In New Zealand, I worked with the Department of Conservation to help restore their vanishing ecosystems. I planted hundreds of trees, built trails in local parks, and even did landscaping for a native Maori tribe in exchange for a traditional Hangi dinner.
A local Fijian boy.
In Australia, I volunteered at a wildlife park which was home to native species like kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, snakes, flying foxes, and even two dingoes. Some of my daily tasks included building better enclosures for the animals, educating local children about conservation, and building a waterfall outside the education center.
Although Fiji was just an optional excursion and wasn’t focused on volunteering, we still visited local villages to play with the children, interact with tribes, and donate supplies and money to help the community build a better school.
What were the cultural differences like between New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji?
New Zealand and Australia were culturally similar countries. They’re both very modern, environmentally conscious nations filled with friendly people and beautiful landscapes. The biggest difference was that the native Maori culture and language is still quite prevalent in New Zealand, and is still taught in schools.
Fiji was vastly different from both New Zealand and Australia. It is a cluster of over 300 islands, most of which are extremely impoverished. Everyone speaks both English and Fijian, and they honor their village chiefs through traditional Kava ceremonies. They dress modestly, do not wear hats around the chief, and do not wear shoes indoors. If you respect these differences, you will be warmly accepted by these incredible people.
If you could have changed one thing about your program, what would it have been?
Nothing! I only wish I could’ve stayed longer, nine weeks wasn’t enough!
What skills did you learn from volunteering abroad that you are able to apply to your career?
I learned leadership skills, how to work well with a group of new people, gained hands-on experience working with wildlife, and I became a much more confident person.
