What inspired you to travel abroad?
Traveling abroad Inspires me to know and learn about different cultures.
Indigo Skate Camp in South Africa
Why did you choose Good Hope Volunteers?
I used to participate in volunteer programs with kids in my country, usually related with sports. And I skateboard too, so I thought that would be a great match to choose Indigo Skate Camp as my program this year.
What was your favorite part about South Africa?
My favorite part was to know (a little bit) about Zulu Culture. I went to Heritage Day around the community that I was staying and it was fantastic to see Zulu dance and listen to Zulu music.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
I guess it was the connection with the people there. I never felt so welcomed!
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
They supported me 24 hours a day. Dallas was all the time with me at the camp. Bridget from Good Hope Volunteers supported me by whatsapp always.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I guess nothing. Every experience lived there was amazing. Even at the toughest moments I could learn from it.
The kids at Indigo Skate Camp
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
Usually I woke up around 6am, breakfast with Dallas, sometimes with Uncle (local staff). After this I used to prepare for the afternoon activity or fixed broken things around camp. In the afternoon we started the activities with the kids until 6pm, skateboarded all day long with them!
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
I went to an amazing road trip from Durban to Botswana. We went to Sodwana bay on Saturday, I saw a stunning sunset in the valley! On Sunday I went to Tembe Elephant to see the wildlife! It was one of the best trips I've ever had.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
My accommodation had a big space inside with a comfortable bed (two actually), a table, and mirror. The best part of it was being able to listen to the sound of nature during the night, frogs, crickets, birds... And the sky was full of stars!
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
The only thing that I could possibly advice is that: Be really open to experiencing their lives as a local, and think about the activities you might bring to them, carefully. They will really enjoy and learn about it.
Indigo Skate Camp in South Africa
Would you recommend Good Hope Volunteers to others? Why?
Of course. Yes! Because it was the best experience I have had so far in my life. Everything was amazing. I learnt a life there and also I met wonderful people that I will never forget. They'll stay in my memories forever!
What do you feel is the biggest benefit of traveling abroad?
The biggest benefit is learning about culture. To meet new people with different perspectives and reality from yours.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
I am sure that I'm not the same person after this experience. Everything that I once thought important to my life today is no longer. I think I changed the way I see and feel about some things.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means to give up of your truth and be open to new experiences.
