What inspired you to work for Freepackers?
I initially wanted to get involved after finishing my studies, using my free time to support communities and animals. After participating in three different missions, I knew I wanted my future career to have real meaning. Freepackers/RealStep was the perfect fit, so I applied—and they gave me the opportunity to continue my commitment, this time from within the team.
Describe a typical day at work.
No two days are exactly the same. But a typical day as a Content and Community Manager at Freepackers and RealStep starts with checking and responding to messages, comments, and interactions on our social media platforms.
Then, I dive into one of my ongoing projects: creating a newsletter, designing new marketing materials, or editing videos. Around midday, I do another social media check to ensure everything is running smoothly. In the afternoon, I continue working on my current tasks before ending the day with a final look at our social media platforms.
Mondays are usually dedicated to preparing the week's posts (thumbnails, captions, TikTok videos), while Fridays focus on planning the upcoming week, ensuring it aligns with our ongoing communication campaigns.
Each day is a mix of creativity, strategy, and connection, making it both dynamic and fulfilling!
My first volunteering experience in Ecuador, March 2023
Why do you do what you do?
I do what I do because I believe in the power of meaningful experiences. Volunteering changed my perspective, and now, through my work, I get to inspire others to take that same leap. Creating content that connects, informs, and motivates people to engage in impactful projects makes every day rewarding.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of the job is seeing participants live their own volunteering experience, just as I did before. It's truly rewarding to witness the positive impact they have on children, animals, and the environment, and to see how their presence helps projects evolve and become more sustainable. I also love sharing feedback from our partner NGOs, as it brings the projects to life and highlights the value of volunteers and their contributions.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
I use my education and international background to effectively relay information about the projects of Freepackers and RealStep. My background has allowed me to understand the cultural and social challenges in the different regions we operate, helping me communicate accurate and relevant information to the volunteers.
With a global perspective, I can highlight the impact of our educational, environmental, and animal protection projects, encouraging volunteers to engage in missions that align with their aspirations and make a real difference in local communities.
What challenges do you often face, and how do you overcome them?
One of the main challenges I face is managing multiple projects and tasks simultaneously, especially when working with tight deadlines and varying priorities. To overcome this, I rely on strong organizational skills and a clear planning system. I prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact, and stay flexible to adjust as new challenges arise.
Additionally, communication with my team and volunteers is key to ensuring we stay aligned and efficiently manage any obstacles. It’s all about staying adaptable and finding solutions that keep everything moving forward.
What are some current projects you are working on?
Currently, I am focusing on several exciting projects that aim to offer meaningful experiences for young people.
One of the key initiatives is our high school internship programs, wherein students can immerse themselves in real-world experiences, whether through volunteering in educational or environmental projects or working with local communities abroad.
I'm also working on promoting our summer camps, which provide a unique opportunity for teens to engage in hands-on activities, gain new skills, and make a positive impact while exploring new cultures.
Finally, I’m actively involved in supporting students considering a gap year. They can choose to work on international projects that align with their personal and professional aspirations. These programs provide practical experience and encourage personal growth and global awareness, making them incredibly impactful for the participants and the communities they work with.
Project visits in Zanzibar, November 2024
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
I’d remind myself to stay open-minded and adaptable, as things don’t always go according to plan, but that's part of the adventure. It's important to connect with the local culture, learn from the people you meet, and not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
I would also emphasize the value of patience, both with myself and others, as things may take time, but the experience will be worth it. Most importantly, I'd tell myself to take full advantage of every opportunity to make a positive impact, no matter how small it may seem.
What makes your organization special?
What makes our organization special is our hands-on approach and commitment to meaningful impact. We personally visit all our projects to ensure they’re ethical and sustainable, and we provide personalized support to each volunteer, helping them grow while making a real difference in the communities they serve.
Why should someone choose Freepackers over competitors?
Because we have a deep understanding of each of our projects, we ensure they are reliable and ethical. Every team member personally visits the project sites to assess the needs and ensure the impact is positive and sustainable.
We are committed to providing tailored support and guidance for each volunteer, taking into account their individual skills, goals, and experiences. We also prioritize transparency, communication, and building strong relationships with our partners on the ground to ensure the best possible experience for both volunteers and communities.
Furthermore, we offer a variety of programs, including internships, summer camps, volunteering, and gap year opportunities, allowing participants to choose the experience that best fits their personal and professional aspirations. Our approach is not just about volunteering; it's about creating long-lasting, meaningful connections and making a real impact in the communities we serve.
Visit the marine turtle conservation project in Zanzibar, November 2024
What is your organization's mission, and how do you continue to work toward it?
Our mission is to provide young people opportunities that promote their personal and professional growth through international volunteering and practical experiences. Realstep is at the heart of this mission, offering diverse programs designed to have a positive impact on the volunteers and the projects they work on.
We continue this mission by offering a variety of tailored programs, such as internships, training courses, and meaningful gap year opportunities. Each program is designed to provide participants with meaningful experiences that contribute to their personal development and future career goals. Our internships, in particular, allow students to gain hands-on experience.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope participants leave with a better understanding of themselves, their strengths, and their passions. Through our programs, I want them to gain practical skills, experience different cultures, or grow professionally. Most importantly, I hope they feel a true sense of fulfillment from making a difference in the communities they’ve worked with. I also hope they leave with lasting memories and strong connections that will inspire them to continue having a positive impact, no matter where their journey takes them.
How do you help support participants?
I support participants by responding to their messages and answering any questions they may have. I’m here to help them address any concerns before their departure, whether about practical details of the projects or advice for their time abroad.
In addition, I help showcase their experiences by sharing their projects and testimonials on our social media, highlighting their impact and inspiring others. My goal is to reassure them, provide them with the necessary information, and offer continuous support so they feel valued and supported throughout their journey.
If you could participate in one of your organization's programs, where would you go and what would you do?
If I could participate in one of my organization's programs, I would choose the "Work in Hospitality in Sydney" program, as part of a Working Holiday Visa (PVT). After my volunteering experiences, I’d like to try something a bit different, and this program seems like a great way to do so.
What I find really appealing is that the accommodation is provided in exchange for work, which is a great way to save on living expenses while still having a job guaranteed. The idea of working in hospitality seems like a good opportunity to improve my language skills, gain some new work experience, and meet people from around the world. Also, it would be awesome to explore the possibility of continuing my passion for animal welfare through volunteering in Australia during my free time.
My second volunteering experience in Sri Lanka, May 2023
What questions do participants often ask you, and how do you typically respond?
Participants often ask about the duration of the program, the required language level, the cost, and the specific tasks they will be doing on-site. I try to provide clear and practical answers to help them understand what’s included in the program. I also invite them to schedule a call with a team member for further details and to answer any additional questions they may have.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Travelling abroad and experiencing new cultures is the best way to truly understand the reality of different situations. When you see things with your own eyes, you gain a deeper understanding of the importance and sometimes urgency of certain issues. It’s a formative experience that not only helps you grasp these realities better, but also opens your mind to diverse perspectives. Meeting people from around the world allows you to understand different cultures and enhances your ability to connect with others, fostering greater empathy and global awareness.
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
Learning a new language is important because it opens doors to new cultures, perspectives, and opportunities. It allows for deeper connections with people from different backgrounds and enhances communication skills. Additionally, it can be a valuable asset in both personal and professional growth, making travel more enriching and career opportunities more diverse.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel to me is about more than just visiting new places – it's about engaging with the local community, learning from their culture, and contributing in a way that has a positive impact. It’s an opportunity to step outside your comfort zone, gain new perspectives, and grow both personally and professionally.
Meaningful travel is also about experiencing the world with purpose, whether through volunteering, supporting local businesses, or being mindful of the environment. It's about leaving a positive footprint and taking away lessons that can shape how we live and interact with others.
