What inspired you to go abroad?
I studied biology and I missed more practical experience during my studies. That's why I decided I wanted to do an internship or a voluntary service. Because I love to meet people from other cultures and I love to get to know other lifestyles than the ones at home that I already know, I knew I wanted to go somewhere abroad. I already was paying attention to Brazil for two years before my travels and was fascinated by the country.
Graminha, one of the highest Peaks (and definitely the one with the most beautiful view) is a three-four hours walk from Iracambi. And obviously one of the must-dos when you are there.
Why did you choose Amigos de Iracambi?
Iracambi is an NGO which not only combines NGO work with science, it also has this human part where they are working with local farmers and school children. I was already interested in NGO work before, so I know I couldn't just do science. That's why I decided that I want to know Iracambi.
What was your favorite part about Brazil?
It was so nice to meet all the Brazilians who are working in the NGO or nearby. They invited me to bonfires, waterfalls, parties, barbecues, on hiking and climbing tours, and on a trip to the sea. So the best part is really all the beautiful landscape and all the friends I made in this time.
What made your experience abroad unique?
I think in every country you make unique experiences because you meet different people and you are in a totally different environment than at home. So you are also much more open to new experiences. And every experience which you never could have at home is unique. So of course it is unique to have a waterfall nearby your house, to wake up with tropical birds singing, to dance to a totally different music than at home, and to eat all the Tropical fruits directly from the garden. I lived in the middle of the Atlantic Rainforest and it was just gorgeous!
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
In Iracambi you can work very independant and realize also your own projects if you want. But everytime you need an advice for some problem or some idea you have, you will also find someone to listen to and to exchange ideas. And I really recommend this to you because then you are able to see which ideas are really possible and worth it and which not. Apart from this, there is a volunteer coordinator which coordinates all the projects for the volunteers. You can ask them about what to do and they will support you in your tasks.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?
I stayed in Iracambi for three months. Before and afterwards I had some university exams. This stressed me out, so it would have been much more relaxed if I had come with more time without this stress that back at home I have to go directly to library to study. And of course, when our trips near the end, it feels like the time has been too short.
Pico da Bandeira, Brazil's third biggest mountain Peak- with the staff and other volunteers of Iracambi.
Describe a typical day in the life of your program.
Breakfast with all the volunteers and the staff who ate breakfast. Then working together with one of the staff members. I often went to harvest coffee at the ecological coffee plantation.
Then we eat together lunch at the home restaurant there. Afterwards we chilled and worked again for a short time. Once a week there were people who came from a local school where I always helped or I did some marketing stuff or helped in the plant nursery.
In the afternoon we used to drink coffee together and afterwards I could do whatever I liked. I often went to the waterfalls or on a little hike. In the night we ate together again and played afterwards cards or played guitar and sang.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
Normally I left Iracambi on the weekends to go to a city nearby, and I would go to bars and parties. Or I went hiking on mountains, bathing in natural pools, or climbing on rocks. Sometimes I also traveled further to some beautiful cities or mountains which are here in the region. Just a three hour ride away is the third biggest peak in Brazil, for example, and in less than five hours you can reach the beautiful sea.
What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?
I was hosted in the main house at the center, which is a charming seventy year old farmer house with four dorm rooms, a common room, and a small kitchen. I loved living there. You are always in the heart of the action.
The best thing was that the windows don't have any glass, so when you wake up in the morning and you open the shutters, you look directly into nature and hear the most beautiful bird sounds. If you like to go on retreats, there are also cabins which are more comfortable because you have your own bathroom and it is warmer - but in my opinion, it is also less fun.
Bioconstruction- Building a house at a neighbours of Iracambi
What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?
You should be definitely a nature lover. You live in the middle of nowhere and the next shop is about 12 km away. But it is so nice to have less to consume and more nature, which leads to more appreciation of what you have at home.
Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?
I became more aware of subjects such as sustainability, farming, and the environment. I try to consume less and produce less waste. And I eat more regional vegetables.
Would you recommend Amigos de Iracambi to others? Why?
Yes. Iracambi is not perfect, but every person who visits is welcome and changes a little bit. It is very interesting how the NGO works and it feels good to be a part of an engaged team, which you can support through this program.
