What inspired you to go abroad?
I love traveling abroad to discover new countries, new people, and cultures. I have already traveled abroad in the past, but not for an extensive period of 7 weeks as I did now.
I was curious to explore a new way of traveling by staying at a local host family, which allows full immersion in the community and culture.
Why did you choose Beyond Travels?
The Indigenous Plant Medicine & Ethnobotany internship of Beyond Travels aligned perfectly with my interests. I followed basic herbalism courses in my home country, and I wanted to explore medicinal plant usage in other countries.
This, together with my desire to travel to South America and love for discovering new cultures and people, led me to choose this specific program.
Me working on an inventory document to map the use of indigenous medicinal plants.
What was your favorite part about Ecuador?
The internship took place in San Louis, a small village near Archidona in Ecuador. I loved the rural area where our host family's house was located, far away from busy places. I enjoyed the surrounding sounds of nature, birds, and animals.
Also, it was nice that the house was located next to a bus stop. So I had the opportunity to visit nearby villages to explore them.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
It is extraordinary how the organization was able to shape the project to fit it even more with some of my personal interests and goals. They provided local contacts and arranged meetings with people working in my fields of interest.
Besides, their weekly organized excursions to local organizations or families were super interesting and educational.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
We had an amazing project manager who was available 24/7 for any questions or concerns. She herself lives in Tena and assisted us once per week during a planned excursion to help translate Spanish information and connect well with the volunteers.
In addition to this excursion, we had a weekly personal meeting with her to discuss any concerns or personal goals related to the project. It is truly amazing how the local staff supported us. This ensured that I felt very safe during my whole stay.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I would not have done anything differently. I'm very happy with the choices I have made, and the people I have met. I'm grateful for all the opportunities I got and grabbed them with both hands.
This led to the truly amazing experience I had abroad. I did not have any bad experiences that I wished to change.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
A "typical day" did not really exist. I had the feeling that every day was a small adventure.
My internship covered many different activities, from helping the host family to harvest food and discovering medicinal plants in their 'chakra' forest system, to helping with preparing natural cosmetic products and going on excursions.
The only certainty every day was that I woke up quite early (around 7h, or earlier if we were going to the chakra).
Some natural cosmetic products that I have made during my internship.
What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?
During my free time abroad, I enjoyed the moments with the host family. I loved playing with the children or helping with cooking. Further, it was nice to hang around in the surrounding villages once in a while.
I made an artisanal 'chikra' bag that locals use to collect food from the chakra or just as a handbag.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I stayed in a basic yet beautiful hut in the host family's garden. The hut was made of wood and bamboo. My room contained a small desk and a few wooden cabinets for storing clothes and other items.
There was a small sanitary building (including a toilet and shower) near our rooms. The family provided toilet paper or anything we asked for.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
This program offers a full immersion in the local community and culture. You need to be ready to open your mind and heart to their way of life and thinking, and be flexible.
Days are not structured (as in most European countries), and plans can change drastically. Furthermore, depending on the host family where you stay, there might be power outages and problems with water supply and mobile connection. Although this never resulted in drastic problems.
Would you recommend Beyond Travels to others? Why?
Yes, 100%. I had a truly amazing time abroad thanks to the organization that puts a lot of effort into shaping the program to personal interests. They went far above my expectations by offering incredible service, assistance, and guidance to make the most out of your experience. They are genuinely committed to every volunteer.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
In my opinion, traveling abroad offers many benefits. It allows you to discover new places, people, and cultures and to broaden your horizon and mindset.
Furthermore, it strengthens your personal development and independence, helps you to discover what is truly meaningful in life, and to put trivialities into perspective.
Me together with my host family and another volunteer.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
I will not go home immediately after my internship. I will travel around Ecuador for an additional 5 weeks before going home. My stay abroad with the host family provided me with valuable personal insights and reminded me of the important things in life.
My stay abroad might also impact future decisions related to my personal career.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel means traveling to fulfill a certain goal. This can be a personal goal to strengthen self-development or personal skills, or a more 'shared goal' that benefits multiple people (e.g. volunteering work).
I think it is super important that you keep your eyes and heart open for local experiences, people, and activities and that you try to support them.
