You are originally from México. What sparked your interest in working for Projects Abroad?
Mexico is actually one of the countries where Projects Abroad works in. The company is involved with a variety of local organizations where international volunteers come to help, including schools, hospitals, and several NGOs. I love the fact that people from all around the world are interested in coming to Mexico to help our most underprivileged people and learn about our culture. This spirit of cultural exchange and international community is what originally sparked my interest to work for Projects Abroad.
How has traveling abroad shaped your own life and prepare you for your current role?
Travelling, exploring new cultures, and getting to know people from different backgrounds has helped me understand that as different as we may seem on the outside, we all have much more in common than we may realize. These international experiences have prepared me for my current role as I know the challenges that come with travelling abroad, but I also know all the rewards that come with it, and I am happy to share my experience with future volunteers.
Describe a typical day of work for you.
I help future volunteers get ready for their project, whether it is by email, phone call, or even video calls. We have a wide set of projects to choose from in 30 different destinations, so sometimes it’s hard to figure out which is the best option for you. I help future volunteers find the perfect project for them considering their age, interests, availability, and budget.
What is the most challenging part about being a program advisor?
We have such a huge variety of programs it’s sometimes challenging to keep up. We offer Volunteer Projects, Internships, High School Specials, Alternative Spring Breaks, Winter Break Trips, Grown Up Specials, Projects for Professionals, etc. and all in 30 different destinations! Additionally, we are constantly adding new projects and innovating on the existing projects, so it adds up to hundreds of customizable options for our volunteers. This allows us to have the perfect project for every volunteer, so it’s an exciting challenge to always find the perfect match!
How do you ensure each participant has everything set up to have a successful and happy placement experience?
We are in constant communication with our staff in-country so we make sure that we meet all the expectations of our volunteers. Our Volunteer Advisors are also in constant communication with the volunteers after they have applied, to make sure that they know every detail about their trip before they even leave the country.
What is the most frequently asked question you receive?
Volunteers are frequently curious about what kind of credentials they need to be able to join. This is an easy question really, as most of our projects don’t require any previous experience or local language skills. We are mostly looking for enthusiastic volunteers who are passionate about the journey they are about to embark on.
What is your best piece of advice for incoming participants?
Have an open mind! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, so make sure you make the most out of it. Ask every single question that comes to mind during your project, get out of your comfort zone, get close to the people you are helping. Try their food, visit their markets, live like a local! This is an experience you will never forget.
Why is volunteering with Projects Abroad unique from volunteering with other organizations?
The support we offer our volunteers is unparalleled. Our local staff, which we employ directly, are always available for our volunteers, and more importantly, they are happy to help. They always go that extra mile to make sure every single volunteer is happy and comfortable.
The variety and flexibility of our programs is also unique, as we offer hundreds of projects in 30 different destinations, and they are all available year round, so volunteers can choose their own start date and duration.
Finally, we are the first volunteering organisation to put time, effort and resources into seriously measuring our impact. Each month we collect information about the impact that our volunteers have had in each project in every destination. This allows us to measure our progress and work towards specific goals in the short and long term, enabling us to have a true impact in the communities where we work.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
What I enjoy the most is making people happy, and yes, sometimes even making dreams come true! Volunteers are so happy when they find the perfect program for them, one where they can use their unique talents and skills and learn some more, while helping other people and exploring beautiful countries. I also know how truly grateful the local people are for the help they receive from volunteers. I am very proud to be part of it.
