Alumni Interview with Rebecca Marston

What inspired you to go abroad?

I study English and Spanish and needed to spend the third year abroad (in a Spanish-speaking country) as part of my degree program.

Why did you choose SKIP?

I had been to Spain several times, but never South America, so I was keen to spend my year abroad there. I found a review of SKIP on a website which was then called 'thirdyearabroad' and it really appealed to me from the description. I followed the link to SKIP's website and applied to a vacancy for Creative Arts Leader. I had run an arts and crafts club for children during my second year at university, so this role seemed to suit me perfectly.

What was your favorite part about Peru?

The kind-hearted, open nature of the people I came into contact with. Shopping in the local market was always a warming experience as the sellers were so friendly and made time for a conversation. Even walking down the street I was living on, I would be greeted by some of the doormen as I walked past in the morning.

What made your experience abroad unique?

The people I had the pleasure of living and working with. I met individuals from all over the world, from very different backgrounds, and with completely different experiences to share. Getting to know them and sharing nine months with them is what made the experience unforgettable.

How did local staff support you throughout your program?

The Education Coordinator at SKIP is the most kind-hearted person I have ever met to this day. She was very good at helping me to resolve any issues I had in my role and I found her staff meetings incredibly inspirational. Although she does not speak much English, she would talk to us in such a way that even those with very little Spanish did not have much difficulty in understanding her and there would always be an interpreter present to clear up any misunderstandings.

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?

I wish I had made more of an effort to make friends with locals.

Describe a typical day in the life of your program.

On most days of the week I would spend the morning at home planning my classes. I would get to our designated meeting point for 2:00 p.m. from which all of the volunteers on shift at SKIP that afternoon would take a 15 minute taxi ride. I would have about 10 minutes to set up my classroom and then I would go to the main door of the building to collect my first group. I'd have three classes to teach (each session lasting an hour) and then I would tidy up the classroom and leave the building with the other volunteers to take a taxi home again.

What did you enjoy doing in your free time?

I used to take dance, spin, and other exercise classes at the gym. I enjoyed hanging out with the other volunteers, cooking or watching films together. I also liked going to the nearby beach town on the weekends.

What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?

I lived in an apartment which I shared with other volunteers. I liked the location of it as we were within walking distance of the city center, the supermarket, and the market. The buses were also pretty regular and there were always plenty of taxis circulating where we lived.

What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?

Every participant needs to be prepared to be flexible and understand that they may need to get involved with other parts of the program that they did not necessarily sign up for.

Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?

It has enabled me to become more confident in myself and has encouraged me to aim higher in my life goals.

Would you recommend SKIP to others? Why?

I would definitely recommend the program to others because it gives you the opportunity to develop new skills, open your mind to new ideas, and grow as a person, all while helping others to do the same.