Alumni Interview with Samantha Schmidt

What inspired you to go abroad?

I studied geography and Latin American studies and have always been very passionate about traveling and volunteering in South America.

Why did you choose Minga House Foundation?

Glen, the founder, was by far the most responsive and flexible person I had initially spoken to throughout my search for the right program. Minga House offers so many different options and really helped tailor potential volunteer opportunities for me even before my arrival.

What was your favorite part about Chinchina?

My favorite part about the town I volunteered in was Minga House. The people there really make you feel very welcome and it is a very easy place to become attached to. Colombia is an amazing place and Chinchina is right in the coffee region that is full of rich culture and lots of coffee!

What made your experience abroad unique?

I felt it was unique because coming in as an open volunteer, the program was unstructured and flexible in a very positive way. I gained so much confidence in teaching and speaking Spanish in just three weeks that I never imagined to have been able to do in such a short amount of time.

How did local staff support you throughout your program?

Glen was initially the person who really got me on board with his amazing attitude and willingness to work with my then confusing schedule. Dani then was the one to help me with other documents and logistics before I arrived and made it so simple and was amazingly helpful. She is also so great and became a really sweet friend. Stiven helped me immensely as well and organized my experience with the school I taught at and really was there for me to make sure everything went smoothly. The entire staff is phenomenal.

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

I wish I would have studied Spanish a lot more seriously before coming to Colombia. Colombians speak fast!!

Describe a typical day in the life of your program.

Students in Colombia go to school very early, so my day began around 5:30 a.m. in order to make it to school by 6:30 a.m. for my first lesson. I taught four one hour lessons in various classrooms in the morning then had lunch from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.. I would return to the school then teach four more lessons to another grade level from 1:00 - 5:30 p.m.. Lessons varied from vocabulary to grammar—I really tried to tailor each lesson to what that particular teacher was looking for. I would be home around 5:45 p.m. and would either make dinner or go out to eat with other volunteers!

What did you enjoy doing in your free time?

Traveling around Colombia either by bus or cheap Avianca flights!

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

The accommodation was everything we needed. Full size beds with as average of three to four volunteers to a room as different volunteers came in and out through their own programs. There was a full kitchen with appliances for volunteer use, and there was a grocery store right downstairs which was super convenient. Also, Minga House is right in the central part of the town, so it is close to pretty much everything!

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

Spanish. Minga House is very flexible with you to accommodate if you don’t speak Spanish, but it is just one thing I really wish I had more knowledge of during my time in Colombia.

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

It has impacted my life already in so many ways. It was my first experience really traveling alone and I really do realize all the positive benefits in doing so. I met so many amazing people that I may not have become as close to if I had traveled with friends. I am so much more confident in the classroom setting and in foreign situations where there are language barriers. I am also so confident in my career goals with international development now thanks to the program that Minga House was able to provide for me.

Would you recommend Minga House to others? Why?

Absolutely. I would recommend this program simply because I am already contemplating how soon I can go back. That is when you know it is amazing!