What inspired you to travel abroad?
I needed time off from work and life in Germany...so I decided to go abroad, traveling and volunteering!
Why did you choose Viva Tanzania?
I chose Viva Tanzania by coincidence. I was volunteering in Arusha and not happy with the situation. It was then that I found a post by Tizia Basener, the woman who runs Viva Tanzania in Arusha. She gave me the chance to volunteer at her place.
What was your favorite part about Tanzania?
My favorite part was the opportunity to stay at the host’s house and live with her family. I had a great time there and learned a lot about life and work in a Tanzanian city.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
My whole stay was extraordinary! The place I stayed in is located in a quiet area of Arusha. As this city is very noisy, I found an oasis in Nyumbani Hostel; it’s in a green and relaxed area of Arusha. I also explored the national parks nearby and did a safari, which is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I liked that the area surrounding Arusha is beautiful and easy to explore.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The staff showed me all the important places in town and supported me in all kinds of helpful ways, such as with buying a SIM card and getting cash from the bank. However, the best was when they took me to the fabric market to find a tailor to get some nice clothes.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I would have stayed longer!
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
I started the day at 8:00 a.m. After breakfast, the owner of Viva Tanzania and I made the daily plan for work. As I helped out in the hostel, I went there to work for a couple of hours together with the manager. In my free time I would just hang around and enjoy the atmosphere there, or I went to town to have a coffee or beer in the evening.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
I just enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere. As a German and super-efficient person, I learned to stay calm and wait.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
When you go abroad, you have to learn the local rules very quickly. We western people often think our life is the normal standard and the whole world has to follow our rules to be a successful society; that’s totally wrong. Going abroad means learning from other people and countries, so be respectful and kind!
Would you recommend Viva Tanzania to others? Why?
Absolutely. Tizia is such a super caring person. The program is well-organized and it’s good to have other volunteers around you.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
The biggest benefit is leaving your comfort zone! It’s stressful in the beginning, yes. However, after I challenged myself with a few things, I felt myself growing—and that’s something special. By traveling abroad, you benefit your whole life.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
I appreciate a lot of things more than before. Volunteering showed me how privileged I am as a white European. As I did before, I continue supporting local organisations in fighting racism.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel means being open to and curious about local life. I am a “slow traveler” and I try to stay longer at some places to experience the local life and inhale the atmosphere. It also means traveling without a checklist; wait and see what’s going, rather than running through countries and collecting the best places to see.
