Alumni Interview with Sharifa Sharida

What inspired you to travel abroad? 

I wanted to use my knowledge to benefit others, because it is a waste if I only keep it for myself! 

Why did you choose Volunteer and Work with Women in Morocco with International Volunteer HQ? 

I wanted to volunteer in Morocco, but I wanted to work with adults—whether male or female. 

Qasab Alwalayah, a historical area of Morocco

What was your favorite part about Morocco? 

My favorite part about Morocco was all the historical sites.

Tell us about your favorite historical site that you visited in Morocco. 

Well, since I only visited Rabat I only saw a few, and I believe there are more to see in other cities. Chellah was my favorite because it has history from the Roman Era and Arab-Andalusian history as well.

What surprised you the most about Morocco?

I had a time-travel feeling there. It is a mixture of present and past. It is also affordable—everything is offered for a low price! Morocco is friendly, and the country is safe for a solo female traveler like myself. Plus, I like that their trains run on time! 

What made your experience abroad extraordinary? 

My experience was extraordinary because it was well-organized from the IVHQ side, and the local team support was very helpful. I was also proud of my ability to take responsibility for myself. 

How did the local program staff support you throughout your program? 

They provided me with a proper orientation and were available to support me 24/7.

What was volunteer orientation like?

IVHQ provided me with full details about Morocco, their culture, and their daily life. Although I am an Arab, I come from a different environment and culture, so the orientation was so helpful and informative. 

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad? 

I wish I had stayed for a longer time so I could achieve more. 

Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like. 

I would wake up at 8:30 a.m. and have breakfast at my homestay. After, I walked to my placement, which started at 10:00 a.m. and went until 1:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. I would enjoy my time the rest of the day and visit tourist areas until 7:30 p.m. 

What kind of projects did you work on while volunteering?

Officially, my project was in women’s education, but I worked with both males and females. I was supposed to teach them English, but I had only a short period to work with them in developing their own strategy. They wanted to learn English to keep them motivated in enriching their minds, to play an important role in developing their country, and to have an impact in positive global change. For example, one of them is a medical doctor and her mission is to do research to find a cure for some diseases; learning English will allow her to read and understand previous medical research that was conducted in English. 

Exploring the streets in Morocco

What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad? 

I enjoyed visiting all the historical sites. 

What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it? 

I lived in a homestay with a Morrocan family in Qasab Alwalayah, and they really did make me feel like I was at home. I learned a lot about their lives, beliefs, food, and culture. I was also so excited because Qasabh Alwadayah is a historical place and related to the Andalusian era. A homestay is a perfect choice for cultural exchange!  

What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins? 

Planning for each class is so important. People are smart and willing to learn, and you should reward them with the proper preparation. They will appreciate your effort.

Would you recommend International Volunteer HQ to others? Why? 

Definitely! They properly organized my whole trip; I would always volunteer through their platform. 

What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is? 

It is an opportunity for cultural exchange, making new friends, and investing your knowledge. You can teach and learn at the same time. You can also become more open-minded, flexible, and enhance your capacity for tolerance. 

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

It has made me more active and willing to contribute to making the world a better place to live in. 

What does meaningful travel mean to you? 

Meaningful travel is when I feel like I have enjoyed my time, exchanged knowledge, and supported others.