World Explorers Program - English Language Volunteer Abroad

I learned so much during my time abroad and had fun doing it. My host family was wonderful and I got to meet so many new people. Overall, it was a great experience and one that I would definitely recommend others try.

After spending a month teaching intermediate English to a 10-year-old girl in Tashkent, I now believe Central Asia is a very misunderstood region. I truly appreciated the opportunity to experience Uzbek culture through teaching and living with a family. Learning about their daily life, eating meals with them, and being absorbed into their routine was eye-opening because I quickly realized I felt right at home. I had forgotten what it is like to feel valued, appreciated, and respected. My family took me under their wings right away, inviting me to a wedding, visiting their family in another city, and attending cultural events with them. The only way I knew how to reciprocate was to be my relaxed and happy self. I know I have gained friends for life. I didn’t want to leave Uzbekistan and could easily have stayed one more month.

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I had a wonderful experience with my Spanish host family. Living with them and becoming accustomed to their schedules and lifestyle was great cultural immersion, and I built relationships with my host family I hope to continue even after I return home. I do think that speaking the local language (in my case, Spanish), was a huge help as I was getting settled, and it let me engage more with my host family and their community. I also think the experience is very dependent on the host family you are matched with. My hosts included me in all of their activities and showed me nearby towns and attractions on the weekends, creating some of my favorite memories from my time abroad. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in the World Explorer's program!

Thanks to this program I was able to go to my dream country JAPAN. I had the best experience of my life because I lived with several families and I was able to live what they do daily. Thank you so much for this opportunity.

When embarking on the program, I was not expecting this would change my life, change who I was and am. The first two weeks were transitioning period, when I was trying to learn from the family and build my own infrastructure. I was meeting other foreigners and travel around city. I was able to set up a great working schedule for the Kids. My teacher background was definitely useful. My Host family showed me around and brought their relatives. I've actively learned local culture, traditions but at a pace that would allow me to write down my journey and just enjoy being present. Food journey was particular fascinating. I participated in a few culinary classes and that was absolutely amazing Two months passed by very quickly. I became a different person and hopefully changed the kids for the better. Their English improved as well too. We became very close friends. I will definitely be coming again to visit my Host Family.