Volunteer Logs
Bilyana Iliykova - Teaching in Buddhist Monasteries, Nepal
I went to Nepal to teach English at a Buddhist school in Pharping for about 5 weeks in Jul-Aug 2007. The project was well-run, even though there were not many teachers attending the classes, they told us we (me and the other volunteers) can teach whatever we like, we didn't have to follow any program or anything. They said that anything will do, will help the kids with the language and that's what we tried to do - make it interesting and useful at the same time. The school had a very nice library with many books and materials that we could aid our classes with. At first I was thinking to do some teaching at the public school as well, but I liked the monastery too much and I spent all my time there. We ended helping with many of the other classes as there was a lack of teachers in many other subjects too. I would definitely recommend it to others. For me it was a once in a life time experience. The difficulties I met In Nepal were more from cultural shock and the quite harsh impressions that the extreme poverty had made on me. In this respect it was nice that from the organisation had organised language course with a very sweet girl, who was also my guide for the first few days, so I had some company when i most needed it. What I liked most it was probably the whole atmosphere at the monastery, with all the boys that accepted us. I've made some friends there who I'm still in contact with. There are so pure and genuine in their relationship, it was something we could learn from them too.
Volunteer in Nepal - Teaching in Buddhist Monasteries
Thomas Grosset - GoEco volunteer in Nazareth, Israel 2009
My trip can be summed up in 3 dimensions that met on the same experience: visiting of the county of Israel, getting to know the culture differences and meeting people.
My volunteering was a good opportunity to visit deeply the Galilee Region as it is really easy to go somewhere with the bus in Israel and of course have a deep insight in the city of Nazareth. Moreover, I have been able to take days off to go to different places in Israel (Dead Sea, Jerusalem,...) and see how diverse the country was. This experience has enabled me to travel in a really easy and convenient way. If I should give a piece of advice, volunteers should keep some days at the end of their stay to travel around as it takes a lot of time to see all the spots of high interest. This proves how rich, interesting and beautiful the region is.
My experience was also about getting to know the cultural differences better. Indeed, Israel is full of people from different religions and different cultural backgrounds. This volunteering has enabled me to understand the cultural diversity of Israel. I have been able to talk to different people thanks to my stay in the Fauzi and try to understand what Israel is made of. Even if I came back with many uncertainties about the country, I know more and better about the people composing this puzzling region. Moreover, Nazareth is an Arabic city. You can then experience a different side of Israel that is off the beaten track. Indeed, the media often induce us to believe that Israel is only Jewish and the occupied territories are only Arabic. Nazareth proves the media wrong and makes you experience how much Israel is more complex than just 2 territories fighting.
Finally, my experience was also about meeting people. First, I met local people. Secondly, I met other international volunteers and tourists. I can say now that some have become friends. I met new people every day which is also a highlight of my trip. I tend to think that the people you meet on a trip are what make it unforgettable
To put it in a nutshell, I would say that this month and a half in Israel has been really fulfilling. It has also been a great opportunity to change my prejudice about the country and discover a land I want to go back to.
Volunteer in Nazareth
David Foskett - GoEco volunteer for Jerusalem biblical zoo project, Israel 2007
All in all, my experience this year has been amazing. Volunteering at the zoo has enabled me to come into contact with so many different animals, many of which I am fascinated by. Additionally my observations of the zoo as a neutral place where all Jerusalemites can come and visit has made me feel proud to have worked in such an environment where discrimination is non-existen
My experience has been safe, enlightening, and very enjoyable. Nepal has a very rewarding cultural environment. The initial culture shock is quickly turned into a sense of belonging. I have never once felt anything but at home and completely welcomed.
My experience has been safe, enlightening, and very enjoyable. Nepal has a very rewarding cultural environment. The initial culture shock is quickly turned into a sense of belonging. I have never once felt anything but at home and completely welcomed.
Volunteer in Jerusalem and help the Biblical zoo staff