Why did you want to do volunteer work?
I decided to do volunteer work because after finishing high school, I wanted to take a gap year. I love travelling and helping people and animals, and because I didn’t want to spend the whole year working my part-time job, I chose to volunteer instead.

What did you learn?
I learned that the way we live is not something to take for granted. The people I saw in the village every day didn’t have much money to spend, yet they were happy and everyone seemed content. 

What did volunteering do for you?
Volunteer Worldwide gave me lots of information about the project, what I could do and what to expect. They acted as a middleman to make sure communication between me and the people in Indonesia ran smoothly, and they provided all the necessary paperwork.

What would you have liked to be different?
I don’t think I would have changed anything. I did have to shower with a bucket and a scoop, but otherwise I would have just stayed in an expensive hotel. It was good to step away from all the modern conveniences for a while.

Volunteer Worldwide offers a wide range of projects and provides excellent guidance before and during your stay abroad, all for a very reasonable price.

What was the most unusual experience during your volunteering?
Maybe not super unusual, but I found it really special that the keepers I worked with were always incredibly kind. I was often invited to their homes and treated to all kinds of food. I also went to play football with kids in other villages, and was even lent football boots. I even got to watch a Champions League match at someone’s house at half past two in the morning. I really didn’t expect everyone to be so open and welcoming.

Tips for new volunteers
My tip for new volunteers is: just buy a ticket to Indonesia and go with Volunteer Worldwide. It’s an amazing experience you’ll never forget, and you’re guaranteed an incredible time.

What role did Volunteer Worldwide play in making your internship or volunteer trip possible?
They acted as a great middleman to ensure that all communication with the project ran smoothly and that I received all my documents. It was also nice to get emails from Volunteer Worldwide during my stay in Indonesia checking if everything was going well and how I was doing.

In one sentence, why should people choose Volunteer Worldwide?
Volunteer Worldwide offers a wide range of projects and will guide you really well before and during your stay abroad, all for a very reasonable price.

- Jorren

Age: 20
Education/Work: Studying education.