Ireland

Going abroad was hands down the best decision I ever made! I studied abroad in Dublin, Ireland at Griffith College from January 2018-March 2018. The experiences I had throughout those four months are unforgettable and will absolutely last a life time. I'm so thankful for ASA in helping me throughout the whole application process. It was easy and fool proof. The other best part of ASA were the excursions included in our tuition. We were able to not just experience Dublin as a whole, but also other parts of Ireland. We were so lucky to have our amazing on-site director, Olwyn, there to help and guide us through it all. Dublin is the most charming city and Ireland is quite the place to call home for a few months. No language barrier, incredible culture and the friendliest people you will ever meet. Not a day goes by where I don't reflect on my experience and trust me when I say you will absolutely never regret it!

I volunteered with GHTA for 3 weeks in April 2017 and enjoyed every minute of my time there. My only regret was that I couldn't stay longer as I really feel like volunteers are truly valued in the programme and I would have liked to spend more time with the students and graduates. My main role was teaching English, and, in addition to this I was given the amazing task of helping a group of graduates with a cooperative that they set up together.

For the teaching aspect, I was given a predefined curriculum to work from - this really allowed me to hit the ground running and pick up exactly where the last volunteer left off. I was then able to add to my lessons to include personal elements that could enhance the students learning. I'm a graphic designer by trade so I incorporated a lot of visual tools to increase the student's learning experience.

For the cooperative aspect, I worked with 3 amazing women who graduated from the programme and went on to set up their own business selling clothing and jewellery in their own shop. I was able to use my design and marketing skills to help them to promote their business and teach them to continue to do so after I left. This involved pulling together promotional materials and enhancing their shop displays in addition to helping them to network with printers/suppliers in person and online. The latter through training them how to use a computer in a local internet cafe and setting up a business email address for them so they could use on their business cards.

The whole experience I had was so humbling and I got to work with the most amazing students and graduates who were all so appreciative of the time I was spending with them. It was a true honour to work with GHTA and I really hope to return. I would truly recommend this programme as not only does it set a path for the women of Moshi it also provides an after study support for the women who have gained the confidence to take their lives to the next level of independence.

For someone who'd never properly left Ireland before, going to Madagascar for 5 weeks was a huge decision but I can happily say it was a great decision.
Between the beautiful surroundings, amazing staff and breathtaking wildlife there's honestly no where else id rather have gone.
From the time I stepped into camp to the time I left I've never felt so welcomed.
The staff on camp were not only super helpful but they really do their best to make sure you get everything you want out of your trip.
I couldn't be any happier with how my trip went and I'd go back in a heartbeat if I had the chance.

I volunteered with Sankalp on the work and travel programme, which was a month long. Arriving was a huge culture shock but thanks to the orientation that Amita gave us my worries were soon gone.

The house is very basic. I shared a room with three other people. Two meals a day, by Puni, who is an amazing cook! I'll definitely miss the food!

I was extremely fortunate to volunteer both in the orphanage, for two weeks, and the street kids, for one week. It was dream to teach English to the street kids but I grew to love the orphanage more and more every day.

It's safe to say that I was quite terrified to start volunteering in the orphanage, but seeing the love each and every one of those kids have towards you was so heart warming! I am so lucky to have experienced those two weeks with them. Each one so beautiful, intelligent and so full of life! They made me smile every day and I looked forward to seeing them every morning. It was heartbreaking to say goodbye but hopefully I'll be back in the future to see them again.

Working with the street kids was a challenge but so rewarding. I was teaching a class of four children. I was so surprised how eager they were to learn and how amazing their attendance was. They were great kids, so intelligent and made me laugh every single day!

The travelling was great, very well organised and I really enjoyed every trip I've been on. We got to visited so many places and each place more beautiful then the next.

It's safe to say I have enjoyed every minute in Sankalp. The work is so rewarding and such an experience. For the time I had here I've seen some amazing things and visited some wonderful places. I would highly recommend Sankalp! :)

I lived in Cork, Ireland for five months through API. I had a wonderful time! I loved the trips that API took us on, and the in-country leader was very approachable and friendly, and provided us with helpful tips & local recommendations. Our final trip was to Prague, Czech Republic, and I ended up moving there after college graduation. :) API helped to give me a great experience and support settling in. I feel like they helped to provide me with an authentic experience in Ireland, rather than a touristy view. We always stayed in nice places (including a 5-star hotel in Prague), but many of them were off the beaten path, and we always had input in where we went. I was so happy that I chose this program, as many of my friends were unhappy with theirs, and desired to go on our adventures! I would highly recommend API (and have) for anyone who wishes to study abroad.