How did you discover VoluntEars?
University deaf teacher emailed me a leaflet about VoluntEars a long while ago!
Why did you join VoluntEars?
Had an amazing experience with VoluntEars in Sri Lanka and Nepal and I knew I would not be disappointed to join again, travelling to a new destination and reconnecting with the deaf community.
Why did you choose the Morocco trip?
It was a perfect ‘get-back-into-travelling’ trip now that pandemic is over. It was cheapest, which was perfect as there were still so many unknowns with Covid, and it was shortest – perfect duration for a getaway and a break from my busy PhD life! Plus the flight journey from UK did not take much time from a 4-day trip!
What were you looking forward to?
I was really looking forward to Everything!: taste the tagines, explore the new country I never been before or even hearing the phrase ‘your boarding pass and passport please’ after not being able to travel for so long! I was also very interested to collect some data in Morocco and do some research activities with the local deaf school students for my PhD work!
Were you worried about anything before the trip?
I was really worried about the language barrier at the school. My activity required some careful explanations so it took me a while to prepare some translated materials. In the end, none of these materials were needed as the interpreter was able to help. I was very impressed by his international sign language skills!
What words would you use to describe your experience in Morocco?
A perfect getaway
What was your funniest or most memorable experience ?
Seeing a dentist sitting out in an open square with many teeth on his table! That was so bizarre! Never seen anything like it before
What did you enjoy the most on the trip?
I can’t really choose a favourite moment! I genuinely enjoyed every single moment of the trip – exploring a new country, tasting different dishes, meeting locals and reconnecting with the deaf community.
How do you think you benefitted from the experience?
I got to practice my Level 1 BSL again with some volunteers from the group and I was really pleased that I did not forget too much! I also had a great experience in doing a study for my PhD in Morocco, diversifying my data collection!
What did you like about the VoluntEars trip?
It felt like the duration was perfect! It didn’t feel too short or too long, and felt like I was able to see everything and fully immerse in a new culture.
How could we make the trip better in the future?
I can’t really think of anything! Whatever it was that was missing or needed, VoluntEars always was able to consider it once mentioned!
I am really hoping to join VoluntEars to a Mount Everest trip!
