What words would you use to describe your experience in Sri Lanka?

Game changer! It’s a wonderful combination of volunteering and do something good, touristy stuff and experience authentic Sri Lankan life and people. You can feel, how much Richard [VoluntEars Director] loves the country and what he is doing. It was more than a vacation for me, for which I’m particularly thankful, given my reasons for this trip! 

How do you think you benefitted from the experience? 

I feel like it contributed to my recovery and I managed to get something good out of my hand-story and I don’t feel like a victim so much anymore. It will also look good on my CV. I found a new hobby (BSL) too. And of course all the training in soft skills that always happens when being with a group of people for so long and when delving into a new culture. 

What did you learn? 

I learned the sign for “posh toilet” and “hot”. 

What did you like about the VoluntEars programme?

The combination of volunteering and sightseeing. 

What did VoluntEars do well?

We were always well taken care of and never left alone. Richard was always helpful, way more than one can expect. 

How can VoluntEars improve?

Stay the way you are 🙂 

What countries would you like to visit in the future?

Nepal.

What’s the best time of year for you to travel abroad?

Any, if I return to my last job, it would be the semester break (August, September and February, March).

What was your funniest or most memorable experience?

Funniest: Emma calling the Tuktuk they overtook “losers” and then noticing it wasn’t one of ours. Most memorable: turtles released to the ocean.