Lieke in Argentina

My story

My time in South America really was an experience I will never forget. At first I found speaking Spanish a bit daunting, but spending so much time with the children meant I kept getting better at the language. Despite the language differences you could really build a bond with them, and that made the work much more enjoyable.

You can also get away yourself and see other parts of the country or of South America. I spent a few days in Rio de Janeiro. I went hang gliding there!!! Really exciting and so cool. I also spent a few days at Iguazu Falls with two others. I saw so many beautiful places and animals there and had some amazing experiences. From the nature and the culture to the food and the atmosphere: everything was completely different from home, and that’s exactly what made it so special.

During my time in Argentina, together with other volunteers, I also made lots of Argentinian friends. Because of that I didn’t just see the well-known places, but also got to know a completely different side of the country. We went to their homes, ate together and really experienced how differently they live. We built a strong bond with them. That made the experience even more personal and special for me.

I also made friends from all sorts of different countries, which led to lots of lovely memories and fun times together. One of the highlights was that I even saw Lionel Messi play football, something that I, not even a huge football fan, will never forget. This trip didn’t just teach me a lot, it also gave me memories I’ll carry with me forever.

What advice would you like to give future interns and volunteers?

Step out of your comfort zone and grab every opportunity that comes your way. You don’t just learn a lot about the work, but also about yourself. Make memories, be curious and enjoy every experience you have there