Simon in Saint Lucia

Participant

Simon

Programme

Volunteering

Country

🇱🇨 Saint Lucia

Duration

5 weeks

Short bio

I’m Simon, I’m 17 years old, and to make my gap year a good one I chose this trip to Saint Lucia

How satisfied were you with the support from Holland?

The support from Holland was really good. I could always ask a question and the reply was always quick and helpful. My parents were also able to call Ruben a few times, so they’d feel a bit less nervous about it all.
Even once you’re back in Holland, they’re still interested in your story and whether you had a good time.

My story

“Now that I’m back in Holland, I already miss it. Luckily a reunion is being organised and I’ll get to see everyone again.”

Simon · volunteering in Saint Lucia

I was in the first group to arrive this year, so everyone was new and still a bit nervous. Because we arrived on a Friday, we could go straight to the biggest street party on the island on the very first evening. That was great, because you get to know everyone properly straight away and open up more easily, so others get to know you better too. The street party also really helped us get used to the new time zone straight away, so we didn’t suffer from jet lag.

The next day we were given a tour of the nearest town centre, so we knew where to find everything and how the buses worked. Then on Monday the real volunteering began. We first had a short briefing and played the children’s games together ourselves, so everyone knew what to do. After that, everyone went with their own small group to the right school.

It was also reassuring to know that there was always someone with you and that you never had to be on your own. Besides the volunteering, you also had lots of free time. For example, I played with the lads from Valley Soccer once or twice a week. Even though I’ve never played football at a club myself, it was always a nice team and I never felt inferior to them, even if I was perhaps a bit less skilled.

Every Friday there was also a fun excursion. For example, we went ziplining through the rainforest. Even though I sometimes struggle with a fear of heights, this was a really great experience. My favourite excursions, though, were hiking the Pyton and the boat party.

Now that I’m back in Holland, I already miss it. Luckily a reunion is being organised and I’ll get to see everyone again in London.

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

Get a Revolut card. I didn’t, so I had to withdraw cash every time, which meant paying a lot in bank fees and on the exchange rate. You also run the risk every time of the ATM swallowing your card.