Experience:
Organisation:
Name: Jonathan
Hometown: Brentwood, Essex
Destination: South Africa
Project type: Working in schools
Organisation: Gap Activity Projects (now called Lattitude)
What were your impressions of your destination?
South Africa was not my first choice of destination, but my placement in New Zealand fell through, and I was offered a place in South Africa. I immediately fell in love with South Africa, the people and the scenery. South Africa is a truly amazing country, and I managed to see all aspects of society whilst on my placement.
Was the work interesting and challenging?
The work was at times mundane, and I questioned it several times. However the majority of the work was brilliant. Coaching cricket and rugby to the kids at the school was an eye opener for me. Every day was a new challenge, and it really tested me. Which was what I wanted!
What was your accommodation like? Did you feel comfortable and welcome at all times?
As I was the first ever volunteer at the placement, we were learning from each other. At the beginning I was banded around from place to place, which was not very nice at all. But I was eventually left in the care of a great elderly couple who really treated me as a member of their family. I had excellent accommodation, and it helped me get more involved with the local community, actually living and breathing it!
Were you happy with the organisation and the staff that were responsible for you during your stay?
I was not too impressed with my project manager, mainly because I had no contact with him at all. But the staff in England were always there to help me, and filled me with confidence for what I was doing.
Do you feel that you got value for money on the project?
I definitely got value for money. I cannot put a price on what my gap year did to my confidence and personality.
Would you recommend the project to others?
Yes
