Experience:
Organisation:
Name: Rachel
Hometown: Horley, Surrey
Destination: Salvador, Brazil
Project type: General teaching assistant
Organisation: Cross Cultural Solutions
What were your impressions of your destination?
I absolutely loved Salvador. I thought that the culture was so intriguing and the people were so welcoming. It is a beautiful, happy place to be. The traditions and festivals are wonderful and I only wished that I was out there at a time when I could have been part of it.
Was the work interesting and challenging?
I actually found the work very challenging. Although it was only a teaching assistant role, I found that the language barrier made it very difficult to feel like I was helping. I loved the children that I was working with and although they were facing life with such limited resources, they were so happy and welcoming that it truly moved me.
What was your accommodation like? Did you feel comfortable and welcome at all times?
The homebase was perfect for our needs. The people that ran it were some of the most kind people I have ever met. Although the facilities were basic we did not need much more. The food was gorgeous and we were never hungry. I felt vey comfortable there.
Were you happy with the organisation and the staff that were responsible for you during your stay?
Yes I felt very safe with the staff that were responsible for me throughout my stay- they were very approachable. Every activity that I took part in was well organised and there was advice at hand for activities that were not part of the CCS programme. Overall I have no complaints about organisation.
Do you feel that you got value for money on the project?
I do not regret taking part in my trip to Brazil but I did find that overall it was very expensive. I would pay it again but I would have liked to have gone for perhaps longer if it had not been so expensive.
Would you recommend the project to others?
Yes
