Experience:
Organisation:
Name: Rachel
Hometown: Stratford-on-Avon
Destination: Quebec, Canada
Project type: Teaching English
Organisation: Gap Activity Projects (now called Lattitude)
What were your impressions of your destination?
Erm, well I had a fantastic time, so I love the place! I had time to travel around in between camp seasons (2months for the snow to melt, and spring to start) so I got to see a fair bit of it, and had a week in August off so I went to New York. It's a varied country, and huge so although I saw bits of the west, it was completely different to Quebec. I was in a rural destination, which was great but I suppose it was really the people that made it. The main thing I noticed about canada was the impressive seasons, -40 in winter, + 35 in summer, everyone was out doing things whatever.
Was the work interesting and challenging?
The work was a challenge because of the language barrier, most of the kids were French speaking. My French did improve dramatically so that was great. I loved the variety of work between seasons, the activities changing, and the variety of groups.
What was your accommodation like? Did you feel comfortable and welcome at all times?
I lived on camp, which was remote, but the people were good to us and always gave us lifts, took us to montreal, invited us to theirs etc. It was self-catered, and shared bedrooms, everything we needed, kitchen etc even though we ate all our meals on camp (mainly inedible food though!)
Were you happy with the organisation and the staff that were responsible for you during your stay?
To be honest, I feel that GAP took a lot of money and did very little. I guess you pay for the contacts and having the job. I was paid while I was out there, whereas GAP is usually about volunteering, it was my manager's decision to pay us like everyone else. A GAP representative came and visited in July time which was nice. The staff actually on the camp though were the main support network, and were very helpful.
Do you feel that you got value for money on the project?
Probably not but I'd do it again, you get the reassurance of an established link rather than doing an ad-hoc application.
Would you recommend the project to others?
Yes, definitely.
