Name: Emily

Hometown: Leeds

Destination: Taldy Korgan, Kazakhstan and Torfaen, Wales

Project type: Development

Organisation: VSO Global Xchange

What were your impressions of your destination?

Kazakhstan has a very interesting culture but also potentially very alien to young Brits. However since we were paired with a volunteer from Kazakhstan and lived in host homes we were integrated easily into the community. Similarly when the group (8 volunteers from the UK, 8 from Kazakhstan, 2 Project Supervisers) went to the UK to complete the second half of the programme we adopted the same set up. In some ways I found Wales more strange than Kazakhstan since the group lived in a rural community, with a lifestyle very different from at home in Leeds!

Was the work interesting and challenging?

The sheer variety of activities meant we were constantly challenged to think for ourselves and work with and for the good of the team. Not only were we assigned volunteer placements in the local community alongside a member of the Kazakh team, but we were also encouraged to organise social events to share our culture with the local community. Each living pair would also each week organise an Education Day for the rest of the group to learn more about an aspect of the local/national community. I could go on...the scope of this project is unlimited, each individual team have complete control over the activities they choose to do, and every Global Xchange experience will be unique.

What was your accommodation like? Did you feel comfortable and welcome at all times?

The host homes were carefully chosen but we were in no way cushioned from the realities of living in each culture. The aim of this project was to get a deep and real understanding of the people living in each community and becoming a member of a unique family. I forged close bonds with both my host families and enjoyed being mothered!

Were you happy with the organisation and the staff that were responsible for you during your stay?

The two project supervisers were very enthusiastic and understanding and became friends with the whole team. We also had chance to meet other members of the VSO organisation during 'pre-departure training' and 'in country/acclimatisation phases' they too were highly experienced and supportive.

Do you feel that you got value for money on the project?

Definitely! Unlike many organisations VSO does not ask extortionate prices but simply asks you to fundraise a little in order to show your commitment to the project. During your stay each volunteer is given the same amount of pocket money and thoroughly looked after by the organisation.

Would you recommend the project to others?

Yes