Arlyn in her classroom!

While on sabbatical from teaching, Arlyn volunteered in Nepal for one week. She is thrilled she had the opportunity and tells more of her story below.

Meet Arlyn, a seasoned teaching professional who recently won a week-long quest through United Planet while attending a local neighborhood auction.  Arlyn is no stranger to traveling and has been fortunate to have visited many countries during her career.

“I’m a very service-oriented person and I’d been thinking about doing a volunteer service trip for some time. With a lifelong interest in education around the world, the opportunity to teach English in Nepal was thrilling. When this opportunity came up, I jumped at the chance.”

Happy students playing outside the school

Packed and ready to go, she set off on her adventure.  Arlyn’s initial impressions of Nepal were through the plane’s window as she stared wide-eyed at the some of the highest peaks in the world.  Once on the ground, she marveled at the colorful clothing of the people she saw, was tickled to see monkeys wandering here and there, and amazed by the massive traffic congestion on the streets.

Cars, motor scooters, trucks and tractors lugging cargo all fought for space on narrow, one way roads often no wider than alleys.

The constant honking, gridlock and pollution was a shock to someone who thought she had seen chaotic roads in other countries. On her first day in Nepal’s capital city of Kathmandu, she was eager to begin her adventure but anxiously wondered what everything would be like. Would she like her home stay? Would the food upset her stomach? What would teaching really be like? As she finally got settled into her home stay, she found she was able to relax and enjoy the beautiful moments of Nepal each day.

“Teaching for 6 days in Kathmandu was a wonderfully rewarding experience,” said Arlyn, “although it certainly had its challenges. Education is happening there; it’s just not built out to the capacity one would hope.”

The school, where Arlyn taught, was founded by a local visionary named Uttam Sanjel, who is working hard to provide a decent, affordable education to poverty-stricken children throughout Nepal. Because she arrived in Nepal as a seasoned traveler, she wasn’t as shocked by what she saw yet was still saddened by the poverty, pollution and lack of basic supplies available at the school.

The school rooms were filled with many benches on dirt floors. They were positioned in front of long, thin tables illuminated only by the light coming in through the lattice and spaces between bamboo walls. A few light bulbs hung strategically to illuminate the darkest corners. A blackboard, eraser and small pieces of chalk were all that functioned as teaching materials. Some content-area books did exist, yet they weren’t culturally relevant and often contained vocabulary that was too advanced for the students. On the narrow benches sat forty-five to sixty-seven uniform-clad students crammed so closely together there was hardly room to stand – as is customary- when called on to speak. Because of the sheer number of students in one room, it was very difficult for teachers to learn everyone’s names – thus they sometimes resorted to calling out numbers to identify them.

A typical interaction between student and teacher went something like ‘Student #42, what did you have for an answer to this homework question?’ The school was not able to supply typical items such as papers and pencils, computers or photo copiers. No gym or cafeteria, no rooms other than the school rooms themselves. There was no running water, other than a tap at the school’s entrance. Students had to bring their own pens and sometimes had to share. If one ran dry or broke, it became very stressful for the kids. Basic supplies are clearly a valued commodity and not easily replaceable.

“I thought about all the extra pens I have laying around my house and I couldn’t believe I didn’t bring a whole bag of them” she said while recalling the poverty stricken country. Despite the difficult conditions, her students were so eager to learn and happy to come to school every day. The children rejoiced as they were taught songs such as “You are my sunshine” and the “Hokey Pokey.”

They were enthusiastic and immensely grateful for everything Arlyn taught during her forty-five minute classes. When asked if they wanted to learn about American holidays, they enthusiastically shouted “Yes”! The myriad of questions they asked about America both warmed Arlyn’s heart and saddened her, knowing they have so little access to the wider world.

Students working hard in class

It did take some time for Arlyn to get used to certain aspects of life at the school.  For example, when everyone in the modest teacher’s room was finished eating lunch, they would throw their garbage in a corner on the floor, rather than use a wastebasket.

At the end of the day someone would come and clean it up, leaving a litter-free floor the next day. While this was an odd, foreign practice to Arlyn, she knew littering was very normal for the Nepalese people. She also mentioned the standard fare students ate for lunch included dry ramen noodles, and if they were among the lucky,their parents would bring them hot pails of food.

When the weather was nice, children would eat outside and then play together in the bare, open space. There were no aspects typical to a western playground such as slides or swings, just dirt and open air. Yet knowing no differently, the children still found joy in the simple art of play.

When asked what biggest teaching challenge Arlyn faced at the volunteer project site, she replied the noise level made teaching and learning incredibly difficult. Not only did she have to strain to hear individual students as they spoke, but the thin bamboo walls allowed her to hear neighboring classes loud and clear, along with children playing outside and the typical pattern of low-flying planes overhead. Trying to focus on one noise at a time proved difficult and frustrating. Speaking loudly enough for students to hear left Arlyn with a tired, raspy voice by day’s end. Needless to say, this was quite a different educational experience than in America.

Hindu temple in Kathmandu

It wasn’t all hard work though. During her time in Nepal, Arlyn was able to take advantage of several cultural excursions and time off. She saw Mount Everest, visited an organic farm, explored local shops, and enjoyed walks through neighborhoods, observing Nepalese people in their daily life.

One highlight was her visit to the biggest Hindu temple in Kathmandu.  She felt deeply moved when she had the opportunity to observe the sacred ritual of cremation over funeral pyres at the Ganges River.  “I was breathless, struck by the life that was over and the ritual that has sustained itself for millennia” she said.

Arlyn felt lucky that she was able to return to a nice family in a comfortable home each evening. Her home stay family lived in a house with running water and western toilets, for which she was grateful. She found the family very accommodating and they even offered Arlyn the first floor where they slept, so she wouldn’t have to travel up and down the stairs to her guest room.

She was also able to get to know the family’s children and extended family. Typical to many Nepalese households, the extended family lived together, separated by different floors. Brothers, sisters and grandparents all shared the house, living peacefully among bells, prayer and the thick smell of incense. There were some adjustments however.

“I never had a hot shower while I was there, and the electricity was frequently cut off for hours at a time, but I adapted” said Arlyn. Overall, she was very happy with her home-stay placement and understood the reality that her daily life in Nepal would look very different than in America.

Young Nepalese child

Arlyn’s biggest accomplishment while in Nepal? Because the tiny, under-stocked library at the school wasn’t open to students, she suggested that the teacher assign each child a trip to the local library at least once per month.

“I hope the teacher follows through – a library can open the world to them.”

Arlyn only spent 6 days teaching, but feels she gained just as much as she gave. The trip of a lifetime she called it, that everyone should have the opportunity to take.

Nice piece from the UN about value and joy of volunteering.

Enjoy the day! We honor and cherish our volunteers, and all volunteers, all over the world. When you give of yourself, you build a better world — step by step, day by day.

And then there’s this.

Alison spent the first 5 weeks of her Quest at a women's shelter. The women --some as young as 13 -- learn vital skills such as sewing, and have a safe environment for their children

Alison spent eight weeks in Peru, in July and August of 2011, working in a women’s shelter and an animal rehabilitation center, while also immersing herself in Peruvian culture.

Alison recently stopped into the United Planet office, regaling the Team with several photos of her trip and tales of her travels.

Her first volunteer project was at a women’s shelter. Challenging at times, work at the shelter was ultimately rewarding; she built relationships with many of the girls there over her five-week placement.

The girls were often victims of sexual and domestic abuse, and they had a hard time opening up to Alison at first: “I think because I was so tall and white, they were scared of me. But by the time I left, some of the girls would cry at me to pick them up.” The center teaches the women – some of them mothers as young as thirteen – some vital skills, such as sewing and making crafts.

She especially liked the animal shelter, where she spent three weeks taking care of disabled critters who had been rescued from cruelties such as trafficking and abuse. She and another United Planet volunteer took a liking to many of the animals, and enjoyed the daily routine. “We had a blast cleaning animal cages, feeding animals, giving tours in English, painting, and cleaning trash out of the river,” she explained.  “It was great to be outside all day and I felt that the work we were doing was really making a difference.”

The animal sanctuary cares for endangered and abused animals. Someone removed the tail feathers of this bird, likely for jewelry, and left it unable to fly -- and to survive in the wild.

While in Peru, Alison was also able to refine her Spanish. “I gained such better Spanish skills and it ended up being one of the best things I took away from the trip,” she said in the survey she took upon her return to America.

Other aspects of her time: she describes her host family as warm and loving, and taking great care of her every need; and perhaps the best part of her stay. “I loved my host family so much; they are so so nice.”

During her 8 weeks, Alison enjoying several memorable excursions, including "one of the best days of my life" doing white water rafting and ziplining.

And she enjoyed several great excursions and activities: white water rafting, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, salsa dance class, cooking class, weaving class, Quechua lesson, ziplining – and more. “I’ll never forget the thrill of white-water rafting, it was one of the best days of my life.”

“I believe when volunteering in a foreign country, nothing is going to go exactly as you have in mind,” she recognized. “I take the challenges as part of the experience. Overall, my volunteer experience was great ; I learned a lot and hopefully made a difference.”

"So so nice," Alison says of her host family in Cusco, Peru

Machu Picchu!

Mongolia public school students visited the U.S. State Department in November as part of their exchange program.

We were delighted to welcome the group of Mongolian high school students and teachers to Boston this past month–they brought amazing energy and enthusiasm into our city, our office, and the homes of 14 lucky host families. Now they’re continuing the program in Washington D.C.–their smiles and flashing cameras will be missed! Lots more photos on Flickr.

Last Tuesday we hosted a celebratory event for this wonderful exchange program.  It was held at the Villa Victoria Center for the Arts, in the charming South End neighborhood of Boston.  The program was arranged so that we could all hear more about the program and the exciting experiences the group has had.

Dave with Dr. Yu-Lan Lin, Senior Program Director for World Languages

First we heard from Dave Santulli, executive director of United Planet, who expressed his gratitude, on behalf of United Planet, to be able to facilitate such a unique exchange program.

“How better for two such different cultures to get to know and understand each other? I am so thrilled to meet the students, teachers, families, and sponsors who’ve worked so hard to pull this program together. And who are now experiencing the joy of living and eating and laughing in each others’ lives. Great young people, truly emerging leaders, who will take these bonds forward with them as they grow into global citizens.”

Helen Smith at the event at Villa Victoria

We also had the pleasure of hearing from Helen Smith, executive director of the New England Press Association, who has many years of experience as a teacher and a journalist, including teaching journalism to kids and teachers in the former Soviet Union.

She has worked in Hungary, Romania, Republic of Georgia, Armenia and especially Kyrgyzstan, and studied Russian for six years at Newton North in Massachusetts.

On Tuesday, Helen spoke about her time teaching the Mongolian students.  She gave a lesson about how to conduct a proper interview, and assigned the students a project to interview their host families, (read some of the interviews here!) She also spoke about the importance of a free press in a Democratic society.

Hanging out with his host brother, best buddies!

It was also wonderful to hear from one of the host families; they talked about what a joy hosting the Mongolian student has been and how close of a bond they had already formed with their host-son.   They also expressed their happiness with the program and the amazing opportunity to experience a new culture and share their home with such a wonderful and grateful exchange student.

A few students and a teacher from the Boston Public School trip who traveled to Mongolia in July spoke about the trip and what it meant to them–they shared some cool pictures too, such as planking in the Gobi Desert!

Some Mongolian Spirit to end a great night!

The Mongolian students each spoke about their favorite part of the trip and most of them gushed about how much they loved getting to know their host families! We also heard from the Mongolian Educational Alliance representative, the group who had facilitated the exchange in Mongolia back in July.

Finally Aqueela, a representative from iEARN in New York City, spoke on behalf of iEARN as well as the State Department.

Overall it was a great evening–a wonderful way to see the amazing work that both groups of students have accomplished.  Thanks to everyone involved!! If you’d like to read the blog written by the Mongolian students, please click here!

More information about the exchange program:

The project is a program of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. It is being managed and implemented by United Planet (based in Boston, MA) and iEARN (International Education and Resource Network).

Over the past nine years, United Planet has worked with local communities all over the world to find meaningful work for volunteer travelers; and has placed thousands of volunteers in those communities to live and work – for periods ranging from a week to a year. United Planet is the U.S. and Canadian member of the International Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE) Federation, founded in 1949.

About iEARN

iEARN was launched in 1988 as a pilot project between the US and former USSR to demonstrate that students could use emerging new technologies to work together on meaningful educational projects that enhance the quality of life on the planet. It is iEARN’s vision that if students start working together globally from the earliest ages (5-19), they will learn better through experiential interaction with peers in other countries and learn that the world’s issues can be resolved by collaborative solutions. iEARN has grown to become the world’s largest educational network for project-based learning, with programs in more than 130 countries.

iEARN-USA was awarded the 2003 Goldman Sachs Foundation Prize for Excellence in International Education and is a 2004 Tech Museum Laureate winner for “technology benefiting humanity.” Please visit www.iearn.org and www.us.iearn.org or e-mail: iearn@us.iearn.org iEARN-USA is based in New York City.

About MEA

The Mongolian Education Alliance is an independent non-governmental organization established in July 2004 as a successor to the education program or the former Mongolian Foundation for Open Society. Th mission of MEA is to strengthen and sustain the network of local and international partners that contribute to open society values such as transparency, accountability, participation, equal access in the Mongolian education sector; identify underserved areas of educational reform; and initiate projects supporting reform in teacher development, student center learning, and community involvement. MEA is the officially designated iEARN representative for Mongolia.

About ECA

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State fosters mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries to promote friendly, and peaceful relations, as mandated by the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961.

ECA accomplishes its mission through a range of programs based on the benefits of mutual understanding, international educational and cultural exchange, and leadership development. We engage youth, students, educators, artists, athletes, and rising leaders in many fields in the United States and more than 160 countries through academic, cultural, sports, and professional exchanges. Striving to reflect the diversity of the United States and global society, ECA programs, funding, and other activities encourage the involvement of American and international participants from traditionally underrepresented groups, including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities.

ECA exchange program alumni encompass over 1 million people around the world, including more than 50 Nobel Laureates and over 350 current and former heads of state and government.

Lilyanne, posing for a recent post on her well-known fashion blog, "Bleed For Fashion"

Meet Lilyanne, a fashion blogger from Vancouver with an edgy style and a passion for life.  I had the chance to catch up with Lilyanne about her recent Quest to Nepal.

It was great to hear about her trip—the people she met, the places she saw, the independence she gained—the list goes on.  Here are some of the highlights as well as a few pictures from her 4 week long journey.

According to the “about me” section of her incredibly popular blog, “Bleed For Fashion,” Lilyanne describes herself as, “Vancouver-based, Calgary-raised. Dreamer. Inspiration seeker. A wall that so few can hurdle across.”

She certainly took a trip outside her comfort zone while traveling to Nepal, and the “dreamer and inspiration seeker” portion of her personality was put to the test.

Considering this was her first time traveling independently to a foreign country, there were obviously aspects that took some getting used to, but all in all her trip was a success.

She remarked, “Overall it was really great.  There was a lot to get used to, but given the chance to stay longer I would’ve, and I’m determined to go back.”

Lilyanne’s first major adjustment was to the capital city of Kathmandu where she spent the majority of her 4 week trip.

A View of Prayer Flags in Kathmandu

She said the traffic and congestion was overwhelming at first; not surprising as it is the largest metropolitan in the country, and has nearly one million inhabitants.

After a week or so she was able to embrace the intensity of the city, and by the end of the four weeks she said, “I was able to see quite a bit–nothing really shocked me anymore.”

Another adjustment Lilyanne faced head-on was at the orphanage where she volunteered.  She quickly realized that the approach to schedules and following a routine is a bit different in Nepal than what she’s used to back home.

“It was up to me to schedule how much time I wanted to spend at the orphanage. It’s a very different structure; you have to be creative and think on the spot.  My priority was at the children’s home, and I tried to give everyone equal attention.”

One of adorable orphan children, Rajeshwori

There were 28 children at the orphanage she worked at and about 4 other volunteers who overlapped with her time there.  She made the most of her time by splitting the children into smaller groups so no one was left out.

Lilyanne was constantly impressed by the incredible children at the orphanage, explaining, “they’re amazing children! So smart– and they all have their own personalities.”

She recounted one of her most memorable experiences in Nepal, an experience that happened to combine her love for shoes with the joy and beauty of volunteering. During her days at the shelter, she couldn’t help but notice that many of the children didn’t have proper footwear—and some didn’t have shoes at all.

She and another amazing volunteer at the shelter decided to take the 28 children to a shoe store downtown and bought them each a new pair of shoes.

Shoe shopping!

As you can imagine, it meant the world to each of the young kids.  Lilyanne recalled happily, “to see their faces light up for something we so easily take for granted really warmed my heart.  For the first time in my life I really felt like I was doing something right.”

Another major adjustment she faced during her Quest was being without a set support system of family and friends.

“In a foreign country you can only rely on yourself.  I learned a lot about myself, and definitely became a more independent person.”

Throughout her time she also learned to lean on the staff and friends she made at the orphanage, remarking, “by the end I was so sad to leave; I made relationships with people that now feel like family.”

Her host family was incredible and had a huge impact on her trip. They made the transition into foreign life comfortable, loving, and exciting.

I could almost hear her beaming through the phone as she gushed, “I couldn’t have been happier with the family I was placed with.  I clicked with my host mother immediately—she spoke almost perfect English.” Laughing, she continued, “I’m also Vietnamese, and my host mother and I actually looked alike!  I was often mistaken as a local.”

Lilyanne also easily bonded with her host sister, and they were even able to spend time together at the orphanage during a holiday while her host-sister was on vacation from school.

Lilyanne and her host-sister on the last day at the orphanage

Though most of her time and energy was spent at the orphanage, she was also able to enjoy the culture and beauty of Nepal.

She got to go to some of the main Buddhist and Hindu temples around Kathmandu, and even witness an eye-opening live cremation at a Hindu temple.

She said it was fascinating to explore the beautiful temples, especially since religion is such a major part of the culture and heritage of Nepal in general.

During Dashain, “the most auspicious festival in the Nepalese annual calendar,” she found time to travel to Pokhara, the third largest city in Nepal.

Beautiful Pokhara

She shared with her many followers in one recent post,

“I had the chance to be rid of the crowds, noise and pollution of Kathmandu and leave for higher ground for a couple of days. Located 200 km west of Kathmandu, Pokhara is the third largest city in Nepal.

Surrounded by beautiful peaks of the Himalayas, luscious green forests and the magnificent Phewa Tal lake, Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty and for some R&R.”

Her trip only raised her spirits further as she found more and more to love about the country of Nepal.

Lilyanne had an amazing trip and made a deep and meaningful impression on the people she met.  Here’s some advice she had to share—what a great approach to life she has!

“Go in with open heart and mind. In the beginning I struggled. I needed to remind myself this was my decision—I made it on my own—I had to just tell myself what I’m doing is for a purpose and I need to embrace it and live in the moment.  Remember: Stay humble and give back. You never know when you’re changing someone’s life, or saving it.”

A mother and daughter in Thimi

Thanks, Lilyanne, from all of us at United Planet. You made a meaningful impact on the lives of so many deserving children, and you’ll surely be remembered every time they look down at their feet!

If you’re interested in volunteering abroad in Nepal, here’s some more information about United Planet Quests, and how you can get involved in over 40 countries around the world! For more highlights from Lilyanne’s trip, including pictures and videos, be sure to check out her blog!

Our Grand Prize Winner is Andi Enns,who wrote a wonderful piece about her experience in Uganda and how it influenced her to raise money for a Ugandan village upon her return home. Here’s an excerpt from her piece…

“I went back to my room at the hotel we were staying at and stared at the blinking cursor on my computer screen, trying to figure out how I was going to tell the story. I felt dizzy as I thought of way after way that I could help the village myself. Maybe I could sell my jeans and my laptop, and that would help. My iPod? My luggage? I realized in that moment that I would give up everything – from my laptop to my coffee addiction to my mascara – if only that little boy and his family could have some clean water.

There’s a simple word in Uganda that means a lot, “kyambura,” meaning “I have searched, and I have prayed, and that is all that I can do.” I had my own kyambura moment that day – I had searched and prayed for answers, but that was all I could do.

So I pulled out my voice recorder and pulled every conversation I had had that day off of it. And I edited a radio story that contained my heart and soul. My voice was all I had.

When I came home, the piece played on the local NPR station. The community responded, and now my university is trying to raise enough money to give a Ugandan village a well.”

Justin Lebron is our winner for the Photography portion of the contest, who traveled to India with United Planet and captured a great photo as he was driving out of the village on his last day. Justin hopes to join the Peace Corps after college.

They will miss him!

Kathryn Murphy is our winner for Video, who captured her experience in Quito, where she taught for four weeks. Kathryn traveled to Peru with United Planet following her trip to Ecuador.

Kathryn’s video of children dancing to the beat in Ecuador!

These students love to dance!

Honorable Mention goes to Sarah Daniel, who traveled to Nepal and snapped a shot of a breathtaking view from the Himalayas, as a woman trekked with her woven basket.

What a view!

Congratulations to all! We are looking forward to next year’s contest!

This is a warm-hearted couple from the U.S. who just finished a volunteering tour in Chile. They enjoyed home stays, mining tours, sharing with students, and so much more.  We love our volunteers!

Mary with homestay Maggie Diaz, at their apartment entrance

United Planet volunteers, Craig and Mary Noke, a retired couple from California, flew into Santiago after four days of sightseeing in Peru, including  Machu Picchu.  Their three week teaching assistant/CAP quest in Chile included two weeks in Santiago and their final week in Viña del Mar.

In Santiago they quickly felt “at home” in the large, comfortable apartment of Maggie Diaz, a gregarious, warm-hearted widow.

In Viña del Mar they were welcomed into the home of a couple of engaging journalists, Karen and Marcelo, and their three young children.   The fact that Karen is Maggie’s niece made their homestay transition easy.

The logistics were also easy as UP’s coordinator took them to the Santiago bus station and two hours later Karen was waiting for them at the  Viña del Mar bus station.

Speaking to Guillermo Fernandez, 4th grade students at boys school

During  their first week, Craig and Mary made CAP talks to engineering students in  business English classes at Universidad de los Andes, as well as, to a group of seniors at a community center.

Their second week was spent helping Chilean English teachers at a girls school (grades one to twelve) in a populous section of Santiago known as La Florida.

One day they developed a special presentation on different kinds of music which was very well received by their students.

Another day they were invited to make CAP talks at one of Chile’s top private schools, and finished that day by giving a presentation before the school’s 90 teachers.

On the weekend, they took an all-day bus tour high up into the Andes Mountains, to El Teniente, the world’s largest underground copper mine, and Sewell, an abandoned mining town.

Tour of Copper Mine. Inside the world’s largest underground copper mine

Craig later commented that, as a fan of processes, he especially enjoyed watching how a huge rock crusher operated inside the mine.

Another day the UP coordinator took them on a walking tour of historic downtown Santiago that included such landmarks as the Plaza de las Armas, the Cathedral, Santiago’s Stock Market, and the Moneda.

During their last week the Nokes gave CAP talks to English classes at a technical college of 5,000 students in Viña del Mar. They later commented that they could not believe how warmly they had been welcomed by the teachers there. They also spent an enjoyable day touring the Port of Valparaiso with its picturesque hills, and visiting the home of Chilean poet, Pablo Neruda.

The day before leaving Chile, they sat down with the UP coordinator to explain why they considered their Chile quest such a fantastic experience. They loved both their homestay families.  They had received a warm welcome by the Chilean English teachers at all the schools they visited.

They enjoyed their classes with both high school and university students, especially the interest shown by students in their CAP presentations.  They liked answering the student’s sometimes unexpected questions.

Mary teaching a classroom of students

Their advice to future volunteers was simple and along those same lines.  They say you have to learn to expect the unexpected. They are also convinced that sharing their life experiences, as they did for three weeks with Chilean students and the new Chilean friends they made, was valuable for everyone.

We were inspired by the memories they shared and touched by the impact  on everyone involved… Don’t worry, the program will run again this summer so you can get involved with China Summer Program 2012!

“It might be hard at first getting used to conditions, but it’s really a wonderful and rewarding experience. Also, you should show the students that you actually want to be there teaching because it makes them a lot more enthusiastic about learning.” –Joyce Sun

_______________________________________________

Some of the volunteers and students exploring during free time

What a great way to spend three weeks! Volunteers traveled from the U.S. and from other regions in China to this lovely and remote village. They stayed in a schoolhouse and taught English and environmental studies to local Chinese students during their summer vacation.  

When they arrived in China they were touched to be greeted by a welcoming committee of students all cheering, playing musical instruments, and beyond thrilled to invite the volunteers into their program.

About 2 weeks into the program, we had the chance to check in on some of the volunteers.  The group was enthusiastic as they talked about the culture, the students, and what it was like to teach for the first time in another language.

Perfecting the art of teaching

Each of the American volunteers, including the leader of the group, Anne, had some personal connection to China.  Anne, who is 23 years old, has been traveling from her home in Boston, MA to China for the past four years to take part in this program; Carianne from Pittsburg is half-Chinese, but didn’t speak any Chinese before her trip this summer; Ross from New Jersey speaks Chinese–just to name a few.

The volunteers from America were all excited to learn more about the Chinese culture and language, but none of them expected to enjoy teaching as much as they did. It definitely helped that the students involved in their classes were all excited for the summer program; one of the students in Grade 6 wrote:

“Our happiest time of course is summer vacation! Because during summer vacation, we have China Summer! Because we have China Summer, we are able to develop our abilities. When we are at Chinna Summer, we study very happily, and in our studies we meet teachers from many places.”

A happy classroom

Once the volunteers got past the first day jitters, they each found the joy in connecting with their students. One volunteer who didn’t speak any Chinese struggled the first couple days and didn’t feel like she was making any progress.  By the third day, however, she was excited to notice her students working on their commands and greetings–all things she’d been trying to get them to understand. She said at that moment she realized “oh wow, I finally connected with my students!”

Another volunteer, Katie, explained: “I learned a lot about the Chinese culture and also found that establishing a connection with the students was extremely important. With this connection, the students and I were able to get along nicely!”

One of the volunteers from China, Huang-Cheng, talked about his idea to teach students how to make balloon animals using a “how-to” video downloaded on his cell phone. He laughed as he said the kids learned how to make the balloon dog faster than him.  Some of the other activities the teachers incorporated beyond the classroom included board games including chess, checkers, cards; basketball and other sports; arts such as painting and drawing; and most importantly, any form of exercise between classes to get out extra energy!

Bonding with some students

Volunteers had the unique opportunity to travel with some students from their classes to their homes in and around Haojiping. Julian Mu said of his visit to his student’s home: “my five hour walk to the home visit not only made me realize how out of shape I was, but also the obstacles the students have to overcome, just to learn. It made me understand how easy I have it in comparison.”

Volunteer Katie Li remarked that her home visit was one of the most memorable moments of the entire program for her:

“I will never forget the images I saw at their house and the amount of awards that Yang Qiao Hong (her student) has received despite everything she has been through. It is truly inspiring how determined she is and how much her family loves her.”

Each of the volunteers seemed to agree that the best part of the program was bonding with the kids and the other volunteers.  Julian explained, “Volunteering with the group that I volunteered with definitely added to the experience, and I know that even after volunteering, we will always be very good friends.”

Teacher Ross helping students

Katie Li felt the same, explaining, “Not only were the students I taught amazing, the other volunteers I met were just as great. This program has given me memories that will last a lifetime and friends that I will continue to stay in contact with.”

Julian remarked on the program and the joy of volunteering in general  in his evaluation survey:

“Just knowing that you have made a difference, no matter what size, in someone’s life is really an experience that everyone must have. Volunteering was great not only because of what I’ve accomplished, but also how the program changed me. I feel more confident and useful now in my school and life because of the volunteer work. The friendships made were also fantastic. Overall, this was possibly one of the best times I’ve had in my life and if I had to do it again, I would do it in a heartbeat.”

Beautiful view on a hike during their free time

We’ll leave you with some advice for future volunteers…

“Go crazy. Just go all out and have the most fun you could have. Don’t be afraid to be judged or don’t be reserved, because that takes away a lot from the experience.” –Julian Mu

“Future volunteers should show their enthusiasm by spending time with their students, not only in class, but outside of class too. The students love to learn about new games and they like personal stories as well.” –Katie Li

“Set a good example for students. Realize it’s a different culture and adapt. Don’t be negative about anything and see things positively. Interact with students outside of class.” –Carianne Lee

Thanks to all our volunteers, we love hearing about the amazing impact you have…

Find out more information about China Summer Program 2012 and how you can get involved!

We hosted a wonderful webinar featuring
Ms. Chie Goto, United Planet Japan Country Manager.
She discussed her travels meeting and helping the thousands of survivors, many of whom remain homeless; and let us know how we can get involved.

Friday, September 30, 2011  |  6pm EST; 3pm PST

If you would like to arrange a meeting with or a presentation by Ms. Goto while she is in the U.S., please let us know also.

Email jessica@unitedplanet.org

From 9/16/2011: “Relax. Be patient. You have more time.”

Ghana Bound!!

If you ever find yourself venturing around Ghana, those are the three things you will need to remember. But I’ll get to that a little later.

I want to write everything, tell you all of my experiences so far, but I have to accept that it would be impossible to do that. I think this post will have to be separated into short blurbs.

-I arrived in Accra Tuesday afternoon, was picked up by Sheila, an ICYE worker, and with some apprehension, jumped in a taxi to wherever I was being taken. Accra traffic is scary, to say the least.

-I’m staying in a hostel with 21 other volunteers as we go through a week of orientation. Being the only American, it’s been quite a cultural experience so far. The others are from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Finland, and Sweden.

I definitely have it easiest when it comes to the Ghanaian English accent. The others know English, some better than the rest, but they have a very hard time understanding. Not in a mean way, but it’s interesting to watch them struggle.

Hostel for orientation week

They switch back and forth between their own languages and English to help each other understand. I don’t remember what it’s like to sit in the same room with everyone speaking English anymore.

-White people are ‘Oburoni’. Oburoni means white. White means rich (to them).

The men on the street come up, put their arm around you, attempt to make friends (sometimes more than friends), and will then try to sell you something.

-All my stressful preparation is paying off. Other volunteers are coming to me for things they need (good thing I brought a little extra of everything). I brought out UNO one night as well. Each country had some different rules, so we had fun making it up as we went.

-We started our intensive Twi language courses today. It’s…intense.

Drinking water in a bag

-I’m actually never too hot. I think good ol’ psychotic Minnesota weather is to thank for that.

-Now back to the title of this blog. We volunteers have been told numerous times that the hardest part of this adventure is already done.

We made the decision to move to Ghana.

William (the head guy here) says, “If you make it to Ghana, there is nothing you can’t do”.

He says that everything will come in its own time. I’m here for 6 months, there’s no rush to figure it all out. Just “relax” and “be patient”.

-Girl Worth Fighting For, from Mulan, has been stuck in my head for 3 days.

“When you travel you experience, in a very practical way, the act of rebirth. You confront completely new situations, the day passes more slowly, and on most journeys you don’t even understand the language the people speak….You begin to be more accessible to others, because they may be able to help you in difficult situations.”

——————————————————————————–

From 9/18/2011: “Naa Adwoa Shika”

Naming ceremony

That ^ is my Ghanaian name. Yesterday, we held a semi-traditional naming ceremony for all the volunteers.

Traditionally, after a Ghanaian woman gives birth, they keep the baby inside the house for 7 days.

On the 8th day, they perform an “outdooring”, and officially name the baby. The libation process is kinda complex, it involves dipping fingers into spirit alcohol and water, and placing symbolic drops in the baby’s mouth.

All the while, an elder wishes good morals and truth upon the baby. In the Akan culture, the first name is based on the day the baby was born (mine being Adwoa-monday).

Documenting all the new names

The second name is sometimes after an important family member/friend or it can be a name that means something good. Sampson, our Twi teacher who performed this whole ceremony, gave me Shika.

It means I bring wealth to wherever I go, I have a beautiful spirit, and I should have many many children. “2 children in 3 months” as Sampson joked. He’s a funny guy.

Our ceremony was minus the drops of liquid. Instead, we drank out of glasses. And let me tell you, 43% alcohol content was not my cup of tea…