September 2012
Isabelle Kraus
Position
Overall Rating:
I AM SO PLEASED WITH MY EXPERIENCE! I learned SO much...about Chile, children in general, troubled children, poverty, the effects of childhood abuse and neglect, etc. (...the list goes on!) I am still in shock about the fact this experience was MINE - it seems surreal!
Did you feel like you made a difference?:
Sometimes no, but more often YES. I formed strong relationships with many of the children I worked with and I believe my presence in their life made a positive impact.
Organization and communication:
Very organized! This organization is very similar to a study abroad program, but instead of taking classes you are working full-time with at-risk children
Accommodation:
I found and paid for my own accommodation because I wanted to live with locals
Safety:
Emails warning me about unauthorized protests near my apartment, a text (from the Executive Director of VE) making sure I was okay after an earthquake, etc...
I am so thankful for my experience volunteering in Chile through VE-Global. I am still in shock that it's over... it's a little difficult for me to write this review. I highly suggest VE to anybody who wants to spend some serious time volunteering rather than be just another foreign face wearing a cool tee-shirt that says "volunteer". VE provides you with the support and guidance you need in order to feel safe and comfortable volunteering abroad, but gives you the freedom and independence you need in order to become a part of the institution you are serving rather than just another face linked to a larger organization. I like to think of VE as a home for volunteers who initially wanted to go off completely on their own and volunteer somewhere, but realized this scenario wasn’t exactly realistic or safe. VE sends volunteers to small institutions where you get that experience of being "on our own" while not actually being on our own. Please contact me if you have any questions!