I really enjoyed working at the Lake Dewar Discovery Camp in Myrniong Australia. I learned how to speak infront of groups and definitely improved my english skills. The work itself was also fun especially in summer. I think one of the best things in this Camp is the Staff. I gained so many friends and experienced a lot besides of work. The only „bad“ things are that you definitely need your own car you have to share your bedroom and you definitely need to use your own money. There are many cheap cars to buy in Australia and sharing a room was never a problem to me. I‘m also pretty shure that we got told all of those things before. All in all was this an amazing year that i will never forget. I learned and experienced so many new things and I am very grateful. I would definitely recomend doing something like this to everyone.

I liked my placement in the school because I was allowed to use the different facilities and Materials from the school too. This way I have started jewellery making, glasswork and Pottery in the schools artroom, did some woodwork with a laser cutter and started playing Ice Hockey with equipment I could borrow from the schools Hockey team:)

Im having a good time! spending time here in New Zealand is just amazing I’m having lots of fun doing activities. Lots of hikes and camping around the North Island. My placement is quite cool we are having really nice groups over here which makes work even better We are also doing a lot of stuff around camp like hunting or sports which is really cool. Some small confrontations here and there. But otherwise a really good time overall.

For the past 10 months, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to live in the beautiful city of Żywiec. Located in the heart of the southern Polish mountains, this town is known not only for its brewery, scenic lake, and delicious highlander cheese, but also for its remarkable high school: Zespół Szkół Mechaniczno-Elektrycznych. If you’re wondering how to pronounce that—congratulations! That’s exactly how I felt before coming here. But after 10 months of practice, not only can I now confidently say the name of my placement but have even reached a communicative level of Polish. Sometimes I still surprise myself by actually understanding the conversations around me.

As a language assistant, I primarily worked in English classes. I helped students prepare for their matura exams, built vocabulary, played games, and—my favorite part—had one-on-one conversations with my students in English.

Thanks to my coordinating teacher Asia and my two wonderful host families, I experienced Polish hospitality at its finest. Celebrating traditions on Christmas Eve, Easter, and national holidays, skiing and hiking in the nearby mountains, and visiting stunning cities and the Polish seaside were definite highlights of my time here. But what truly made this experience unique were the small moments: making silly jokes with my younger host siblings (being the “big sister” was a first for me), walking the dog, or chatting with students in the hallway.

I also really enjoyed meeting up with the two other volunteers who were working in different parts of Poland—sharing stories, laughs, and experiences was always fun.

I’ve learned a lot—about myself, about the power of communication, and about what it feels like to not understand anything at first, which has made me more tolerant and open-minded. But perhaps my most unexpected personal growth? Learning to love black tea. I used to hate it, but during those cold Polish winter days and boredom in the teachers’ room, I slowly got used to it. Now, I have to admit: nothing beats a good, hot cup of czarna herbata.

My experience working with children at PACCAR has changed my life and perspective. It’s taught me to strive to ensure everyone enjoys every second of the activities. To be honest, I learned to appreciate every single laugh and smile because we make a difference in children’s live. Also, being surrounded by nature pushes you to be more active and always on the move. Volunteering opened my mind and gave me the opportunity to travel throughout Europe and the UK. I can tell you it wasn’t easy, sometimes you really need to face your fears and push your limits in ways you’ve never experienced before, but every sacrifice has a reward and recognition in the end. Finally, this experience will give you lifelong friends around the world that you’ll never forget. I think we need to remember that that’s the whole point, to experience and connect with people, even if you grew up in different worlds and with different cultures, traditions and even languages. The love you feel around you and with other volunteers with always lingers in your heart. Thank you all. Thank to PACCAR. Most importantly thanks to the gappers 2024-2025.

I personally went from volunteering in schools in Spain to scout camps in the uk; from travelling alone in this world to forced to live with strangers

It’s been the greatest transition in my adventure of this world, I have loved every moment.

Scout camp volunteer has its high and lows but some of the best rewards, like strong work ethic, the closest friends you will ever make and strange but useful skill sets.

I can easily say the past year of working hard have taught and given me the best lesson and memories.

I am leaving my camp teary eyes with a full heart and full head of knowledge.

I would and will recommend this program and PACCAR to anyone willing and interested in hands on and big adventures

Thank you Paccar

Leaving my comfort zone and my home country wasn’t easy, but it’s something I would recommend a thousand times over, to every young person in their 18s.

It’s simply an experience that changes you from the moment you arrive in a new country; it’s like a fresh start for six months.

I haven’t stopped learning since I arrived, and getting to know new cultures and people is amazing.

I took a gap year before university to do something different that would change me. I wanted to experience independence, managing my money, cooking every day, keeping my space clean, moving alone. Nothing seemed better than challenging myself to try something new, halfway across the world.

I am volunteering in an outdoor camp, I have been in Blackwell Adventure for three months now and I am very lucky to have this Team. Staff members are amazing people that are used to welcoming people from other countries, they have become real friends to me.

My year in New Zealand has been great. I worked 9 months as an Intern at the YMCA Kaitoke Outdoors Education Camp. I met so many cool people, experienced New Zealand and its culture, got better in English and made friends for life.

Even though I’ve liked almost every single second there were struggles and some issuers. This is why I called it climbing Mount Taranaki. Cause climbing is not just fun and great views. But after all the pain, walking and exhaustion there gonna be a great view and a huge feeling of proudness afterwards. And this is how I feel about my year.

From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with open arms by both students, staff and my program manager alike. I never felt hesitation to reach out to the school, teachers, my boss or Mili in any regards, be it for advice, companionship or physical assistance. The warmth and hospitality of the Argentine people made settling in incredibly easy, within a few weeks faces became familiar and familiar faces became friends.

The work itself is deeply rewarding. Assisting with lessons gave me the chance to witness students grow in confidence and curiosity, and I was often amazed by their empathy and effort to communicate despite the language barrier. The bonds I have formed with the children is something I will truly hold onto and remember fondly for the rest of my life. I collaborated closely with dedicated teachers who valued my input, included me in activities and encouraged me to take on more responsibilities. The experience also allowed me to learn about the Argentine education system and the world of teaching in general. These insights prove priceless! The school itself offers many benefits and is always working to promote your best interests.

In terms of accommodation, the host mother is lovely and caring! However, it can sometimes be difficult to manage dynamics within the house. I do feel it should be mentioned that you may end up sharing a room, that there is an “unofficial curfew” with her having to arm the alarm, you contribute to paying for basic household items and there is no iron. Lastly, possibly consider accommodation which is closer to Nordelta campus or make volunteers aware of the longer commute, in saying this the bus transfer provided is amazing! My point being, just make volunteers aware of what to expect in all aspects to avoid any miscommunications. These are, truly, meniscal details but I would’ve preferred to know these things so as to expect them and plan/act accordingly.

In a similar vein, if NVW could provide volunteers with a better outline of expected expenses while living abroad it may be helpful. For someone such as myself, who was straight out of high school, and thus admittedly naive, knowing about things such as the cost of data, a sube card or basic groceries would’ve proved helpfully in order to budget. Furthermore, I was very confused about rent and medical insurance until only later piecing together that it is covered by the school, thus making this immediately clear would be helpful.

But ultimately, this role is perfect for anyone passionate about education, languages, and cultural exchange. It not only makes a meaningful impact on students’ lives but also fosters incredible personal growth. I would wholeheartedly recommend volunteering in Argentina to anyone looking for a transformative experience filled with connection, learning, and adventure. Argentina isn’t just a destination—it’s a place that stays with you.

I was placed in a small town in the Castilla y Léon, called Faramontanos de Tábara, and it is a community dynamic that I don’t believe exists anywhere in the world. Not many people in my town and surroundings speak English so it was a full immersion into the Spanish language as well as lifestyle.

I wouldn’t trade my time in Spain for anything. The schools are wonderful to work with and there’s nothing quite like getting to experience the family and tight knit community atmosphere in Spain. Overall the most rewarding experience of my life thus far and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity provided to me by NVW. I will forever think of the town as “my town” and have made lifelong connections.