Deanne is always looking ahead to her next volunteering adventure, wherever that may be. Volunteering combines her passion for travel and helping others at the same time.
I have volunteered with IVHQ twice before and both have been amazing experiences so it was an easy choice to choose them again. They are very helpful and will easily accommodate all your needs and special requirements. Their website is very informative and easy to look through and find what you are looking for.
Choosing the Philippines kindergarten teaching was an easy choice to make, the Philippines is beautiful, the people are great, and working with children is my happy place.
Sean at IVHQ Philippines was helpful with information regarding getting my Criminal Record Check done in time to leave Canada, and also in knowing what supplies I was able to bring to the school from home.
IVHQ's website has lots of pre-departure information so it makes it very easy to have everything you need all completed before you leave home for your adventure. All I had to do on my own was sign up and complete some forms and then follow their instructions, very simple.
I would tell my friends to just do it! Take a leap of faith and go for it! Be willing to step out of your comfort zone and live life like a local person would do.
Go with an open mind, don't compare your life in your country to your placement, all that will do is cause you to miss home instead of taking it all in and you will miss out on some great experiences. The time goes by really fast so do what you want to do and enjoy yourself.
An average day begins usually around 7:30 am (5:30 am if you want to see the sunrise on the beach) breakfast is served at 8:00 am in the kitchen and then your coordinator will take you to the school to begin your day. Teaching the Kinders is very challenging as they have very limited English and my Filipino wasn't the greatest either.
Although the day isn't very long, during the 4 hours of teaching time, the children really accept you and are very excited to have volunteers there. They really want to do a good job for you and try their hardest to earn a star on their work.
The program ends at 4:00 pm and dinner is served at 6:00 pm in the dining area. You are free to do whatever you would like to do. My favorite part was laying in the hammock relaxing with friends that I made while there.
Any traveler heading to the Philippines should expect some fun, sun, adventures and amazing life-changing experiences. The Philippines has amazing beaches that you should take the time to see and visit, it is also home to one of the 7 Wonders of the World, the Underground River.
Taking the time to experience your surroundings and meeting the locals that live in the village of Tigman will greater enhance your experience there.
Don't be afraid to try new things, including food, sleeping arrangements, and adventures, it is all part of living and living is the best way to have a great experience abroad.