Under 18's Cultural Immersion Program - Life Changing!

When I departed on my U18's service learning trip, I was extremely nervous. Don't get me wrong, I was excited, but the idea of travelling all alone to a country I had never been to before was very daunting. However, upon arrival in Thailand I was greeted by some of the warmest people I have ever met. The staff were lovely, and I immediately felt safe and secure. But more than that, I immediately bonded with all of the other people on my trip. Most people had traveled alone, thus everyone was super friendly and eager to mingle. After some skill training sessions and educational lessons, we began the service aspect of our trip. During my week in Ban Nam Khem, I had the extraordinary opportunity to help out with various tasks at the sea turtle head-start program, aide in small construction projects at a local school, and participate in multiple beach clean up initiatives. The second week of my trip was considered an 'adventure week' in which we were expertly guided throughout breathtakingly beautiful sights and towns, whilst still preforming some volunteer work such as beach clean ups. Ultimately, the two weeks I spent in Thailand were genuinely life changing. Not only was I able to acquire new skills in teamwork, independence and volunteerism, I was also able to meet some of my now closest friends and enjoy some of the most beautiful sights in the whole world. Thank you so much to GVI for this incredible experience. I can't wait to meet you again somewhere else in this world!