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The following review was written excusively for VolunteeringInfo by a previous ISV volunteer. For more information about ISV, please see their organisation entry.
I participated with International Student Volunteers in the summer of 2007. I did my volunteer work in New Zealand. My program included two weeks of volunteering and two weeks of adventure travel.
The ISV experience is especially attractive because it combines volunteer work with adventure travel. Participants have the opportunity to see some of the world's most beautiful places, experience more activities than the average person does in a life time, and most importantly help revive a community through conservation and/or social aid. One can choose to participate anywhere from two weeks to three months and in one country or multiple countries.
My volunteer work was completed in the north island of New Zealand. The conservation work consisted of planting trees, weeding, clearing, trail-making, and releasing (which ensures that native plants survive). Other work included aiding local Maori people and learning about their culture and history. One day was also spent at Avalon, a unique organization that provides lasting jobs for those with disabilities. While volunteering I also learned about the people, plants, wildlife, culture and history of New Zealand. Volunteering days are full days. My days usually started after breakfast at around 7am and went to mid-late afternoon. Evenings were spent in group discussions, hiking, participating in sports, journal-writing, card-playing, or just hanging out.
I feel that my money was put to very good use. I was very happy with my accomodations, transportation, and education during the two weeks I volunteered. I was also very impressed with the accomodations, transportation and planned activities during two weeks I spent traveling throughout New Zealand after volunteering. During the volunteer weeks ISV works with an established company in the host country. I felt very confident that my money was being used to directly influence conservation work in New Zealand. Also, areas that my group cleared and weeded during 2007 are now being used as planting sites for new ISV groups ensuring that the work we do is continued and put to good use. During the two weeks of adventure travel I participated in so many adrenaline-filled activities. The ISV team ensures that volunteers get the most out of their trip and really experience the social culture of the host country. Examples of New Zealand activities include black water rafting, zorbing, skydiving, bungee jumping, hiking, sea kayaking, watching a traditional Maori haka, visitng a kiwi exhibit, visiting museums, and many more.
One of the greatest aspects about the ISV experience is the effort the ISV team displays to connect volunteers with local people and with fellow volunteers. During my volunteer period I spent a night at at a Maori meeting house and helped my adopted family prepare a meal. On my adventure tour I joined many at the local pubs to watch the All Blacks play rugby. In other countries ISV often sets students up with host families where very strong bonds are formed. Those countries accepting social aid see incredible realtionships formed between the volunteers and the people they are helping (school children, orphans, families that have houses built for them etc.) Also, strong bonds are built between the volunteers. I made so many friends during my stay in New Zealand. You don't just work with your ISV group but you play and live with them as well. I have, since my trip to New Zealand, visited some of the people I met while volunteering. I feel that some of the friendships I formed will be life-long.
My ISV experience exceeded my expectations. I always felt that I was being well taken care of, informed, and that my satisfaction was important to ISV. The living conditions were very acceptable. During my two weeks volunteering I stayed in a lodge in the middle of the forest. My adventure tour accomodations were in a variety of hostels throughout New Zealand, all of which were great. Local cuisine is served as a way of connecting more with the host country.
When choosing an organization to volunteer with it is very important to find the right "fit". ISV was the correct organization for me because I wanted to travel, help others, learn about the host country, and experience some adventure activities. ISV is not a "spring-break" type organization. Volunteers are expected to work hard but then also play hard after the volunteer work is finished. ISV also strongly encourages education through the volunteer program so any individual considering ISV must be willing to write in an educational journal, participate in group discussions, and be open to learning. ISV also offers the opportunity to gain credit for a university class if the individual is interested in doing a little extra educational work during and after the volunteer portion of the trip.
Important to remember when embarking on a volunteer/adventure tour: pack light but smart! New Zealand is a very wet country so rain jackets and pants are a must!
Most important when preparing to start volunteering with ISV, individuals should be open -- open to different foods, drinks, customs, people, and activities. To get the most out of one's trip, one has to put effort in. Participate, have fun, and really enjoy yourself.
I would definitely recommend International Student Volunteers to others. I felt that my volunteer work did make a difference immediately as well as provided a base for future volunteer work. I had always wanted to go to New Zealand and ISV provided the opportunity not only to travel to one of my desired destinations but also make a difference while traveling. My trip to New Zealand opened the door to travel and to further volunteer work for myself.
-Camolyn Tabin
Previous Volunteer
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Comments
i have done master i n social work from india . My first preference is am working out of my country , and here best opportunity for me . I want to like volunteer work here . Please tell me what is the procedure and how i work here . Please concern this matter .
Thanks
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