Amy Etherege's Volunteer Experience in Kenya

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Amy Etheredge
Kenya Gap Experience

How did you feel before you joined the programme?
I knew I wanted to go to Africa, and that I wanted to work with the people that live there and learn as much as I could about their culture and lifestyle. I didn't want to just go and be a tourist, but I wanted to actually experience the way that they live and meet lifelong friends. I was excited to go, but had no idea how to go about doing it.

How did Real Gap assist you?
Real Gap answered any questions that I had and helped guide me through the process of actually signing up for the trip and telling me what it would be like.

What was the accommodation like?
We were in a camp that was surrounded by a fence and security guards. The camp had big tents with about 4-6 beds in each. The toilets were just like home and we were able to take a (cold) shower every day. First class living in Africa, I'd say.

What did you think of the programme?
The program was very structured, and provided us with a lot of opportunities to get out into the community. It was fun to spend a week working in the school, then a week in the elephant sanctuary, etc. It was also neat to do ‘cultural experiences' and do things like go to a witch doctor and see palm wine being made and do a city tour of Mombassa. We also got to go to the beach every weekend and do things like scuba-dive, snorkel and jet-ski through the mangroves (very fun!) My only regret is that I couldn't stay longer.

What was the most memorable moment of your trip?
Being at the school and having a whole swarm of kids come up to you and want to know everything about you. I loved the kids there, so much.

Did your project meet your expectations?
The project did by far! I loved everything we did. It was fun to get to know the other people in my camp, as well as the Kenyans that we worked with.

How have you benefited from your experience?
Travelling to a country that is so different from the one you live in really makes you think about the way that you are living your life. I admit that I will still take hot showers, but I imagine that my attitude towards things I ‘need' to have will shift as I acknowledge what I already do have.

I now have a little circle of friends over in Kenya that I will continue to stay in contact with, and hopefully visit again. Moral of the story: I LOVED IT!

What advice could you offer to someone considering this project?
Definitely don't be scared, there's no reason to. Real Gap takes such good care of you! They will make sure that you are safe, and would never do anything to jeopardize that. Have an open mind when you come; otherwise you will make yourself miserable. You'll be living with people similar to you, but be sure to make an effort to get to know the people in the school and village around you. Break out of your comfort zone! You won't regret it!

Further information on the Kenya Gap Experience

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Amy Etheredge Kenya Gap Experience

Amy Etheredge
Kenya Gap Experience