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Name: Caroline Tiernan
Programme: Romania Childcare Project
Dates: June 2007
Please contact us for more information about volunteering in Romania
How did you feel before you joined the programme?
I was a little apprehensive before I went, as I had never travelled on my own before. I didn't really know what to expect from the project and Romania. I was also excited, as it was a brand new challenge for me.
How did Real Gap assist you?
Real Gap assigned me a travel adviser (Daniela) who answered any questions or queries that I had. Daniela kept in touch with me via email and letters and she even called me a few days before I was due to leave to answer any last minute concerns. She was very helpful and didn't mind how many times I emailed her. |
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What was the accommodation like?
The accommodation was very clean and comfortable. I shared a room with another girl (Sarah), but there was plenty of space for the two of us. The accommodation had a kitchen with crockery and cutlery that we could use. The bathroom was clean, the only problem being that I spent most of the 4 weeks with no hot water. There was however, a washing machine that I could make use of. There was also Internet access downstairs in the office, which I could use whenever the computers were free.
What did you think of the programme?
The programme started off slow as most of the projects were stopping as the schools closed for the summer. However Catalina organised more projects that I could get involved with. The programme involved working with a whole range of children from different age groups and backgrounds. I loved working with the children and found it very rewarding.
What was the most memorable moment of your trip?
I really enjoyed working with the children at Craite hospital. Every time we walked into the hospital the children's faces lit up, it was really nice to build a bond with them. |
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Another memorable moment was working at the baby hospital. I spent time with the babies trying to help them develop physically and emotionally. I spent some of the time working with a 6-month-old boy trying to get him to crawl; I could really see a progression in his development
Did your project meet your expectations?
The project and Romania exceeded my expectations. I enjoyed working on all the different projects with the different children. They all seemed to appreciate our time and attention and this was very rewarding. I loved Bucharest; it was great to be staying in the centre of a big city. It had a lot to offer including many museums, galleries, shops, restaurants and bars.
Everyone we met were really friendly and often went out of their way to make us feel welcome. I always felt relaxed and safe in Bucharest. |
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How have you benefited from your experience?
Travelling on my own has increased my confidence and has let me accomplish something that most people thought I wouldn't be able to do. I have also learnt that even if there is a language barrier you can still make a difference to the children and communicate through play.
What advice could you offer to someone considering this project?
I would advise them to get involved with as many of the projects as they can. These are what make the trip so rewarding and while you are kept busy there is less time to be homesick. I would also recommend seeing as much of Bucharest as you can, as it is really a fascinating place. The rest of Romania is lovely, I had the opportunity to go to the Black Sea Coast and the mountains and would really recommend it. I would however, suggest that you either go with a Romanian guide or you speak good Romanian.
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