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Gemma Smyth's Volunteer Experience
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You are here > Home > Gemma Smyth's Volunteer Experience

Name: Gemma Smyth
Programme: Romania Orphanage, Schools and hospitals project
Dates: 4th Jan-26th Jan


Please contact us for more information about volunteering in Romania

How did Real Gap assist you with your expectations? 
Real Gap were really friendly and helpful before I went to Romania and were willing to answer any questions I had and got back to me with relevant information.

What was the accommodation like?
The accommodation was of a good standard which was really nice.

What did you think of the programme, did it meet your expectations?
What was the most memorable moment of your trip?
I enjoyed the programme and our guide Catalina was lovely and made me feel so welcome and at home in Bucharest. Alina (the volunteer co-ordinator) and Catalina took Kelly and I out to do karaoke, which was one of the best nights out ever! We went to a school to help in an after school club called ‘ludoteca' and we made figures out of pegs which was great fun and really engaged the kids. This trip had some great moments and the kids were brilliant!

How have you benefited from your experience?
I think that this trip gave me some time to think about what I want to do in the future. It also introduced me to a culture and place that was really interesting; Bucharest is so western yet so not!

It took a while to get used to living in Bucharest but when I did I started to really appreciate the city as an interesting place and a place that is very different to any other city I have visited. Since a lot of people have preconceived ideas of what Romania is like I am glad that I went to Romania and formed my own opinions.

What advice could you offer to someone considering this project?
Give yourself time to settle into Bucharest, it may seem like a daunting place at first but you will soon orientate yourself and get used to your surroundings!

Do as much of the volunteering as you can, the kids are great and teaching them English songs and words can be rewarding, I also learnt some Romanian- I know my fruit and my numbers!


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