At 18 years old, Juan, from Ecuador, was unsure about diving straight into university. He wanted to experience life outside the classroom and see the world before making big decisions about his future. A family friend recommended New Ventures Worldwide, having had a great experience volunteering in the UK. Inspired by the opportunity to meet new people and immerse himself in a different culture, Juan set off for a nine-month adventure at an Outdoor Camp in New Zealand.

“I wanted to experience life before university. Deciding your path early is challenging, so I thought, why not meet new people and see a different culture first?” – Juan

Living away from home for the first time was something Juan had long dreamed of, and it didn’t disappoint. He embraced the independence of managing his own space, cooking, and cleaning. It was a learning curve, but one he was ready for. His mindset was clear: this was his chance to prove he could be responsible for himself.

“I was dreaming of my independence, so living away was great. The dishes and clothes don’t wash themselves! It’s an experience every 18-year-old should have.” – Juan

Juan’s living situation was comfortable, with his own bedroom in a shared house. He lived with Nico, another volunteer from Ecuador, sharing a kitchen, bathroom, and lounge. While the camp meals started out great with options like burgers and butter chicken, the weekly repetition got boring. Thankfully, Juan received a food allowance and used it to buy his own groceries, cooking up dishes like Ecuadorian encocado (a shrimp dish) to mix things up.

“The food at first was great, but it became repetitive. I got a food allowance, so I cooked my own meals—like encocado from Ecuador!” – Juan

Juan’s experience with New Ventures Worldwide was smooth from the start. The Programme Manager guided him through the process and was always available when he had questions. He felt well-supported during his nine months in New Zealand and appreciated the speed and knowledge the team brought to any situation.

“The Programme Manager was fast and knowledgeable—everything was smooth. I always felt supported by NVW.” – Juan

Throughout his time in New Zealand, Juan learned more than just how to lead outdoor activities. He developed valuable life skills, including responsibility, independence, and confidence. Speaking in public, especially in English, was initially nerve-wracking, but over time he improved, even picking up local slang. This experience also opened his eyes to different ways of living, shaping his outlook on life and future career paths.

“I became more extroverted and confident giving instructions. If I’d gone straight to university, I would have missed out on learning how to live life.” – Juan

Juan encourages anyone considering a similar experience to take the leap and do it. He believes volunteering is a great way to grow and learn, and he acknowledges that there will be tough moments, just like any adventure. He also recommends getting a driver’s licence to make the most of New Zealand’s cheap cars and incredible road trips.

“Just do it—don’t think twice! You’ll have tough times, but you’ll grow, learn, and enjoy it. If you can, get a driver’s licence because road trips here are amazing.” – Juan