I had wonderful experiences during my 10 months working as a primary school teacher in Poland. I was placed in the location that fit me best, just outside of Warsaw, with the opportunity to live with a Polish host family. The experience of being able to make my completely own decisions for the first time in my life, was very formative and amazing. I learned more about myself, my habits and my needs. I now feel way more prepared to face living as an adult person on my own, than a year ago. I learned how to be an (assistant) teacher and I met very nice people, from the teachers at school, Beata from NVW, new Polish friends, and the other volunteers. I can only recommend this experience, because it made me feel more secure in navigating the world on my own and overall was a culmination of seeing beautiful new places and meeting nice people.

My experience working with children at PACCAR has changed my life and perspective. It’s taught me to strive to ensure everyone enjoys every second of the activities. To be honest, I learned to appreciate every single laugh and smile because we make a difference in children’s live. Also, being surrounded by nature pushes you to be more active and always on the move. Volunteering opened my mind and gave me the opportunity to travel throughout Europe and the UK. I can tell you it wasn’t easy, sometimes you really need to face your fears and push your limits in ways you’ve never experienced before, but every sacrifice has a reward and recognition in the end. Finally, this experience will give you lifelong friends around the world that you’ll never forget. I think we need to remember that that’s the whole point, to experience and connect with people, even if you grew up in different worlds and with different cultures, traditions and even languages. The love you feel around you and with other volunteers with always lingers in your heart. Thank you all. Thank to PACCAR. Most importantly thanks to the gappers 2024-2025.

I personally went from volunteering in schools in Spain to scout camps in the uk; from travelling alone in this world to forced to live with strangers

It’s been the greatest transition in my adventure of this world, I have loved every moment.

Scout camp volunteer has its high and lows but some of the best rewards, like strong work ethic, the closest friends you will ever make and strange but useful skill sets.

I can easily say the past year of working hard have taught and given me the best lesson and memories.

I am leaving my camp teary eyes with a full heart and full head of knowledge.

I would and will recommend this program and PACCAR to anyone willing and interested in hands on and big adventures

Thank you Paccar

I loved the work with the children, everyone at work was so nice, we did stuff together outside of work as well. Good accomodation, had my own room, I would say almost luxurious furnishing for what I expected. 1 hour from Melbourn, one hour from the great ocean road, could take camp car almost everywhere, next town 15 mins away, enough food money, close other camp with more gappies, had two coworkers living with me, were now really good friends, hab a lot time off to travel, almost saw all of Australia, would recommend

Leaving my comfort zone and my home country wasn’t easy, but it’s something I would recommend a thousand times over, to every young person in their 18s.

It’s simply an experience that changes you from the moment you arrive in a new country; it’s like a fresh start for six months.

I haven’t stopped learning since I arrived, and getting to know new cultures and people is amazing.

I took a gap year before university to do something different that would change me. I wanted to experience independence, managing my money, cooking every day, keeping my space clean, moving alone. Nothing seemed better than challenging myself to try something new, halfway across the world.

I am volunteering in an outdoor camp, I have been in Blackwell Adventure for three months now and I am very lucky to have this Team. Staff members are amazing people that are used to welcoming people from other countries, they have become real friends to me.

My year in New Zealand has been great. I worked 9 months as an Intern at the YMCA Kaitoke Outdoors Education Camp. I met so many cool people, experienced New Zealand and its culture, got better in English and made friends for life.

Even though I’ve liked almost every single second there were struggles and some issuers. This is why I called it climbing Mount Taranaki. Cause climbing is not just fun and great views. But after all the pain, walking and exhaustion there gonna be a great view and a huge feeling of proudness afterwards. And this is how I feel about my year.

Coming to Spain has been the best decision of my entire life. I’ve met some of my best friends that I’ll stay friends with for the rest of my life, had some of the best experiences and adventures I’ve ever had, I’ve been able to experience and live a culture so different to my own, all while trying to be a positive role model to my students.

After getting about 2 months into the program, I made the decision to extend my time here because I knew that I would continue to love what I’m doing.

I have already recommended this program to some of my friends back home in Australia, and will continue to recommend it to everyone because it has genuinely been the best year of my life.

I volunteered in Spain for 6 months as a language assistant and was placed in a small rural town called Faramontanos De Tábara. The community was small and so welcoming. My host family were very friendly and excited to have me in their house, they showed me many amazing things around Spain including Mallorca, Zamora and so much more. Living in such a small community gave me the opportunity to participate in events such as carnival where my group won the costume contest. The school I was placed at had 2 campuses but not many students being such a rural area, the 1st campuses had 11 students where the 2nd had no more then 100 students. The kids were always so eager to learn and improve their skills in the English language. Not only did I help these students learn but I learnt so much about myself and what I was capable of achieving when I put might mind to it.

From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with open arms by both students, staff and my program manager alike. I never felt hesitation to reach out to the school, teachers, my boss or Mili in any regards, be it for advice, companionship or physical assistance. The warmth and hospitality of the Argentine people made settling in incredibly easy, within a few weeks faces became familiar and familiar faces became friends.

The work itself is deeply rewarding. Assisting with lessons gave me the chance to witness students grow in confidence and curiosity, and I was often amazed by their empathy and effort to communicate despite the language barrier. The bonds I have formed with the children is something I will truly hold onto and remember fondly for the rest of my life. I collaborated closely with dedicated teachers who valued my input, included me in activities and encouraged me to take on more responsibilities. The experience also allowed me to learn about the Argentine education system and the world of teaching in general. These insights prove priceless! The school itself offers many benefits and is always working to promote your best interests.

In terms of accommodation, the host mother is lovely and caring! However, it can sometimes be difficult to manage dynamics within the house. I do feel it should be mentioned that you may end up sharing a room, that there is an “unofficial curfew” with her having to arm the alarm, you contribute to paying for basic household items and there is no iron. Lastly, possibly consider accommodation which is closer to Nordelta campus or make volunteers aware of the longer commute, in saying this the bus transfer provided is amazing! My point being, just make volunteers aware of what to expect in all aspects to avoid any miscommunications. These are, truly, meniscal details but I would’ve preferred to know these things so as to expect them and plan/act accordingly.

In a similar vein, if NVW could provide volunteers with a better outline of expected expenses while living abroad it may be helpful. For someone such as myself, who was straight out of high school, and thus admittedly naive, knowing about things such as the cost of data, a sube card or basic groceries would’ve proved helpfully in order to budget. Furthermore, I was very confused about rent and medical insurance until only later piecing together that it is covered by the school, thus making this immediately clear would be helpful.

But ultimately, this role is perfect for anyone passionate about education, languages, and cultural exchange. It not only makes a meaningful impact on students’ lives but also fosters incredible personal growth. I would wholeheartedly recommend volunteering in Argentina to anyone looking for a transformative experience filled with connection, learning, and adventure. Argentina isn’t just a destination—it’s a place that stays with you.

In 2020 I had the chance to participate in a short volunteering program as a Teacher’s Assistant at a primary school in Reading, England. It allowed me to take my first steps into adulthood in a truly independent way: in a foreign language on the other side of the world. The experience allowed me to discover that I enjoyed working with children and that working as a teacher was something I could see myself doing in the future. I had the opportunity to work with children of different ages (from Reception to Grade 6), so every day was different and there was always something new to do. From helping in PE classes, attending sports tournaments with the kids and learning some words in French to reading stories during snack time, each and every single moment allowed me to grow in many ways and, in turn, become more confident and open to experience new things. I discovered several things about myself in just six weeks, so I believe a volunteering program is a great way to grow while helping others.

I had a lovely experience with NVW and would highly recommend . From start to finish, they demonstrated professionalism, expertise, and a genuine commitment to excellence. James is very knowledgeable, responsive and kind.

I am extremely pleased with my experience and would not hesitate to work with NVW again in the future. If you’re looking for reliability, expertise, and exceptional adventure, NVW is the perfect choice!

Volunteering in Northern Ireland (UK) has expanded my world inmensively. From doing activities I’d never thought of before and trying new things and foods, to seeing marvelous views and interacting to new cultures; being in my placement has given me such a amazing experience and wider horizons. I was not expecting half of the things I’ve lived while at camp, and not only talking about the site I’ve been in but the whole country and cultures. Being here has allow me to travel way more that I could imagine, getting really close to people from around the world that I would have never gotten the chance to if I stayed at home.

The views, the moments, the people, the activities, it’s something you have to live and feel to fully understand how fulfilling it is. From the beginning with an easy process and certitude of placement, to halfway through with new skills, friends, experiences, to even becoming a new and better you.