My experience with my host family, the support both in country and back in Boston made my experience very good! I think what would have made it excellent would have been to include spanish classes in the price of the quest as I know it is done for some other quest countries. This would have been beneficial since I was the only UP volunteer and could have met some other people.

My second time as a UP volunteer was completely different than my first quest. I never thought my time in Peru could be matched but Chile exceeded all my expectations. My time in the classroom with the children was both rewarding and challenging. I loved coming in every day and seeing how hard the kids worked at to learn english. The english teachers were also welcoming and encouraging in the classroom. I felt like I was actively making a difference in the kids’ lives and the constant hugs and smiles from the kids only added to the excitement of each day.

I believe any time you are on your own in another country you learn just as much about yourself as you do the country you are visiting. My quests have given me the experience to understand the world around me and my place in it. The people you meet, the volunteer work, the cultural activities, they all give you an experience of living life outside of your comfort zone which helps you as grow as a person