Instead of applying for jobs straight away, she decided she wanted to take a gap year in South America and use this time out to travel and do something rewarding.
Anna came across an opportunity to volunteer in Peru and teach English in Lima - a country she knew very little about (aside from Machu Picchu), and a place she never thought she would have a chance to visit.
Here Anna shares her experience of how the trip changed her life forever.
Getting Accepted to Teach in Peru
This past summer, I had the opportunity to teach in Peru at a school in Pachacutec, an impoverished district of Lima.
I got to teach a class of four and five-year-olds basic English, basic sanitation and healthy eating (within their means), as well as help with necessary school maintenance.
My Role
I had the chance to give these kids a better foundation for their lives, but it was me that learned the most through their community.
I continually learned how hard families work to provide basic, everyday necessities for each other, yet I have never met a happier, more grateful people.
Every morning on my bus ride into town, I passed positive sayings on district walls that showed the strength and resilience of a city on the rise.
Children greeted me with hugs and kisses, and every afternoon their guardians for the efforts I was providing for their young ones thanked me.
You Learn So Much
I came to teach, but I ended up learning more than I ever could imagine. My weekends were spent traveling, and through my adventures, I continued to learn Peruvian culture.
I got to know about the ancient Incan civilization while trekking Machu Picchu. I got to see how the indigenous people of Peru, Quechuans, work and live while hiking to Rainbow Mountain.
I even stumbled into a Sun God Festival, a vibrant communal celebration of traditional song and dance to an ancient god during the summer solstice.
Peru Was Like My Second Home
I went to Lima not knowing what to expect for the adventure I had ahead, though as soon as I stepped off the plane, I felt strangely at ease - as if this journey was what I was meant to be doing.
The feeling of comfort was something that stayed over the course of two months, and it was easy to feel like I was at home after only two days. The other volunteers and local staff quickly turned into lifelong friends and a family away from home.
Volunteering Changes You
No matter where you choose to go, volunteering in another country will undoubtedly change your life and allow you to grow as a person. After spending two months in Peru, I can confidently say I had my expectations exceeded at every turn.
Volunteering with IVHQ enabled me to meet like-minded people, gave me a greater awareness of culture and living in another country, and has allowed me to make a difference. It has even given me direction post-graduation!
If ever you find yourself at a crossroads or are hoping to make a difference, volunteering abroad is the perfect opportunity. Say yes to helping the community at large and ultimately change your life for the better.
If you are looking for a similar experience search and compare South America volunteer trips.
By Anna Pearlman
