February, 2012 | NGS Movement

Sarah More, CREES

Name: Sarah More
School: University College London
Type of Work: Environment/Conservation, Community Development
Region: South America
Length of stay: 1-2 months

Tell us about the organization you work for and what you do for them.
I traveled to Manu National Park, Peru, with the volunteer company CREES (Conservation, Research & Environmental Education towards Sustainability) in April 2011. They have an eco-lodge set in the Peruvian Amazon where they work to preserve and study the surrounding forest as well as help the local community. I helped build bio-gardens for local people to give them more opportunity to grow their own produce, recorded rare animal numbers, and explored the rainforest with the help of the wonderful local guides.

Share a favorite memory.
There are so many wonderful memories and experiences for me to choose from, I couldn’t put just one down here. The staff at the Manu Learning Centre (MLC) was just fantastic, so friendly and always helpful. Playing soccer with them every evening was so much fun. Traveling along the Madre De Dios river on our little motorboat was another highlight, being able to watch all the things going on along the shoreline. The 4am starts to watch literally thousands of macaws and parrots flying above you was incredible. Just being in the forest, surrounded by ancient trees is a humbling feeling, as is being lucky enough to witness a female jaguar in her natural environment. However, the Peruvian people themselves have to be the best part. Their hilarious wit and kindness will stay with you for a very long time after arriving back home.

A ‘pod’ where the volunteers sleep.

What have you learned from your experience? How has it affected your long-term goals?
I am currently studying Archaeology at UCL, so I wanted to visit Peru for its amazingly vast history. Being in such an amazing country has made me want to spend a lot more time in South America. It has also made me far more active and aware of the plight of the Amazon and how we need to conserve it for the future. I learned to be far more independent and to give everything a go at least once. I also became far better at soccer after playing for an hour very night (not compulsory).

What is the most challenging part of your job?
I traveled alone and did not speak Spanish at the time, so the hardest part for me was the huge culture change. However, CREES made it all so much easier, with plenty of good English speakers and a friendly face to meet me from the airport. I was with three other volunteers, a small group for the MLC, but luckily we all got along fantastically and became so close. There is a lot of physical work involved with this project, so that is something anyone considering this needs to take into account. However, if you would prefer not to be so active there are plenty of opportunities to get involved without too much running around the jungle.

Do you have any advice for prospective gappers?
Don’t be put off by the long trip or seemingly isolated location of the MLC. The trip is an amazing journey from Cuzco, through mountains villages, up across the top of the Andes, then down through the Cloud Forest, and into the deep Amazon. There are around 10 members of permanent staff and plenty of visitors to the MLC, as well as lots of projects away from the lodge in the local towns and villages. It is a brilliant opportunity to see rainforest life and help out in a number of different ways. I had a fantastic time.

Caryn Oppenheim, EduCARE India

Wearing the sari I bought in India

Name: Caryn Oppenheim
School: Bowdoin College
Type of Work: Medical/Public Health, Environment/Conservation, Education, Community Development, Arts, Language, Human Rights
Region: North America, South America, Middle East, Asia
Length of stay: 3-6 months

Tell us about the organization you work for and what you do for them.
I interned for a grassroots NGO, EduCARE India, in rural Punjab, India for three months. EduCARE India’s vision is to promote pathways to intellectual freedom, social justice, community welfare, economic liberty, and sustainable development for individuals, families and social groups working to achieve their rationalized life dreams.

Share a favorite memory.
Hannah Wolkwitz, coordinator of health day, spent weeks organizing transportation, supervision, and free check-ups with local hospitals for the Trash Pickers community in Adampur. The health day was realized several days before her departure from EduCARE. The Trash Pickers community suffer from constant health problems due to poor sanitation, water, and other conditions in which they live. The goal for the health day was to complete a general physical for the majority of the community, numbering around thirty people. An English student and friend of EduCARE’s, Sukhjinder Singh, extended a helping hand, as usual, by transporting, in multiple shifts, the community to both locations. After initial disorganization and delay at the Lion’s Club during the first shift, interns developed a system to oversee that each person would be attended to. At the Civil Hospital the children bravely beared finger pricks. I sat with several of the adorable little ones in my lap, while they got their fingers pricked. The community’s dog, Tiger, accompanied them for moral support, at times over-extending that support by lounging in the lobby. Although my main responsibilities as an intern did not involve work with the Trash Picker and Snake Charmer migrant communities, I enjoyed visiting their camps and assisting with education and sanitation lessons. After a long exhausting day witnessing the joy of the children, the personalities of the buffalos, kittens, puppies, goats, and chickens, and the resilience and modesty of the adults rejuvenated my spirit. Even without language sharing we could communicate in smiles, play, and hand gestures. I will always remember Krishan, a young bright boy from the community, journeying to our office before I left and sitting in my chair with me. He had drawn a mustache on his face—a face I will not forget.

hree young Indian boys on their way to school, male affection is common.

What have you learned from your experience? How has it affected your long-term goals?
The opportunity of interning for EduCARE allowed me to gain more practical grassroots experience related to many different overlapping social projects. The independence and responsibility I enjoyed in several social fields made me realize I should broaden my future career scope and consider social work. My job role as the Communications Manager has renewed my interest in Communications and encouraged me to look for a more creative approach to a career. I have improved my team work skills and gained knowledge of what makes an organization successful. In addition, I developed adaptation skills due to living and working in a culturally and physically challenging environment. I have always valued clear communication and witnessed the importance of it firsthand this summer in my internship.

What is the most challenging part of your job?
Living and working in a climate, culture, and NGO management system different than one’s own country required adjustments. In rural Punjab transportation is an adventure in and of itself. Many see foreigners and money as synonymous and see foreign women as candy. It took time to get used to existing uncomfortably in terms of the heat, bugs, and water supply. Cultural concepts on bill paying and communication are treated differently in India as well. Despite these experiences, I consider my time in India one of my most worthwhile adventures. When I think of India I think of vibrant colors, decorative fabrics, resilient and playful people, breathtaking vistas, and life changing wildlife. My fellow interns, who inspire me with their travels, interests, and dedication, remain one of my most valued keepsakes.

Shama from the Snake Charmer community making a calendar.

Do you have any advice for prospective gappers?
Travel the road less traveled and do so with an open mind, flexibility, and as few expectations as possible. It is to your advantage to work abroad with a feeling that you may offer something to the program, but more likely your experience will change you. Learn as much as you can and document your time through pictures, blogs, writing, and other forums. If you are fortunate enough to be able to do some type of gap experience take full advantage of all the people and places you connect with— time moves quickly. Future employers may value the skill sets and knowledge that you developed.

in 3-6 Months / Arts / Asia / Community Development / Education / Environment/Conservation / Featured Gappers / Features / Human Rights / Language / Medical by NGS Movement 23 Feb 2012 0 comments

One Step at a Time

With the state of the world right now, it is easy to feel useless. If you are one of young Americans stuck with an average student loan debt of $29,000, the idea of leaving your corporate job to change the world seems unrealistic. The NGS Movement understands your dilemma and we have a few suggestions for ways you can make a difference without quitting your job and joining Peace Corps.

Green your commute. If you live in a city that is bike accessible, consider waking up early and biking into work. On your healthy, money-saving ride, maybe you will have a brilliant idea about how your company can address social issues. At the very least, you are sure to save money, feel healthier and energized for the day, and be more able to focus when you arrive at your desk. If you are not open to cycling, checkout icarpool.com a popular ridesharing program. Carpooling reduces environmental footprint and introduces you to new people in your community.
Play Freerice. Weather you have a slow day at work or have your lap top or cell phone handy while watching evening TV, everyone has a few minutes to play freerice, an online game that rewards you with grains of rice instead of points. The rice is donated to the United Nations World Food Program. The game will also improve your geography and refresh that high school Spanish.
Sign petitions at change.org. Change.org is a website that hosts tons of petitions on issues both small and large-scale, relating to the environment, human rights, sustainable food, animals, or economic justice – to name a few. Signing one is as easy as entering your name and email, and these petitions actually lead to victories such as banning the sale of bottled water in Grand Canyon National Park. Check it out, and if you’re feeling up for it, write one yourself for a cause you believe in!
Help translate the web. What if rural children in South America or Western Africa could go to an Internet café and learn about building a solar oven or starting a pod cast, they could if most of the web wasn’t written in English. Duolingo is a project to translate the web from English into other languages, while teaching you a second language! The website is currently in Beta, but keep an eye out, watch the TED talk to learn more.
Micro volunteer. Across the country, non-profits need your skills and expertise, and don’t necessarily need you in human form in their office. Sites like Sparked.com match your skills with a non profit’s project, and allow you to work on the project in one weekend or just offer consulting advice a few minutes a day.
Give. While you participate in the corporate giving program, take your generosity to the next level and research the non profits in your area, find an issue you are passionate about and sign up to give monthly. Ask if you can come visit their office and meet the staff – chances are these people share your passion and would love to talk to you about your ideas and solutions (especially because you are a donor, a supporter, someone who shows their belief in the issue with their hard earned money). Who knows, you may even become a new project consultant and open doors for the future… an excuse to leave your company.

in Ideas by NGS Movement 21 Feb 2012 0 comments

Finding Yourself Through Travel

Amber and I used to joke with each other about how much we might change or grow in our “gap years.” For as much work, energy and money we were putting into our traveling – hell, our lives had better change! It was one of those half-joke, 100% serious ideas we carried into this trip. We came to somehow become better people.

Then a few days ago, the GYG team had the wonderful privilege of meeting Ibu (Mother) Robin Lim, CCN’s 2011 Hero of the Year. It’s a big title, to which I would never expect anyone to live up to. But, she was certainly inspiring.

She encouraged us to examine our lives in three periods. As a maiden, as a mother, and a crone – were we leading “heroic” lives? I have never and probably will never consider anything I do heroic. Unlike Ibu Robin, I’ve never gone into tsunami relief zones and literally saved people’s lives. Unlike my parents, I’ve never saved a patient’s life through medicine. I don’t anticipate being able to ever call myself a hero – but damn, it’s a good thing to ask yourself.

That is what is uniquely special about giving on your gap year. Travel forces you to examine who you are in the context of other people and places. Those comparisons, in turn, enable better imaginations of who and how you want to be. But giving on your gap year – I think that allows you to get inspired to be more than you imagined.

Not saying I am ever going to be 1/10000th of the “hero” Ibu Robin is. But I didn’t even really know it was possible to be that heroic! This changes my “get inspired” scale by a lot. Key word: perspective! I probably will not chase after an Ibu Robin-esque life. I don’t really think I’ll ever be as inspired as she is – but I now have a much greater appreciation for her selfless way of life, for what you can accomplish in 60 years. And I will try to find my best contribution to support Ibu Robin-esque people, who are just awesome.

The GYG ladies with Ibu Robin at her treehouse wonderland home in Bali.

We are just one month into our trip now. Surprise surprise, I haven’t “found myself” yet!! (If one ever really does that). But, I have gotten to ask myself some great questions and met some really inspiring people. Reflecting and getting inspired: a great combo when you are trying to figure out your life.

Written by the Gap Year Team

in Give Your Gap / Ideas / Travel Team / Updates From the Field by NGS Movement 16 Feb 2012 0 comments

Singapore: present or future?

Shane’s Blog Post on Singapore:

Singapore is blowing my mind. Having limited time before embarking on this trip, I had not done any research on this city and came with no expectations. Becky, who I had traveled with since the beginning of the

Marina Bay at Night

trip, had to part ways with the group in Denpasar, Bali. Her family just moved to Singapore which is one of the main reasons why it was added to our extensive list of travel destinations. However, now she is back in The States doing interviews for physician assistant programs. I’m proud of her, but I do wish she was still with the GYG team. Despite Becky’s absence, Mrs. and Mr. Yen graciously opened their home to us and are showing us the best of Singapore. The view from their apartment overlooks all of Marina Bay with sights including the Sand’s Casino with the famous infinity pool, the Singapore flyer, and the Esplanade.

I quickly realized that many of the other stereotypes people spout about Singapore are not too far from the truth. This city is clean, efficient, and feels as though it is ahead of its time from a environmental and architectural standpoint. Never before have I witnessed such an impressive collection of buildings. Socially, on the other hand, Singapore is far from a Utopian society. As we learned from the LGBT center we worked at, Oogachaga, there is actually a penal code which states that sexual activity between two men is illegal. (side note: watch GYG do the Oogachaga dance with the staff at Oogachaga in Singapore.) While its not enforced per say, self identifying as gay is still a struggle for those in Singapore. There is an overall Big Brother vibe as well because everything feels watched over and regulated. I suppose that also explains why the crime rate is so low. Even chewing gum with sugar is illegal here; For whatever reason sugarless gum is okay.
Singapore is a famous shopping destination, but NOT for the budget traveler. Underground, air-conditioned tunnels link the shops where people from all over the world come and spend big $. It is also a food-lovers dream.
One of my favorite things about Singapore is the weather and air quality. Because owning a car or motorcycle is so incredibly expensive, there is little traffic and air pollution. Consequently the public transit system is great. Outside the temperature is humid, breezy, and warm- a dream come true for me! Being cold 99% of the time in SF (not an exaggeration), I am loving the fact that I am always comfortably warm here and do not need to bring a jacket when I leave the apartment.

GYG Girls at SIngapore, UCSD Alumni event

Overall, Singapore is great for the GYG team because it is providing us with the chance to catch up on sleep (3 hours a night can only work for so long) and work (we have lots of video content that needs editing). Mrs. Yen, our unofficial tour guide made sure that we saw the major sights and learned about Singaporean culture. With her we took the Duck Tour around Marina Bay, went to a few museums, toured through the world’s largest orchid garden, and went on the Singapore flyer at night. The flyer is the world’s biggest ferris wheel. At 42 stories high it takes over 30 minutes to complete one rotation. Singapore is a very small island with limited resources, so almost everything they need must be imported. They depend on tourism to keep their economy afloat. Consequently Singaporeans kind of obsess over setting records for making their buildings and sight-seeing activities the biggest and the best. Why does Singapore have the world’s largest floating stage? Just because they can.

in Give Your Gap / Travel Team by NGS Movement 15 Feb 2012 0 comments

Philippine Medical Society of Northern California Video Feature

GiveYourGap presents its first organization to be featured from our travels- the Philippine Medical Society of Northern California and their Medical/Surgical Mission to Occidental Mindoro in January 2012. We really got to volunteer as a part of the mission and it was an incredible experience. Check out the video we produced for them to get a glimpse of the work we were doing.

in Asia / Features / Give Your Gap / Medical / Travel Team / Updates From the Field by NGS Movement 12 Feb 2012 2 comments

Lydia Ochieng, Art Outreach Programme

Presenting a play in a children’s home.

Name: Lydia Ochieng
Type of Work: Environment/Conservation, Education, Community Development, Arts, Childcare
Region: Africa
Length of stay: 1 Year+

Tell us about the organization you work for and what you do for them.
I work for Art Outreach Programme. I work in Volunteer Placement department.

Share a favorite memory.
My favorite memory at AOP is the work camp. A work camp is a place where people of all races, ideologies, and nationalities live and work together for two to four weeks on a project organized by Art Outreach Programme. Most work camps occur during the summer months and have between 10 and 20 international participants. They volunteer, they socialize, and they work with the local people. They are a multicultural, voluntary workforce. That is a work camp – and it works! We usually go far away for the camp and assist the community in various project, as well as teaching in schools and going for excursions every weekend with the group… WORK CAMP IS SO MUCH FUN.

Clearing The field for an Eco-Lodge.

What have you learned from your experience? How has it affected your long-term goals?
I’ve learned that if one wants to go fast, they can go alone; but if one wants to go FAR then one should go with people. A lot can be achieved if there is team work.

What is the most challenging part of your job?
Lack of people and resources.

Do you have any advice for prospective gappers?
Just be open minded!

in 1 Year + / Africa / Arts / Childcare / Community Development / Education / Environment/Conservation / Featured Gappers / Features / Give Your Gap by NGS Movement 02 Feb 2012 0 comments