Lina in Nepal
Participant
Lina
Programme
Volunteering
Country
🇳🇵 Nepal
Duration
5 weeks
Short bio
My name is Lina, I’m 21 years old, and last academic year I graduated as a Sports and Exercise Co-ordinator from the CIOS. I’ve had a great passion for diving since I was ten, and I’ve been doing it at a professional level since I turned eighteen. I also really enjoy climbing and bouldering. My greatest passion, however, has always been travelling. I love discovering new places, getting to know other cultures and having new experiences.
How satisfied were you with the support before departure?
I’m very pleased with how everything went. The information I received was always clear and reliable. Whenever I had any questions or got stuck, I could always turn to Ruben. He was easy to get hold of and usually replied within a few minutes, which I found very reassuring.
My story
“At first, the neighbours and people from the local area just call you ‘the white people’ and are a bit reserved.”
Lina · volunteering in Nepal
One of the things that distinguishes a holiday from real travel is that when you stay in one place for a longer period whilst travelling, you gradually become part of the community. And that’s one of my favourite things about travelling.
At first, the neighbours and people from the local area simply call you ‘the white people’ and are a bit reserved. Word spreads quickly that there are foreigners living in the neighbourhood, and before long everyone knows exactly where we’re staying. You can clearly tell that they’re keeping their distance, whilst at the same time being curious about us.
But as time goes by and we reach out to them, they too begin to accept us more and more, and slowly we too become part of the community. First, we learn more and more of the local children’s names. Then we find out who is whose brother or sister and where everyone lives. We learn how old they are, what their hobbies are and even what their dog is called. Eventually, we all play football together, eat at the neighbours’ and the distance between us gradually turns into friendship.
For me, that’s one of the greatest things travelling can give you. Not only do you get to know a country, its culture and the people who live there, but the place also becomes a little bit like home. And although the time to say goodbye always comes – and it’s always difficult – you eventually board the plane that takes you back to your real home. But you leave a little piece of your heart here forever. And the more you travel, the more the whole world becomes a bit like home.
What advice would you give to those who come after you?
Always be open-minded, say ‘yes’ as often as possible, and, above all, enjoy every moment. You’ll be creating memories that will stay with you for the rest of your life.