World Explorers Program - English Language Volunteer Abroad

I learned so much during my time abroad and had fun doing it. My host family was wonderful and I got to meet so many new people. Overall, it was a great experience and one that I would definitely recommend others try.

After spending a month teaching intermediate English to a 10-year-old girl in Tashkent, I now believe Central Asia is a very misunderstood region. I truly appreciated the opportunity to experience Uzbek culture through teaching and living with a family. Learning about their daily life, eating meals with them, and being absorbed into their routine was eye-opening because I quickly realized I felt right at home. I had forgotten what it is like to feel valued, appreciated, and respected. My family took me under their wings right away, inviting me to a wedding, visiting their family in another city, and attending cultural events with them. The only way I knew how to reciprocate was to be my relaxed and happy self. I know I have gained friends for life. I didn’t want to leave Uzbekistan and could easily have stayed one more month.

I had a wonderful experience with my Spanish host family. Living with them and becoming accustomed to their schedules and lifestyle was great cultural immersion, and I built relationships with my host family I hope to continue even after I return home. I do think that speaking the local language (in my case, Spanish), was a huge help as I was getting settled, and it let me engage more with my host family and their community. I also think the experience is very dependent on the host family you are matched with. My hosts included me in all of their activities and showed me nearby towns and attractions on the weekends, creating some of my favorite memories from my time abroad. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in the World Explorer's program!