Teenager from UAE Shares Her Volunteer Experience in Greece
At just 14 years old, Prem Garg embarked on a transformative volunteer experience in Greece this past spring with her father Priank. Passionate about volunteering, she has consistently sought opportunities to help others, from organizing extracurricular activities at her school in Dubai to engaging in various community projects. She decided to volunteer abroad with Global Volunteers in Greece to bring positive change and personal development, as well as, learn about another culture and become a more well-rounded, compassionate global citizen.
By Prem Garg
Creating Lifelong Connections During My Service Program in Greece
The service experience in Greece with Global Volunteers has been incredibly meaningful to me, largely because of the relationships I formed and how they deepened my understanding of different cultures. I met some amazing people along the way, including Catrina, Samantha, Tenia, Anna, and, of course, the children I had the pleasure of teaching.
Catrina (Volunteer Coordinator) was the first person I connected with through the Global Volunteers website. She was extremely helpful and thoughtful, guiding me through the planning of my trip and checking in on me regularly. Her support made a big difference in how prepared and confident I felt coming into this experience.
“The service experience in Greece with Global Volunteers has been incredibly meaningful to me, largely because of the relationships I formed and how they deepened my understanding of different cultures.”
Prem Garg
When I arrived in Greece, I was welcomed by Samantha, the Team Leader, who was incredibly kind and made sure I felt comfortable and informed throughout my stay. Her daughter, Millie and I also bonded, which added a personal touch to my experience. Sam’s daily check-ins helped ease any nerves I had and made the program even more enjoyable. Sam left a strong impression on me. She was a fantastic support system throughout the program, always ensuring we were comfortable and making the most of our experience. A favorite memory with her was enjoying a wonderful breakfast on the last day, reflecting on our time in Greece. It was a touching moment that encapsulated the warmth and connection I felt throughout my stay.
At Tenia’s school, where I volunteered, Tenia herself was wonderfully hospitable, often sharing treats and gifts with us. Her joyful nature and the way she interacted with her students made the teaching experience both fun and rewarding. Anna, who owned the hotel we stayed at, showed us great hospitality. Her caring nature and delicious breakfasts every morning made us feel at home.
Most importantly, the children I taught were incredible. I formed bonds with them and learned a lot about their culture, schooling, and traditions. These relationships were at the heart of my experience, allowing me to see the real impact of our cultural exchange.
Teaching English and Learning from Greek Youth
My primary service assignment in Greece was teaching conversational English to children at a local afternoon school. This experience allowed me to connect deeply with many wonderful children and learn a lot about the local culture. Through teaching, I discovered my ability to connect with a wide range of people and found joy in learning about their lives and backgrounds. I loved being both a listener and a sharer. The children were particularly interested when they found out we were around the same age, which made our conversations even more meaningful. Each day, they shared with me their likes, dislikes, and various aspects of their lives, teaching me how diverse people can be even when they share similar backgrounds.
“This experience showed the importance of conversational English; the more confident boy could easily converse in English, which emphasized the program’s goal of improving oral skills through practice.”
Prem Garg
A memorable example was teaching two 15-year-old boys who attended the same school and lived in the same neighborhood. Despite their common environment, they were vastly different. One boy was outgoing, confident, and already involved in business, selling products and investing at such a young age. The other boy was more reserved and uncertain about his future, showing a contrast in ambition and confidence even though they had similar opportunities.
This experience highlighted how people can develop differently, influenced by their personalities and interests, not just their environment. It also showed the importance of conversational English; the more confident boy could easily converse in English, which emphasized the program’s goal of improving oral skills through practice.
This experience taught me about the richness of the host culture and the uniqueness of individuals within it. It’s something I’ll share with others back home, highlighting the beauty of diversity and the value of understanding and connecting with people from different backgrounds.
Building Bridges Between Different Cultures
Reflecting on my experience, I believe that serving others and helping children reach their full potential are powerful ways to create peace. Through teaching English and connecting with the children in Greece, I saw how sharing knowledge and understanding can bring people closer together. It’s about more than just teaching a language; it’s about building bridges between different cultures and helping each other grow. I learned that I have a passion for helping others improve their English skills. It was rewarding to see the students become more confident in their conversations. This program has been different from other travels I’ve done because it allowed me to truly engage with the local community, learn about their way of life, and teach something I love. It helped me grow my interest in English and confirmed my enjoyment of teaching and connecting with others. I’m grateful for this unique experience that combined travel with meaningful service and educational exchange.
“Reflecting on my experience, I believe that serving others and helping children reach their full potential are powerful ways to create peace. Through teaching English and connecting with the children in Greece, I saw how sharing knowledge and understanding can bring people closer together. It’s about more than just teaching a language; it’s about building bridges between different cultures and helping each other grow.”
Prem Garg
Looking back to my experience, I’ve realized how much joy and fulfillment come from seeing the positive impact we can have on others’ lives. Each child I taught reminded me that by helping them improve their English, I was giving them tools to connect with the world more broadly, which is a step towards a more peaceful and understanding global community.
Overall, this volunteering opportunity in Crete has been unforgettable. It allowed me to connect with people from different backgrounds, learn about their lives, and contribute in a small but meaningful way. The understanding and friendships I’ve gained have truly enriched my life, and I believe these connections show the power and importance of cultural exchange. This experience has shown me that every small effort counts in the larger goal of creating peace through service. It’s been rewarding to play a part in helping these children move closer to their full potential, and it has inspired me to continue finding ways to contribute positively to the lives of others.
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