Criminology, Policing and Investigation student Adriana spent her summer in Sri Lanka on a mental health volunteer programme through Travelteer, helping locals and experiencing the beautiful culture.
“I chose to go on a mental health volunteer program in Sri Lanka not knowing what to expect from it.
Our programme had four main activities: Working in a school and an orphanage for children with disabilities; working in clinics; and learning about natural remedies for different illnesses. Most of the time I was working with kids and learning about alternative medicine. In the school, we got to decorate the class, and put on activities that suited each child. At the orphanage, we taught them some easy English words and played cricket or catch.
The most rewarding part was when the kids remembered my name and the things I was teaching them about, and when they started sharing their knowledge and dreams with me. Being able to give something to the community and seeing the direct impact the knowledge has on people was so worthwhile.
I travelled on my own, but I learned that being alone and doing things alone does not mean that you are lonely. There are so many opportunities that are waiting for you, and letting the fact that you have no one to go with stop you from experiencing everything that the world has to offer is not going to benefit you in the long run.
Every experience that challenges you and takes you out of your comfort zone is going to help you in the future. It might not be directly in your work field or studies, but it helps you discover yourself and get to know your potential, which will automatically help you in your career.
I got to experience things that I will never get to see again. I saw monkeys, crocodiles, elephants and baby sharks in the wild, as well as a lot of lizards and fireflies. I was also able to share my knowledge, time and resources with some beautiful people with a beautiful culture and a beautiful country.
To anyone considering going abroad, I would say don’t overthink too much and there are always people to help you in case you need it! I know that travelling and living in less comfortable conditions might seem scary, but this is a great opportunity to see if you would enjoy such a thing or not.”
