I found myself lost during my placement year at the University of Bath.

Originally, I took a year-long placement opportunity in London, but I really did not find what I was doing fulfilling or enjoyable. I ended up leaving only after three months. Pondering what to do next, I knew I wanted to do something that would have a meaningful impact. This is when I came across Just Volunteers and the BBBB program. I had always wanted to travel, as well as doing something that would make a real difference. This opportunity fit perfectly with what I wanted.

I have always had a desire to travel to South East Asia, but unfortunately because of COVID, I never had the opportunity. When I combined this with the challenge of adapting and embracing a new culture and the opportunity to develop a new skill through teaching; the opportunity was too good to pass up. Additionally, the programme was centred around teaching refugee children, giving me the perfect role in which I could make a meaningful impact with my work.

I volunteered for six months, starting in January and finishing in June. I found the experience totally eye-opening as well as an incredible lesson in professional and personal development. Having had no previous teaching experience, it taught me the value of both understanding and patience in teaching children; as well as how to adapt my communication skills to interact with children and teachers who spoke little English.

The most rewarding part of my volunteering was definitely building personal relationships with the kids and the teachers at the different schools. I also got a real sense of achievement when I saw the kids making academic progress and becoming more confident in themselves. In my six months, I feel I really became a part of the school’s communities. Most notably at the end of my six months, the schools presented me with traditional Myanmar clothing; as a sign of gratitude and respect for my efforts.

Having not taught before, it initially was a very overwhelming experience, especially as there was a lack of tangible resources as well as guidance. However, as the routine and my teaching style became more familiar, I quickly settled in and I really started to see improvement in my teaching as well as from the kids.

Initially moving half way across the world and having to adapt to an entirely new culture was very lonely. However, I threw myself into everything: joining a local rugby team, attending Facebook events organised by groups for expats, meeting people through travelling to different parts of Malaysia, visiting my sister in Singapore etc; helped me to overcome this initial loneliness. 

My advice for new volunteers would be seize every opportunity that Malaysia and the surrounding regions have to offer. Travelling allowed me to meet loads of different people from all walks of life as well as experience the beautiful gems of Malayasia, such as Penang and Langkawi. Also throwing yourself into different local events organised via Facebook, allows you to meet like-minded people and make some true friends.

The experience of teaching and moving abroad developed me professionally and personally far more than a corporate placement ever could have. It’s an experience that has matured me greatly and something I will always look fondly back on.