‘Unforgettable’ and ‘life changing’ have become ubiquitous expressions when describing an overseas experience and seem to be synonymous with the “on my gap yah...” cliché, as seen on YouTube. However, describing my Progressio ICS experience in Nicaragua as ‘unforgettable’ and ‘life changing’ would, if anything, be a huge understatement. While associating my time as a few months of drinking, partying and holidaying couldn’t be further wide of the mark. Of course, there is nothing wrong with that, but for a true, fulfilling, rewarding and enlightening overseas experience I don’t think you can look past an ICS placement and I am going to tell you why by relaying my experience in El Pochote, Nicaragua, with Progressio.
Firstly, the people. I met the most incredible people, many of whom, during the total 10 weeks, I formed an immensely strong bond with; comparable to that of the friendships I developed in my three years at University. I guess this was inevitable considering that many of the 17 British and 21 Nicaraguan volunteers (all aged between 18-26) were constructing eco-latrines for our main project, a task that required a strong team work ethic and, what was for many, untried practical building skills. That’s not to mention that the British volunteers were living in such close spatial proximity to one another, paired together in various host families in the city of Masaya. But, for me, my host family will leave the longest lasting impression on me, particularly my host Mum, Maria Carmen. She was the matriarch of the family of 10, carer of her 97 year old father, leader of a local community organisation and 3a.m. early riser for her job at the market, in which the number of days off she’d had in a year could literally be counted on one hand. Maria Carmen is without a doubt, the most remarkable, admirable and inspirational person that I have ever met and will ever meet.
Secondly, the projects. A big part of ICS is giving the volunteers an opportunity and refreshingly high levels of responsibility to use their initiative to address real life problems. For me, a graduate with career aspirations of working in environmental sustainability, this came in the form of a role as team leader of the ‘Environment Group’. I had never undertaken a leadership role before. As a team of 12, British and Nicaraguan volunteers, we delivered and planned a recycling awareness day with local children at a school by playing waste-orientated games, constructed a recycling facility, which involved a design and material sourcing process, and arranged for a waste collection service to pay the school for the recycling material. This project would provide a much needed flow of funds in an impoverished location.
Thirdly, the skills I developed. I delivered a presentation to hundreds in Spanish, developing my confidence significantly as well as my language ability. By completing the recycling project, I unearthed leadership skills I didn’t know existed. I was also exposed to a completely unfamiliar environment, fostering an ability to adapt and learn new skills quickly. I also acquired skills in blog and report writing, monitoring and evaluation, negotiation (in Spanish!), budgeting, teaching, and of course, Marimba dancing! I went to Nicaragua with the attitude of ‘you get out what you put in’. I got a lot out!
Since my return to the UK, my experience has had a big impact. For me personally, I have embarked on a career with Tesco; building stronger relationships and improving sustainability within the supply chain. It’s a job which I love and without doubt was acquired thanks to my experiences and the skills I developed with Progressio in Nicaragua.
However, the most important, biggest and also my proudest impact since my return, is the impact in the community of El Pochote. I was recently informed that the recycling centre is still in use and the teachers have noticed a difference in the children’s attitude towards the environment, which is contributing towards funds to buy much needed drinking water. Now, that’s an impact and that’s ICS!
18-25? Apply. You won’t regret it.
Written by ICS Alumni Will Pauffley (July - September 2014 cycle)
