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Tips Straight From An ILP Volunteer In Lithuania

Posted by Jen King on 4/14/15 8:30 AM

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We're back again with an interview of an ILP volunteer! Hear what she has to say about it and advice that she gives to future volunteers ... that's you! 


We've got all the details about volunteering in Lithuania
to help you know if it's right for you



Today we're going to introduce you to Ashlie who has been living abroad as an ILP volunteer in Lithuania as an English teacher. 

What has been your favorite aspect of doing a semester abroad?

"My favorite part about my semester abroad is getting to experience something not a lot of people do. When people come to Europe, it's typically to see Spain or France, for example. I feel like Lithuania is a hidden treasure, that I'm lucky to get to experience. I'm seeing a place very few Americans ever will. There's a new adventure every day living abroad, and these experiences and opportunities I have here are unlike anything I can get at home! I love the balance between work and play. I feel a sense of purpose by teaching the kids, and then I feel the freedom of travel and adventure on vacations and weekends! It's the best of both worlds. And meeting the girls in my group has been great too! We've all become such good friends."

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Where have you enjoyed traveling to?

"I honestly believe that there is something amazing to see everywhere you go! I want to see everything, so everything I have been able to see I have enjoyed! So far I've been to Finland, Estonia, and Poland, as well as taking day trips to the Hill of Crosses and Kaunas, Lithuania. Every one of those places has had something unique and beautiful to offer! It's hard to pick a favorite.

"Visiting Auschwitz stands out though, because it was such a moving experience. Part of the reason I picked Lithuania was because of the travel opportunities that come from being in Europe! My 10 day vacation is coming at the end of this week, and part of that vacation includes London and Amsterdam, both of which I'm dying to see. Can't wait!"

DSC_0085-1On the ferry from Estonia to Finland.

helsinkifinlandHelsiniki, Finland

wawelcastleinwarsawpolandWawel Castel in Warsaw, Poland

What has surprised you most about living in a foreign country?

"The thing that surprised me most about living in a foreign country is that there are a lot of American-ized things here! They listen to American music, have American candy and even wear American clothes. This country is so much more Westernized than I expected, and it's nice to find small bits and pieces of home in a place so far away. Another thing that surprised me is that even though there is a language barrier, it's still possible to communicate with people. It's an interesting experience trying to convey a message via sign language, body language and noises, but it works. And it's possible to love people you can't even speak to, it really is!"

Have you had any funny or crazy cultural experiences?

"One of the first days I was here, I noticed my host mom pick up my one year old host sister Fausteja and start singing to her. I figured it was time for her nap, so I didn't think much of it. I watched her take Fausteja over and put a snow suit on her. So then I'm thinking they must be going out or something. Next thing I know, she puts Fausteja in a basket, and still singing to her, walks to the front door. She didn't say goodbye to me, which was unusual. But then she just opened the door, set the basket out on the porch, and came back in. She resumed her normal activities, and I was in shock. Apparently, their babies sleep on the porch. Who cares about the fact that it's -20 degrees Celsius right? I later found out that they do it to expose them to fresh air, which supposedly strengthens their immune systems. Hahahaha, I'm used to it now, but it was weird to watch them put her on the porch everyday for the first little bit!"

What advice do you have for future volunteers?

"My advice for future volunteers is to be open minded. When I set out here, I had requested to live in the head teacher's apartment, because I was afraid to live with a host family. My head teacher told me that was most likely okay, but things changed when we got here. I was terrified, and at first it was scary, but now I'm so so so glad that I live here with them. They are amazing people and have made my time here so much more meaningful. Things are always scary at the beginning, so take things a day at a time. Another thing is to make the most of the time you have wherever you go! There's always something to go see or do, so don't waste the short amount of time you have staying home to watch Netflix. You won't regret it!"

 

hillofcrosses

Hill of Crosses in Lithuania

balticseaAt the Baltic Sea

viewofvilniusLooking over Old Town in Vilnius, Lithuania

Volunteering with International Language Programs is a great way to really experience Eastern Europe — don't overlook this part of the world! Make a difference by helping children learn English, submerge yourself in the culture, and have the opportunity to travel for a semester!

Learn more about volunteering in Lithuania here or apply today!

Start My Application! 

Topics: Europe

Hey friends!

We are ILP, a Utah-based non-profit org that has service abroad opportunities for college-age volunteers. We love travel so we're sharing all our tips for making the most of your time living abroad + seeing the world, and how to do it all on the tiniest budget.

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