Take a month and fill up a sketchbook with little doodles that will help you remember your entire semester.
ILP volunteers have quite a bit of down time. No matter what country you’re volunteering in, you’ll spend about a half day volunteering (up to 4 hours of direct interaction with the kids, plus preparation time, transportation, and clean up). That means a few hours every day, plus weekends and vacation days to hang out, explore your country, work on an online class or make some memories.
Volunteering with ILP is perfect for first time travelers!
Come learn more about how it works right here
A couple of words to the wise: You think you’ll remember the little details about living abroad but unless you catch them in a video, on your phone, or write them down, they just slip away.
If you’re an artist or simply want to add a little creative edge to the journal you're keeping while you travel the world, we suggest taking this month-long art challenge to fill up a sketchbook full of those moments.
Our 31 Day Sketch Your Travels Challenge
Day 1 — today’s breakfast
Day 2 — what the weather is like outside
Day 3 — draw your favorite way to get around your city
Day 4 — something in your apartment/house
Day 5 — someone who makes you smile (maybe the guy at the empanada stand or someone in your ILP Group)
Day 6 — what you’re wearing today
Day 7 — choose a word you’ve learned in the local language and draw it out
Day 8 — your phone background
Day 9 — something in your room
Day 10 — doodle the shoes you wear the most here
Day 11 — the first thing that comes to mind when you think about your city
Day 12 — a mini picture of what the local currency looks like
Day 13 — the view out the closest windows
Day 14 — what you’re wearing today
Day 15 — a new food you’ve tried
Day 16 — your favorite building, park, cafe, castle, etc. in your city
Day 17 — a map of your country and your favorite places
Day 18 — the school supply your kids love the most
Day 19 — sketch out a few stats: what’s the temperature today? How many days until your next vacation? How many ice creams have you eaten this week? You know, things you’ll want to remember.
Day 20 — illustrate your favorite ILP lesson you taught
Day 21 — your favorite souvenir you’ve gotten here
Day 22 — the one thing you’re so grateful you packed
Day 23 — something you miss from home
Day 24 — the strangest food/fruit you’ve had so far
Day 25 — your favorite part about today
Day 26 — draw how you’re feeling right now
Day 27 — a favorite treat you like to get after teaching
Day 28 — something quirky about your city or country
Day 29 — draw what’s currently in your backpack or suitcase
Day 30 — draw your favorite parts about your last vacation (Eiffel tower, croissants and a French flag)
Day 31 — what you’ll miss most about living here
Looking for ways to affordably travel with friends?
Get more info about the chance to live in Europe for the summer or spend a couple of months adventuring in Thailand with an ILP semester. We have countries all over the world that give you the chance to travel, meet new friends, make a difference, and stamp your passport.
