The speaker is from Colombia, and volunteered to teach English in Germany.

I am German, and I went abroad to do voluntary work.

Last year, I volunteered to teach English in Colombia. I wasn’t quite sure about how I would be as a teacher. I really wanted to try it, and I guessed I could help from a unique perspective because English is my second language. Of course, when you don’t speak Spanish, there is a barrier between you and the people you’re teaching. What really surprised me, though, is how easy it is to overcome that. You actually have more in common with the kids than you think.

 During my 2 weeks in Colombia, I taught boys between 8-14 years old, and they were amazing. I still remember their smiling faces, full of love and eager to learn. The highlight was a drawing activity I organized for my final volunteer day. I was so happy with how well it went and I felt so lucky to be gifted one of the drawings. I will treasure it forever.

 I’ll never forget what it was like saying goodbye. I naively thought before I went that I was giving something to them, but actually, I was the one who received so much.1. The speaker is from Colombia, and volunteered to teach English in Germany.