UK | Au Pair & Community Volunteer
For 18-year-old Analiz from Ecuador, what began as an opportunity to travel and work abroad became a life-changing year of growth, confidence, and independence. Referred to New Ventures Worldwide by a cousin, Analiz joined NVW as a Community Volunteer in the UK for 11 months.
Living with a host family in Weybridge, she helped care for four-year-old twins, preparing breakfast, walking them to school, and spending afternoons taking them to clubs, playing, and getting ready for bed. Once a week, she also volunteered at a children’s hospice charity shop, sorting clothes and organising donations. Over time, her host family became like her own, and the experience gave her a new perspective on herself and her future.
“They became like a family, the parents and the kids. It didn’t feel like working, it felt like being an older sister. I improved my English a lot, and helping a good cause at the charity shop made me feel proud.”
Analiz
Motivation to Volunteer
Analiz had always dreamed of exploring another country, and volunteering with NVW was her first opportunity to travel, work, and experience real independence. She saw it as a chance to step outside her comfort zone and begin adulthood with purpose.
“I wanted to travel, explore another country, and have my first chance to work and be independent.”
Analiz
Living Away from Home for the First Time
Moving abroad at 18 was both exciting and emotional. The first month brought moments of homesickness, particularly during family birthdays, but regular phone calls and support from home helped Analiz adjust. As time passed, she found her rhythm and began to embrace her independence.
“At first, I missed my family a lot, especially on birthdays. But talking to them every night helped, and slowly I started loving being independent.”
Analiz
Food and Accommodation
Analiz’s host family in Weybridge helped her feel at home from the start. Living in a quiet town, in a spacious house with a large garden and river nearby, she enjoyed having her own room and a strong sense of comfort and privacy.
Adjusting to British mealtimes took some getting used to, but she soon settled in and enjoyed cooking together with her host family.
“The house was huge, with a big garden and a river behind it. I had lots of privacy. At first it was strange that dinner was the main meal, but I got used to it, and the food was really nice and healthy.”
Analiz
Support from New Ventures Worldwide
From her first conversations with NVW through to her time in the UK, Analiz felt consistently supported. The application and preparation process took around a year, during which her Programme Manager stayed in regular contact, offering guidance, reassurance, and check-ins throughout her placement.
“The support was really good. We spoke a lot during the process, and my Programme Manager always checked in on me and was there if I needed help.”
Analiz
Cultural Experience and Travel
Living in the UK introduced Analiz to new accents, customs, and everyday cultural differences. With encouragement from her host family and friendships formed through NVW, she made the most of every opportunity to explore.
She travelled to Manchester, Cambridge, Oxford, and Scotland twice, and often spent weekends in London with friends, including other Ecuadorian volunteers she met through the programme.
“It was a cultural shock at first because everything was new. I travelled to so many places, went to Scotland twice, and visited London almost every weekend.”
Analiz
Personal Growth and Future Aspirations
Analiz describes her time in the UK as transformative. Living independently, managing responsibilities, and connecting with new people built her confidence and maturity. The experience also reshaped her ambitions, and she now plans to study international relations, inspired by her love of travel and cross-cultural connection.
“Volunteering abroad is challenging but incredibly rewarding. The personal growth and the inspiring people you meet make it an invaluable experience.”
Analiz
Advice for Aspiring Volunteers
Looking back, Analiz describes the experience as challenging, rewarding, and unforgettable. Her advice to others considering volunteering abroad is simple: take the leap.
“You must do it. It will change your life in a really good way. There will be challenges, but it will be the best year of your life so far.”
Analiz
