UK | School Volunteer
Paula, an 18-year-old from Ecuador, and Lili, a 20-year-old from France, are volunteering for one year at a boarding school in the English countryside. We caught up with them a couple of months into their placement to hear about their experience so far.
Background and Motivation
Paula discovered New Ventures Worldwide through a family friend and was immediately drawn to the school placement. Aspiring to become a teacher, she saw the role as an opportunity to test her career ambitions, improve her English, and make her gap year meaningful.
Lili, who had been studying psychology, was looking for a change and a break from her studies. After finding the NVW school placement online, she saw it as an opportunity to travel, gain new skills, and experience life in a different country.
“I want to be a teacher, so I’m testing it out. I also saw this as a chance to practise English and contribute to my future.”
Paula
“I want to be a teacher and saw this as an opportunity to travel, develop personal and professional skills, and truly experience life.”
Lili
Role and Responsibilities
Paula and Lili support both boarding house life and classroom learning. Their responsibilities include helping with morning routines, ensuring students attend breakfast, assisting on weekend trips, and supporting language learning in lessons.
Paula’s role includes escorting students and working in the language department, where she teaches Spanish and offers one-to-one support. Lili focuses on supporting French lessons and enjoys building relationships with students through humour and conversation.
“We go on really fun trips every Saturday, from exploring London to go-karting and visiting museums. I also teach Spanish classes and offer one-to-one support.”
Rabie
“I love helping the kids with their French and offering personalised support. The kids are hilarious and bring so much energy to the classroom.”
Lili
Highlights and Growing Confidence
Both volunteers speak warmly about the supportive school environment and the strong sense of community. Paula enjoys spending time in the boarding house, sharing meals, baking, and taking part in activities with students. Teaching Spanish has been particularly rewarding, especially seeing shy students grow in confidence.
Lili’s highlights include the school’s organised weekend trips and the moment students begin to engage more confidently in lessons. Being part of the wider school community has helped both volunteers feel settled and valued.
“Teaching Spanish has been so rewarding. Seeing students grow in confidence and enjoy learning makes it really special.”
Paula
“I’m so grateful to be part of the school community. Everyone is so kind, and the experiences we share make it unforgettable.”
Lili
Overcoming Challenges
Starting life at a busy boarding school came with challenges for both volunteers. Paula found being thrown into the deep end challenging at first, while Lili initially felt anxious about living and working in a new environment. With time, support from staff, and strong relationships with students, both settled in and gained confidence.
“At the start, it was hard because you never 100 per cent know what to expect, but everyone was so kind and welcoming.”
Paula
“I was a little anxious in the beginning, but once I got to know the kids and staff, I started to feel comfortable.”
Lili
Accommodation and Food
Paula and Lili share a flat and each have their own private bedroom. The school provides three meals a day, snacks, and access to a shared kitchen, allowing a balance between independence and communal living.
Paula enjoys the experience of sharing and supporting one another, while Lili appreciates the communal spaces and variety of meals provided by the school.
“It’s nice to experience independence while also sharing a space. We help each other out a lot.”
Paula
“The food is really varied, and I love having shared spaces where everyone comes together.”
Lili
Support from New Ventures Worldwide
Both Paula and Lili felt well supported by New Ventures Worldwide throughout the process, from clear information and transparent pricing to help with visas and ongoing communication during their placement.
“The role descriptions were very clear, and I knew exactly what I was signing up for. NVW helped with everything and are always there if I need support.”
Paula
“The communication was excellent and really reassuring. I felt supported the whole way through.”
Lili
Reflections and Advice for Others
Reflecting on their experiences, both volunteers feel the placement has helped them grow in confidence, independence, and clarity about their future goals. Volunteering has shown them that living abroad and stepping outside their comfort zone is both possible and rewarding.
“Volunteering has taught me that I enjoy being independent and that learning English has a real purpose.”
Paula
“I’ve gained so much confidence and learned that I can live in another country and handle new challenges.”
Lili
