After finishing his sixth year at Dunblane High School in 2011, Alastair Spray packed his bags and headed to Central America for a year of volunteering as an English teacher through Project Trust. The 18-year-old Aberdeen Uni student fills us in on his incredible gap year…
What inspired you to take part in Project Trust?
I had been studying Spanish for a while at school and really enjoyed it. Also, Latin American cinema inspired me to explore the continent – in particular The Motorcycle Diaries!
You volunteered as a teacher in Honduras – what did that involve?
I taught kids of various ages, some in kindergarten were only two or three but the majority of kids were around 12 to 16. However I did teach quite a few who were actually older than me which was interesting! I taught English to all my classes and also helped out the teachers with admin stuff and coached some sports teams.
What did you do in your spare time?
I would often head to the beach! The water was turquoise and ridiculously warm. I would also hang out with friends in the village and I’d give English lessons outside of school too. There was a dive shop on the island where we learned to scuba dive – I got instantly addicted! I also travelled across most of the mainland as well as much of Guatemala. Central America is so diverse and fascinating; it’s got everything from Caribbean beaches to active volcanoes to rainforests, deserts and ancient Mayan cities.
What’s your favourite memory?
While travelling through Guatemala I did a three-day trek up Tajumulco, the highest mountain in Central America. At the top, I stared at the active volcanoes of southern Guatemala, smoking away hundreds of miles from us and was stunned speechless.
What new skills have you gained?
Responsibility and planning for sure, also confidence. My Spanish is also so much better and I managed to learn a couple new guitar songs out there too!
How much did it cost you to take part?
I had to fundraise just under £5,000 for the whole thing. At first glance that looks like a ridiculous amount but Project Trust gave me loads of help with fundraising. I did things like bag packing, a sponsored half marathon and a band night/fashion show. The money covers the flight, health and possessions insurance for the whole year, accommodation, lunch and dinner and our allowance of £100 a month.
Would you do it again?
Without a doubt. Unfortunately you can only do one year (or eight months) with Project Trust. However I am applying to ICS to volunteer for 12 weeks this summer in Bolivia, Nicaragua or Honduras again! And in my third university year I have to study abroad as part of my course – I’m thinking Argentina…
GET INVOLVED
Project Trust is the UK’s original gap year provider, sending 17 to 19-year-old school leavers overseas on long-term volunteer placements over the last 40 years. To find out more about Project Trust and to see where you could end up, head to www.projecttrust.org.uk or call 01879 230 444.
Source Winter 2012
