Volunteering at IHF Bali has been everything I thought and hoped it would be; I feel that I can't find the right words to describe how wonderful the experience has been, but I'll try.

The children! There aren’t many words to describe how beautiful they are. They have such exuberant, loving personalities and they're always happy despite not having the circumstances that most of us in the western world probably believe are needed for happiness. I have gained so much from teaching them. The feeling of satisfaction and awe when a child learns something as simple as the days of the week and how to tell the time in English is truly rewarding. And when they desperately try to find the words in English to impress or communicate with you...it really touches your heart. They constantly shout 'kah Jenny' (which is similar to 'miss') which has become both amusing and comforting and I can't imagine not hearing this everyday after next week.

The teaching has been a challenge, but a very much welcomed and enjoyable challenge; I think most volunteers would agree. At home, I felt that I’d been stretched to my professional capacity. I was becoming complacent with my career and in turn a little bit bored and this spurred me to look for volunteer work abroad where I could learn new skills and where I would be challenged both professionally and personally. Teaching English as a foreign language at IHF Bali has been the change and challenge I needed. I’ve had to re-evaluate my classroom management skills, my resources and, above all, my linguistic skills. I can't believe how much you can actually communicate through tone, intonation and gesture. Thumbs up and thumbs down has become a popular one with me as has a slanting head to show sorrow or express an apology at not knowing more of their language.

I have loved living in the center and getting to know other volunteers from around the world. I have made at least one friend for life I think. The center and the accommodation have a rustic and traditional charm which makes me feel like I am pursuing an exotic, bohemian dream. I've had my own traditional room (known as a Lumbung) with a balcony overlooking rice fields and on days when I am doing yoga or meditating on the balcony in the early morning sun, I have to pinch myself to believe I am here, fulfilling my aspirations and in turn get to experience such an endearing culture.

Besides teaching, I’ve also had the experience of working within the online dimension of the charity where I’ve had the opportunity, amongst many other things, to develop the curriculum for all 6 centers and write an article based on my beliefs. I have also seen the hard work that other volunteers and center directors invest in order to recruit volunteers, promote the charity and generally uphold the organisation's ethos. To experience the time, effort and zest that other volunteers invest in the charity has been truly inspirational; I have seen for myself, first hand, the compassion in humanity and the lengths people go to on their own and as part of a team for a cause like IHF. There is very much a ‘can do’ attitude which I think we could all do with a dose of to improve our outlook on life.

Above all, IHF’s ‘pass in on’ philosophy has been a wonderful breath of fresh air, it very much coincides with a proverb close to my heart: be the change you want to see in the world.

Volunteering abroad for IHF in Bali has changed my outlook on life. I've had an amazing time and to have had this experience whilst helping those less fortunate is priceless.

The only downside: it's gone too fast!