Life-Changing Experience in Mongolia

Projects Abroad www.projects-abroad.co.uk
★★★★★
4.7
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Christian366's review of Projects Abroad www.projects-abroad.co.uk

“Life-Changing Experience in Mongolia”

★★★★★

written by Christian366 on 29/06/2017

I could not have chosen a better way to spend my gap year than to do a Projects Abroad journalism internship in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. In those six fantastic weeks I picked up skills, had my eyes opened to a new and fascinating way of life, and made the best friends I have ever known. Projects Abroad were nothing short of superb. The application process was made incredibly easy by the staff who answered every single one of my emails. Before I left England they also phoned me to clarify the arrival procedure and my itinerary for the first few days, which put my mind at ease. My in-country Volunteer Advisor was there for me the whole time I was in Mongolia and I was incredibly impressed with the professionalism and compassion she demonstrated. She greeted me at the airport with a huge smile and warm hug (much appreciated in -14 degrees), and accompanied me to meet my hosts. She also accompanied me on my first day at work to make introductions easier and became a close friend to all of the volunteers. I thoroughly enjoyed the cultural activities arranged by Projects Abroad, in particular, the community outreach project where we helped with a charity for single mothers with disabled children, visiting them and making a documentary.

My journalism internship with the Mongol Messenger newspaper, run by the Montsame News Agency was a terrific experience. All five of the articles I wrote were published in print, giving my career prospects, and my confidence as a fledgling journalist, a wonderful boost, and since returning home, one of my articles has been translated into Danish and published in Denmark. The editor gave me praise and helpful direction in writing and editing my articles and I felt like a valued member of the team. One of the reporters always took me with her when she attended press conferences and gave me great insight into life as a journalist. Three of my colleagues were only a few years older than me and so we became something of a gang, spending time with each other outside of work and becoming really fantastic friends. Because they worked as translators, their English was impeccable, which made communication interesting and easy. They proudly showed off their city and gave me a thorough education in Mongolian history, culture, customs and values.

My host sisters (27 and 19) did everything they could to take care of me and I have the loveliest memories of meeting their parents, going on shopping trips and an excursion into the countryside with them. They were so sweet-natured and funny and treated me as a member of their family. One of my favourite memories was going to watch my host in the university arts competition, where I was treated to a mesmerising spectacle of traditional and contemporary Mongolian song and dance. Travelling out into the countryside and staying with nomads was truly unforgettable. I went horse-trekking, camel-riding and off-roading and loved every single minute of it. Standing on the seemingly infinite steppe, in the absolute middle of nowhere, is an almost unbeatable experience.

I would encourage anyone to do a Projects Abroad internship, because it will be unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before. Whichever project you choose, in whichever destination, you’ll be changed for ever, and in the best possible way.

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