Volunteer Experience: Deborah

To be honest, living in UK was never in my plans. But deep inside, I always wanted to live abroad, and the opportunity finally came. When I decided to leave Brazil two years ago, I began to prepare myself financially and psychologically, because the change was very hard for me. After the decision, came the question: where to go?

That's when I found Igloo Hostel at the Worldpackers volunteers website. I had no idea where Nottingham was, nor had I heard about the city before. But as soon as I found the opportunity and started reading the description, I became very interested.

Having decided the country, city and hostel, it was time to say goodbye and start a new cycle in my life. I confess it was not easy at all. I resigned from my 5-year job, and the day after Molly confirmed my application, I booked my flight ticket. It was done, there was no turning back.

I arrived here on August 1st, aiming to stay at least 6 weeks. I ended up staying almost 3 months. I was very welcomed by everyone from the staff to the volunteers. All of them were kind and helpful.

The work is easy and consists of cleaning and housekeeping. It's four hours a day and two days off a week. Everyday the hostel has to be cleaned from the bottom to the top. I also had the opportunity to work for a few days at the reception, which was one of the biggest challenges for me.

Another nice thing about volunteering at Igloo is being able to work in four different buildings (Pods, Annexe, Hybrid and Shed). Thus, there is no routine itself. And it may vary, the workplace was very good.

During this time I learned a lot. I met people from all over the world, from Estonia to Malaysia, from Canada to Argentina, and so on. That was the best part, because understanding and knowing other cultures is very valuable to me.

Apart from work, there are two days off and in a row. Thus, there is a chance to know nearby cities. I had the opportunity to visit some like Cambridge, York, Lincoln, Stratford Upon Avon and Liverpool. All of these are within easy reach and a maximum of 3 hours away by train from Nottingham. At the same time, I visited some cool things here in the city. An interesting walk is to go to Wollaton Park, where the movie Batman - The Dark Knight Rises was filmed. Another option is to stroll along the banks of the Trent River and the canal that cuts through the city. In the city centre there are several options of pubs and restaurants as well. And as I particularly love cinema, one of my favourites was Broadway Cinema located at Lace Market.

Well, it's kinda hard for me to write this because it brings back so many nice memories which makes me so nostalgic that it hurts. And, reading and writing it all now makes me happy and sad at the same time. Glad because I connected with very nice people and got a sense of duty fulfilled by everything I did and learned. And sad because I'm gonna miss this place so much.

My time here was beyond my expectations and I loved every minute of. The people I met, and the beds we made - all of it has a special place in my heart now. I will remember everything and everyone with great affection: Molly, Sarah, Marine, B, Sebastian, Giuseppe, Georgia, Paul, Xanthea, Nicky, Attila, I'm so grateful to have been part of this amazing team. Thanks for everything, from the bottom of my heart, guys. And be sure I'll be back sometime!

Deborah

Volunteer Experience: Ignacio

I really wanted to live in England for a while, to perceive the ways in which people speak, accents, phrases, registers (I am passionate about language and communication). At the same time, I needed a year away from college and work. After five years of study and two years of work, I perceived that I was becoming a little lonely, self-absorbed and less and less communicative. I decided that a long trip, in which I could meet people, socialize and exchange, would help me grow, explore other personal areas a little forgotten.

That sounds romantic and courageous, but I was very scared: I had never traveled to Europe and I was afraid that the place is not cozy, that people are not so warm to foreigners, that the climate is merciless. But getting here was like a warm hug, (metaphorically, of course, people usually do not touch each other when they say hello).

The atmosphere of the hostel is so cozy, the facilities are beautiful. I understood right away that good vibes do not come from the building itself. It's the volunteers, the receptionists and the managers who make it a special place. Among all the people who work here, a relationship is maintained that combines symmetry in personal treatment, with the responsibility of each one in their tasks, always with warmth, joy and willingness to listen and help each other. It is clear that in such an environment, people easily become friends and that moments are lived with intensity.

I've been here for 2 months and I could choose Nottingham as my home. It is a charming city, with very diverse architectural styles and very well preserved. The vitality in its streets is perceived and students who come from all over the world bring diversity and openness to cultural differences.

 I was happy in each of my days with my roommates, in each night out, in each visit to museums and historical places, each talk, food and laugh with the people who are part of this team. It makes me emotional to think that my volunteer experience will end in a short time, but I also leave my dear Igloo so that someone else feels, as I did, their spaces and the people who live there.

The Igloo Volunteer Program

The Igloo is now running our own volunteer programmes from 6 weeks - 6 months. The idea is: you help us out & we give you free accommodation and food allowances. During the last 2 years we have had 9 volunteers from abroad and it has worked very well for everybody involved.

If you know anyone who may be interested, they can get in touch via reception@igloohostel.co.uk and ask about our volunteer programme package!