Hi, I’m Anika, I’m 22 years old and I’m from Austria. After my studies, I wanted to get to know more of the world as well as different cultures, traditions, and people. And what better way than to go abroad with an intercultural volunteering program?
I feel grateful that I had the opportunity to join the Bukas Palad Community as a volunteer for 7 months. I was an assistant to the nursery teacher, helping with food-pack distributions or occasionally baking Austrian cookies for everyone to taste. Even though the first couple of weeks were not the easiest of my life, I would do it all over again. It takes some time to accept and respect new opinions and attitudes as well as to adapt to the crazy traffic condition in the city, to a different living situation, and to a whole new lifestyle in general. Yet, there were many people who helped me overcome that challenge. I felt very supported by the staff of Bukas Palad. In case of difficulties and struggles, I could always talk to them during our daily lunch sessions, at dinner parties, or just between lessons. In addition, the other European volunteers were very helpful because it’s important to share your thoughts and troubles with people who go through the same adaptation process and have a similar background.
When I arrived, I didn’t know much about the Philippines and its people. I wanted to take things as they come and experience them myself. I was very positively surprised by the kindness, hospitality, and positivity of the Filipinas and Filipinos. I learned to integrate more of those traits into my personal life.
Volunteering can provide you with many important life lessons and a beautiful experience you will keep for the rest of your life. Thanks to the intercultural exchange I could improve my language skills and my ability in communicating with other cultures. I am more able to understand people of other origins and their opinions 
now as I have never met that many people from different countries before. The stay at Bukas Palad helped me to connect more easily and approach people with more respect. While working on the nursery project, I improved my patience and flexibility. Additionally, I was able to gain more confidence to work with little children. On a personal basis, I got to know myself, as well as my strengths and weaknesses, better.
In my overall experience I was very touched by the sense of belonging my colleagues gave me. It was an amazing feeling to be part of such a loving and giving community. I loved to make the children smile and get to know them. When it comes to future changes in my life, it will be easier for me to be flexible and positive thanks to my experience at Bukas Palad. I would be happy to be back someday.
