articles

Sometimes Giving Back is the Best Vacation

By Joyce Shulman May 10, 2011

Moms give all the time and vacations are a time to replenish. While for many, a few days on the beach or at a spa seems like the only way to go, many are discovering the joy and fulfillment that comes from a volunteer vacation. 

Sucheta Rawal recently spent her vacation in Morocco teaching English at a women's empowerment center.  Sounds to us like she's the one who came home empowered and she was generous to share her story with us.  


Q:  Sounds like an amazing adventure.  Where exactly did you go and what did you do?


A:  Two girlfriends and I traveled to Morocco last fall through an organization called Cross Cultural Solutions. I taught English at a women’s empowerment center in Rabat for 2 hours each day. in the afternoons, there were organized activities such as Moroccan cooking classes, Arabic lessons, talks on Islam & women, field trips to the major sites, pottery village, etc. In the evenings, I went shopping at the medina, for a stroll around the neighborhood or for gelato with other volunteers. On weekends, my friends & I travelled to Casablanca, Marrakesh & Fes.

Q:  Why a volunteer vacation?

A:  After traveling to 30+ countries, I wanted to experience more than just tourist attractions, hotels & restaurants. A volunteer vacation helped me learn more about the culture, meet people and do some good in the community. It is also cheaper & safer to travel alone as you go through a reputable association & stay with other people from around the world.

Q:  Do you feel you created a meaningful connection with other women on your trip?

A:  Absolutely! On the first day of the class, I showed my class a presentation on my life. I showed them pictures of where I grew up, went to school, where I lived, what I did, my wedding, my family members, etc. Since we did not speak the same language this was a good way to break the ice. The next day the women also brought me pictures to show & I encouraged them to explain in English what they were showing. The women really bonded with me & named me “Usteda” meaning teacher, saying that it rhymed with my name “Sucheta”. On my last day, they threw me a farewell party with tea, cookies & gifts. Everyone took photos with their camera phones. Couple of them are still in touch with me through email.

Q:  Was it only women?

A:  There were 15 women and 7 men in the boarding house. The women had their own floor, with dorm style rooms & shared bathrooms. The place I taught had mostly women & a couple of men. Other volunteers went to orphanages, hospitals & community colleges.

Q:  What organization did you work with to organize the trip? Would you recommend them?

A:  Cross Cultural Solutions. I have taken 2 trips with them & have recommended them to several of my friends. They do an excellent job in organizing placements at local nonprofit organizations, as well as after work activities. The staff is also very friendly & knowledgeable. You pay them a flat fee for room, board & local transportation.

Q:  What do you feel you got out of the trip?  Did you feel it was more personally fulfilling than a more traditional vacation?

A:  I had a wonderful time exploring a different culture & country. I ate traditional home-cooked Moroccan meals 3 times a day; met other like minded people from all over the world; learned so much about Morocco, Islam & women; & discovered my own self through the journey. It was a 100 times more fulfilling than a traditional vacation!

Q:  Did you come home exhausted or invigorated?


A:  Invigorated! I did not want to come home but was happy to see my family & give them the gifts I brought. We went through the 800 pictures I took there & I prepared a traditional Moroccan meal for the people who supported my trip. I also was excited about teaching and started exploring options back home.

Q:  What was the best part?

A:  One weekend, some of the volunteers went for a trip to see the Sahara desert. We took camel rides at sunset & reached a small camp. We ate traditional food being cooked there, watched Berbers play music & sing, danced with them & slept under the stars. In the morning, we rode the camels back watching the sunrise. It is something you don’t get to experience everyday!

Q: Would you do it again?

A:  Yes, I am deciding between Nepal & Bhutan to go to next. You can volunteer for as little as $200/ week there.

Q: What do you do in your "real" life?

A:  I am a consultant by day, food & travel writer by night. I also teach cooking classes & volunteer in the community.   And I blog at www.goeatgive.com.

You can reach Sucheta at sucheta@goeatgive.com