Leave for Change Blogs

Many Leave for Change participants blog - often before, during, and after their volunteer assignment - capturing the diversity and richness of their volunteer experience, their reactions to being in a new country, how they navigate and negotiate their mandates, and the impact the whole experience has on them personally and professionally.

You can search blogs by person, country, or year. Enjoy!   

Bolivia

Jonathan Chang on Leave for Change - August 19th, 2017 10:21 AM

It’s been so busy the last 3 weeks but I felt like a lot was accomplished during the short period of time. I was able to travel to many citws and villages across the country, from La Paz to Cochabamba to Tarija.

Bolivia

Jonathan Chang on Leave for Change - August 19th, 2017 10:21 AM

It’s been so busy the last 3 weeks but I felt like a lot was accomplished during the short period of time. I was able to travel to many citws and villages across the country, from La Paz to Cochabamba to Tarija.


Salar Dr Uyuni

Jonathan Chang on Leave for Change - August 7th, 2017 6:44 PM

After 4 hours of hand gestures and Google translate with the travel agency. I am going to Salar de Uyuni . It seems like half of the passenger going to Uyuni is either Korean or Chinese lol. And as always, Everyone thinks I’m Korean.

Salar Dr Uyuni

Jonathan Chang on Leave for Change - August 7th, 2017 6:44 PM

After 4 hours of hand gestures and Google translate with the travel agency. I am going to Salar de Uyuni . It seems like half of the passenger going to Uyuni is either Korean or Chinese lol. And as always, Everyone thinks I’m Korean.


Touring Saigon’s China Town

Statia Elliot on Leave for Change - August 7th, 2017 12:04 AM

Lucky me! I was the practice tourist for students from the tour guiding program. Motor bike to Cholon, Saigon China Town, banh beo for breakfast then the flower market, fabric market, Tien Hau Temple (goddess of the sea), palm salad and more for lunch. So fun! And helps me to better understand the curriculum to have seen it in action. Tomorrow I present my findings to faculty and staff.

Touring Saigon’s China Town

Statia Elliot on Leave for Change - August 7th, 2017 12:04 AM

Lucky me! I was the practice tourist for students from the tour guiding program. Motor bike to Cholon, Saigon China Town, banh beo for breakfast then the flower market, fabric market, Tien Hau Temple (goddess of the sea), palm salad and more for lunch. So fun! And helps me to better understand the curriculum to have seen it in action. Tomorrow I present my findings to faculty and staff.


All in a day!

Statia Elliot on Leave for Change - August 3rd, 2017 1:30 AM

Beyond their hospitality classes, the College students here also learn English, exercise every day to music, oh… and juggle!

All in a day!

Statia Elliot on Leave for Change - August 3rd, 2017 1:30 AM

Beyond their hospitality classes, the College students here also learn English, exercise every day to music, oh… and juggle!


CECI UNITERRA

Jonathan Chang on Leave for Change - July 31st, 2017 11:24 AM

Having lunch with the CECI Bolivia group and met some other volunteers from around the country.

CECI UNITERRA

Jonathan Chang on Leave for Change - July 31st, 2017 11:24 AM

Having lunch with the CECI Bolivia group and met some other volunteers from around the country.


La Paz, Bolivia

Jonathan Chang on Leave for Change - July 30th, 2017 9:57 PM

Got here last night at 3am, didn’t really get enough sleep but oh well, I have the day off might as well go travel the city.

La Paz, Bolivia

Jonathan Chang on Leave for Change - July 30th, 2017 9:57 PM

Got here last night at 3am, didn’t really get enough sleep but oh well, I have the day off might as well go travel the city.


Bogota, Colombia

Jonathan Chang on Leave for Change - July 29th, 2017 9:01 PM

I am currently in Bogota, Colombia for an almost 10 hours layover. And I can’t speak any Spanish hahaha, but i got to stay in a nice hotel to rest.

Bogota, Colombia

Jonathan Chang on Leave for Change - July 29th, 2017 9:01 PM

I am currently in Bogota, Colombia for an almost 10 hours layover. And I can’t speak any Spanish hahaha, but i got to stay in a nice hotel to rest.


Week 1 Work & Play

Statia Elliot on Leave for Change - July 28th, 2017 5:50 PM

It really is an interesting experience to review a tourism program while being a tourist! The College has programs in culinary arts, hotel management, and tour guiding. My review is based on the Vietnamese Tourism Occupational Standards, aligning the current tourism curriculum against the standards, but influenced by own travel experiences I must admit. So, here I am pictured with students, and also with performers at the Saigon Opera House show Teh Dar, depicting Vietnamese tribal life, amazing!

Week 1 Work & Play

Statia Elliot on Leave for Change - July 28th, 2017 5:50 PM

It really is an interesting experience to review a tourism program while being a tourist! The College has programs in culinary arts, hotel management, and tour guiding. My review is based on the Vietnamese Tourism Occupational Standards, aligning the current tourism curriculum against the standards, but influenced by own travel experiences I must admit. So, here I am pictured with students, and also with performers at the Saigon Opera House show Teh Dar, depicting Vietnamese tribal life, amazing!