Southeast Asia Encountered – Volunteer Video

“This is a video of my volunteer trip to Laos (July 2017), which I took part in the Laos Elephants Encountered programme. The trip lasted 14 days and in that time we visited schools, renovated new classrooms, volunteered at an elephant sanctuary – the list goes on and on!”

“It was a great experience – great mix of volunteer work and sightseeing/fun activities. Everything was organized well, overall, fab time!”

“This was the most eye opening experience I have had in my 19 years, feeling as though I have made a difference in the lives of the children of Laos we helped will be with me forever. Mackenzie Zarudny – Trent University – Laos This was one of the best experiences of my life. I owe it all to the AMAZING Laos leaders! Each of them were so amazing and I seriously cannot express how grateful I am to have had them on the trip.”

“What an amazing two weeks – The best time of my life! Thank you so much for the opportunity ti make a difference. Laos has been a huge eye opener and I am extremely thankful for the VESAbroad program for letting me better myself and others around me. The tour leaders were such a team and they worked so well together. Overall a life changing experience, and I will be entering the video contest to hopefully win another chance to change lives. The Laos people and children will be forever in my heart.”

“I just wanted to say this has been the best experience I have had so far in my life. It was so enjoyable and fulfilling. The work was sometimes tough, but rewarding. I especially loved working in the Laos school. The children were so appreciative and I was so impressed with how much they had learned and how good Cat, the tour leader, was with them. As the weeks went on I felt like we all, leaders and volunteers, became good friends and I will miss everyone so much!”

“Best experience of my life. Life Changing.”

“Amazing, inspiring experience! Thanks.”

“Absolutely fantastic, lovely people made the trip. First week was incredible, learnt a lot and really enjoyed the farming. Second week was great and it was a brilliant opportunity to see more of Laos.”

“Honestly, coming on the VESA tour has been a real highlight to my year. All people; volunteers and staff have been fantastic. Doing further volunteering at the Elephant Conservation Centre is of high interest to me.”

“I originally picked Laos in VESA for the elephants, and that was amazing, but I never considered the rest of the activities. The kids, the zip lining and waterfalls were incredible. It has made me want to carry on volunteering for sure. And the trip was made, start to finish, by the tour leaders. Thank you so much!”

“Most amazing opportunity being able to volunteer with the program. Could not fault the experience, the Laos leaders were amazing at their job and made everyone feel so comfortable straight away.”

“The trip to Laos with VESA has been one of the best experiences of my life. I loved every moment! The activities were all enjoyable, enriching my life in some form or another allowing me to do things I would never normally do without VESA. A huge part of the trip being incredible, they always ensured we were making the most of the opportunity, were so easy to talk to, and essentially great fun.”

“This was my third trip with VESA and I absolutely loved it! Visiting three contrasting places in Laos enabled me to experience the different lifestyles of each. Activities were varied and a lot of fun. Thank you for the wonderful experience!”

“The whole trip was a fantastic education, cultural and enjoyable experience. I have experienced enough of Laos culture to be very comfortable and almost feel at home there. The content of the program has been made to a very high standard, packing the days with things to do as well as providing adequate downtime.”

“The Laos leaders were so approachable and friendly and made me feel so welcome – as did all the volunteers! Thank you – had the time of my life and will never forget it!”