A new adventure — volunteering abroad as a mature student
My journey so far embracing a different kind of challenge, overcoming anxiety and finding joy in the pursuit of a long-held dream.
When I first saw the advert for a one-month international volunteer placement in my inbox from MyCareer, a dedicated careers platform for University of Leeds students that advertises events and job vacancies, I felt a spark of excitement mixed with a tinge of apprehension — was this opportunity available to me, and could I realistically take it up?
As a mature student, the opportunity to volunteer abroad was both thrilling and daunting. It promised a chance to make a difference, to explore a new culture, and to challenge myself in ways I’d never imagined. I could also experience in real life what it meant to be a ‘Global Citizen’ - a topic discussed in a module called Global Perspectives I was enrolled on as part of my Professional Studies BA with the Lifelong Learning Centre (LLC), and which had inspired me to engage with activities aimed at facilitating social change.
However, it also meant stepping out of my comfort zone, leaving behind my responsibilities and family, and fitting in with younger students who’d be joining me on the trip. I wanted to share with you my journey so far — embracing this challenge, overcoming my anxieties, and finding joy in a new adventure.
The moment of decision
The headline read International Volunteering — Gryphons Abroad: want to be part of a project which will make an impact on you and others?, calling for volunteers to teach schoolchildren in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. I was excited to read that as well as classroom leadership skills, the programme involved teaching the children to ride bikes!
I’ve always wanted to work abroad, and I’m passionate about volunteering — specifically working with children and young people. Before becoming a full-time student (the Professional Studies BA is also available to study part-time) I had volunteered for the NSPCC and Childline. It was with very much soul searching when moving into the second semester of my first year at Leeds that I decided to give up these roles — I had to be realistic and adjust my priorities to focus on my studies alongside my responsibilities as a working mum. I always knew I could return to volunteering once I’d finished my degree.
So, when this opportunity presented itself — to volunteer abroad with children for one month during the summer after I’d finished my second-year studies, and when my children would be spending some of the summer holidays with their dad — it was extremely exciting.
I still had to weigh the pros and cons. On the one hand, this was a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact and experience a different culture. On the other hand I had family responsibilities, and the thought of being away from my kids for a month was overwhelming.
Finally, I decided that this was a chance I couldn’t pass up. The experience would allow me to further enhance my skills while also contributing to a meaningful cause. As a mature student I did wonder if I’d fit in with a group of younger student volunteers, but I took the plunge and applied for the project regardless.
The application process
There was a short deadline to apply for the programme, run by the Gryphons Abroad team based in the Sport and Physical Activity faculty at Leeds. I wanted to submit an application that would stand out, highlighting my life and work experience. As a mature student, I’d accumulated many skills over my years in employment, volunteering and as a mum. But I feared being regarded as too old — most of the students in the SPA faculty aren’t classified as ‘mature’ as they would have been under the age of 21 when they started their degrees — or maybe even ‘overqualified’ for something like this!
I was finding it difficult to only select transferable skills that were key to the position — it’d been several years since I’d applied for a vacancy. Another significant hurdle was securing funding for the trip — as a mature student and single mum finances were tight, and I needed to explore all of the possible avenues for making it feasible.
Knowing where to turn
I needed some help quickly — but, thankfully, I knew exactly where to go.
Denise Edmunds, Employability and Guidance Officer at the LLC, had actually run an online session for Professional Studies students about work placement and study abroad opportunities which I’d attended the previous month. I had no hesitation in contacting Denise immediately to seek one-to-one advice.
Catherine Bates, the Programme Manager for Professional Studies, had attended the same session and encouraged her students to reach out if anyone was thinking about applying for opportunities to broaden their horizons:
There are all sorts of work placement, study abroad and business support opportunities — so don’t rule out your interest or the likelihood you could apply for one!
Denise confirmed that I was eligible to apply and supported me through the process, giving advice and feedback on my application and explaining in more detail the eligibility criteria for the Turing Scheme at Leeds.
After submitting my application, I was invited for an interview. Denise offered to do a role-play mock interview with me — this was extremely helpful, and alleviated my nerves. The waiting period was filled with anticipation and anxiety. I knew that being selected for the programme and receiving the funding were crucial steps toward making this dream a reality.
Receiving the offer
The day I received the acceptance email was one of the most exhilarating moments of my life. Not only had I been selected for the volunteer project, but I had also secured the Turing Scheme funding. This was it — the adventure was truly happening!
Yet, with the excitement came a new wave of anxieties. How would I fit in with the younger students on the trip? Would I be able to keep up with the physical demands of this kind of teaching? How would my family manage without me for a month? These questions swirled around my mind as I prepared for the journey ahead.
Getting ready
The months leading up to the trip were a whirlwind. To be honest I wasn’t quite expecting the level of commitment I was required to demonstrate — I found it tough and overwhelming at times — since as well as juggling my home life, seminars, lectures, workshops and essay deadlines, I also had to attend training sessions and meetings with other volunteers.
I undertook training in sports coaching, first aid, safeguarding and bike maintenance…
…as well as team-building activities including the ‘Varsity Colour Run’ — which opens the Varsity annual inter-university sports event between Leeds and Leeds Beckett, Be Curious — the annual, open-access and family-friendly showcase of the academic research being done at Leeds — and an overnight residential stay at Selside, the University’s outdoor activity centre in the Yorkshire Dales.
I gradually realised that my age and experience were assets, not liabilities. My perspective as a mature student brought a different dimension to our group discussions, and I found that my younger fellow students valued my insights and life experiences (as did the project leaders).
Working with the younger volunteers was a revelation to me as well. Despite our age differences we formed a cohesive team, each bringing unique strengths to the table. I found myself inspired by their energy and passion, while they appreciated my guidance and experience.
Barriers overcome
The departure date was approaching fast, and my anxieties began to surface once again. Balancing my responsibilities at home was a challenge. I had to ensure that everything was in place for my family’s well-being during my absence. This involved coordinating with my children’s dad, arranging support from friends and relatives, and organising my professional commitments.
The logistics were daunting, but the support and encouragement from my loved ones, the project leaders and my fellow students made it possible. I reminded myself of the reasons why I wanted to embark on this journey — to make a positive impact, participate as a global citizen, grow as an individual, learn new skills and experience the world beyond my comfort zone.
Next stop: South Africa!
Watch out for a sequel to this article once Tracy returns from her trip…
In the meantime, if you’d like to find out more about undergraduate courses at Leeds like our Professional Studies BA, which have been designed with mature students in mind, make our new-look website your first port of call.
