International Sports Education Programs Bring the Universal Language of 'Play' to Children in Nepal
Vancouver, BC (PRWEB) October 29, 2013 -- For those looking to enjoy international travel with a purpose, volunteer vacations are a wonderful way to enjoy another culture while fulfilling a need. There are many ways to serve, including the often overlooked field of sports education. International sports education programs encourage kids to develop cooperation, conflict resolution, teamwork, and leadership skills.
Spencer Green, a geography student and athletics enthusiast from the University of Western Ontario, decided to share his knowledge as he traveled to Bhaktapur, which is a small village in Nepal about an hour’s drive from the capital Kathmandu. Green's trip was planned by Cross-Continental Solutions, an organization that places willing volunteers in charitable projects overseas. Their international sports education program brought Green to a Nepalese secondary school, where he taught mainly basketball as well as English and Geography. In the attached video (http://youtu.be/sT8JN93Jw7c), Green talks about this rewarding experience and provides a glimpse of his work in Nepal.
Green recognized that his love for sports could be channeled into something that would make a difference and help children in need. Although many of the kids in Bhaktapur have played soccer and cricket, none were familiar with basketball. It was a great opportunity to share his passion for the game, while at the same time showing the youngsters how much fun it can be working together to learn a new skill.
Green reports, “I love teaching the kids something new; something they've never really been taught before. They've really enjoyed every second and it's been very gratifying for me.”
During his time spent in Bhaktapur, Green realized that some culture shock would be part of his “adventure”. Cross-Continental Solutions' volunteer abroad programs place volunteers with host families, where they are completely immersed in the culture and routines of their new homes. This makes for a unique and memorable experience that volunteers like Green can really appreciate.
"My host family has been very hospitable to me and made my stay much easier than it could have been, with great food and lots of good times." Green continues, "The teachers at school are all around my age and they speak English really well. I have become really good friends with them since I’ve been here. It’s a really cool experience to become friends with actual Nepali people as opposed to if I were in Kathmandu probably with other western volunteers."
As Green reports a few weeks into his trip, it is also over much too quick. "I am loving it here! What a special experience. The school is great and I love the kids. Also, I have been doing some awesome weekend adventures. Definitely can't believe I am going home soon!”
Sports education may not be the first thing that comes to mind when one is contemplating a trip abroad, but is a worthwhile option that truly benefits both the volunteers and the communities they serve.
To summarize, Green says, “Everything was awesome! Great family, great school, and great village. Living in the village was a great way to experience the culture. Overall, I would recommend Cross-Continental for their affordability, great cultural experience; living like a real Nepali and interacting with great people.”
Access free resources or plan a life-changing trip at http://www.CrossContinental.org.
About Cross-Continental Solutions:
Cross-Continental Solutions provides flexible yet affordable intern abroad, volunteer abroad, cultural immersion, language study, and gap year programs. International internships can be taken for university credit. By living and working side by side with local people, participants gain an exceptional cross-cultural experience and the opportunity to make a difference. Covering a wide range of interests, opportunities are available in areas such as: Teaching, Healthcare, HIV work, Care-giving, Orphanage Work, Wildlife, Agriculture, Environmental Protection, Community Development, Business Coaching, Microfinance, Marketing, Journalism, Photography, Tourism, and more. Programs are available at many locations around the world, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Jian Leslie, Cross-Continental Solutions Inc., http://www.crosscontinental.org, +1 (604) 700-6096, [email protected]
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