This is really happening! We’re going to Southeast Asia! It’s going to be delicious.
Be prepared to engage all of your senses, embrace the unexpected, and take chances. We are busy planning, dreaming, and creating the structure for our upcoming adventures. Soon this blog will be your platform to share your thoughts, experiences, and pictures with friends and family back home.
Some things to think about as you pack…
Pack… Read More
Namaste Shiva Community,
Welcome to the Spring 2016 Shiva Student Blog! This is James and Avy, your future Overseas Educators. We are sitting here in Portland, sipping chai and getting stoked for our upcoming adventures. India is dear to both of our hearts and we cannot wait to explore it’s vast culture, diversity, and landscape with each of you.
To the Shiva student crew: we’re thrilled to meet you and… Read More
To Our Dear Quetzal Queens,
Another day has dawned and the sun is shining once more on the glittering ocean. Coffee has been consumed, balingas — ahem, excuse me, baleadas — have been eaten, and all is well here in Roatan…. But it’s not the same without you! As great as this little golden island in the Caribbean is, it’s safe to say: WE MISS YOU!
By now, you are… Read More
The past 36 hours have probably been the biggest rollercoaster of emotions in my life. Starting the morning on the 9th off in the park for our final group activities. Kalie put together little gifts for everyone of things that reminder her of each person which was one of the sweetest things. Alana lead a closing meditation where we took the time to reflect and appreciate each person on the… Read More
As we began our outback tour on December 3rd, the final full week of our trip commenced. As per usual, it was a week full of laughter, endless fun, and great memories. We spent the whole week doing group activities so we were able to really appreciate each individual member of the Walkabout family and close the trip with beautiful memories of being together as one. Ryan and Cheridyn, our… Read More
After four long educational days, most of the students are now SCUBA certified! The first two days we had classwork and practice in a pool, then for the third day we headed over to Fitzroy Island and did couple of beach dives. We stayed at the resort on Fitzroy for one night and got to enjoy the luxury of a real hotel. For dinner we all put on our nice… Read More
Well we’ve done it. After a swift escape from the sweltering labyrinth of Dar es Salaam, we write you from the southeastern coast of Zanzibar, basking in the cooling breezes of the Indian Ocean. Slowly, through this white coastal sunlight, the dust is finally beginning to settle, and we’ve been able to wind down and reflect on the powerful adventure we shared with you.
As your leaders, we couldn’t have… Read More
Wow, what a semester here in India! I am sure you all are feeling a little jet-lagged after your long flights home, and hopefully not too overwhelmed being back in America. We are missing you all already, and really reflecting on our time spent with you all. We couldn’t be more grateful for our group, and feel so honored to have travelled with you all for the past three months.… Read More
Gratitude to all of the host mom’s who cooked for us, drivers that transported us, travelers who shared stories with us, and to each and every person in the group who made the experience truly wonderful!
All of you are amazing young adults and we are proud of you for growing, learning, and transforming throughout the last three months!
Don’t hesitate to reach out and keep us up to date… Read More
The other night we said farewell to seven misty eyed (and let’s be honest, two similarly fogged up OE’s) students in the Delhi airport. As strange as it is to know and feel that our three month adventure together has come and passed, we can all understand it better now that we have talked and argued and meditated upon the now familiar idea that everything is impermanent (see: Truth, Noble… Read More
After three months, three countries and a whole tidal wave of epic experiences, we have reached our final day of this incredible journey. As we, your OE’s, sit at Brisbane International Airport, we can’t help but reflect on these past months and the amazing adventures we have had.
We have seen the sunrise from Uluru and watched it set on the snowy peaks of Mount Ruapehu. We have crossed paths… Read More
“I dove in The Great Barrier Reef,” is a prestigious statement that only a select few lucky people in the world can say is true. Well, all 3 of our divers passed their open water certification and are now part of the population that can say this statement. While I, unfortunately, was not one of the divers, I still had an amazing 2 days out on the reef snorkeling with… Read More
The first surprise came upon arrival to CVA, when we were split into two pre-determined groups that we would then remain with for the week at Conservation Volunteers Australia. One group headed up to the Atherton Tablelands, to care for young trees by weeding and fertilizing, in the hope that when they reach maturity they would replenish parts of rainforest that once existed. Additionally, this would make new routes for… Read More
During the past week we were given three free days in Cairns Australia. All though these were supposed to be seen as days to get some relaxing in, we packed them full of fun activities, including an awesome road trip. We arrived to Cairns late at night and many of snuggled into bed, while a few of us ventured out into the city to find the night market. The next… Read More
A belated post from the yoga farm:
!Buenos Dias familia y amigos!
It’s been another amazing week here in Guatemala. This last Saturday (11/21), we arrived at the Mystical Yoga Farm for a week of reflection, relaxation, and what we like to call, “hippie training”. At a location only accessible by small boat, or “lancha”, this farm settled on the shore of Lago Atitlan can be described as nothing if… Read More
To all of the families and friends awaiting our ten beloved chicos,
We’ve just bid the sleepy, smiling faces of our wacky and wonderful group ‘hasta luego’ at the Lima airport, where they’ve started their long journey home to you. As a few guys mentioned in previous posts, we conquered many a mountain on our Salkantay trek, which rewarded us with spectacular vistas, sore legs, and a final treat of… Read More
We just got word from Alison and Simon, our extraordinary Overseas Educators, that the entire group is safely on their flight and currently in the air on their way home.
The semester is officially over, and to all of the friends and families of the Kifaru students – a huge thank you for your ongoing support. It’s been an honor working with each of you, with the students, and with… Read More
Nkula is on the way home!
Brooke and Jonathan just let me know that the group passed smoothly through security and are about to board their outbound flights. Here at HQ we are so grateful to the families and friends of the Nkula students for their ongoing support, and especially grateful to Brooke, Jonathan, and each of the students for such a successful semester.
Please enjoy this final note from… Read More
We’ve received word that the mighty Shiva group has checked in to the airport. They are on their way to their respective homes. Traveling mercies to you all. Thanks for making this a fantastic semester.… Read More
