Ashley had always been interested in the biological sciences, but she’s also always been drawn to working with children. As a figure skating teacher for kids in Victoria, she knew that she had a knack for mentoring youth, and she wanted to find a co-op position that allowed her to expand this experience. The boarding school position fit the bill; it offered the chance to live on-site and to provide everyday support to the young Aboriginal women who came from all over Australia to attend the school.

“I did a little bit of everything, says Ashley. “I helped the teachers with lessons in Math, English and English as a Second Language, plus I worked one day a week at the school’s clinic. This included driving the girls to the dentist or hospital for check-ups, helping them with homework, chaperoning dances and even coaching the basketball team and teaching a sailing camp.”

As the only Canadian on staff, Ashley embraced the opportunity to immerse herself in the Australian environment. On weekends off, she accompanied some of the other staff on camping trips to Kakadu National Park, where the river was crawling with crocodiles. She also spent a week with students at an outdoor education camp at Lake Argyle in Western Australia, and visited some of the students’ home communities.

“I benefited so much from this experience, even though it was volunteering and I spent my own money to get there. It was worth it—I learned what I want to do as a career: to work with and support kids. Now I’m looking into a degree in education or child psychology. This experience impacted my career plan.”

Ashley appreciated the support that she received from Karima Ramji, UVic Co-op and Career’s international coordinator before she left for Australia. “Karima was very supportive and we walked through a checklist of things to do before heading abroad, like getting a visa and preparing for a new culture and country.”

“I’d recommend an international position to anyone—there will be challenges but you’ll gain so much!”