Bethany Main
Student at University of Sheffield
Volunteer Summer 2011I cannot recommend it highly enough!
Volunteering at Kitezh was MASSIVE VALUE – both as a Russian Language student and as a young adult. The experience is invaluable for interviews and application forms! Team work, problem solving, leadership skills… communication skills! Its all there.
I gave so much energy and enthusiasm to Kitezh but I got so much in return, new practical skills, a better level of Russian language and so much life experience and confidence – The longer you stay the better it gets!
Kitezh is a very special place in Russia that I am privileged to have been to and I cannot wait to go back.
Olivia Hamlyn, University College London, volunteer in 2011I think Kitezh is an extraordinary place which does wonderful work. I hope to see it expand and achieve its ambitions even further. The people I got to know were lovely and I think the children are impressive. They are energetic, creative, hard-working and friendly. They help around the house in a way which I think is probably rare in England, and I was particularly struck by that. The drama is excellent there and I think there are some very talented children.
I had an extremely enjoyable time at Kitezh. I found it easy to integrate into the community and was made to feel a part of it by the Kitezhans. The community was impressive on all levels, from the care the adults took with regard to the children, to the enthusiasm and friendliness of the children themselves. Part of my aim in staying there was to improve my Russian. While I didn't do as much speaking as I would have liked, my listening and reading skills definitely improved. I also wanted to experience Russian culture outside the tourist trail of the major cities. Kitezh was a perfect environment in which to learn more about Russian attitudes and way of life. It was a fascinating learning experience all round and I very much hope to maintain contact with Kitezh and return in the future.
Liz Schofield, Bristol University, volunteer in 2010In comparison to other volunteer projects, Kitezh is good value for money. It works for Russian Language students on their year abroad as it tallies up to the same if not less than a language course would.
The high point and also the most challenging part for me was directing Peter Pan. However I asked for help when it was needed and it was given. I think giving something extra really helped me to integrate. My Russian language really improved, from living with Tamara and also through doing the play and other arts and crafts activities. I have great impressions of the village, I never stop talking about it and I can’t wait to come again soon.
Lea Kloeppel, Germany, volunteer in 2010I think I’ve learned a lot. It is maybe hard to sum it up in some sentences, it is not only things like “I’ve learned how to take all the bones out of the fish” or “how to paint walls” or “how to serve tea in Russia”. I think it is more the whole lifestyle and spirit and the calm and friendly way of living that I will take home with me.
For a longer comment read
Andrew Aikman's account of his first year in Kitezh
Read More >Hony Pern has great advice for first time volunteers
Read More >Kassie Archambault American Volunteer 2009
Read More >