Criticisms/Recommendations (or lack there of)

I really don’t have much to criticize about the Beyond Borders program or any recommendations I could make, but I feel like this blog will be beneficial for anyone who is considering the Beyond Borders program.

There’s no doubt that there were frustrations over the 8 months. Things come up, as they do in any program, where we might have received conflicting information, or where instructions and timelines weren’t given in the best way. Also, many people found the cost of Beyond Borders to be a burden... and rightly so; having to pay to be involved in a program that is going to involve loosing 4 months of full-time paid work, paying for vaccines and physicals and insurance, etc, is a big issue for students. Trying to fundraise the additional $2000 can feel very overwhelming!

However, with the above being mentioned, I sincerely recommend that none of those things be changed. Each of these struggles and frustrations that we felt in the program, I think, served a much greater purpose than to simply be annoying at the time.

Some of the logistics in the Beyond Borders program could be tidied up a bit, but the fact is that when we make our move to our developing country, things are likely going to be 10 times more disorganized and chaotic. If we were to have these 8 months perfectly planned out and structured, we would all go into shock after our first week volunteering. Moreover, in life, we can’t expect every instruction to be neatly typed, folded and handed over to us; sometimes we need to learn how to take initiative for doing our own research and problem solving.

Not to be rude, but I feel like we all need to refrain from complaining about the cost of the program and fundraising. At the end of the day, it is important for us to recognize that St. Jerome’s University has subsidized an enormous amount of money to make the Beyond Borders program much more affordable. To do this sort of adventure independently, you would be spending upwards of $7000, so I think spending $1200 + fundraising is something we should be celebrating...not criticizing. I also feel that in our society, spending money on something adds value to it. It’s natural to appreciate and take care of something better if you have put your own money, blood, sweat and tears into it than if it was handed out to you. The fundraising aspect gives you a reason to get out and broadcast what you’re doing to family and friends. Honestly, if it weren’t for this aspect, there are at least 50 people that wouldn’t have known I was even doing this, and hence, I wouldn’t have affected them in any positive way. (going back to my blog about being the change you want to see and the ripple effect)

My only advice and recommendation really goes out to anyone who is interested in doing the Beyond Borders Program. The importance of going into the program with an open mind is something I can not stress enough. You need to be able to love the program for both its strengths and weaknesses, and be able to learn from each. You need to be aware that you don’t know everything and if you just let yourself, there is so much to be learned. This comes largely from the ability to take advantage of every opportunity you see that might help you try/learn something new, no matter how small or insignificant. You also need to let yourself be a little vulnerable and open up to others in the program; they will be your best support as you work your way through the 8 months. And lastly, be prepared that the program comes with a financial responsibility on your part. I included this point because I feel it is important, but I would like to stress that this should not be the make-or-break point of joining. Opportunities like this don’t come around very often. 10 years down the road you are not going to remember spending $2000 to be in the BB program, but you most certainly will remember all of the amazing times and lessons you learned!