Volunteer Year Abroad

Jodi GustafsonUpdated: Mar. 20, 2019

Jodi Gustafson of Whitehorse took a year off from her university studies to volunteer in various countries around the world. She went looking for something more that what she could learn from books and definitely found it! Now set on a career path she is passionate about, she may never have discovered it had she not taken a gap year. You can find her complete story in the August/September issue of Our Canada under Canadians Abroad, but in the meantime, take a look at these gorgeous photos Jodi sent in.

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New Zealand Fun

Sand-dune jumping at Farewell Spit, New Zealand

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Fisherman’s Bay

Jodi overlooking Fisherman’s Bay on a backpacking trip through Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand.

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Wainui Park

Jodi with fellow camp leaders at the YMCA Wainui Park Camp near Akaroa, New Zealand. Two of the camp leaders, Stephanie and Ginny are New Zealanders, and Christian is German.

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Spiritual Journey

On her adventures, Jodi took time to explore her spiritual side. Here are some peace flags at the Anahata Ashram in Takaka, New Zealand.

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Freedom

“Me and four of my Kiwi friends beachcombing on Christmas Day in Kaikoura, New Zealand,” shares Jodi.

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Kiwi Lamb

“My friend Sytse’s pet, Sam the Lamb in Dunsandel, New Zealand,” writes Jodi.

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Next Adventure

Jodi travels to Thailand after volunteering in New Zealand. On her way there she catches a glimpse of Australia from the plane.

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Akha Crafts

“Looking at the Akha crafts for sale by the family I stayed with in the Akha village outside of Chiang Rai, Thailand,” says Jodi.

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Mount Esja

Jodi on top of Mount Esja, near Reykjavik, Iceland, with the Water, Nature and Sustainable Energy Study Camp members.

Originally Published: July 28, 2011