Volunteering abroad is more than just travel, it’s an experience that challenges perspectives, fosters deep cultural connections, and leaves a lasting impact on both volunteers and the communities they serve. We spoke with Sterre van Ooijen about her time volunteering in Taiwan with help from AIESEC, the unexpected lessons she learned, and how stepping into the unknown changed her outlook on the world.
Diedrik: What inspired you to volunteer abroad, and how did you choose your project? Was there a particular cause or experience you were hoping to find?
Sterre: “I graduated in November and decided to take a gap year between my Bachelor and Master. I knew I wanted to travel and see more of the world, but I also realized something about how I usually travel—I tend to rush from place to place, always wanting to see as much as possible. The downside is that I rarely stay long enough to truly connect with the culture. This time, I wanted something different. I wanted to stay in one place longer, really get to know the people and the culture, and contribute in a meaningful way to the local community. I already had experience teaching four first-year high school classes and working at a special education school, so choosing a teaching project felt natural to me. I’ve always loved working with children, so this felt like the perfect fit”
Diedrik: Every culture has unique customs and traditions. Can you share a moment that truly surprised or inspired you during your time abroad?
Sterre: “Taiwanese culture has so many unique and beautiful customs, but one that really stayed with me is the way they toast during meals. Whenever we went out for dinner with my colleagues—including the principal and directors—we would drink traditional liquor. Each time you took a sip, you had to say the name of someone at the table and share something you appreciated about them or something you were grateful for. When toasting with the principal, it was important to hold your glass with both hands and make sure it was lower than his—out of respect. At first, this whole ritual felt a bit unfamiliar, but it quickly became a very special part of the experience. It really showed me how deeply respect and gratitude are woven into everyday life there.”
Fig 1.: Banqiao, New Taipei City. From xiangyang17. (2024). Banqiao, New Taipei 20241206.
Diedrik: Adapting to a new environment can be both exciting and challenging. What were some of the biggest cultural differences you encountered, and how did you navigate them?
Sterre: “During my time in Taiwan, I stayed with a host family—who, by the way, were the best family I could’ve wished for. I'm still in touch with them today. Because of them, I really experienced everyday Taiwanese life: from traditional breakfasts to attending a school performance of my host brother, and even watching Taiwanese films together in the evening. Almost everything about the culture was different from what I’m used to, which of course took some getting used to—but that’s also what made it so fascinating. I tried to navigate those differences by going into the experience with an open mind. I wanted to learn as much as I could, and I made it a goal to try every Taiwanese dish I came across. Their food culture is so rich and unique, and exploring it helped me connect even more deeply with the people around me.”
Diedrik: Many volunteers face unexpected challenges. Was there a moment where you felt completely out of your comfort zone? How did you handle it?
Sterre: “I wouldn’t say I was completely out of my comfort zone, but one thing I really had to get used to was the attention I received as the only Western person living in New Taipei City, where I stayed. People stared at me openly, sometimes even nudge each other and point me out. Where I’m from, I grew up with the idea that it’s quite rude to stare at someone for a long time— but in Taiwan, even adults did it, and that took some adjusting. What helped was shifting my perspective. I realized it wasn’t out of disrespect—it was more about curiosity and wonder. For many of them, it might have been the first time seeing a Western girl up close. Once I understood that, it became easier to accept and even appreciate those moments for what they were.”
Diedrik: Looking back, how has this experience influenced the way you see leadership, teamwork, or even your own personal growth?
Sterre: “This experience taught me to look at the world with an even more open mind than I already had. There’s so much more out there than the life we live here in Delft, and I truly believe we can learn so much from other cultures—and from each other. Personally, I’ve grown a lot. I developed my communication and social skills, learned to be more flexible, and became more confident in navigating unfamiliar situations. It pushed me to grow not only as a person, but also in how I connect and collaborate with others across different backgrounds.”
Diedrik: For someone considering volunteering abroad but feeling unsure, what advice would you give them?
Sterre: “Don’t hesitate!! It’s such a special experience, and not one you’ll often get the chance to do again. You meet so many people and do things you never would have done otherwise, and that’s how you really get to know a country—so much more deeply than you would as a tourist. AIESEC offers 18 different types of projects, so if you’re interested in volunteering abroad, there’s truly something for everyone. It might feel a bit scary at first, but the local AIESEC team is there to guide you step by step, and there are always people around to support you during the project. For me, it’s an experience I’ll never forget—and one I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone.”
