Internship
It never fails - all of our Live Different Hero Holiday voluteers want their trips to be LONGER!
How would you like to spend three to four weeks working with our staff, as together we host two Hero Holiday trips and experience the power of change? If you answered 'yes', read on!
Our internship program is highly recommended for people who are looking to develop their international experience and leadership skills. As an intern, you will have the privilege to be a part of the behind-the-scenes work of a humanitarian trip. You will be able to develop your leadership skills by receiving practical, hands-on experience. Our interns are an integral part of what happens during our summer Hero Holiday trips, building significant connections in both the communities we work in and with other volunteers.
It is not necessary to have previous Hero Holiday experience (although that would be an asset). BUT, what is necessary is the desire to LIVE DIFFERENT, both at home and globally. If this is you, then maybe you should apply right now!
- Intern Bios
- Projects
- Itinerary
- Accommodations
- Quotes
- Media & Blogs
- Dates and Applications
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Katelyn DoudietDR Summer Intern 2013Katelyn DoudietDR Summer Intern 2013
What did you take away from your last Hero Holiday trip?
What I took away from my last trip was that I met so many people that wanted to do the same thing that I did, helping others and changing the world. I made so many friends that I’ll have for a lifetime and memories that will last forever. When I was in Dominican Republic, I met this amazing family that had a smile on their faces every time they saw us and it brought joy to me that I got to put a smile on their faces and brighten their world and make it a better place to live. In Dominican Republic, I saw that the communities were a mess and houses were worn down, some of the people didn’t have food, a home, and some children with no families. But they had their community and friends they could call family, it didn’t matter what they didn't have because they had each other and they always had a smile on their faces.
What do you wish to take away from your internship next summer?
I would love to take from this experience would be meeting new people and putting a smile on a family that I just helped and saved lives for. Also I would love to show the world that anybody can make a change in a world.
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Koh OkazakiDR Summer Intern 2013Koh OkazakiDR Summer Intern 2013
What did you take away from your last Hero Holiday trip?
To never take anything or anyone for granted. I also realized just how my home and their homes contrasted structurally. The people that I met were the happiest people I have ever seen. I think I finally found a passion for something other than music which made the whole experience indescribably amazing. From meeting such amazing people and having the best time of my life to shedding a few tears at the dedication and during our departure, I strongly believe that I have a purpose to be alive.
Why do you want to be an intern?
I want to be in intern because I think I found my passion from my first expidition to the DR. I feel that ten days was not long enough. I really wanted to stay longer and do more projects and make more people happy. Because that's what I like to do: to make others feel happy and safe. I want to explore more and get to expierence such an amazing opportunity again but this time for a longer peroid of time. I have even considered doing the Live Different Academy. If I can do this for a lifetime, it would be a dream come true.
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Kimberley DunphyDR Summer Intern 2013Kimberley DunphyDR Summer Intern 2013
What did you take away from your last Hero Holiday trip?
My last Hero Holiday the most amazing thing I took away was the desire to live different. Each day I reminisce on the wonderful experience and through small acts of kindness and volunteer for I get a small ounce of the happiness I felt while in the DR.
Why do you want to be an intern?
I want to be an intern because simply helping these beautiful people is addicting. The first day back in Canada all I wanted was to go back and be with the people of the DR it’s hard to go back and see your house and all your things and then remember their living conditions. I loved being a part of the change and I want to continue to be. As anyone would know that has been on a trip similar to a Hero Holiday there is no better feeling then seeing the hope in the communities’ eyes and knowing that you were part of the reason. A few weeks after returning from the DR I was checking up on the Facebook page to see some pictures from Hero Holidays that have gone on since I’ve been home. The feeling never leaves you but when I was looking through the pictures the feeling doubles, not even just one feeling but so many; happiness, sorrow, pride, gratefulness, sadness, love , everything ! One picture that pulled at my heart strings the most was of a man that I didn’t even know, but I recognized him. I recognized him because when I was in the DR I passed him every day. His house was next to the small stream of black water, the one we had to jump across everyday to get to the beach. He would sit on a small chair outside of his house and each time I would cross his path I was greeted with a welcoming “hola!” My Spanish isn’t the greatest so I would just respond lightly with a huge smile on my face. Each day I wondered why this man couldn’t be receiving a house. Why did he have to sit there and watch everyone else receiving a home but never receive the same treatment. After meeting the members in the community I am sure that, because of their attitude, he never was angered by this and only happy for the families that were receiving homes. His positive attitude and non-jealousy is exactly why when I seen that this beautiful man had received a home from one of the Live Different: Hero Holiday teams tears flowed from my eyes, to see that just a couple weeks ago I was so afraid for his health and so sorrowful for him but now because of the goodness of the volunteers hearts he has a beautiful home to keep him safe and warm. Ever since July 18th I’ve been living different and the only thing I’ve wanted since is to continue to do so. I have been saving for this since early August and I have many fundraising ideas to earn the rest. My birthday is September 28th and when I am asked what I would like to receive I have the same response each time and that is a donation for me to go back and help the people of the DR. When we go to the DR we take beautiful families living in horrid conditions and with love and compassion we turn it into a place to sleep, a place to keep dry from the rain, a place to bathe, a place to eat their meals & we help them take the first steps in turning their houses into homes.
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Brenna GriffinDR Summer Intern 2013Brenna GriffinDR Summer Intern 2013
What did you take away from your last Hero Holiday trip?
Words cannot describe how much I loved going on this trip. Each day was filling with different, life changing activities. I connected with so many of the little kids and it was amazing to see the smiles on their faces when we got off the bus everyday. We changed a families life forever and that is something you can not describe to someone. It fills my heart with joy and happiness every time I think about that trip and not a day goes by when I don't think about it. I will always think about the little girl that was glued to my side from day one and would do my hair in little braids. She was extremely shy to everyone but was full of joy and laughter when she was around me. We had an amazing connection and I think about her everyday. I would love to go back to Dominican and visit her to see how she is doing and see her grow.
Why do you want to be an intern?
Being an intern with Hero Holiday would be a life changing experience for me. Since the moment I stepped off the plane in Dominican Republic in December 2010 I knew this was something I wanted to do for a long time. I want to change peoples lives because I know my life was changed when I was on my first Hero Holiday Trip. I've been through some very different situations in the past year and it has really given me an appreciate for every breath I take. I live my life with positivity and happiness and I hope to bring happiness to everyone that I come in connect with on my daily life. I take time to talk to each cashier because I want to give them at least a little moment where they are treated with respect and positivity. Being an intern would open my opportunities to the amazing field of travel and could potentially become something I would love to have a career in.
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Reanna SawatzkyDR Summer Intern 2013Reanna SawatzkyDR Summer Intern 2013
What did you take away from your last Hero Holiday trip?
So much more than I had anticipated, I took away such a feeling of importance, that myself as an individual can make so much change and impact. It's such an infectious feeling and all I find myself thinking about is going back. I took away such a changed view on the world and how I see things, the importance of stuff mainly seems very arbitrary to me now. The trip was so inspiring, I am now signed up for many charities to volunteer as much as I can and I am doing my best to share my story and inspire others.
Why do you want to be an intern?
I want to be an intern for several reason, firstly I had the most amazing time on my Hero Holiday trip and would love to stay for longer and do more. Being an intern and helping other volunteers have the same amazing experience that I had would be incredible. Also I would like to go for personal development, to expand my leadership and public speaking skills.
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Michelle FraserDR Summer Intern 2013Michelle FraserDR Summer Intern 2013
What did you take away from your last Hero Holiday trip?
I took away so much more than I could have even expected from my hero holiday trip. My goal when I went there was to help the family we built for and to change their life but while doing that I really had my own life changed for sure. It really opened up my eyes to the level of poverty that people can live in and yet they are still so happy and they don’t give up. I learned that it’s not our fault that they were born into the poverty so I shouldn’t hold that guilt with me but I also shouldn’t turn a blind eye. I learned that I really do have passion for helping people. One thing really meant a lot for me to take away from this trip was that yeah I won’t be able to change the world but if I can even change one person or one family’s life I have made a difference. My hero holiday trip really taught me a lot about myself and got me out of my comfort zone, and the memories I have will always stay with me. One of the greatest things other than the lessons I learned that I got to take away from this trip was the friendships I have made.
Why do you want to be an intern?
I want to be an intern for quite a few reasons. First off I have not been able to stop thinking about the Dominican and the people there since I left. I’d really like to be an intern so I can build stronger relationships with people there in the community. Also I would love to put my leadership skills to use and also improve them while I am there. I think the interns played a huge part in my trip and I think the relationships I built with mine were ones that were very important while I was there. They were always there if I had questions or concerns and I would really like to be able to help people out and guide people just like my interns helped me. I would love to have the responsibility of an intern and be pushed to grow both physically and emotionally. I think the whole experience of being an intern from helping on the worksite, to helping at debriefing and just helping at nightly activities and leading by example would be very beneficial for me and would help me grow into a better person and leader. Another reason I really want to be an intern is I really love the fact that I’d be constantly working with likeminded people and people who have the same aspiration of helping others like I do.
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Kardy FedorowichDR Summer Intern 2013Kardy FedorowichDR Summer Intern 2013
What did you take away from your last Hero Holiday trip?
I took away from my last Hero Holiday trip that by even changing the life of one person for the better, you have changed the world. It might not be the whole world, but it is still the world through which that one person lives through every single day. The last trip taught me that even one person can make a difference and that its better to stand up for what you believe in even when others may not believe you in, than it is to settle in and simply be average. That its okay to be bothered by things, but to let them bother you to the point where it evokes a change in you promote change in others. We only have one life and we have to do everything we can while we have the opportunity to make it count.
Why do you want to be an intern?
I want to be an intern because I want the opportunity to not only evoke change within the community of Auga Negras, but too be a part of promoting change within people across Canada and within myself. I want too build strong, life long relationships with team members, other interns, staff and of course community members. The Hero Holiday trip I was a part of last summer, gave me a taste of how great it feels to be a part of changing someone's life, but I can't stop there. I have this drive everyone time I look back on the photos, to continue to be a part of and inspire change in the world of others. I want to continue to learn how to help promote change on a day to day basis, and most of all, I want to be able to look back and know that I did everything I could to make a change in the world we live in.
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Bryan AndersonDR Summer Intern 2013Bryan AndersonDR Summer Intern 2013
What did you take away from your last Hero Holiday trip?
On my last Hero Holiday trip I was able to bring my brother to experience it for the first time, in Mexico. It was weird at first for me, as it was the first time being back since living there as an Academy student. Before long I felt very appreciated for my experience, and my brother was very proud to have contributed to someone's life in a practical way. I was glad to play a part in broadening my brother's perspective, as well as watching the other participants come alive as they watched themselves make a difference with their own two hands.
Why do you want to be an intern?
I want to experience Hero Holiday in Dominican Republic in a serious and memorable way. Because of my time as an Academy student, I feel that I have more to offer in more of a leadership role.
What do you wish to take away from your internship next summer?
I wish to have a better understanding of Hero Holiday DR and how it fits into the collective experience of Live Different and the people who run it. I want to understand the situation in Dominican and thus acquire a greater understanding of global poverty.
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Brendon IpDR Summer Intern 2013Brendon IpDR Summer Intern 2013
Why do you want to be an intern?
I want to be an intern because I feel that the opportunity to learn and help overseas with Live Different is an opportunity that I cannot pass by. To me, the internship represents a chance to not only help out in communities in need but to develop relationships with the people in these communities. It is a chance for me to continue growing and discovering who I am as a person.
What do you wish to take away from your internship next summer?
I wish to leave the internship with a better understanding of the people in the communities where we help out. I am certain that the internship would provide me with experiences that would broaden my horizons and allow me to be more concious of the issues and state of these communities. Most importantly, I wish to leave the internship with a long-term bond with both my team members and people within the community that would not make this a one-time trip but a life-long passion.
Strengths:
Demonstrate honest, ethical behavior in all situations. My parents raised me with a strong set of morals and principles and as such, I feel that I have a good grasp on how to demonstrate that in a wide variety of situations without worrying about how others perceive me.Create an atmosphere of positive energy. Involvement in a care facility working one on one with residents has allowed me to develop and gain experience in creating an atmosphere of positive energy because I have had the opportunity to work with many residents who have had to overcome many struggles and disabilities.Listen without judgement. I am very involved in a leadership position within my church youth ministry and often speak with youth and young adults about personal issues and struggles. As such, I feel that I have had a lot of experience and practice with approaching these interactions from a neutral position without judgement. -
Austin GauthierDR Summer Intern 2013Austin GauthierDR Summer Intern 2013
Why do you want to be an intern?There are many reasons why I would want to be an intern. I personally want to be able to physically make a difference and get involved as much as I can. Being an intern would give me that opportunity. I would be given the chance to work with and create relationships with many different people. Also, I'm the type of person that enjoys being behind the scenes and making everything I do a great experience for everyone else as much as myself. I think being an intern will give me a chance to be surrounded by people who are just like me. As an intern I would be given the chance to use my skills and influence others. I know someone who has done an internship and they shared their experience with me and everything she said sounded like something I'd enjoy and be good at. Being an intern I'm sure would be one of the best experiences of my lifetime.What do you wish to take away from your internship next summer?Overall I wish to take away a changed me. Also, an experience of a lifetime, something that will affect me forever. I always watch these little programs on T.V about people who live in poverty and it just kills to see that, I would want to be able to say I helped those people. I also hope to take away many new friendships, with the people who helped make a change in others and myself. I wish to take away new skills and improvements on skills. I want to be able to share my experience and encourage others to help make a difference forever.Strengths:Praise others for work well done. I find myself very observant and there're many people that don't get noticed for their hard work, or don't get told how well they're doing. Something I do is always thanking and letting others know how well they're doing. Sometimes that all it takes to boost someone back up or keep them going. I work at Tim Hortons and our team is great. Most workers will not stop their entire shift and thats something I notice, and I confront the person and let them know how well they're doing and to keep it up. Sometime I times I will take it further and bring it up to management to how well the worker is doing.Encourage others to communicate their differing opinions in a healthy manner without causing an argument during debriefing sessions. I am currently part of a community group called interact. This is a group that helps develop leadership skills, and gets you more involved in the community. We hold meetings every second week, and these meetings are where we discuss all the events and fundraisers etc, that we are going to do or hold. In these meetings many different opinions and out looks on things are brought up and you learn how to give your input in without causing any arguments. This is something I would be able to give team members advice on and how to carry their thought or opinion in debriefing sessions. -
Meredith BaldwinDR Summer Intern 2013Meredith BaldwinDR Summer Intern 2013
What did you take away from your last Hero Holiday trip?
The locals I met taught me the importance of friends and family and happiness. They live in a way that I at first felt sorry for, but later realized was better than the way most of us live. Although they have less toys and material things than most of us, they are much happier. When I returned from my trip, I saw my world in a new respect. The problems I had with friends and family disappeared because I knew the love I had for them was greater than any fault there could be. I began to appreciate living in such a clean city, and I now pick up whatever garbage I can. I also started to see all the opportunities I had to make a difference in other peoples lives.One of the biggest things I took away from my trip was the realization that I didn't have to waste my life working in a big office, where I would have no real impact on the world. I have my whole life ahead of me, and after my Hero Holiday I know I can spend it making a difference.The friendships I made on the trip were also a big thing I took away. All the amazing families I met in Dominican are people I will never forget. I talk to lots of people from my trip almost every day and having people who have gone through this crazy experience with me is great. When I feel alone I know I always have them for support. It's also very inspiring to hear what everyone else is doing to make a change. My Hero Holiday trip was probably one of the most impacting experiences I have ever had. I took away new friendships, and a new view of life.Why do you want to be an intern?
I want to be an intern for many reasons. Partially I want to be an intern for myself: for personal development, to do a more extreme version of what inspired me in the first place and to spend my summer doing something with meaning and purpose. The other part of why I want to be an intern is for others: to be able to build for and help more people, to be able to give back to a place and organization that has helped me so much and to share all I can to help the other volunteers.
What do you wish to take away from your internship next summer?
Last year if someone asked me this question about my trip, I would never have expected what I would take away from my trip. Even though I have a better idea, I am still not exactly sure. I do however know that I wish to create strong friendships with my fellow volunteers and the communities I work in. I also know I would like to take away improved leadership, groups speaking skills and confidence. In addition, I would like to take away a better knowledge of what I want to do in the future. My last trip taught me that I could make a difference in the world and on this trip I hope to help others realize that.
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Claudia DMX Summer Intern 2013Claudia DMX Summer Intern 2013
What did you take away from your last Hero Holiday trip?
I took away from my Hero Holiday Trip that we take for granted more than we think we do, that we forget that we're just a small part, to the rest of the world.
I learned that when you go to Mexico on a Hero Holiday trip, you learn how to communicate and respect others, and most of all everyone is super friendly. I learned to not take food for granted and not to waste, I learned a bit more to who I am as a person and what our purpose can be here on this planet and how we can change ourselves for the better. I learned that even if your not in Mexico you can help and find ways to help out locally and support people that need your help.Why do you want to be an intern?
I would like to intern, to keep finding out who I am as a person, and to keep changing the world. I want to go back because I miss being at the Hero Holiday house, and I realize that you really start to forget what matters most to you when you spend a long time back home, then when recently in Mexico. I would love to see the family i built for in the summer of 2011 and I would love to keep making families happier and to have more memories and amazing moments with the families and amazing children in Mexico. Sometimes you just need to reassure yourself of what matters most to you, and what you have been taking for granted and I would also love to find new things that I can take away from this experience, in a longer trip, with new faces and new experiences.
What do you wish to take away from your internship next summer?
What I wish to take away from my internship, is things that I may not understand now, and to hopefully have a deeper understanding on my wants and my needs. I would like to make new friends and do new things, and to help out a family that needs help. I would like to take away more memories and to be able to say that I was a part of being the change.
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Nolan MMX Summer Intern 2013Nolan MMX Summer Intern 2013
What did you take away from your last Hero Holiday trip?
I was in Mexico in August 2012 and it was a very impactful trip for me for many reasons.
One of the most glaringly obvious things that I walked away with was how fortunate I am to live in Canada; the things I had always just taken for granted (clean water, food, a home, school) were truly ""special"" privileges for many of the Mexican people I met on this trip. I was and am truly humbled by how hard they work in order to provide just the meager basics of everyday life.It was a challenge for me to give all that I could in terms of my time, my friendship and my work knowing that it was a drop in the bucket. On my first trip this really was a problem for me but the second trip I was able to accept the fact that we were down there making a difference...literally one family at a time. And I think this is how ""change"" really happens...slowly but consistently with great commitment and love.Why do you want to be an intern?
I want to be involved as an intern because the last two trips I have been involved in have changed my outlook of the world and as such I want to commit myself to a greater understanding of the program and to have a deeper impact overall. I feel that I have alot to offer the program and in turn I know I have so much to gain from the program, the people involved and of course the most powerful impact comes directly from the people we help. This program has made me want to become a better person.
What do you wish to take away from your internship next summer?
a strong sense of who I am as a person and a deeper appreciation for how lucky I actually am, not only because of the material items i have but also the community and people in my life. I want to develop strong and long lasting friendships with like-minded people and be exposed to more truths in our world so that I can get a better understanding of how I can help in a tangible way.
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Jennifer BrooksMX Summer Intern 2013Jennifer BrooksMX Summer Intern 2013
Why do you want to be an intern?
I want to be an intern because I love the programs Live Different offers. Being a part of humanitarian trips is one of things i have found a passion for and I continue to find ways to do it more and more, whehter it is in my own community or abroad.
What do you wish to take away from your internship next summer?
I hope to take away new friendships with the volunteers, other interns, leaders and most of all the family's we build for. To see their lives changed and how we can help truely stays in my heart forever. I hope I learn many new skills and come back to canada humbled even more, and with a rekindled fire lit inside me to help others and to show people here how they can help too and even the courage to open up to others about what im passionate about and why.
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Nicki TrotterMX Summer Intern 2013Nicki TrotterMX Summer Intern 2013
What did you take away from your last Hero Holiday trip?
I took away that I should never take anything for granted, and should always be happy for what I have been given with where I live.
Why do you want to be an intern?
I want to be an intern again because I am completely in love with Mexico and the culture as well as the people. This is everything that I want to do with my life, helping people and changing their lives positively. I believe that this is what I was meant to do on this earth.What do you wish to take away from your internship next summer?
I wish to take away the feeling of accomplishment that I have changed not only a family's life, but my own as well.
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Emily ArsenaultMX Summer Intern 2013Emily ArsenaultMX Summer Intern 2013
What did you take away from your last Hero Holiday trip?
I can't even begin to say all the things I took away from this trip. It completely changed my life. Before going to Mexico I planned on getting my university degree in psychology. On return, I am now Majoring in International Relations, and taking all language and humanities courses. I feel that I learnt how to be a better person, to not only society but to myself. One thing I took away however, was the way I perceived poverty. Before going to mexico, the people living in poverty were just numbers to me. Once you add a face to it, it becomes a lot harder to deal with. However, one thing I learned was that poverty is not a way of living, it's a state. The people I met in mexico who were living in poverty were not poor people, because they lived their lives happy, grateful, and never took things for granted. If anything, society here is poor.
Why do you want to be an intern?
I want to be an intern, because I want to provide people with the opportunity to change the lives of others, as well as their own. I want to educate people on the need to help others, and the need to become a little less selfless everyday. I wan't to be a role model for other young people to step up, and make a change in the world. Also, Mexico and the people there are always in my heart, two weeks is not long enough.
What do you wish to take away from your internship next summer?
I wish to become a better person, and a role model to people all over the world who want to make a change but don't feel like one person can do it. I want to grow up to be a person who my family and friends can be proud of, and I want to die knowing that I left a mark on the world. I want to never take things for granted the way I have all my life.
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Andrew TothMX Summer Intern 2013Andrew TothMX Summer Intern 2013
Why do you want to be an intern?
I want to be an intern because i want to help create a positive change in the lives of the people that we are helping, the participants on the trip, and my own life, through this experience. I know that i have many privledges in life and i want to do what i can do help those who do not have many of the things that we take for granted. I want to give back. I want to help the people going on the trip have a life changing experience and ensure that they not only enjoy the experience but that they take something positive out of the trip, from myself and the people that we meet, that will hopefully help them better themselves after they go home. From a personal perspective, i have heard how much of a life changing experience this is and i want the opportunity to be a leader and better myself as an individual while at the same time impacting the lives of others in a positive way. You hear about the lives of those less fortunate than you, however, i want to experience it and change their lives as well as my own.
What do you wish to take away from your internship next summer?
From my internship next summer i hope to take away not just a life changing experience but also the personal gains and friendships that i will make while i am there. I want to see the world from a different perspective, and see what the lives are like of others which will hopefully allow me to grow and change my perspectives on life. As an intern, i also want to become a better leader and to gain and improve on the skills, the things you can not learn in a classroom or text book but that you gain through experience, that i would need as a teacher later in life. Also, the friendships and bonds that you make with the people you meet and the people you help. I hope that after the trip i will have developed friendships that will hopefully impact my life and their lives as well.
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Emma ToevsMX Summer Intern 2013Emma ToevsMX Summer Intern 2013
What did you take away from your last Hero Holiday trip?
From my past two trips, I took away a changed heart, and lifelong friends. I took away relationships with people I will always have no matter how little I may see them. I took memories, relationships stories and of course pictures! I took away so much knowledge and such a change in thinking when it comes to being grateful for what I have, and for being able to fundraise and go on these trips. These two trips have made me into a better person I could have ever imagined I could be.
Why do you want to be an intern?
I have never been ready to leave on the day we went home, but I know I want to get home to see my family of course! I want to as an intern spend more time in the country I love so much, and make stronger relationships with the wonderful people around me, and change as much of the world as I can. I want to be a leader and show others my commitment and leaderships to inspire others to change the world, and be there for others the whole time.
What do you wish to take away from your internship next summer?
I wish to take away the experience of being an intern, and being committed and coming home an even more changed person than before. I hope wish to take away better leadership skills that will help me to be a better leader in the future, and be able to come home with more experiences to influence the change in others.
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Sanna WelykMX Summer Intern 2013Sanna WelykMX Summer Intern 2013
What did you take away from your last Hero Holiday trip?
I think it's so amazing having an organization where people all across Canada come together with the same initiatives. Since I did the DR trip in 2010, there honestly hasn't been a day where I haven't thought about everything I've done, witnessed, and met. I remember specific moments like when a Haitian at the garbage dump said, with inspiration, "Don't cry, this is love!," after the very emotional day at the garbage dump. I remember watching Susana and Ana giggle and cry when they saw their new room in their new room in Mexico. I remember waking up in the morning with a sore core, as all of the participants, interns, and staff would have an AMAZING time dancing on the patio, playing card games, or sitting around the fire. There are so many memories I've taken away. On top of that, I focus a lot on my needs and wants. Instead of going out for dinner and spending money, I get creative and make something at home. Instead of buying clothes all the time, I've learned to take care of my belongings and valuing the fact I do have clothes to wear. I don't rarely buy as much clothes as I did before the DR trip. I also value my education a lot. It's easy to complain about homework and not have motivation to get up for a 830 class, but Mexico and the DR have taught me that I am SO fortunate to even have an education. It's so rare for kids to be in school in third world countries, so why should I complain? The main difference is that we were born in different places. When I talk to the kids, they have the same hopes and dreams as I do. Theres no difference. Also, Live Different Hero Holiday showed me the "I Heart Revolution" Youtube video. That video honestly changed my life as well. Such an impacting and educational video. I think I've shown everyone I know that video... multiple times. Whenever I have a bad day, I watch it. Because my bad day is most likely someone elses good day.
Why do you want to be an intern?
Tough question! I think finding perspective is always important. Even within 10 days of being in Mexico this past summer I found perspective. But I feel like I will take a way more of a person attachment to Mexico by being there longer. I loved how all the interns I met knew exactly where to go, and Mexico was their home. Don't get me wrong, by the end of the trip, I wanted to stay at the house and I considered everyone family, but everyone was able to walk around and know where they were going. I want that feeling of comfort.. knowing I can walk around and it feel like I'm walking in my neighbourhood. I want to come home and be able to educate other people about my experience in Mexico. I want to continue hold friendships that were made in Mexico. I want to always remember to focus on my needs versus wants. There is so much that can be taken away through these trips. I think something important is to value everything you experienced. Everyday I think about the family I built for, and seeing the looks on their faces as they entered their new home. That's a big reason why I love coming back on these trips. I love seeing the families faces and all the kids faces. They look so thankful and so happy. It really teaches me to be thankful towards everything I have in the first world. And value love as well. There is SO much love in Mexico, even though they don't have a lot. These trips have taught me how to love and how to appreciate everyrone in my life. I want to take away all of the things I learn and witness in Mexico.
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David KlassenMX Summer Intern 2013David KlassenMX Summer Intern 2013
What did you take away from your last Hero Holiday trip?
I learned that there are more important things in the world than what I worried about (i.e. being "popular" in school, having the latest and greatest phone or other technology). I also realized that by doing this, I might not be changing the world, but I am changing this family's world.
Why do you want to be an intern?
I want to be an intern because it was the interns that made my last Hero Holiday such a fantastic and life-changing experience and I want to give other people the same experience that I was given.
What do you wish to take away from your internship next summer?
I want to learn how to be a a good leader. I also want to encourage people to be the best they can be and that the greatest reward in life is helping people even though you know that there is nothing they can do to repay you.
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Gina OlsenMX Summer Intern 2013Gina OlsenMX Summer Intern 2013
What did you take away from your last Hero Holiday trip?
My last Hero Holiday trip was the most amazing experience of my life so far. I had never experienced that much joy before. It was so overwhelming but incredible at the same time. This trip literally changed my life. It changed the way I think about things, do things and how much I appreciate what I have. It most definitely showed me that I have it very easy. I have access to education, a house, money and so many other things I did not even think of before my trip. The overall experience is absolutely amazing and it has opened my eyes to a new kind of world, one where I can help others achieve happiness and live differently. Before my trip, I took things for granted such as the fact that I can turn on my tap and fresh clean water will come out. It is these kinds of luxuries that have helped me become a better and more thankful person and it is all because of my experience with Live Different.
Why do you want to be an intern?
Being an intern would be an incredible experience. It would be so personally rewarding and fulfilling. Getting an internship with Live Different would mean that I would have the opportunity to change not only others' lives but my own as well. This trip would help me grow into a more aware and mature individual. This trip will also allow me to discover aspects about myself that I cannot learn from a place where life is so easy.
What do you wish to take away from your internship next summer?
I know that even though I learned so much last year on my Live Different project, there is still so much I can take away from my trips in the future and bring to new projects. On this internship, I hope to learn how to not only be an exceptional leader but how to do it outside of my comfort zone. I have had many opportunities through sport, school and community to be a leader. I have accepted these quickly. However I have never had to be a leader some place or doing something I am not familiar with. I really hope this will help me push my boundaries, because I think that, especially with this sort of project, where I would have to be a leader, that it is extremely important to push yourself to move outside of your comfort zone to experience new things.
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Elizabeth MartinMX Summer Intern 2013Elizabeth MartinMX Summer Intern 2013
What did you take away from your last Hero Holiday trip?
The experiences and life changing lessons were numerous and some more simple or complex than others. Specifically, I learned to appreciate so much more in life, especially the little things. A big lesson for me was the amount of love that I did not show towards my family and yet they give me so much in life. I really took them all for granted. Upon returning home, I strived to give more honest love to my family memebers, that even though we may not get along very well, I appreciate so much.
Why do you want to be an intern?
Last summer, I had an amzing time in Mexico as a volunteer. The experiences I had and the lessons I learned are countless. After coming back to my life in Canada, I realized that I want to further my experiences by helping others. Being a part of a longer trip and given more responsibility so that I may continue to grow by sharing.
What do you wish to take away from your internship next summer?
The countless, wonderful experiences that will come from this trip. More specifially the knowledge of how to take what I have learned and apply to my everyday life and to share it with others. Learning how to communicate the lessons learned with my fellow trip members and my family and friends back home is crucial to the significance of the experience. As well as furthering my appreciation for all that I have in my life. -
Erin KellyMX Summer Intern 2013Erin KellyMX Summer Intern 2013
What did you take away from your last Hero Holiday trip?
From my last Hero Holiday trip I took every single intern, staff, leader, people from the community we helped in and every participant who I got close with home with me. Well, on-line of course. But I mean I took a part of all of them in my heart and wouldn't give up the friendships I made for anything in the world.
Why do you want to be an intern?
I want to be an intern again because my last trip interning changed my life for the good and I feel more at home when I'm away helping out and it just gives me such an awesome feeling and so many good vibes are brought with that.
What do you wish to take away from your internship next summer?
The exact same thing I took with me last time and the feeling of being satisfied with my help. -
Jeremy MacDonaldMX Summer Intern 2013Jeremy MacDonaldMX Summer Intern 2013
What did you take away from your last Hero Holiday trip?
Mexico Christmas 2012/2013- In Mexico it was a totally different experience then I had expected. It was great. Everything about it- Mikazza's, Smokie's, the beach, the staff, the weather. I took home love- for the country, the people, the food, everything about it. I loved it.
Why do you want to be an intern?
I want to experience Live Different in another way. I want to try it from a leader role, and work along-side some really awesome people this summer. I want to grow myself as a person, but I also want to watch other volunteers grow from a leaders perspective- because I know it will happen. It has happened to me, 3 times so far!
What do you wish to take away from your internship next summer?
From my internship I would like to take away some great friends, some wonderful memories- some filled with laughter and some filled with tears (house dedications), and the experience- the best experience of MY life. - Registration - Your bright smiling face will be one of the first faces our volunteers see when registering for their trip. You will sign them in, get to know them, show them around and make them feel comfortable, as well as lead ice breakers.
- Airport shuttles - Always a fun job, waiting for volunteers to arrive at the airport. While holding a "Live Different" sign you get to guess which passengers could be a volunteer and who could be a regular traveler. With our staff, bring them back to the hotel for registration and orientation.
- Team leading - Assist our staff in making sure that your team is having a great time and enjoying their trip. You set the example of a leader and help with any odd jobs needing to be done.
- Daily Preparation - Each teams' transportation needs to be loaded with a first aid kit, water coolers, ice, and packed lunches (if needed for the day) before volunteers head out for the work day. Setting up lunches during lunch breaks for your team. Packing up with the team leader when the day is finished.
- Sound and Tech set up.
- General hosting - Making our volunteers feeling welcomed and included while they are with us. Creating a fun environment for all volunteers to hang out in the common rooms and helping to answer any questions that your team members may have.
- MCing and hosting evening activities - A time for our volunteer to let loose and get to know each other. You will help organize these evenings and set the mood of excitement. Previous activities in the past have been: Games Night, Talent Show, Dance Party, Karaoke Night, Skit Night, etc.
- Intern assignments.
- Job site moral- Assist in keeping the energy on the work site high and positive. Organizing games for the volunteers to play with the children or showing volunteers how to do the jobs asked. Get your hands dirty and set the example of a hard worker.
- Merchandise sales - First job is to model our wonderful Live Different merchandise. To do this, you will receive a Live Different t-shirt and then help in selling the merch after orientation, keeping an accurate inventory, and clean up.
- Basic security - Helping with nightly security, whether it's checking each room to make sure all volunteers are present or making sure our accommodations are well secured with our staff members.
- Taking care of all the volunteers - Always checking that our volunteers have what they need, whether it's sunscreen, waterbottle, sunglasses, back pack, appropriate work shoes, work gloves, etc. Making sure that volunteers are never alone when wandering off and that we use the buddy system.
- Keeping a positive attitude - No matter what difficult situation that we are put in, always making sure that our teams stay positive and that we divert from any negative situations.
- Sorting Donations - Many of our volunteers like to bring gifts with them on their trip to donate to the community, families we build for, and other on going projects. We will need your help to sort these. It is like Christmas seeing all the interesting things everyone brings. We will often organize these into gift bags to give out in certain communities and pass on to organizations making a difference in the area.
- General maintenance - In both locations you help will be need in keeping our common places clean and in Mexico you will be helping our staff prepare the bagged lunches for the team's workdays
- Our interns meet one day prior to the participants' arrival to do some in-depth training and orientation.
- Your second day is spent picking up students at the airport and helping with registration, orientation, and selling merch.
- On the third day we make our way to our Hero Holiday destination and begin the Hero Holiday.
- While in either the Dominican Republic or Mexico you will assist our staff in hosting a total of two Hero Holidays.
- A special and memorable time for our interns is also planned for the low time in between the two trips. This could consist of relaxation time, excursions, and/or special projects. During a past trip, our Mexico interns built a community medial clinic and our Dominican interns lead a sports camp and shoe distribution.
- Be prepared to go home with life long friends!
- For Mexico, click here.
- For Dominican Republic, click here.
Meet our fabulous interns for this year!
For the summer of 2013, we hope to have you join us in Dominican Republic/Mexico as an INTERN! Live Different Hero Holiday is a program that started in 2005. Our goal is to provide volunteers, just like you, with the opportunity to experience the power of making a difference for someone else, while being changed and impacted in the process. You will never be the same! Live Different Hero Holiday is an opportunity to travel and meet incredible people whom you will quickly call friends. But it's even more than that - it's the chance to experience life from another perspective and return home changed.
All interns will be responsible to work along side the Live Different Staff to help facilitate the trip experience for our volunteers. Some responsibilities will be assisting with:
In our Live Different Internship we only offer 12 positions for each country. When applying, you will undergo an approval process and the 12 most eligible applicants will secure a position. We are looking for interns who are able to exemplify good leadership, maturity, compassion, energy, initiative and who are engaged in their school/community.
Click for a detailed schedule
Meals and Accomodations depend on which trip you are going on. As one person, I may not be able to change the world, but I can be apart of changing the whole world for one person. Interning with Live Different's Hero Holiday in the Dominican Republic this summer was such a life changing experience, because not only did I get to bring light into so many peoples lives as a leader, I got to see a light in each and everyone of the volunteers spark up as they were also changed. We all went there to change the lives of a few families, who would've know that those families would've changed our lives just as much?
- Paige Wills
"No words could ever desrcribe this life changing experience. There is no other way I could have imagined spending my summer. There were things I accomplished that I would have never been able to accomplish anywhere else. After my internship, I could never imagine a summer without spending some of my time in the Dominican Republic! It was by far the experience of a life time!"
- Alicia Taylor
Being an intern has opened my eyes to a whole new world. My life has been changed, if I had a chance to do one thing over again, I would immediately turn it down; it's been perfect. You can't experience and do this trip anywhere else, it's one of a kind and I strongly recommend it for anyone who wants to change not only a family's life, but their own as well.
- Nicki Trotter
This summer was my second time interning in Mexico and it was one of the most amazing and life-changing experiences of my life. With every internship in Mexico I have learnt new things, challenged myself, had incredible experiences and connected with wonderful people, all while being able to do good for others. I continuously grow as a person with every summer I spend with Live Different Hero Holiday in Mexico.
- Jordyn Rivet
Being an intern means getting to make the trips special for the volunteers that come down. It's so great to see old volunteers return but equally as awesome to meet new people. I remember my first trip and how I knew one day I wanted to be a part of what makes these trips so life changing. Interning in Mexico is beyond amazing. You get to do behind the scenes work to help create an amazing time for volunteers.
- Sarah Kirby
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**Dates subject to airline availability.


