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A Day in Life of a VA on International Assignment

As a CESO VA who has completed assignments in Guyana, Colombia, Ecuador, Jamaica and the Philippines, I am frequently asked by friends and acquaintances interested in CESO, “What’s it like to be on assignment?”. My answers usually focus around, “It’s one of the most fulfilling things I’ve ever done, in a very fulfilling career”, and “Not only will you lend experience and expertise, but you too will learn things which will fascinate you. And you’ll make real friends”. Which are both true, but don’t convey much of the actual flavour of being there.

Now, my grandmother always told me that “a picture is worth a thousand words”, so here are images of a single day (Friday August 4, 2017) around Ilagan, Isabela in the Philippines. The assignment? “Assistance on Place Branding” for the city, a three-week assignment. I hope it provides flavour and inspiration for any potential VA’s.

The beautiful water buffalo known here as “carabao”, ubiquitous in the countryside wherever there’s water.

On the way to supper in a “tricycle”. Fare? Less than 25 cents.

Relaxing after a long hard day’s expedition (sort of).