A career breaker from Scotland has taken time out from her primary school teaching to embark on volunteer work in Africa. When she arrived back she spoke about the positive impact it had on her both personally and professionally.

Dhamayanthi Sangarabalan, from Edinburgh, chose to volunteer in Etheopia, where she worked in a college of teacher education, the Guardian reports.

“It was a really great experience. The experience was much more challenging than I thought it would be, but in a good way as I definitely needed a new career challenge,” she told the newspaper.

Ms Sangarabalan then continued to say that it was “satisfying” to share her own professional skills and work experience, knowing that she was helping to make a difference.

“And it works both ways. I also learnt a great deal of management and leadership skills,” she added.
When she returned to her school in Edinburgh Ms Sangarabalan was appointed to a more senior position.

Adding that she believes the “valuable skills” developed through the volunteer work abroad will allow her to handle her new role better.

Ms Sangarabalan is only one of many professionals that choose to take a career break each year. To follow in her footsteps and for ideas on what to do during your career break, browse our selection of volunteer work or check out the destinations where we operate.