Sometimes you have to travel to the ends of the earth to find what you are looking for.

International volunteer Kaikeo has travelled to Regina in search of experience. The young man is working at Ranch Ehrlo’s Transition Centre learning about and experiencing life in Canada in every way imaginable.

“I wanted to volunteer to get experience in another country. I want to see, and learn, and do new things in North America,” he explained. “I hope I will get big experience here. Everything here is so good and very, very different.”

Kaikeo moved from Laos, a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, nearly two months ago.

Like many volunteers, Kaikeo was connected to Ranch Ehrlo Society by the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). MCC works to provide people with the opportunity to volunteer abroad while gaining knowledge, skills, and employable experience.

international volunteer Kaikeo

Kaikeo is spending his volunteer time at Ranch Ehrlo’s Transition Centre, supporting seven students with developmental disabilities.

While he’s been in Canada and with the agency for only a brief period, Kaikeo said the experience has been life changing and eye-opening thus far.

“I am very happy here. I love the kids and I love it here,” he said with a smile spanning across his face. “I feel good when I work with these kids. It’s my first time (working with children with developmental disabilities) and it’s a big experience.”

Not only is it his first time working with children, but it’s the first time Kaikeo has been exposed to autism and other intellectual disabilities.

“In my country I never seen people like this. We don’t have schools for kids like this, so I want to share my experience here.”

Kaikeo will volunteer with Ranch Ehrlo for one year and will then move on to other opportunities.

“I have long time here — it’s good. I’m so excited,” he said. “I want to get experience. I want to try to know everything; I want to know about culture, to know what Canadians do.”

Kaikeo has been exposed to Canadian winter weather early on in his adventures, experiencing sub zero temperatures and snow for the first time.

“In my country we do not have snow. It is warm. Here it is very, very cold but I am excited for more snow.”

Kaikeo hopes to try ice fishing and skiing, and said he’s interested in football although is admittedly terrified of hockey.

“I’m so scared of hockey; very strong men, (they) skate so fast, and hit so hard.”

Kaikeo will undoubtly experience more Canadian culture as he spends more time in Regina. He said he’s unsure of what he’ll do after his experience at the Ranch, but he’s sure to share everything he learns and experiences.

“I want to take my experience home to Laos and share and tell people about it. That is important for me.”