Name: Jorge Ruiz Villasante
Nickname: George
Place of birth? Madrid, Spain
Lives in: The real capital of Ireland! (Cork)
First involvement with EIL? In 2012 when I went to India to follow Gandhi’s steps for nearly three months
Current role with EIL: Volunteer, Chair of Global Education Committee, member of Study Abroad Volunteers, Qualified Trainer for AFS, Federation EIL assessor and Seed Fund Committee
SDG that resonates with you:
It’s very hard to choose just one because I’m so interested and concerned about the way things are going in this world… But if I had to pick one it would be “quality education” as its what I’ve been doing all my adult life; trying to share and transfer my knowledge to others, as well as remaining curious and interested in learning new things every day.
What Volunteering means to you?
it’s a way to share experiences and ideas with like minded people that are also willing to give their time for the betterment of their community, society or even the world!
Interesting fact about you? I am a basketball coach and played throughout school and college
Best place you have explored? This will have to be India. Apart from Spain, where I was born and grew up, and Cork, where I’ve lived for the last 13 years, it’s the place where I’ve spent most time in my life and I hope I’ll be back soon again because I love it!
Place you’d most like to visit next? EI would love to visit Mexico to explore the various volunteer projects they are involved with and use my Spanish to engage with the local community and visiting volunteers to understand how it all works.
Favourite book? I love reading and can’t choose one…so I’ll give 3 that come to mind:
1. El Qui Jote
2. Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas
3. Hind Swaraj
Favourite film or Netflix series?
I don’t have Netflix but I do love any Hitchcock or Woody Allen movie!
Favourite food?
I love most foods and will eat anything that has cashew nuts in it!
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Don’t worry about things that you can’t do anything about…just live your life to the fullest!