Volunteer Abroad

I had always wanted to go to Africa, and after much researching I chose to head to Moshi, Tanzania and work at an orphanage through Global Crossroad. Our housing was simple, but more than adequate and Hannah, the coordinators wife always had a nice, hot meal on the table for us. The orphanage was well maintained and the children were absolutely beautiful. Communicating simply through facial expressions and touch was an easy way to bond and give love to these remarkable toddlers and young children. Also, navigating around Moshi was fairly easy, there were days I travelled to and from the orphanage by myself and felt completely safe. I also would go for runs along the dirt roads of our village after my shift, and while I may have gotten a funny look or two, I always felt safe. I will briefly mention that our coordinator in Moshi ended up leaving us abruptly; however, the head of Global Crossroad quickly had a coordinator from a nearby city come and reorganize everything as soon as he was informed of the situation. Global Crossroad was very prompt in assessing the situation and responding and that was very reassuring . I loved my time in Tanzania, and hope that I can return in the near future!

I willingly spent a great deal of money to participate on a volunteer experience in Nepal. $30 a day in Canadian standards is not a large sum to pay for accommodation and 3 meals a day. $30 per day had to be paid up front for the additional time that I wanted to spend in excess of the set 7 week program. A nice room in a guest house with a private bath costs less than $10 per day. Meals in non-tourist restaurants can be purchased for $2. Basecamp International is totally overcharging people relative to the services provided and the local prices charged. If $20 a day was going to aid the people and agencies in Nepal that need it, I would not have a problem. The staff at the hostel are the nicest people in the world and so hard working. They are victims as well and are being taken advantage of. I have no complaints with the staff. I do have an issue with paying so much more than the going rate for substandard facilities ie. 2 western style toilets for 24 people, only being allowed a shower once every two days after sweating in the heat, wonderful balconies with only broken chairs to sit on, people crammed 5 per room on bunkbeds ( it would be okay if people staying here were in primary school), no back up power to provide for lighting the bathrooms when the power is out which is 12 hours a day.........................I could go on, but you get the idea. I should have read the Lonely Planet Nepal page 71 that states "Fees paid to local agencies tend to be much lower than the huge fees charged by some international volunteer agencies, and you can be confident that the money will be used locally."

My experience with CADIP was actually last year, in July 2011 so I'm a little late with my review but it's always been in my mind to post it as a caution to others, because quite frankly if I'd read the reviews of CADIP before I volunteered with them myself I would have seriously reconsidered getting involved with them. First off, the volunteer program sounded exciting and do-able and when I contacted CADIP it was remarkable how quickly they took my enrolment fee - no small sum. An alarm bell did go off in my head when I was talking with the girl in the office in Canada especially when, conversationally, I asked her where she was from (she had an accent that i couldn't place), and she replied that she was "unable to divulge that information"! Retrospectively I wondered if she was the same 'robotic' woman referred to by another reviewer. Anyway, I carried on with the application, somewhat surprised at how expensive it was and then I booked my flight to Iceland and I duly received the small package of instructions. The information stated that volunteer accomodation would be simple but adequate and I had anticipated basic but clean dormitory-type accomodation. When I got to Reykjavik I was quite appalled to find that we were being accommodated in what looked like a derelict house, with beds shoved together just inches apart, some of which were bare bed-springs without a mattress, some mattress-type pads dumped on the floor, and ALL the mattresses looked filthy, and as if they might even be a health hazard. I didn't even want to sit down on the mattress never mind sleep on it! The beds were shoved so tightly together that there was barely space to move between them and there wasn't even the smallest closet or hanging space or even shelves to put personal effects or luggage on. There were no doors between the rooms, the heating in the bedrooms was broken (it was 45 oF outside and lashing rain) and there was one toilet and shower for approximately 12 or 14 people. When I asked about the shower/toilet situation I was told that the volunteers usually went to the swimming pool to wash, and that although CADIP had stated we would have free entry to the local steam pool, this was no longer the case and we would have to pay entry.There were no doors separating the bedrooms from the communal area and indeed all of the doors in the building looked broken and insecure. The furniture in the communal area looked as unhygenic as the mattresses - like filthy old chairs dragged in from the street, jammed together, and the kitchen had one small stove and very limited facilities. Our project 'leader' dumped some teabags in a saucepan of water and brought it to the table for our 'welcome meeting', and told us that we would be starting work at 7am and working all day on local projects. Another member of the welcome party then went off into a rage-filled rant about the 'bastards' in the Icelandic Government, and all the while there was another staff member taking each volunteer member aside and asking for money for food for the group. This happened within 30 minutes of arriving at the house, when nobody had had the chance to unpack, or dry off (it was pouring with rain outside), or even go to the bathroom. I've travelled and worked all over the world, sometimes in very basic circumstances, but I was quite shocked by the poor state of accomodation offered to the volunteers who had paid a lot of money to join the project.This, coupled with the prospect of working much longer work hours than was stated in the original description of the project, plus the fact that we would have limited time off and have to pay for any small excursion or activity that we undertook, additional to paying for all the food that we ate (which we also had to cook of course), made the project seem quite a lot different from what was suggested in the literature. And VERY expensive. I could see from the despondent faces around me that the other volunteers felt the same way, and a few were talking of leaving the project, but simply didn't have the means to do so having travelled quite long distances. I was in the fortunate position of being able to leave the project and change my flight home (expensive), and I felt sorry for the others left behind. I tried to contact CADIP on my return home but got no response from them until I posted a cautionary note on craigslist, next to their ads, after which I swiftly received a bile-filled and very derogatory email from 'Roy' at CADIP, lambasting my criticisms and contradicting himself - he said that the project thad been a great success, but then he went on to say that my leaving on the first day had significantly affected the morale of the group! I think that the poor morale of the group was more a result of the things I've described above! Anyway, based on my experience, I would never recommend anyone to travel and volunteer with CADIP. Hope this prevents someone else being disappointed, and wasting their precious time off and hard-earned money, as I did.

It all started with some volunteering aboard website about EHN. I then contacted Raj and Wayne about my tentative 1-week travel plan to volunteer at the day-care center. As the trip was short, Raj suggested if I would like to analyze the current curriculum for a local government school in Kathmandu and assist to setup a new volunteer program for EHN. “Sure” I replied. On my flight to Nepal, I was worried about my trip especially the delayed flight wouldn’t arrive until 1am. What if no one pick me up? Where could I find a place to sleep 1am in the morning in a country which I’d never been to? I was relieved when I saw Raj and Binod holding the paper of my name at the airport exit. This was how my journey began. Throughout the journey, I met all the amazing and extremely friendly people from EHN and the school I taught. I had never taught any class in the past. After the first day of teaching, I’ve gained more confidence on remembering names, teaching children English interactively, reading out the paragraphs as one voice, teaching the map of Asia, teaching the basic greeting in Chinese and most importantly, disciplining children with reasoning. Moreover, I learnt the background of the school, the children, the teachers, and the local educational system. Thank you Raj, Sarita, Binod and Wayne from EHN team for making it happen and giving me the opportunity to make a difference. Although it was only one-week trip, I feel very satisfying to use my week to volunteer and travel in Kathmandu, Nepal. This is definitely one of my best decisions I made in my life. Please feel free to contact me on facebook (jojocookie5@hotmail.com). Namaste & Cheers!

.I arrived in the Seychelles feeling very excited and apprehensive about what the next 3 months would hold. When I arrived I had never dived in my life but as soon as I put on my cylinder on my back and got in the water it just felt right. I can’t explain in words how beautiful and calming diving in the Seychelles was. Before I arrived I looked at the sea and saw it as a vast mass of water but now I appreciate it for what life it holds. Sharks that make your heart race , the chilled out turtles , the graceful rays and the masses of colourful fish .What makes it more rewarding was the fact that I was able to identify the fish (through the science training we were given and exams we took) and start to notice their behaviour which made diving far more enjoyable . Furthermore it’s good to know that the survey dives that we conducted were creating valuable data and were giving us an insight into the health or the reef. It’s a great feeling knowing that our surveys are increasing the knowledge of the local reefs and thus helping to conserve these delicate ecosystems. I can now say that I am totally hooked on diving and can’t wait to get back in the water GVI Seychelles was an amazing experience and I couldn’t have wished for a better 3 months, it far outstretched my expectations. The GVI staff were very professional and you could easily see their passion for the ocean, there knowledge was extensive and they were always there to help with any problems whether it being personal or in regards to the science training. The staff were also very friendly and made you feel very welcome especially in the 1st few days, when everything was new and a little overwhelming. As expedition life is so different to normal life, but you soon get used to it and never want to give up the simple way of living, who needs a TV when the ocean is a 10m walk ?!? Top Memories Island Hoping Making new friends from around the world Helping turtle hatchlings to the sea Going to the local beach knowing know one else will be there , what more could you ask for ? Hearing the waves from our huts Watching the world go by in the hamocks Diving

I volunteered at Ruhunu Children Ophganage in Galle, Sri Lanka. I stayed with a local host family. The organiser and host father, Michael was outstanding. He helped me and the other volunteers in every aspect of our trip. Explaining the Sri Lankan culture, taking us on a 4 day trip around the country visiting many historical sites, and organising SIM cards. He know a lot about the area, making it easy to get around, visit the best places and shops. His extended family were great fun to be around. The family was always around chatting and sharing a meal. It is a very homely atmosphere. Everything was flexible, from hours spent volunteering at the the orphanage to going on trips or going out for dinner. I met a few other volunteers while I was here and we would catch up for a meal or go to the beach. The host mother was a fantastic cook and I loved the Sri Lankan food. She would cater for vegetarians or those who can't tolerate much spice. I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone. RCDP Sri Lanka is a very affordable, safe and flexible volunteering option.

An amazing experience – Global Crossroads was both very organized and professional. Everyone associated with Global Crossroads and the Orphanage was very kind and accommodating. The other volunteers were great, and my host family was wonderful – especially Maria, who was thoughtful and funny and concerned and warm. Speaking of warm – definitely warn the volunteers there is no heat in the houses and it got quite cold at night! Loved the hostel in Guatemala – those people were amazing and I will go to that hostel again for whatever reason I find myself again in Guatemala city. Just the most decent kindest fascinating most accommodating people – great stories too! I really felt at the orphanage that I was helping and allowed to make a difference. I think volunteers are needed there and I felt needed and appreciated. I especially liked my teacher, who was in charge of the special needs students. PS Be warned if is cold at night in Xela and there is no heat in the houses of the host families.

The GVI staff was so helpful and engaged from the beginning of the application process, to the actual program, and even now, months after I've finished. They made sure each and every one of the volunteers was safe and as comfortable as possible. I chose the childcare program in Fiji and after one very short month, I've realized I need to do more with this organization! Seeing how happy and thankful the locals were for our support ensured an overwhelming sense of personal satisfaction every night I laid my head to rest. This is truly a life changing experience and I have recommended it to every last person I've talked to about it, and will continue to do so. Just remember, this is a volunteer program and living conditions are very basic, so don't expect air conditioning and 5 star dining!

+++ WARNING - FAKE REVIEW+++ THE FOLLOWING REVIEW HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS A FAKE REVIEW DUE TO THE SUSPICIOUS IP ADDRESS AND EMAIL ADDRESS USED. ABROAD REVIEWS ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT BOTH THE REVIEWER AND COMPANY TO VERIFY THE REVIEW AND RECEIVED NO REPLY. REVIEWS TO BE ONLY POSTED BY PARTICIPANTS - NOT COMPANIES OR FAKE PERSONS. PLEASE SEE COMMENTS BY ABROAD REVIEWS ADMIN BELOW +++ I highly recommend the Volunteering Solutions. It was incredibly rewarding to participate in the Ghana to raise funds for children in need. it was amazing to meet the children and visit the programs where the funds we raised are going to help. Overall, the Volunteering solutions was very well organized, and the Volunteering solutions Executives and Organisers was a very kind and supportive. Van Dameny

The Thailand Elephant program was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I was so nervous about going on this trip because I had never travelled alone before, didn't speak the language, was not used to rustic living conditions. But none of those things were ever an issue on this trip. Everything about it had exceeded my expectations. There is a lot of physical labor and dirt involved and it requires passion and hard work. It is all worth it though. You can to learn and be around intelligent elephants and amazing volunteers. You learn so much about who you are as a person and what your relationship is with the world around you. Everyday on this program was so much fun! I wish I could have stayed longer! Going on this program is an experience you won't regret!