My husband and I spent a month volunteering with IFRE in Guatemala, 2 weeks in Antigua and 2 weeks in Xela. We signed up to do orphanage work in Antigua and a street children program in Xela. Neither materialized, which we didn't learn until AFTER we got to Guatemala.
In Antigua, apparently there was a change in administration at the orphanage, such that many new rules and regulations were to be put in place. After taking a death-defying chicken bus ride of 45 minutes to the place, we learned the nuns were not at all anxious to take us on nor were they prepared. We were told we'd need to know Spanish, that we could not be with children without a nun present, that we would need a teachers certificate, etc etc. And IFRE didn't know this in advance? Instead, we were set up with an after school program at a different location. That went well enough though the program was very unstructured. Housing was barely acceptable but tolerable.
In Xela, we were told by the country coordinator that the street children program dissolved. Instead, they would set us up with a daycare program for children of poorer residents. This was a fun program, though it was much like babysitting and we didn't feel all that relevant because the staff was adequate. But our presence gave them a break from things. More disappointing however, was the inadequate housing IFRE provided. We did not expect much, but it was not private, it was quite crowded with only one bathroom, and the family had a list of 'don'ts" they wanted implemented. We stayed only 2 nights and then elsewhere on our own for the remaining two weeks, no refund of course. We don't blame the family, but IFRE for not finding something more acceptable with a family who could provide a little more without so many unreasonable rules.
For the above reasons, we cannot in good conscience recommend these programs. They need to fine tune their mission of providing the "highest quality volunteer experiences".
Institute for Field Research Expeditions - IFRE
I participated in the HIV/AIDS program in Uganda. Overall it was a worthwhile experience. The US staff was very helpful in pulling together my trip. The host family is very warm and friendly. Accommodations were clean and comfortable by Africa standards - some water and electricity problems but this is to be expected. Food was very good - typical local cuisine but prepared well and they were flexible with eating times/preferences. I did not like Cultural program that much. I worked with TAPP, a program that helps people living with HIV/AIDS - it's an amazing program that is really giving people what little hope they have in their life. I was really touched by many of the people I met while volunteering. Herman and Ann (the hosts) were also very helpful and flexible with their schedule. Overall, the support network on the ground was quite good. It is worth noting that the Ugandan people are extremely warm and welcoming - they are genuinely touched that you have come here and it comes through in their generosity. I felt very safe here. I would recommend the program - like any volunteer situation, there are things that don't always go as planned and some frustrations but this is called the third world for a reason - so as long as you know what to expect, you will enjoy yourself and be fine.
Volunteering abroad ethically, has been an aspiration for my wife and I and we took a chance after a ton of research. Unfortunately we didn't get what we paid for in IFRE's Kenya placement with Boundless Loves, which didn't match their online description of Cultural Conservation. On top of that, communication issues, cost overrun and lack of direction made us leave our project early.
IFRE didn't communicate costs well, and the money we paid for our program placement didn't have a portion go to the project there as the IFRE website claimed. Boundless Loves’ projects didn't have a lead or any actual projects for us to join, and we had to create our own. They put us in front of cute children, trying to make us feel sorry for them so that we would donate more, and “coordinators” were constantly asking for more money. For any project we wanted to start, we had to make our own plans, fund and direct help for them--which from everything we've read is not very helpful because we're simply forcing our biased fixes that may not fit the local needs or culture. Without leadership or proper oversight, and not receiving useful information, we were left bewildered, frustrated, and unable to help in a meaningful, long-term way.
Finally, IFRE or known as Global Crossroads in EU isn't a volunteer organization, they're a volunteer placement group, so if you can connect with a group on the ground, you can save $300+ per person. Additionally, extra services come at a premium, for example our safari cost twice the going rate in Kenya with no difference in experience for the other safari goers who paid half the cost.
Comments
I spent 2 weeks in Tanzania volunteering at an orphanage in Moshi, a little town just under Mt. Kilimanjaro. My experience was phenomenal in every way - the people, the culture, the nature, the work. Before the trip, Nish from the Dallas office was helpful in getting me prepared, answering my questions on packing list, vaccinations etc in a timely manner. He quickly connected me with my in-country coordinator Mama Alice, and by speaking with her directly before I left for the trip made me feel more comfortable knowing what to expect. I was picked up from the airport by a driver Mama Alice sent and was immediately welcomed into the house when I arrived. During my stay, there were 4 other volunteers at the same house, including one volunteer working at the same orphanage with me. Everybody came home and ate dinner together every night sharing our days and engaging in interesting and meaningful conversations learning about each other's cultures and ways of thinking. I definitely felt at home staying with these amazing friends at Mama Alice's house. Mama Alice was a great host mom - always checking up on me and making sure I was adapting well into the new lifestyle in Tanzania.
The orphanage I volunteered at was founded by Catholic nuns and there were around 51 orphans. I worked mostly with the toddlers playing with them, singing and dancing together, feeding them, as well as helping with changing their diapers and tucking them to bed. They are the most adorable and sweetest children; I just wanted to give them all the love that I have while I was there. Watching some of them learn how to speak and smile more even just from the short two weeks I was there made my heart so full. I definitely want to go back to visit them sometime in the near future. There were a couple other volunteers from other programs working at the same orphanage - we all became good friends and explored Moshi together during our free time.
During my 2 weeks in Tanzania, I also went on a safari to Tarangire National Park - saw lions, leopards, lots of elephants, zebras and wildebeests. I also did a day hike to the first base of Mt. Kilimanjaro and spent a day relaxing in a natural hot springs. Overall, I had an amazing experience doing meaningful work, got to meet really amazing people - both locals and other volunteers, and explored Tanzania and crossed off some major items on my bucket list. I would absolutely recommend IFRE and Tanzania if you are looking for flexible and affordable volunteer experience in a beautiful and friendly country.
My volunteer experience in Sri Lanka was an amazing adventure and challenge. Nothing could have adequately prepared me for the culture and lifestyle differences between 1st and 3rd world countries. Honestly, my initial response once I arrived in Sri Lanka was "What have I gotten myself into?"
However, after I recovered from the initial cultural shock, I was able to appreciate the warm hearts of those who made my stay in Sri Lanka an experience I will never forget.
During my volunteering, I was attached to the "Paradi Orphanage ". There are 69 kids ranging from one day old to 8 years living and being cared for at the orphanage. My host family accepted me and made me feel a part of their wonderful family. They taught me the most about Sri Lankan culture, customs, religions and the Sinhalese language. Although the children and staff at the orphanage were absolutely amazing, I know I will never forget the kindness, laughter, love, and happiness that I experienced at the orphanage. I will forever remember each and every child who opened their arms and heart to me. It was heartbreaking to leave the children, but I hope to return in the future.
I am grateful for everyone who assisted me during my Sri Lanka experience. I don't know what I would have done without them.
