Program Reviews

The organization seemed be a very ethical one, emphasizing working through organizations in the community. Programs offered were interesting and varied. I had a hard time picking out which one I wanted to do. I chose community center type projects each time because I felt like I was qualified for them and that I could make a difference. Each time that I volunteered I had a person who picked me up at the airport, gave me a detailed orientation, and also gave me a tour of the community. Throughout the program they offered continued support and checked in frequently to see what I was doing.

At the community center at Bajo Tejares I played several different roles. The community center was located in a community that one could see really needed such a place to exist. We were given a tour of the neighborhood which was a little shocking. The houses were really tiny and a few of them just had a lot of trash around them. Drug use and teen pregnancy were big problems in the neighborhood, and the community center gave the kids a viable alternative s to this as well as positive attention from adults. The educational component was a big part of what they did. We got to help out with English classes for adults and teenagers in the community. Two other volunteers and I worked with the adult women's class. It was a little challenging, because the women all had different levels and attendance seemed to be directly related to the weather. We had to go really slow, slower than I had thought because pronunciation was really difficult for them and a lot of times they were scared to even talk. One thing was certain though, the classes were always fun! The women made it seem more like a club than a class. The ones that did know more really helped each other out. I really wished we could have made the class a permanent thing, but because of the school schedule starting again, it wasn't possible.

At night I got to help teaching the English class at the college in San Ramon. I had so much fun with them. Getting to work with adults was cool because it made you feel more a part of the community. The learners were all really motivated and seemed to want to be there. Since one of the most important parts of a language is talking ,the classes were conversation based. This made it really fun and I felt like it was a good way for the students to learn.

I would recommend getting involved in this to anyone who does uVolunteer. It feels like you help them so much, and they get to help you as well.

Jennifer

One memorable moment I remember is when I was trying to teach the children about gentle touch, and patting or rubbing the shoulder to get my attention, instead of hitting or pulling aggressively. This was a hard lesson for them, as in their culture they are used to rough handling and gentle touch does not really exist. As I explained to them how to do it, and that I like it better than being pulled on very hardly, they really understood and started helping each other out by reminding each other and demonstrating it on me. It was really sweet to see how one girl showed another one what a " gentle touch" was and how quickly she responded and started doing it that way.
Overall my experience at the orphanage was truly wonderful, and I would not trade it for anything, despite its challenges and obstacles. It was an experience I put myself into and I think it has made me a stronger, more adaptable person because of it. I am glad to have been able to share something with the children and hope that the time I spent with them will leave some kind of impression or memory in there minds to carry with them for the rest of there lives. Ghana is an amazing country, rich with culture, flavor and excitement. There was never a dull moment in Ghana and my time here has enriched my life in a very positive way.

Adjusting to San Ramon was easier than I expected. The accommodations were luxurious, in comparison to what I thought I would have to live with. The San Ramon volunteer house is a beautiful two-story home that feels like a higher-end hostel. There were about three student volunteers and two family volunteers, with seven of us living in the house. Though there were a lot of us in a lot of different volunteer projects, we all became a tight knit group within the first weekend.
As I mentioned before, my volunteer project was working at an orphanage. I remember the first day I went to the orphanage I was so shy and timid with the kids, but soon I was able to warm up to them and bond with them. Though there were about ten kids, I mainly played with four or five of them ranging from ages four to seven. From Monday to Thursday I would go to the orphanage for four hours and play with coloring books, Play-doh, puzzles, jump rope, and bicycles. The other volunteer and I had to constantly come up with games to keep the kids active. Sometimes the other volunteer would buy toys for the kids such as balloons and a tea set. Though I expected to be teaching the kids English, I realized that these kids just needed someone to play with.
After my volunteer work at the orphanage we had the option to teach English to university students and adults at the University of Costa Rica. Though this was optional volunteer work, it was my favorite part of the week. It was so interesting being on the other side of the language learning experience. Every time I went to teach the students I kept in mind the methods that worked for me when learning Spanish. On top of that, I really enjoyed just talking to the students and learning about their life. After one teaching night another volunteer and I made plans to visit one of the students at her bakery the next day, and when we did the student gave us one of her cakes!
Ultimately, the reason I wanted to do a volunteer program is because I enjoy immersing myself in the culture and befriending locals. Travelling as a tourist you get to see the beautiful and spectacular parts of Costa Rica, but it makes it difficult to really immerse yourself in the Costa Rican culture. With uVolunteer I was able to make lifelong friends with local ticos and other volunteering gringos, while stuffing up on Costa Rican food and creating a few touristy memories on the weekends. Basically I was able to have my cake and eat it too thanks to uVolunteer. uVolunteer is tuanis!

I had an exciting week because things were so different compare to our country that I could not believe what I saw.
The first week was a bit of orientation to the projects we were about to do. I had an exciting week because things were so different compare to our country that I could not believe what I saw, such as how people worked at the market or the condition of the roads and taxis or "trotros".The second week was more normal because we had got used to some things in the country.
Working at the orphanage was amazing; the summer camp was successful, well organized and above all, the children were so nice and polite, they made our stay in Ghana much more pleasant, and always made us come home and feel happy for the work we had done that day.I thought of this trip as a challenge or an adventure, and I did not know what would or could happen. But fortunately everything went well and, for me, it has been so far the most rewarding experience I've ever had-certainly one to be repeated.

Impossible not to love and cherish the complete experience. One week is certainly not enough!!!!
On our way from the airport we had a great trip to San Ramon, the scenery and the conversation was amazing. I was a bit apprehensive at first, thinking that the volunteer program was something that was not as common or as popular.
I was happy to realize I was wrong!!!! Right there in the bus I met with Kim (France/Miami) and Jenny (Canada). Two wonderful human beings willing and able to help other people while growing in the process themselves.
Getting acquainted with the group and at the dorm was a breeze, we engaged into the cultural, social and volunteer aspects of the trip very fast and with a great flow.
We received the orientation, toured the beautiful town of San Ramon and on that very day we decided to JUMP OFF A BRIDGE!!!! Yes!!, we went bungee jumping in Naranjo, very close to San Ramon. Next day Pacuare river rafting (absolutely beautiful). And that was our magical weekend!!!
The week came and we headed to the Community Education Project in Bajo Tejares and the perspective changed. So much need, so many beautiful children in need of attention. The center provides a great collection of educational activities for underprivileged kids.
Being bilingual helped a lot but having the right attitude to fully engage and connect with everyone is key for a successful experience; for yourself and everyone around you. Long days full of joy!!!! Construction, painting, reading, playing or simply having meaningful conversations. At night, to enhance our volunteer experience, we signed into the English classes provided to adults. What a thrill!!!!!
I love you all!!.

Staying here changed my whole perspective on travelling. Most people who travel to Thailand overlook the Isaan region, for it's lack of tourist sites. But for myself, it is the true face of Thailand. Whilst slowly devouring my favourite Cappaccino Ice Cream at the riverside Milk Cafe, I remember the scores of children playing fun and games in the late afternoon sun, monks in their rich orange robes gathering in the temple courtyard, and locals finishing their daily duties, getting ready for the most important meal of the day. I spent most of my afternoons by that riverside cafe, watching the world go by, enjoying an occasional conversation with a curious Thai, while the crimson sun set descended beautifully over the peaceful town and the winding river.
By day, I was an assistant teacher at the local secondary school. Here, I would help Ajan (Teacher) Phusita in class, in a number of ways such as pronunucation, grammar and spelling. Again my role went beyond that, as gradually I realised that all of the above were secondary. The students wanted to know more about myself and the culture that I represented. Furthermore, many seemed to be very interested on my thoughts of Thai culture. Hence, teaching in Phonphisai enabled the opportunity for myself as a teacher, and the students, to teach English through the means of sharing both cultures. The phrase 'time of your life' is used too easily in this day in age. I do believe that my stay with Jack, and his family in Phonphisai, was the best time of my life. I discovered so much about the world and myself. Yet, there seems tobe something in my heart which urges me to return there one day in the future to rediscover the adventurous Joe, and to rekindle the friendships which I forged. The true Thailand awaits to those who are adventurous enough to seek it.

The orientation the next morning around San Ramon was a great way to see what San Ramon is really like and definitely helped me to get around later by myself. This 12-block city is extremely friendly and contains everything that you could ever need. After bungee jumping and doing white water rafting during my first weekend, I was definitely set to start working on Monday ;)
My project was located at the community center in San Ramon, a community where poverty overtakes most people's life. On our first day, we went around the houses of Bajo to see what people lived in, which were definitely very small houses that could barely fit an entire family. However, this tour was very helpful in understanding the daily lives of the kids we would be working with in the community center.
Lastly, the option of teaching classes of different levels to adults at the university was another wonderful experience. Although it made our days a bit longer, seeing all the students motivated to learn each night made it all worthwhile. Teaching English to young adults and older ones definitely opens many doors for them in their lives and careers. Therefore it was my biggest pleasure to share my knowledge of English with them.
I can't describe enough how wonderful this experience has been and how much I'm grateful for it. I have now made many wonderful relationships with the people of uVolunteer and many other volunteers, which I will be sure to maintain forever. I know that we will all for sure meet again. But for now, I'm not sad because it ended. I'm more than grateful that it happened

The door had a lock, but Ban Thin Dung is so safe I never felt the need. The view was amazing; coconut trees and rice fields. The perfume of the flowers stayed with me as two walls of my room were shutters with screens. At night I could see the stars and would fall asleep along with the bug and reptile serenade. Two of the bathroom toilets were Western, the other two were Thai style. It's best to have the family show you how to use these. Showers were no problem, plenty of hot water. In the hot months we all needed cold water.
Some students needed the Thai translation to assist them with their comprehension. A basic subject guide is available as is lunch with the teachers. I would suggest to all volunteers to take a lunch, as it is a great way to get to know your school, discuss ideas, ask for help and in turn you will be helping the teachers to practice spoken English. Remember, you are here to speak with the children, so don't get bogged down with the grammar, handwriting and so on.
Behind Jack's house are the rice fields, acres of them. Staying for six months I was able to see the seasons of rice. So much so that I helped with the harvest, which earned me the invite to the local Rat BBQ! Tasty! I have so many photos of this along with many hours on my old bicycle in and around the jungle taking in Mother Nature in Thailand.
The schools in Thailand take plenty of vacations so ask before you book your stay. I had several small trips planned. You may need visas so allow extra time. I took the night bus; it and the train are both comfortable and cheap. It's a great way to meet people like myself who are volunteering or traveling around. As last count I had spoken with people from twenty nine countries, any who have become friends.

The little expectations I did have were definitely exceeded when I arrived and met the staff and settled in. Everyone was extremely warm and friendly from the moment I was picked up at the airport. The weekend was busy exploring Koforidua and getting familiar with the Ghanaian food and culture .After seeing how people lived in the town I was relieved to find our dorms very comfortable and clean.
Before we began camp at the Orphanage, we were brought to the orphanage to meet the staff and children. Sunday night we spent planning how we would execute the English and Sports camp for the next two weeks. I was glad to find that Nat and the team had already done some basic lesson planning for the week so I felt prepared. Mon-Thurs we worked from about 9am-3pm at the orphanage. The days were well organized and it was comforting to have local staff and teachers there to help us as well. I was pleased that there were other volunteers with me during the program so I could not only make new friends but also have co-teachers to plan with. Even though I am a teacher, the work was challenging but extremely fun. Coming from teaching in West Philadelphia, I was blown away by how well behaved, well-mannered and respectful the children were. They were eager to learn and try new things and their excitement for us being there was incredibly rewarding.
On the weekend, Nat accompanied our group on a trip to the Cape Coast and was an excellent tour guide. At the end of the two weeks, I could have never imagined how upset I would be to leave the children. The children are amazing and really make everything about working at the camp completely worthwhile, in just two weeks I felt a developed a really strong bond with my entire group of kids.
Overall, my experience is exactly what I was looking for in a volunteer program. I made sure to stay open-minded and patient the entire trip. At times, when I wanted to feel frustrated with some of the ways of the culture, I reminded myself that it was part of the whole learning experience. I would not have done anything differently and I am completely satisfied with the program. I felt by having the opportunity to immerse myself in the culture I was able to come away with a life changing experience that I will surely never forget.

The dorm was fantastic. It was very clean and comfortable and it has been really nice to have wifi to stay connected to home. The hammocks outside provided hours of entertainment after a long day and the beds are really comfortable. Unfortunately while I was here there weren't many other volunteers (2 others for one week and one other for another week) but we managed to have fun despite the lack of excitement in the dorm.
Some of my best memories here have been on my weekend trips. My first weekend we went on a day trip to Volcano Arenal and Baldi Hot Springs. If you are short on time, I would recommend skipping Arenal. It was cool but there were definitely more exciting things I would have rather done. But whatever I did, the bus rides to the destinations have been some of my favorite times.
The next weekend I went alone to Monteverde. I highly recommend this if you are traveling alone, as it felt very safe and I met many other travelers from all over the world. I went ziplining, to a butterfly garden, and on a night hike, which were all fantastic.
And the orphanage, the main reason I came! I have to say it was probably one of the most difficult things I've done. I was at a new orphanage that doesn't really have enough caretakers (called Tias) for all of the kids, and it showed. Every day was exhausting as I entertained at least 8 kids at a time for hours or helped the Tias clean and cook.
My Spanish has improved tremendously just speaking with the older kids and with the Tias and I feel like I have made at least a small difference in their lives. While some moments were hard, the way they would run up to me to greet me at the beginning of the day and the way they would laugh when I played ball with them totally made up for the other times.