Program Reviews

From the first day the atmosphere was amazing, the people, the community and also the feeling of just being on such as beautiful island. The school was amazing and the students were so welcoming and excited, even over little things we take for granted which was heart warming to see. This experience has made me feel so much more confident whilst working with people out of my comfort zone both professionally and socially. The different trips were also amazing not only could we develop ourselves in the school but also learn the culture as well as the natural beauty that this island has to offer. It was a very social trip which is something I really thoroughly enjoy especially meeting people from all around the world

Would 100% do this again and would recommend

I spent two weeks of my summer in Fiji this year and I had the time of my life. The memories I have made are truly remarkable and I love sharing them with my friends and family. I could talk about my time in Fiji all day. The locals are so so welcoming and make you feel right at home. Our hosts were so caring and really made you feel like part of the family. Whilst in Fiji, I jumped out of my comfort zone. I made sure I did everything and can honestly say I don’t regret a thing. If you take part in this trip, you are sure to have the best time! I only wish I could do it all again. My favourite Island trip was to Yanuca, it felt like complete paradise. It was definitely one of those moments where you have to pinch yourself. Thank you for all the amazing opportunities!!

The whole experience in the Cook Islands created more memories and friendships that I could've ever imagined. Throughout the programme, we were given the opportunities to explore the Island. We went to two islands that were breath-taking, offering us a unique opportunity that not many people have. Honestly, the most awe-inspiring part of the journey would have to be the school. Volunteering alongside teachers that were passionate about teaching the next generation was incredible; more so was the fact that I got given the chance to teach. It is inconceivable to put into words just how good the programme was.

I think what I would say to prospective travellers is to go for it. Take the opportunity with both hands and experience a whole new world. Along the way you will meet people that will become friends you never knew you needed. Take every moment in, reflect, be objective and move forward with an open mind.

As a cultural exchange and possibly having a conservation outlook, this program works. I was disappointed to initially have signed up for a “sport development” program. There wasn’t any sport development involved whatsoever. I extremely enjoyed the beach clean up aspect and getting involved with local life, maybe some more ideas based around this may work better for future trips as it seems much more accessible. I also think there could have been some more activities as we found ourselves with a lot of free time and when it rained it was no fun at all - as you were just stuck inside. A good experience overall, I have enjoyed my time there but a more structured program would have benefitted me much more. Throw yourself in to every moment and make the best out of a situation you may not be to happy with.

I embarked on the Kenya expedition in April 2019 and had the most amazing experience. I was apprehensive before undertaking the experience but was reassured by Travel Teacher throughout. I am so pleased that I chose to go as the experience was so life changing and I will never forget it.

I was pushed out of my comfort zone to undertake farming duties, visit a local orphanage, attending a local church service and helping with Kenyan schoolwork. Sharing the stories with my students back in England has invaluably added to my teaching making my lessons more real and engaging in our recent unit on Kenya.

We also got to engage in the tourist side of Kenya with a safari in Nairobi National Park and Bomas of Kenya which I have always wanted to do but have not had the chance to do so.

The most rewarding part of the experience was getting to know the girls living at Hekima Place and hearing about their lives. I loved getting to know them and see how they were thriving in their lives at Hekima despite their challenging pasts.

The support given from Jenny at Hekima Place throughout the programme was incredible and she worked so hard to support every single one of the girls living at Hekima. I also made some amazing friends whilst undertaking the programme who were like-minded travellers who I never would have had the chance to meet otherwise.

I hope to return to Hekima in the future as I will never forget the experience that I had!

My time in Fiji was amazing. During the initial introduction, I was extremely nervous and I didn’t really know what to expect but everyone was so welcoming and friendly and I soon settled in. To say I wasn’t pushed outside of my comfort zone I would be lying. But having done this experience I have learned so much about the Fijian culture and also about myself. Along the journey I have made life long friends and there hasn’t been a day where I haven’t thought about being back there. The locals in Fiji are by far the happiest people I’ve met and it really made me feel at home, unfortunately it had to come to an end but fingers crossed return in the future so a massive thank you to Matt for the opportunity of a life time. To any future travellers, I would say go for it, you will come back a different person and definitely will not regret it.

After completing a previous expedition with Travel Teacher in Fiji, I fell in love the company. Travel Teacher gives an immersive travelling experience and provides opportunities that are not open to other tourists and travellers. Kenya was life-changing for me - it made me reflect and evaluate on my life and what I actually I want to do with my life. Many opportunities and experiences were provided in Kenya such as: safari, feeding giraffes, visiting elephants, walking hikes to see the stunning views of The Great Rift Valley, Maasai Mara market, church visits, visiting neighbouring children's home as well as all the activities at Hekima. All these opportunities shaped me and continue to shape me since returning from Kenya. Meeting inspirational leaders and children at Hekima as well as meeting inspirational individuals within the group was also an uplifting experience as well. It is wonderful feeling when 13 strangers become 13 great friends. Words cannot describe how much I loved this opportunity and experience. Until next time Travel Teacher, asante!

From the moment my daughter and i decided to go to Kenya with travel teacher, we had so much support. Matt was very informative and patience with my bombardment of questions! The trip itself was wonderful I enjoyed every single moment from helping with the daily chores gardening and milking the cows to reading stories to the girls and seeing the famous 5 animals on safari in Nairobi national park. I loved meeting the girls who were both grateful and kind with anything we did with them. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly. Meeting the staff and house mums and of course the lovely jenny and bravon from hekim place who organised everything so well so we got the best out of every minute of the trip. Absolutely recommend wonderful experience !

I fell in love with Kenya thanks to Jenny, who’s the director of HEKIMA place and the girls who stay there. She organised our group activities in such a fun way! She also put so much effort to make us feel comfortable, safe, happy and like at home! Jenny made our trip affordable, which is important while studying.
She also cares so much about the girls and their well-being, she has inspired me in so many many ways, not just a director,but as human! I am so greatful to her, because I know what the girls are in good and loving hands.
The girls as HEKIMA place are amazing! They are smart, caring, and very loving! It was so hard to leave them when our journey came to an end.
Of course, I can’t not mention the travel and the activities we did. Safari, Bomas of Kenya, Ocean sole are just some of them. I had so much fun in those 8 days. I met incredible people, who became my friends in just a week’s time! We also had some sad moments, but we needed that to reflect on not just this Travel Teacher experience, but on our lifes! I am very grateful to Travel Teacher for this opportunity! It is an experience to remember for life!

Organisation and activities by Hekima Place were amazing. The director, Jenny put so much effort into making our trip perfect and good value for money, she was able to get our trip at an excellent price including day trips out and different recreational activites! she made us feel safe and well looked after throughout our trip and I will definitely be returning thanks to her. Travel teacher opens up lots of opportunities and allowed us to meet new people. We had so much support from Hekima which has also continued since being at home, some moments we experienced may be hard to process however it has been the most rewarding 10 days of my life and I would recommend to anyone that is looking for some sense of fulfilment and joy from working with children.