Program Reviews

From start to finish, my experience with Plan My Gap Year was excellent. The handbook and support given pre-departure was extremely helpful and Josh answered my emails promptly and thoroughly.
The support given on arrival, during and on departure in Arusha was great and I always felt very safe and secure.
I did the 2 week orphanage project at Nourish school and orphanage. It was an incredible experience and a very hard goodbye.
For potential volunteers looking to join the programme, I would highly recommend PMGY. There's so much more to do as well as your programme and the people you meet become friends for life.

I have previously volunteered with PMGY in Sri Lanka and absolutely loved it so I decided to volunteer in Cambodia. The experience was completely different but I still had an amazing time.
Teaching the kids was so rewarding as even in a short time you could see the genuine impact you were having and I became attached so quickly! Jason and the team are so supportive and will do everything they can to help while you are there and the UK team were always so quick to help me with any questions I had!
The accommodation was much more basic than the accommodation in Sri Lanka but you adapt very quickly and it is nice to see the money going to the school rather than the volunteers living arrangements. Another difference was that the focus was more on the teaching I felt so we had less nights out. This meant it felt like we were really helping and not just on holiday - but we still had Thursday night pub quiz and went to red club!!
I would highly recommend volunteering at the Hope Agency with PMGY Cambodia!

From stepping out of the airport, you're immersed in this amazing culture that is unlike any other country I've traveled to. The country is vibrant with each tro tro journey providing a different spectacle each time. The locals are very friendly and approachable, especially all the kids who will always smile and wave at you and shout "obroni" (or "chinaman"). The kids really do make you smile and vice versa. If you also want to be proposed to, Ghana is the country for you.
I did the medical project during the morning and managed to see births in Maternity, caesarean sections in Theatre and get hands on in the Emergency Ward. The doctors are happy to teach you and let you do basic things like vitals etc. if you're proactive and ask them to, although do sometimes offer a bit too much with suturing for example. A definite highlight were the 12 hour night shifts we got to do, where you can help out a lot and I would make sure to do one whilst in Ghana. The hospital is vastly different to UK ones as expected, so allows an interesting comparison in equipment and approach to healthcare.
In the afternoon we'd go to the school (not the orphanage) which was always something to look forward to as the kids will all remember you and get extremely excited to play. I enjoyed getting to help teach them things like English and maths and that is definitely the impact you can make on the medical project, once you realize how hard it is to teach things like simple multiplication and their lack of simple things like pen and paper.
The rest of the time is what you make of it, as there's many places to visit and people to talk to. The staff really do put in the effort for you for a smooth and comfortable trip. I personally once never felt unsafe, even travelling alone for the day around the city.
My trip ended with an incredible Mole Trip with some spectacular sights, which also emphasized how close you become with fellow volunteers, this does lead to emotional Sundays when volunteers come and go. It may not be for everyone but when it is right for you, it is an unforgettable experience of a lifetime of which I'm sad I was only there for 3 weeks, but unbelievably grateful it happened and looking forward to future trips now.

I have just got back from a month away on the medical placement. I have had a lot of fun and made friends that I'll keep for a life. The UK team was really helpful and always answered my questions really quickly. Cindy and Kristy are amazing at doing all the cooking and cleaning and the food they serve is always amazing. Florence is brilliant at her job and is always there for a chat. Dennis and Seth are so funny and really helpful if you need anything. I never once worried about my safety in Ghana and I always felt safe and looked after whether it was in the house or whilst we were out and about. I am so glad I went and got to meet some amazing people that I will share an experience with for life.

This trip was so well organised and there was always someone with you wherever you go so you always feel safe. All the activities are so well thought out and things that you would never get to do unless on a trip like this so they were all enjoyed by everyone!
The co-ordinators (Steph and Anthony) were so fun and down to earth and felt like they were apart of the group, which was so good as it then didn't end up feeling like a school trip.
The pre-departure information was very helpful and they are always there to answer your questions and help as much as they can.
The first week of doing the different projects was so much fun as you get a taster of all the different projects, especially the teaching as the kids were so excited and grateful for you being there!
The second week we got to see so much of the country and experience loads of different things such as the safari, a hike and chilling on a beach.
The food cooked by the sisters is very yummy, especially the noodles! (they were a huge favourite by everyone).
It was an amazing two weeks and would go back and do it all over again if i could!

The volunteering and adventure trip was superb!
The first week consists of volunteering in Ambalangoda and it involves teaching, construction, elephants and turtles. If I had to choose my favourite it would be either elephants or teaching. Having such a close encounter with the elephants was awe inspiring but I really miss all of the children we had the opportunity to teach. The volunteering felt very rewarding and at the end of it everyone on the trip felt as if we had accomplished something.
The accommodation is clean and comfortable, but if you are planning on going remember to bring a sheet as there are no covers. Everything you need is catered for. During the first week there are different activities every night such as meditation lessons and Sri Lankan dancing. I
loved all of them! The meals are all cooked by the sisters and they are delicious- especially the pancakes.
The following week was amazing. We did so much it would take hours to list it all, but highlights included a safari and a hike (both very early starts) as well as visiting beautiful temples and the stunning beaches of Marissa. The hotels are lovely- some of them even had four poster beds!
The staff are brilliant. They put so much effort into ensuring the trip is a success and are genuinely wonderful people.
If you are thinking about going on this trip I would stop thinking and start booking. It was the best two weeks and I am so happy to have done it.

PMGY's 'Volunteer and Adventure' trip was AMAZING!

The pre-departure support was very good and responses were always fast and helpful.

The first week of the programme was very well structured and we were always kept busy. It was great to be able to try out all of the different projects. There was really fun evening entertainment which was a great way to experience Sri Lankan culture (dancing on the roof was a particular highlight!) The volunteer accommodation was also so nice and we were very well fed and looked after by the sisters.

The second week was all very well organised and all the accommodation was great. Again, we were very busy but it was great to see so many different aspects of Sri Lanka.

All of the in country coordinators were absolutely amazing and so so friendly and helpful. Anthony and Steph were available 24/7, always smiling and are genuinely such amazing people. Steph had done the trip twice before and had lots of great info about all the places we visited which was nice. Our drivers, Jaga and Babbi, were amazing as well.

Everything about this trip was perfect. Seeing as it was only two weeks it was more an opportunity for us to get a feel for what the volunteer projects that PMGY run are like, instead of actually creating lasting change and so that is why the impact rating is slightly lower (however im sure in the long term we have all been inspired to go on and volunteer so it definitely had an impact in that sense!)

I spent a month in Ghana doing the teaching project and also the orphanage project. I have had the best 4 weeks of my life. I had the pleasure of meeting so many amazing people. The children brought me so much happiness and joy. In the school, they are so motivated and interested to learn which makes it a lot more enjoyable. Seeing the transformation of the nursery class while I was there and the smiles of the children when they entered their new classroom, is something I'll remember forever. In the orphanage, the children are just amazing. They appreciate everything you do for them no matter how big or small. Even by just colouring a picture with the children, can make their day. The children in both the school and the orphanage are so warm and welcoming, you're always greeted with a smile and a hug every morning! I have formed so many close bonds with people and have made friends for life in Ghana. You become so close to the other volunteers and I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to share my experience with. The staff in the house are fantastic. I've never met such passionate and hard working people. If ever you needed help with anything or even just wanted a chat, they are always there to help you no matter what and will always make time for you. They make you feel so at home and are extremely supportive. The UK team are also very supportive as they're always there to help you with any questions or issues you may have. I had no safety issues in Ghana at all. I was a bit nervous about safety at first but I felt more safe in Ghana than I do at home. The locals are the friendliest people you'll ever meet. You're given so many opportunities in Ghana that most people will never get the chance to experience. I'm so sad to be leaving and I'm already looking at flights to come back. My experience has been life changing and I'd 100% recommend PMGY Ghana!

This is my second adventure with PMGY and I can honestly say I've had another fantastic summer, and would definitely travel again with PMGY!
In the weeks leading up to my departure everything I needed to know was covered in the volunteer handbook. This included information about the project, the accommodation, the weekend trips and Sri Lanka itself.
Alongside this, the U.K. Office were also very helpful with answering further questions and giving advice on the journey. Extra bookings and payments that needed to be made were easy (but safe) to make via the links sent by email.
When embarking on the journey itself, after a long and tiring flight, I was greeted with friendly faces from which we started our drive to the accommodation which was The River house.
The River house is surrounded by beautiful views and interesting wildlife such as crocs, monkeys and Komodo dragons. It has a large common which is a great place to play games and watch movies on an evening, along with relaxing after a long day at project. Generally its full of laughter and good vibes created both by the volunteers and the local staff. It also includes a pool, western toilets, showers and wifi which is bought for a few hundred rupees (few pounds). All the coordinators are always extremely helpful and a lot of fun to have around which makes the experience a lot better.
The project I was involved in was the government orphanage which ran in the afternoon; a normal day at the orphanage would include about an hour of basic teaching followed by playing games outside, including sports and singing songs etc. The children are lovely to teach and every day you'll return to the house feeling like you've accomplished something- most days you'll return having learnt something from them too!!
There are also opportunities to do a day at the turtle or elephant conservation project if they have extra passes, however these are first come first serve so you have to be quick about it.
Although there's plenty of time to independently travel, I would 100% recommend the weekend trips. They're honestly a great way to make lasting memories, new friends and are a good value for money.
I felt a bit aprehensive about the Dubai stopover as its more independent, however Teena, our main point of contact over there couldn't have been more helpful and welcoming, any questions we had were answered.
PMGY are a great company to travel with, what makes it great is the staff and co-ordinators who are always willing to go the extra mile to ensure they have the best time possible.
Also big shout out to Josh and Colby who were excellent in helping me with my flight problem, and putting a few minds to ease. ;)
General tips:
-Plenty of sun cream and mosquito repellent.
- Make sure you have clothes to cover shoulders, knees and in my case tattoos.
-Baby wipes are your friend
Orphanage tips:
- the children are very tactile, and like to be involved in games and songs.
-Preparation is key; pens, Paper, worksheets.
-Ideally cover tattoos or hide necklaces, rings etc.
Although they're harmless the kids will get distracted but these things.
Sri Lanka is a beautiful place full of beautiful people filled with amazing experiences and opportunities. Once again thank you PMGY!

The pre-departure support from PMGY was so useful, I would recommend using it as much as possible! Josh was great to speak to over the phone, friendly and informal - really knowledgeable about the programmes.
I spent 4 weeks in Tanzania and I wish I had gone earlier and stayed longer as the experience just gets more enjoyable as you get to know the other volunteers and the staff. The accommodation is relatively basic - there was no WiFi while I was there (not always the case) and the showers aren't consistently warm - but it was extremely social, comfortable and I wouldn't change anything major. The house Mama's cook amazing food, just be open to trying some new things and you'll never go hungry! The Mulberry (bar and restaurant on-site) serves more Western foods and is a great little social hub to have right next door.
The staff in-country are fantastic and there is always someone available to chat to and ask any questions or reports any concerns. I did an orphanage placement and a member of staff escorted me and the other volunteer on the first day to show us the journey and introduce us. I took food every day for the kids breakfast and toys (from the resources shelves at the volunteer house). Apart from playing with the children, I helped with food preparation and keeping the orphanage clean and tidy.
I would definitely recommend this experience if you're willing to be spontaneous and settle into the 'pole pole' lifestyle in Tanzania :)