Program Reviews

I was sure I wanted to travel abroad to volunteer but I was undecided on where I wanted to go. It wasn't until I came across Plan My Gap Year that I came to an immediate decision - Ghana. This expereience has truly been the most life-changing, humbling, fun and thrilling time of my life. Before I set off I was unsure of what to expect as this was my first time volunteering alone abroad but the staff before hand were so helpful and easy to get hold of. The staff in Ghana were AMAZING - any time of the day which you need them they are always there. The experience has truly made me so grateful for everything and I've met the most big-hearted people along the way. Plan My Gap Year Ghana has truly kickstarted a life of travelling for me and I'm so excited to go to more of their destinations in the future. I would recommend them as I couldn't have had a better experience - you will always feel safe, never be hungry, always be laughing and always have people to talk to. Ghana is such a beautiful country with the most amazing children and happy people, I will miss it so much and cannot wait to return.

I knew I wanted to go to Africa from the start. I wanted to feel its heart and leave with an authentic experience that I would always remember. I decided to aim for that goal in Ghana after hearing great things about the staff and how enriching the volunteering was there.

I'd never been to Africa before coming here, and travelling alone in an entirely new continent can be intidimidating. However, after landing, I was contacted by Seth and he immediately made me feel much better with his easy-going attitude. I think he was the perfect introduction and representation of the staff that live here in Ghana. This wasn't my first time volunteering in a foreign country, but the quality of the staff here was at a level I had never experienced before. They really made me feel at home and made the entire experience just that much more rich. They honestly felt like family and would go to any length to meet my needs. As an example, there was a time in the beginning where I felt like I wasn't getting enough food (I'm a tall guy), and Seth immediately told me and assured me multiple times that it was no issue to have extra food prepared. I really love the people here.

I came Africa to experience the culture and do some intense volunteering. Ghana is a great place to come if you actually want to volunteer the majority of the day and not just a few hours like in some of the other programs I'd participated in before. Our first day of volunteering was from 9 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon and it felt like the blink of an eye. The month of time I've spent here has passed by faster than at any other time in my life because of how busy and engaged we were with the volunteering and the people here. I decided to volunteer both at the school and at the orphanage along with other members, and both are very different and very fulfilling experiences. The kids at the school love new volunteers, and I was the cause of multiple arguments about where and who I would sit with in the class every day. I got to teach my first class here in Ghana! While I did feel pretty nervous at first, the kids are so fun and so energetic to the point that you feed off of it. The orphanage was a very different environment, but one I'd look forward to every day. It was a much more relaxed atmosphere in totality, but there'd be moments of absolute insanity that would leave me laughing afterwards. I've never enjoyed volunteering as much as I have here in Ghana with PMGY.

Another aspect of the country was how nice the local people were towards us. I had to answer lots of questions about America and constantly keep repeating that my name was Alek and not Eric. I guess they do sound pretty similar if you think about it. The people here were always comfortable to be around and the idea of safety being an issue never came to mind. There's people everywhere you go, and they look out for everybody else.

I would really recommend coming to Ghana to anybody that is on the fence about it. Some days were long and tough, but I found that those were the days that I got the most out of. This has been an experience that I will look back on and definitely miss once I start University.

Shoutout to Ty, Vick, Ruby, and....Kate for being an amazing group to start out Ghana with!

After recently arriving back from 2 weeks of the elephant project, I have grown as a person more than I can imagine well with PMGY in Sri Lanka, creating some of the best memories of life. This was my first experience away from home so naturally I was apprehensive however this soon went with the overwhelming help and support provided by the team before I flew out to Sri Lanka, which was unmatched by any other company offering similar experiences, answering all my questions (which was a lot) I had quickly and clearly!

On arrival to 'London house' which is the accommodation I stayed in well on my project, my nerves were settled with how welcoming not only all the staff were but all the other volunteers currently staying in the house. The friendly environment made the house feel like home with in no time and the great atmosphere allowed me to make so many close friends with in a short period of time.

My project was focused around looking after elephants who were freed by PMGY on mini holidays from there normally hard working days, which involved ;cleaning there bedding area; taking them for a walk; giving them a bath and feeding them. Within the 2 weeks I also got an insight on the turtle project after doing it as a day pass inspired from the turtle release which is open to all volunteers and a very fulfilling experience seeing the baby turtles scuttle into the sea. With the Elephant project we also visited Udawalawe Wildlife Park, this was amazing seeing numerous wild Elephants close up as well as many other animals with in there natural habitat.

In addition the Staff and coordinators do exceptional job of providing you with things to do well not on your project such as putting on events or recommending locations to explore with in the Sri Lanka.

After having such a fantastic time in Sri Lanka, wishing I could of stayed longer, I am already planning my next trip with them PMGY with in the near future.

I have recently completed 4 weeks with PMGY in Sri Lanka (2 weeks elephant, 2 weeks turtles)

The online handbook and correspondence prior to arrival were very helpful in answering most questions and queries that I had and the staff in Sri Lanka itself were all incredibly helpful, friendly and hospitable.

The newly built volunteers accommodation 'London House' is a safe and comfortable place to stay, with delicious traditional Sri Lankan food provided. The inexpensive tuktuks take you from the property to town and the beach and are a fun way if getting around.

I had originally gone to Sri Lanka to just do the elephant project, but having seen a turtle release, I liked the look of the turtle project and thought that it would be a great idea to have another experience in caring for the turtles.

As well as caring for elderly elephants, I was able to visit Udawalawe Wildlife Park where we viewed many wild elephants amongst birds, buffalo and crocodiles. This was a real highlight for me.

The tasks at the turtle project were varied. As well as preparing the fish and feeding it to the turtles, I administered medicine to those needing it, buried eggs, released babies into the wild, cleaned the beach area and helped with maintenance of the property. I loved spotting the massive Water Monitor Lizard that hangs around by the beach.

Aside from the projects, the southern coast of Sri Lanka is a beautiful region and I enjoyed trips out to neighbouring towns (such as Hikkaduwa, Galle and Mirissi) after project and on weekends.

Furthermore the PMGY do a brilliant job of arranging group events. During my stay we played Badminton and Cricket, and watched traditional dancing, with many of the dances originating in the local area.

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience, met some wonderful people (volunteers and staff) and explored a beautiful country.

I’ve returned home with the most incredible memories that will last a life time, I can’t thank PMGY Ghana enough for the fact they’ve made this all possible, for myself and everyone else. This was my second visit to Ghana in 6 months and this country will forever be with me.

I spent all 4 weeks of my trip at Kumasi Children’s Home, working predominantly in the home unit with some of the orphanages youngest babies, cheekiest toddlers and also their disabled occupants. My time spent working with these children will stay with me forever, their contagious smiles, infectious laughs and generous cuddles. My favourite time of the day with these children was as we were putting them to bed, as they would frequently fall asleep in our arms. Our daily roles involved feeding the babies their bottles and hand feeding the toddlers (a technique I am yet to perfect!) bathing and changing the children, and helping with the washing. Never have I taken a washing machine for granted so much before!

We would routinely stay at the orphanage until 8.30-9pm everyday, meaning we were travelling home in the pitch-black of darkness as the sun sets at 6.30! Even when travelling in the dark, I never once felt unsafe. It can take a while to get used to everyone wanting to talk to you, to learn your name and to get your ‘line’! It can be unnerving when the children want to touch your skin or play with your hair but its only because its so different to theirs and they’re inquisitive and friendly.

I can’t thank Seth or Florence enough for everything that they do. If I ever had any questions or concerns Seth was just a Facebook message away, and he was almost always online! Seth would regularly check up on us and make sure we were doing okay and to see if there was anything he could do to improve our trip. He would also regularly bring us home the best spring rolls ever! Seth also helped us in planning our solo, last minute weekend trip to Accra. Without his help, we wouldn’t have even known where to get on the bus!

Everyday was a challenge and eye-opening but it was 100% worthwhile, I couldn’t recommend PMGY enough to anyone. If you have any concerns about anything, Philip, Josh and Seth will always reply to your messages, answer your calls ands settle your nerves. This was my second visit, but I’m sure it won’t be my last.

I spent just under a month in Faridabad with Vishy and his family and couldn't have asked for a better experience. They were amazing and helped us out with anything we needed (including booking all our weekend trips) and made us all feel completely safe! The accommodation in Faridabad was lovely and clean and there was different foods to try every day! You're only an hour away from Delhi on the metro, making it easy to spend evenings out if you wanted to! The support team in the UK were amazing, too, and answered any questions I had really quickly! I did the women empowerment programme which I loved and all the women there were so welcoming!! I'd recommend the programme to anyone!

The only advice I'd give to future volunteers is just to keep an open mind; India can be a little overwhelming at times (the heat, how busy it is etc) but it's the most amazing place I've visited!

Can't recommend PMGY and the projects in India enough!

I spent three weeks volunteering with the Women's Empowerment Project in Faridabad and it was spectactular.
The coordinator Vishy was fantastic at making sure you felt comfortable, helping organise weekends trips, changing your money. He knew everything and was always willing to help, just swing him a WhatsApp!
Going to the slum school everyday was also a great learning curve. I spent time with the sewing business set up by Vishy wife, Kranti.
Unfortunately the women's empowerment project itself wasn't quite what I was expecting. It was only three afternoons a week and was predominantly teaching English to the few girls that turned up. However, in my last week we changed the Project around so volunteers would visit the girls polytechnics school- much better!
I definitely wouldn't go for any less than three weeks if you want the true, Indian experience. Definitely worth it, go whilst you can.

I have spent few months in Nepal this year and it was an amazing experience. Event though the first week in Kathmandu was kind of dull, as soon I got to the monastery everithing changed for the better. The Monks there were super friendly and the monastery was beautiful, even the food there was better ( althought still Dal bath). I was lucky to be there for the Buddhist new year, which is a 9 day Paja followed by a 10 day holliday, and to celebrate with the monks. We even played cards on New Year's Eve.

In the classroom the monks are incredibly well behaved and they will love everithing you will teach them. They are also somewhat shy, so you will have to start the conversation, but after some time, they will not stop talking.

Also the first monastery I visited was completely diferent to what the others look like. It is located in Kathmandu, the air there is therefore really bad, the monks are less friendly and the rooms are bad as well. I would therefore recommend the monastery in Nala, which is amazing.

Overall, The experience at the second monastery was fantastic and I definitely plan on returning one day.

The saying is true...the harder the goodbye the greater the memories. I have just returned home from spending four weeks in Ghana and what an amazing four weeks they were. Having first travelled to Ghana with Plan My Gap Year in June last year and also at Christmas last year this was my third time in Ghana. With regards to the application process I cannot fault PMGY as after returning from my first trip last year I joined the Alumni club which saved me money and time. As I am part of the alumni club and have been with PMGY previously I did not have to fill out another application form which made the process so quick and simple. Philip and Josh are UK based staff who are incredible at their jobs. Any questions that I had they were able to answer and made going back to Ghana three times within nine months possible! Nothing was ever a problem for them. I spent my four weeks doing the Orphanage project which was all of the following..... Challenging, fun, emotional, hard work, rewarding and full of plenty of laughs and memories. These precious memories will last a lifetime and I am so thankful for PMGY for everything they do to make projects like this possible. Seth Mensah I will be forever thankful for you! Seth is the host in Ghana and warmly welcomes all the volunteers into the volunteer house and ensures they are well looked after during their stay. In the words of Seth Mensah “Don’t count each day, make each day count”.
The orphanage itself is government run meaning that they have limited funding which means they rely heavily on donations from local businesses. The children are cared for by ‘mothers’ twenty four hours a day. These mothers sometimes came across as being demanding or rude but once I got to know them I realised that they were all lovely. I loved helping the mothers with washing, cooking, cleaning or whatever else needed done. I absolutely loved the orphanage and by the end of my trip this time I was known by the mothers, children and staff as Mother Katherine.
The volunteer house is situated in a great area. I felt extremely safe and well looked after. The local children who lived near the house became like my family. I loved experiencing the culture and in my spare time I would help the children’s families prepare dinner or help with washing clothes (it is harder than what it looks). I found that there were lots of mosquitoes so my advice would be to bring lots of insect repellent with a high level of deet in it!
I also got to spend a couple of days at the teaching project with Madam Florence. Madam Florence is a PMGY coordinator and lives on site at the house with the volunteers. Not only is Madam Florence an amazing teacher but she is a great coordinator! If I needed any help or had any issues Madam Florence was always available and willing to go out of her way to help.
This may have been my third time in Ghana with PMGY but I know it is not going to be my last! I will be back!

I don't even know where to start when describing my last 8 weeks in Ghana. When going out I was not really sure what to expect but can honestly say they were one of the best 8 weeks of my life! The culture, music, food and people were all just amazing. While there I did the orphanage, teaching and medical projects and loved them all. (However I would recommend no more than 2/3 weeks at the medical if you have no experience/qualifications in this area) The children at the teaching and orphanage projects are the most appreciative, kind, loving and adorable children I've met, they will steal your heart. After months of researching different organisations to go with, PMGY offered one of the most affordable thats out there. The staff and PMGY team in the U.K. and Ghana were all great. Whenever I had questions pre departure I never hesitated to give them a call or message and in the support in country was outstanding. Seth and Florence were like family and always there for you, if ever you had any problem or issue wether it be you were sick or saw a mouse in the house, they would always do everything they could to sort it out straight away. The team in Ghana as well as the other volunteers I met there were always there to support you after a tough day or laugh with you after a good one and I'd certainly made friends for life. I'm only home two days and already I'm trying to plan to go back as are many others that I've met during my time there and that I feel speaks for itself. Genuinely cannot thank or recommend PMGY or Ghana enough!