Program Reviews

I’ve just got home from spending 3 weeks in Ghana. I spent my time doing the childcare program (the orphanage) while your at this placement you’ll be changing nappies, feeding the children, giving them all your attention and comforting them. I can’t describe the feeling it gives you looking after them, they’re so precious and every single one of them will have a special place in my heart always. It’s a really rewarding thing to do but it is very emotional. I was originally supposed to be going to Ghana in July but I had a few problems with my visa being processed as there was a hold up and I can’t thank Cassy enough for all her help, every problem and question I had she got sorted, her replies were also very fast too. While I was staying at the house there was never a time I felt unsafe and I’d like to thank all the staff and taxi drivers for that, they really do make your time there extra special. I’d definitely like to come back to Ghana one day

I completed two weeks of the mental health program in Sri Lanka. The programs were well organised and varied and included everything we were told we were going to do. On the mental health program this involved lectures, practicals and visiting several institutions and hospitals. The co-ordinators and sister were very kind and always there for support. PMGY planned evening and weekend trips such as cocktail evenings, bonfire nights and cultural nights. I went on the cultural triangle trip which I highly recommend and definelty get your monies worth. Overall fully recommend PMGY

An amazing experience that allows you to find out about other countries cultures and lets you discover more about yourself. The people are amazing and extremely welcoming. PMGY cater to all the needs of participants. Whichever project you are going into you will gain full in depth knowledge in that area that provide you with a different view of the world. The experience provides you with a whole new look on the world allows you too develop yourself while helping other people. I highly recommend and the support that you get from plan my gap year is amazing from the minute you go onto to the website to the point when your booking your trip and all the way to the end when your coming back.

I can hands down say that deciding to do plan my gap year bail was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! I did the real Bali experience which was incredible allowing me to see the variety Bali has to offer in a safe and secure way! Budi and Mr C were the best guides we could have asked for making sure we had EVERYTHING we could want! I then volunteered for 2 weeks doing the English teaching project which wasn’t long enough in my opinion where I was welcomed into the volunteer house by Indra and his family! All in all I can say if you’re on the fence about whether to go out not I say DO IT! you won’t regret it! I’m already planning on which plan my gap year destination to go next! :)

I have joined the Plan My Gap Year Mental Health Program in Ghana in May 2022 and I can honestly say it has changed my life in positive ways.
Coming to a foreign country where a lot of things are different than you are used to and having to adapt was interesting & at times challenging experience, however the staff support made it immensely easier.
The experience was invaluable and good communication as well as respect towards every volunteer made the journey to new country & adapting to new culture a piece of cake.
Each and every volunteer was treated as part of the family and everyone's opinion was valued.
The two weeks I was there flew by and I wanted to extend my trip, nevertheless it was not possible due to responsibilities awaiting back home.
I wish with all my heart to return to Ghana and to be able to see everyone again. I miss Ghana and everyone there more than words can described.

Trustworthy, helpful and well-organized company.

I completed the 3 week medical volunteering program in India. Over the 3 weeks I learned so much from clinical skills to Indian culture. You truly get a first hand experience of India’s healthcare system while simultaneously being immersed in their amazing culture. I always felt safe and well looked after by the pmgy team during my trip, despite being thousands of miles away from home they made me feel very welcome and at home in india. I would recommend at least 3 weeks to thoroughly get a good experience and explore the country a bit.

An amazing time with PMGY Sri Lanka. This countries programme was very well run and organised and couldn't have felt safer during the struggles and conflict that was going on when I was there (July 2022). So many different weekend trips available to enable you to explore the whole country. The team they have there made going out in your free time so easy and gave so many examples and personal recommendations of things to do. Once you have decided what you would like to do, they also helped with planning it if you needed help.

Getting around was so easy with the tuktuks they had on hand and all of the drivers were so friendly (and love Coco Jambo – search it on Spotify ;) ). Every day after volunteering we would be greeted by all the puppies from the puppy rescue project which was the best. One of the best parts was the people I met when I was over there. I honestly become so close with everyone after living with them for 3 weeks and it really was sad when we all had to leave each other. However, I now have friends from Perth, Madrid, Berlin, England, America and so many more. I went out here with my girlfriend so if any couples are planning on doing this, I would say go for it but make sure you don’t close yourself off to meeting new people because you have each other! This is what me and my girlfriend made sure we would not do when we were out there and have made so many more friends than we have expected. Overall, such an unforgettable and amazing experience and I will definitely be traveling with PMGY again!

Ps. Stay in the Spice House in Mirissa for a weekend get-away. The best couple of days!

Rhys
21 years old
Wales
Turtle Conservation – 3 weeks

Best experience of my life. I spent a month in Ghana with PMGY and it was honestly the best time I've ever had. The pre-departure support was amazing and so comforting. It was my first trip where I had to obtain a visa and the process was a little frustrating but the support I got was incredible and the time of response to all of my questions was always incredibly fast. From the moment I arrived in Ghana, I never felt unsafe, which was something I wasn't expecting, but the drivers were always there to accompany you and help you in whatever way you needed them to in the afternoon activities(from the shops at the market to supermarket shops to the pool) and most of the people are extremely kind and welcoming. I did the childcare program and it exceeded my expectations. I wasn't expecting the placement to be so organized and I was also having doubts that my help wouldn't be something much, but it turned out that the volunteers contribute so much and have a huge impact on the babies' everyday lives, which was the most fulfilling part of the day. The accommodation is basic but you don't need anything else. There is so much space for everyone and you can always find a spot to spend some time by yourself if you need to. Also a big living room, dining area, and yard where you spend your time with the other volunteers, bonding, playing games, talking, etc. The weekend trips were something I enjoyed very much. The car rides were long but they were always fun and part of the amazing experience that the trips were. Lastly, I went as a solo traveler/volunteer but I met some of the most amazing people, made friends for life, and made some of the most amazing memories. Hope my review helps you decide on this amazing opportunity PMGY offers. Thank you PMGY. Thank you Ghana and thank you Seth for everything.

I had the most amazing experience doing turtle conservation in Sri Lanka. I met so many amazing people from all over the world and I will never forget it. It was all so well organised and I always felt safe which made a big difference especially when travelling for the first time. As someone who was nervous to travel so far from home, I instantly felt at ease as soon as arrived. Its surprising how quickly you settle in and it becomes your new home. I stayed 3 weeks and I wish I could have stayed 4. Most people say 2 weeks is not enough so bare that in mind when booking! I found it was the perfect balance of volunteering and free time meaning I felt like I was making a difference but I also got to see so much of Sri Lanka. The weekend trips are definitely worth going on, you get to see so much in such a short space of time and you don’t have to plan a thing! P.s stay as the Spice House in Mirissa it’s if you travel on weekends… its heaven <3. I Loved the culture, the food, the people and everything about it. Everyone is so kind and big shout out to Ash who keeps everything running smoothly at London House no matter what <3

My overall experience with Plan My Gap Year was amazing as well. Any questions I had, they responded straight away and any issues got resolved immediately. They provided support and reassurance throughout and I plan to do more experiences with them in other countries in the future. I cannot recommend enough to anyone who is thinking about doing it!

Childcare - July 2022
All I can do is recommand Plan My Gap Year as a first (or not) experience in voluntering. Im only 18 and it was my first time out of Europe so I was kind of scared of how things would go, but all of the coordinators (Angel, Halima, James, Elias and Huruma) are there for you whenever you need them, they make sure you feel confortable everyday and treat you like they’ve known you for a long time! For example, you could feel a bit homesick on arrival which is completely normal, but all the coordinators will do anything that’s in their power to help you feel better.
When going to town, some of the local people will try to get more money from as they can see you are a tourist and don’t know the price of the local stuffs, but again the coordinators will be behind you and will explain to you as soon as you arrive what price you should pay for everything, they are also ready to « fight » any person that would still try to get more money away from their little baby volunteers !
The accomodation was simply amazing, everything you need and most of all : always super clean !! The mamas take care of the food, but also of the cleanliness of the house. They change the sheets of all the beds every couple of days.
I wouldn’t change my placement even if I could, that school was really one of the kind that needs volunteers to « function »
I feel grateful for this experience and I will come back as soon as possible