Program Reviews

This past summer, I spent two months in Thailand working with Rescue Paws and the communities of Khao Tao and Hua Hin, and while it was physically, mentally and emotionally challenging, it was an experience I will never forget. I learned so much about the culturally differences between the United States and Thailand, especially in terms of animal welfare. Thai culture believes dogs to be the lowest form of life, so these animals are put in a position to be abused and abandoned. They also do not believe in euthanization because it disrupts the process that the soul has to go through in order to increase to a higher being.

Before this experience, I would never have been able to wrap my head around these concepts, let alone accept them... and at first, I really couldn't. But after about a month there, I was able to put myself in their place, which later helped me to share my views in a culturally-correct way.

Other than my assimilation to the Thai culture, I made so many amazing friends and connections while I was there (both furry and human). The other volunteers, as well as the staff, all had the same mindsets as I did and cared so deeply and openly about what they were doing that it was truly inspirational. I cannot help but admire the work that these people are doing and how many animal lives they have changed, and I am so glad that I got to help in that process. It's honestly a miracle I didn't come home with 20 new pets...

This experience opened my eyes to the differences in animal treatment around the world and it gave me a new place and family that I feel I can call "home". I am looking forward to the day that I can go back there again :)

Greenheart is really a flawless program - they are super organized and prompt with everything that they do and (Sara, especially) made sure I was fully prepared both mentally and physically for my journey to Colombia. The stipend is definitely adequate for where I'm living, though I'm sure would be a lot tighter in major cities like Bogota or Medellin. I haven't really reached out for support from them because frankly, I haven't needed it. But if I do eventually reach out, I'm confident they would respond warmly and quickly.

I had a great time even though I only stayed for two weeks I felt this was a good length for me as as much as i didn't want to leave and now want to go back I missed my boyfriend a lot. The trip helped me to become more confident as it forced me to deal with my problems and anxiety head on rather than getting worked up and relying on other people. As i was only there for a short time I didn't experience much culture shock either way but it did impact my life in terms of my Japanese and ability to remember vocab and rules etc improved greatly as the school i was at's teaching methods were incredibly good and intense but in a fun way. It's also given me experiences and proof of enjoyment and self motivation in the subject to include in any personal statements or CVs when applying for uni/college. My favorite memory, or the one that comes to mind first, despite all the amazing things i did was when i first landed at the airport i looked out the window and saw fireworks exploding in the near distance and it made me laugh after the 13+ hour flight and the years of wanting to go to Japan - im finally here and there's firworks going off its almost too fitting, like a movie.

With the disclaimer that I am still in the midst of my first semester with the program (over two months to go - don't rush me!), I will say that my experience with Greenheart Travel has been mostly a positive one. The real strength of Greenheart is the preparation and support they offer ahead of time. Sara was so on top of responding to questions, sending information, and making sure I felt comfortable as a participant (as I'm sure she does for all participants). I was able to e-mail her frequently, with the expectation of prompt, precise responses. She was even available by phone. That being said, the network of organizations involved in this program (Greenheart, Heart for Change, Ministry of Education) made for quite a few information gaps and crossed wires. Transition into the program was a little choppy, despite all the pre-work that Greenheart did (and let me reiterate, they do a wonderful job, pre-departure!). Some of the tangles, I'm sure, couldn't be avoided, but it did make for a decent amount of confusion. There's a lot of individual and peer navigation that has to be done, since answers from the administration were not always clear or applicable. I do really appreciate the fact that Sara checks in with all participants once we are settled. That made me feel like I could go to her and Greenheart if I was having significant issues adjusting. Thanks so much, Sara and Greenheart Travel! If you are thinking about doing this program, I would say Greenheart is the most helpful in navigating the certain challenges you will face!

I had a great time volunteering in a homestay in Italy. Being able to share the local culture, traditions, cuisine and believes was incredible. I was very lucky to match with three families who were happy to introduce me to their culture. I learned significant teaching skills and I gained valuable friends.
The program was very supportive by providing helpful information about my adjusting process with the families, for this reason, I truly recommend this program and I encourage many of you to take the leap.

That's what you will here from every regional coordinator/director on this program, but it's true. You can get placed all over Colombia, which is a very diverse and amazing place. THat also means there are many factors that determine your experience here. I'm in a medium sized city (400,000 people and NO tourists). It's SUPER hot here but the cost of living is quite cheap. I am lucky enough to have the best school in the area, but this can also greatly vary. There are not many resources at some schools and many people struggle with the English level of their co-teachers. If you are prepared for these challenges, however, there are many rewards and incredible experiences available to you here. The pay is livable and as long as you are open to a challenge and care about teaching a new generation of people in a changing country, this program is ideal. There is a lot of support from the Heart for Change team and Greenheart as well. I recommend this experience whole heartedly, but if you are just looking for a vacation or just an adventure, this may not be your best option.

This is a great program for someone who has never been to another country before or for those looking for a legitimate and well organized employer. The head of the program Sara Thacker will assist you through every step of the process with her amazing support team. Sara is a very understanding and compassionate human being who loves her job and will welcome you to the team with open arms! The program has assisted me from the moment I said I was interested in the program to the second I landed in Bogota for orientation.

My time teaching and living in Colombia has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. Tired of my same old day to day life, I decided in my late 40's to pursue my lifelong dream of living abroad. I didn't want to wait until I retired. Life if for living now!

Teaching English in Colombia was definitely an opportunity for me to experience a totally new life and to finally learn some Spanish (out of necessity). My day to day in the USA consisted of getting up at 4:30 am, going to work, and getting home at 6:00 pm. This busy schedule left little time for friends, adventure, travel, relaxation and to actually live my life.

My new life in Colombia has been very different. I'm still up early, but my work day is much more relaxed and much shorter. The culture here in Colombia is very laid back. This is a pace I've been wanting for years. My work day is done by 12:30, and I have the afternoons free for hiking, biking, practicing my Spanish or just hanging out with some of the locals. You can buy some of the freshest, cheapest produce right here in Colombia. In fact, there are always street vendors set up just outside my apartment with delicious street food, exotic fresh fruits and amazing vegetables.

Most everything in Colombia is much less expensive than it is back home in the USA. The only thing I have found perhaps more expensive would be clothes. So, my advice is to take plenty of time when thinking of what to pack. Don't over pack, but don't think you will be able to just buy some inexpensive clothes here in Colombia if you don't bring them. I would also encourage anyone coming to Colombia to remember this is a different culture. As every place has their own unique way of doing things, we have to remember we are guests here. Different is just different. Different is wrong.

I had lots of concerns about leaving my stable, busy life back home. Yes, the majority of people teaching English are in their 20's. However, there are many of us 30 and 40 somethings out here too that were just ready for something new, exciting, challenging and different. I have not for one second regretted my decision to teach English in Colombia.

If you're thinking of teaching abroad, my advice is to just go for it. It definitely won't be easy, but it will certainly be worth it.. and I promise you that if you talk yourself out of this opportunity you will spend the rest of your life asking yourself "what if?" More importantly, once you do decide to go for it, I highly recommend using a program (aka Greenheart) because there will be times when you need help or are feeling helpless and they can be an amazing leg to stand on.

Before I submitted my application, my mom and I traveled to Chicago to visit the Greenheart office where we met Sara, the program manager. She answered every question that my mom and I had and made us both feel 100% comfortable with me taking the leap and moving to Thailand for a year. Sara even reassured my mom that if there was ever any issue or concern, my mom could contact her personally and she would take care of the problem herself.

After completing my TESOL course in Hua Hin with 30 strangers who became my family, I was dropped off alone in central Bangkok at my new apartment building. I had been fighting with a bout of homesickness for the past three days and in the midst of it, I had to leave for my placement and everything just started to become very real. Fumbling through the front door with my 100 pounds of luggage, I held back tears because for the first time since moving abroad, I was really truly alone. I gave myself a mental pep talk to hold it together until I got to my room as I walked to the front desk to sign a rental agreement for this apartment (which I needed asap considering I had to be at my new school at 7 a.m. the next morning). I managed to keep my cool until I tried to pay, and as I frantically dug through my wallet I discovered that my US credit card was gone. In your first month, you won't be working yet so you won't be getting paid. That means whatever money you bring with you is all the money that you have to get you by, and I had suddenly lost access to mine. Cue the opening of the floodgates. I became overwhelmed with emotion as I handed over almost all of my cash just to get the lady to let me stay in the apartment for ONE NIGHT. I had no idea what I was going to do and I called my mom in a fit of hysterics. My mom insisted that I contact Greenheart or my employment agency for help but I insisted back that it was too embarrassing and I would just figure something out. However, the next morning I woke up to several messages from Sara, my TESOL course company, and my employment agency. I was given multiple options on how to transfer money into a Thai account that I could access and how to get a new card to me ASAP, etc. Essentially, the problem had already been solved for me and I barely had to lift a finger. Little did I know, my overprotective (yet so well meaning) mother had contacted Sara herself in a panic, and Sara stuck true to her word, solving the problem as quick as humanly possible. If I had been completely on my own with no program to have my back, who knows how long I would have had to go without any money. And if Sara hadn't been so attentive and great, my mom probably would have hopped on the first flight out here just to give me $50 to get through the week.

All in all, now I can laugh at the hot mess that I was that day and now I am happy as can be living my life in Bangkok. I have several people to thank for that, and Sara from Greenheart is definitely one of them. I said it once and I'll say it again: if you're thinking of teaching abroad... just go for it!

Teaching in disadvantaged schools obviously means limited resources and potentially dangerous areas so I had anticipated this. The Greenheart staff, however, were a phenomenol resource in terms of providing support and assistance. They provided some much appreciated structure to the otherwise chaotic nature of Colombian culture. I dealt with Sara Thacker, which was absolutely my pleasure. She deals with a lot of difficult situations and always, always responded to me promptly and politely with as much help as possible. I could not believe her patience. Also she sent me a copy of my passport in an emergency situation within five minutes of me asking for it.It is a huge relief to know she is available for your support.