Greenheart Reviews

Hello! I was the Global Explorer Scholarship winner for the France Teen Summer Language Camp and life as a student in Paris was everything I dreamed of yet nothing like I could've anticipated. My day typically consisted of taking language class in the morning, thinking about how to order gelato in French in the afternoon, and sleeping very well at night. The ability to experience the culture of France was thrilling, educational, beautiful, and even a bit overwhelming at moments. Classes took place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on weekdays. The group next would hop on the metro, follow through with the excursion on the itinerary, have a couple of hours to explore during free time, and then we went home to have dinner with our host family. In class, we were separated into groups of beginning, intermediate, and advanced language proficiency. However, we all remained in the same classroom so there didn't feel like a divide between levels, and we were able to interact with each other consistently. There are also some students from WEP (World Education Program) who are a part of our group. We went through lessons by using workbooks, speaking out loud, and conversing with each other. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner was provided by our host family and if you wanted anything else you could get them at the supermarket on the way home or out on excursions. My host mother and our group's director were absolutely wonderful. We were given free time to explore our host city, mine was Bondoufle, which was about an hour away from Paris on the metro. It is a very fast-paced, adventure packed program. Everyday was very exciting. From the Louvre to the Champs Elyseés to the Arc de Triomphe, I could look forward to taking the metro to a new adventure every day. I also must say that my entire experience with the Greenheart Travel group of teens was one huge favorite moment. From the moment the group met, we clicked and by approximately day three it was like we had known each other for years. It was truly special and made my Paris language camp experience even greater. It was awesome to learn about Belgium and Ecuador from girls who live there, and to meet other kids from all over the States. This trip has fostered in me an electric curiosity and the traveling bug has most definitely bit me. I can’t thank Greenheart Travel enough for making this trip even a possibility for me.

I came to Colombia for my first time to teach English for 9 months. I have loved my experience so far. The pay is enough for living and the people are super nice. Also it helps improve your second language as Spanish. The safety is great in this town. I feel comfortable waking around by myself during all days and also at night. I have found a great church that is fun to assist and spend time at. I have felt like a part of the family of many people that I have met here. The culture is super friendly, so it is normal that people invite you over and on vacation with them. People also really want to learn Wnhlish, so that's another great way to meet people. I was afraid that I was going to feel alone living in another country as a foreigner, but I have found that I do not feel alone because I have found so many great people willing to share friendships with me. I would definitely recommend this program and location for others.

My experience in Quebec City was so great and exciting. I was able to live comfortably in a host home, make friends from around the world, and become more confident in my french speaking skills. My experience was very unique because there was a music festival when I visited, so I was able to take part in all the events at the festival d'été de Quebec (Quebec summer festival). I also had a very supportive host mom and a roommate who I became very close with from another part of Canada. This program really opened up my eyes to other cultures from around the world, and it also broke a lot of stereotypes that I had about certain people. It was super enjoyable and educated me in so many ways. J'aime Québec!

I studied abroad through Greenheart Travel this past year. They found me the best host family who is now like an actual family to me who I will be in contact with forever. I made friends who really will last a life time and I learned so much. The staff was 100% always willing to help out and really helped prepare us at orientation. This experience actually changed me and impacted my life in ways I am still discovering. Its a growing experience, being away from everything familiar for an entire year. I went in not really having a deep understanding of Spanish but now I would consider myself a level of fluent. The most important part now that I'm home is to keep practicing Spanish. It feels funny to not be speaking Spanish constantly and not eating dinner at the normal Spanish hour 10:30 pm. All in all this was the experience of a life time and I can't wait to go back to Spain!

Even though I did not spend the full one year available on my visa to New Zealand, I still had a great experience for the almost six I was there. Greenheart gave me great program guidance as I was beginning my journey and I was able to navigate fairly well on my own after that. You could easily obtain the New Zealand work and holiday visa without needing to go through any program, but it is good to have a support and network to fall back on when or if you need more guidance. For those new to international travel or unsure about venturing out on their own, I would highly recommend it. For me, the greatest benefit was being able to follow up with Greenheart and share my experiences through their website and social media and hopefully maintain an ongoing relationship with the organization for future travels!

Our son choose Greenheart to study in Italy (junior year of high school). They were a fantastic support organization and he had a wonderful year. The preparation assistance prior to the trip was excellent. There were some initial host family issues that created parental concern and stress for our son, but Greenheart and their partner WEP did an excellent job solving those issues and he had a great ten months and is now fluent in Italian. Problems will occur in international travel and teenagers, but we were impressed as parents how responsive the program was to our concerns; they always put the well being of our 16 year old son as the first priority. We had high confidence in the representatives and highly recommend the program.

This program was excellent in every way! My host family was wonderful and I felt like I really got immersed in the community. The staff was very supportive and helpful in both the application process and the experience. This experience really helped me grow as a person and I continue to see the effects of my stay after the program finished. I highly recommend this program to any high school students looking to study abroad.

If you are reading this review, you have probably already decided to teach in Thailand. Good, because I could go on and on as to why it is one of the best things you could do for yourself, but we are already on the same page. Now, if you are wondering if Greenheart Travel is the organization through which you should teach in Thailand, the answer is yes! Each person I talked to at Greenheart seemed genuinely interested and excited for me the entire process. They stick with you the whole way through your time, and don't just drop you off in Thailand for you to fend for yourself. (I have heard horror stories about this.) Greenheart Travel takes care of so much for you and makes sure you are informed, so by the time you get to Thailand you have very little to worry about. The cultural orientation week and the TESOL course was fun and informative. Now that I am in my placement city, I am having the time of my life.

My overall experience in Myanmar was enchanting. It was life changing and downright magical. The people, the food, the beer (Myanmar beer is the best), and the gorgeous historic places to visit—everything made a very profound impact on me.

I taught for a total of three years in Yangon (2013-2016). Two were through Greenheart Travel, and the last year I kind of did my own thing. The incredible transformation I witnessed while there was astounding. And just as the country changed rapidly during that time, I, too, grew both personally and professionally.

Myanmar people are extremely generous, welcoming, and hilarious. The amount of sarcasm and playfulness I experienced and/or observed from my Myanmar friends, neighbors, students and colleagues made me feel right at home.

I was placed at a college with over 200 students at the time. Students ranged in age from 16-22. I helped them prepare to take their IELTS exam—a requirement to study abroad in an English-speaking country. Although my placement differed a bit from the norm, I’d say I had a pretty normal teaching schedule compared to other teachers who go with Greenheart Travel as well.

I went to Myanmar as a Greenheart Travel Teach Abroad Correspondent, which meant I got to share my experience through monthly videos and blog posts for Greenheart Travel since the program was new when I arrived.

Going through Greenheart Travel was such a breeze! Sara Thacker, the program manager for the opportunity in Myanmar, efficiently and easily got me there, checked in on me throughout the time I was there, and continued corresponding with me even after I had ventured off on my own.

Jill Robinson, Greenheart Travel’s marketing director, was so fun to work with while I submitted photos, videos, and blog posts as part of the correspondent program. We got to know each other on a personal level, and she often reached out to me when my content would document particular hardships I was facing at the time.

I always say an experience is what you make of it. Myanmar definitely isn’t the easiest place I’ve lived abroad. Yangon is extremely hot (there are areas of Myanmar that are quite pleasant, though). The power goes out often (at least there is electricity). Resources at schools tend to be a bit limited, but you can find almost everything you’ll need in stores around Yangon. I took a cold shower or bucket bath the entire time I lived there. But, all of these things enhanced my adventure. I wouldn’t trade any of it for anything different.

My biggest challenge was my personal finances. I didn’t have enough money saved up, and had a very hard time sending part of my salary home the first year (this has likely become much easier by now), so I got behind on paying off some bills. My recommendation would be to have a cushion of savings before you go, just in case!

As opportunities to teach English increase in Myanmar, I’d definitely say NOW is when you should experience this unique culture—it’s such an exciting time in its history! So many new shops, businesses, restaurants and bars are popping up all over Yangon. And most of what you’ll read online about Myanmar is already outdated. It’s nearly impossible to keep up with how fast the country is advancing! Go find out for yourself!

When I originally decided to take the TESOL course and move to Thailand to teach English, I was unaware of all the steps and difficulties it took to get there. However, Greenheart Travel made these complications easy and stress free during my time preparing to go abroad! They were there for every step, and answered any frantic questions I sent via email within a few hours. I think I even took their program for granted a little bit, because when I arrived in Thailand with no problems, I met people who had used other companies and had run into a number of issues before arriving. Even after being placed in a school, Greenheart would keep in contact to help assist with any problems. I honestly felt that they actually cared about each participant having a meaningful and memorable experience (I met many other Greenheart teachers once I was in Thailand who echoed the same feeling). However, possibly the most beneficial aspect of going through Greenheart Travel was the extensive and EXTREMELY helpful network of alumni. Even though I hadn't met most of them, if I was traveling anywhere in the country, needed help with a lesson plan, had a questions about the culture, or even help when returning back to the U.S, I could always reach out to the alumni for advice and suggestions. It was like having a friend in every area of the country, and that was honestly invaluable. I highly recommend this program!