Global Crossroad

Program Reviews

Lauren
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Stay in Kenya

Overall this was an amazing experience for me!!! My host family was amazing and very hospitable. They treated me with respect & helped me whenever I needed it! The clinic that I volunteered at was amazing as well! I was not there for as long as I would have liked but I did meet some amazing people &
learn some great skills for the future! My host family helped me plan some fun activities for me to do while in Kenya which I thought was very nice
of them, and the food was amazing! Some downsides were that the pricing is a lot. Everything from wifi to rides cost money, which is understandable just be prepared and come with extra money. The communication between the volunteer and host needs to be more in depth before the volunteer arrives, it would help out immensely. I would recommend this program to new comers such as I was! It was very easy to feel safe & protected & still have an amazing time!! I was very pleased with my trip.

What would you improve about this program?
As I said, more communication and maybe lower the costs if at
possible. Besides that nothing :)
Lauren
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Time in Kenya

This is an amazing program! I am 17, and before this trip, I had never even traveled on a plane alone. For a starter like me, this program made me feel very safe and comfortable. I got to experience amazing things, and because I went through the program some had already been set up for me. The host family I stayed with was amazing, I will say be prepared for some medium to high costs, I think its worth it, but that depends on the person. I had an amazing time and I would recommend this program to newcomers like me! Now I have the confidence to come back on my own. It's amazing! Overall I had a great time, I wish I could stay longer. I met some wonderful people, who I will be staying in touch with and just got to see a whole different culture, which was beyond anything I could have ever imagined.

What would you improve about this program?
I think that the costs maybe should decrease a little to make it more approachable, or more communication between the host and volunteers beforehand.
Nikolett
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Peru Orphanage Work

My trip to Peru was a trip of a lifetime. It was such an unforgettable and rewarding experience! I had the privilege to meet some amazing people, not only in the project, also some volunteers and stuff.
The local team was very welcoming. They were always happy and willing to help, they provided everything I needed.
My home stay was great! The host family was super friendly, and I could taste the best homemade Peruvian food during my stay.
I feel so lucky that I was part of a program that cares this much. I learned so much and I will hold all of my memories made there with me for the rest of my life.
Come with an open mind and heart and you will have a truly amazing experience.
Don’t be afraid to immerse yourself fully into every new experience. 😊

Jennifer
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Volunteering Through Global Crossroad in Ghana

I was worried about getting my visa however the staffs were so helpful, informed and supportive that I had no problem at all. Country Coordinator was very helpful and even wrote me a personalized letter of invitation to help expedite the visa processing.
Once I arrived in Ghana, Franklin was there to greet me and make me feel comfortable. He made sure I felt comfortable, answered any questions I had, and was in constant communication for the duration of my stay. I felt very comfortable and loved by the host family and really enjoyed being emerging in the Ghanaian culture more fully through them.
Overall, I was very impressed with the quality of the individuals working for this company-in both their corporate office and their contact in Ghana. I did a lot of research before deciding to volunteer through Global Crossroad. I was very satisfied with my decision. I would love to continue volunteering through this company. I highly recommend volunteering with Global Crossroad :)

What would you improve about this program?
Maybe there could be a little more detailed information given out about the project and expectation from the volunteers, just so the volunteers know exactly what they are doing before they start and during the volunteering period. Some of the info was a little vague, but it wasn't a huge deal because I picked up quickly.
harini
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Volunteer in Nepal mary children help centre

When I came to Nepal I did not expect much. But, just stepping foot onto the ground of the help center made me feel that i could help the society and of course the children. The room i was staying in was not the best but i made do with what i had. I just thought about how these children have to sleep on these beds everyday and they do not make a fuss about it, therefore, i told myself it is just 4 nights I can handle it. When it came to the food I was not expecting chicken or any kind of meat. I am not fussy with food but the food was not to my taste buds of spicy and very hot food it was easy and simple and tasty. I usually do not like non-spicy and vegetarian food as I love meat but i to bite by bite with a open mind and heart. The children were friendly and playful. i would take alternate nights spending one night with the older kids and one night with the younger kids. Not being bias but I feel that i connected more with the older kids as we are around the same age but when it came to the younger kids I had to find my inner child and play and talk to them. It was fun interacting with everyone. Each had their own type of personality and qualities which made each one unique and having a place in my heart. The company was very well organized from picking up a the airport to letting me have a place to stay for the night and having very nice home cooked food. Thank you so much for this wonderful fruitful experience. Hope to come back again.

Machu Picchu, place to be
Julia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best time of my life

I spended two month in Cusco, Peru and worked in different projects. First I worked in a school and helped the teacher during the english classes in the morning and in the afternoon, i worked with teen mothers and their children. You can read about it in my last review.
The last two weeks i spended the hole day in an orphange for disabled children and created the daily activities for them. In the orphanage 23 disabled (15 girls and eight boys) between seven and 27 lived in the Kusi Wasi, which means happy home.
During the day, we painted with our fingers, builded up towers with blocks, danced a lot and we also made a trip to a parc. We had lotsof fun and the children are loughing the most time of the day.
For me it was the best time of y life, to work with these young peple and spending my time at this orphanage.

What would you improve about this program?
Everything is good organised, i felt safe and at home all the time.
Kate
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Memories I Will Cherish Forever

I applied to volunteer with Global Crossroad in their Orphanage Program in Peru. I was very much intrigued by the program before applying. To be completely honest I was not disappointed at all.
The process of applying was smooth. Any questions were answered within 24 hours. There was no confusion.
I was picked up at the airport and taken to my accommodation. I stayed with the host family. They were very nice people. My placement was “Casa Residential - Orphanage”. The Orphanage provided a very safe and protective environment for the Mom and their babies. I was fully impressed by the management inside the Orphanage. My responsibilities included supporting staffs by giving tutorials, house maintenance, gardening, kitchen assistance, socializing with moms and so on. They also had a bakery project running which helped moms to generate income and learn business skills.
It was an overwhelming experience which I will never forget. The love and respect you get from them is astonishing.

What would you improve about this program?
I have nothing to say in this regards. I wish them all the best and pray God to look after them always.
Justin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Finding Balance between Life and Work

I will start by saying that the Host family and the country coordinator were great. They made me feel very welcome. They were always willing to help me and were making sure that my stay in Costa Rica was very effective and smooth. Such a nice people they were.

I was placed in a school which was about 20 min walk from my hosts. The school had a warm atmosphere. The staffs were supportive and kind. The students were disciplined. During the weekend I went to a beach and down town. They were perfect get away whenever I needed it and it was only 5-10 min walk from my hosts. The valuable lesson I learned here while teaching was finding the balance between life and work. I am very happy I decided to do this.

The application process was very smooth with Global Crossroad. Every answers were answered, they left no room for confusion or complaints.

What would you improve about this program?
Especially with regards to the placement I would say more solidified structure and schedules of activities in the school each day. This will give room for volunteers to plan their own adventure in the free time as well. I noticed it was very easy to opt out of activities due to the lack of structure.
Michael
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Thanks- I will be back again

I would like to thank you and your organization for the planning and execution of my stay in Cape Town. The three weeks have been exceptional. This is one of the best ways to experience the lower ends of life and share compassion with those in need. This adventure was well balanced as it provides a chance to help those less fortunate as well as explore Cape Town as a tourist. This balance provides a great time. The staff at Global Crossroad were very helpful with everything except more guidance to what you must do with the children and the school will be helpful. In all honesty this experience has changed me and my perspective about the things that us privileged take for granted. I would recommend Global Crossroad to anyone willing to have a great working experience with children as well as a holiday. Thank you again for organizing this for me.

Ethan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

True Blessing

Being a young guy who delights in serving other- this opportunity of Teaching English in Ecuador was a blessing. Doing it through Global Crossroad was incredible!!!
The experience started with the host. They were very kind and friendly people. They were always willing to help. They served me three meals a day with fresh fruits each time. Accommodation was also great with very clean room and a great ambient. I could have asked for no better host. We also had a quality time in the evening talking about our days and sharing laughs.

Jose, the country coordinator was also very helpful, calm and empathetic. He arranged for our outings in the weekends, which was amazing. I was placed in one of the Local School in Quito called RAFAEL BRITO. My responsibilities included teaching English, supporting teachers, organizing creative activities, providing companionship to the children, developing their conversational skills and more. This was a great opportunity for me to understand and learn about the children and education system in Ecuador. The teachers were very smart and friendly which made by job very easy. The students were sweet, disciplined and enthusiastic which made teaching very fun. It was great!!

What would you improve about this program?
The students were always setting on the same classroom. I feel this could be a bit boring and monotonous for the students. I would advise shifts in the classroom from time to time. Sometimes teaching students in the garden area rather than in the classroom will also be very good, in my opinion.