Program Reviews

UBELONG is, in my mind, the best organization for international volunteering. There are a variety of groups that exploit the travel- and service-hungry millennial generation - providing overpriced trips that don't actually immerse students in the culture. UBELONG is NOT one of these groups. I was impressed in every aspect of their program, particularly in-country issues focus and immersion. I have recommended UBELONG to everyone I know who would like to volunteer abroad, and will continue to do so.

Certain stigmas surround Volunteering Abroad in today's society and it can be very difficult to find a project where you are able to have a positive impact, and are able to enjoy yourself and work in a safe environment. UBELONG really helped me find a community where I felt welcomed and wanted, and they made the whole organisation process so much easier, especially in a chaotic country like India. I really valued the support and assistance of a wide range of mentors and contacts provided to me by UBELONG. Overall I had an amazing time working at the centre which UBELONG connected me to, and though sometimes challenging, I think it really helped me understand the ways in which I can actually have a positive influence on different communities.

I think that UBELONG is a great organization. It is well-organized, easy to contact the right people, and is a really simple and effective way to go to a new country with the security of knowing that you will be able to volunteer somewhere that needs your help. I think that my experiences abroad with UBELONG have been my favorite trips ever, because I was able to combine volunteering and traveling, while learning new things along the way!

Volunteering with UBELONG was one of the greatest things I have ever done, I had such a great amazing time and it was all thanks to the great team UBELONG has. They made the whole experience so easy, from registration to arriving, the organisation of the projects, looking after you and advising you on activities to do in the area and then to your departure. I have volunteered with a couple of organisations before UBELONG and I have to say that they were the best in preparing you for what to expect during your volunteer time and is definitely an organisation I would recommend.

UBELONG has an outstanding ability to connect volunteers with local populations and encourage cultural understanding between people of different backgrounds. I have returned from both of my volunteer experiences with a greater understanding and appreciation for different cultures, religions, and lifestyles. By living and working with locals, UBELONG volunteers experience life in another country much more deeply than would be possible for a tourist.

UBELONG gave me the ability to volunteer abroad almost effortlessly. The website was very informative and my mentor was always available for questions and led me along the path to volunteering smoothly. Communication was great. I also appreciated the Pre-Departure booklet. It had a wealth of information that the trip wouldn't have been the same without knowing.

I chose UBELONG from a wide range of options for volunteer projects abroad. I was convinced by their common sense approach, with no attempt to make the project sound too good to be true. Honesty about some of the challenges, as well as the opportunities made UBELONG the obvious choice. The back-up and support from Barbara was also a factor. Further, UBELONG make you work for the opportunity, and that in itself makes it more valuable. I chose to become a volunteer because I wanted to help and to have a new and challenging experience.

UBELONG is an organization that anyone could be proud to volunteer through. They are the definition of traveling with purpose. This organization gives you the opportunity to travel somewhere new, completely immerse yourself in the culture, and give back to them in some way. I do not really think there could be much more you could ask for; UBELONG is truly dedicated to giving its volunteers the absolute best experience abroad.

UBELONG made me realize that any one of us can make a difference in whatever shape or form. Volunteers are supported at every stage of the process and are given the most practical advice and information. The team at UBELONG knows exactly what the volunteers are going through as they themselves have experience in overseas volunteering. The journey I experienced in Cambodia and the support I received from my mentor have been a smooth sail and needless to say, unforgettable. Thank you UBELONG for making my first overseas volunteering trip so lasting and meaningful. I am already planning for my next overseas volunteering trip at the end of this year and I know who I will look to for support for this upcoming trip.

UBELONG is well run and well organized form start to post trip follow up. Their commitment to quality volunteer experience and impact comes across at every step, from the 50 page preparation booklet to following up on potential problems.