UBELONG

Program Reviews

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Rachel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great experience

Ubelong is a wonderful organization. I have nothing but good things to say about the way that they are organized and run. My host family was super generous and very knowledgeable, and they did a great job making sure that I was prepared and ready for the trip. Barbara made even my panicked mother comfortable. My experience with UBELONG was nothing but positive and I would definitely go on another trip with them if I decide that more international service is in my future.

What would you improve about this program?
I went during their summer break, so the kids were on their summer break, too. The "teaching" became more babysitting and we weren't able to teach much English, but the kids were fantastic and the volunteers were still very necessary at the school.
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Drew
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Geriatric Caregiving in Cartago, Costa Rica

I volunteered for two weeks in the city of Cartago, Costa Rica as an assistant in the Geriatric care facility, ASCATE. On a daily basis I would assist in the facility's small medical clinic by organizing medications, taking vital signs, and preparing medical documentation prior to scheduled appointments. Additionally I worked with the physical therapy staff during various activities including the favorite activity of the client population, dancing. I quickly developed friendships with both the clients as well as the local staff I worked with and felt I was truly part of a team that was making a difference in the lives of the seniors who attended the facility on a daily basis. I also learned about the local culture and met many locals who took the time to take me out, to teach me about the country, and discuss current affairs. It is difficult to describe the most meaningful experiences that I took away from my trip, such as the connection I felt with the people that I met. Those relationships are what I miss most and is what made the experience so special.

What would you improve about this program?
As I was the first volunteer for this specific program, my experience was unique in that the local staff at the facility was figuring out how best to utilize me during my stay. Therefore there were occaisonally times when I had completed my work and was unsure what next to do. Luckily the staff were exceptionally friendly and approachable, but it should be noted that, especially while the program is new, any future volunteers should not hesitate to take initiative in finding the next opportunity to help out. A proactive attitude goes a long way and is appreciated by the staff.
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Chris
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great experience!

Volunteering with UBELONG is easy and fun! I've had one of the best experiences in my life and I wished I stayed in my program for a longer time. Daily life presented an exciting challenge as the culture and language are vastly different than my own. However, that is part of what makes the experience great as you get to immerse yourself in an entirely different environment.

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Giovanni
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Experience

UBELONG gave me the opportunity to discover something new; something I was not even close to imagine to be real.
Sometimes, discovering a new reality can be very though as well as scary.
However, thanks to UBELONG and to the support they provided me, I had the chance to enjoy every single second of my discovery experience.
It has been a great experience!

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Isabella
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

UBELONG - Awesome Program and Awesome People

UBELONG provided me with a great experience to travel across the world, and make a contribution to the lives of the children I worked with. The UBELONG staff were welcoming, and ready to help both before, during, and after my trip. Alongside this, the people of Peru were so friendly and accommodating that I felt right at home travelling to my placement at an afterschool day care center. If you are worried about travelling alone, don't be! All the volunteers at the house are extremely welcoming, and you will never be at a loss for a friend or companion.

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Michael
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Rain Forest Conservation Efforts in Ecuador

Becoming a UBELONG volunteer was an eye-opening experience. Through this program, I was able to travel to the Amazon Rain forest in Ecuador. It was here where I helped with rain forest conservation efforts and also saw unimaginable things. I met new people and grew closer to those in my group. UBELONG is a great organization because they serve as a great mentor. They line up a volunteer experience and make you feel good for helping others. The organization has ties in many different countries and working with Cedric has been easy, as the people at UBELONG are genuine about their work and want you to succeed.

What would you improve about this program?
Next time I would like to stay a little longer because time flies when you're having fun!
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Angela
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Volunteering in Ghana with UBELONG

I have always wanted to volunteer abroad in the nutrition field, but never had the resources or information to do so. When I came across UBELONG, they provided extensive information about the program and made me feel confident that I could actually pursue this goal with their great guidance. I also never traveled alone before volunteering with UBELONG; their mentor service along with the preparation materials really helped me to feel comfortable and prepared for my journey to somewhere new and totally unfamiliar.

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Rachel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Review of UBELONG

I had a great experience with UBLONG. THe application and preparation processes were very straightforward and my mentor was an extraordinary source of knowledge. My time spent volunteering abroad was a month that I will treasure forever. UBLEONG helped me give my travel to the South America a meaning other than tourism. While there, I saw sites from a different lens, and I got to assist in sustaining the famously unique environment of the Galapagos Islands.

What would you improve about this program?
Everyone should be aware that the banks on the Galapagos are very unreliable and that they should be ready to bring cash to fund all of their adventures.
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Joe
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Joe P

UBELONG provided with the tools to embark on my first international experience in a country very unlike my own so I could go out and find what we have in common. I am truly changed for the better because of my stay in Vietnam and all of the serendipitous things that happened along the way.

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Amy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

UBelong Rabat Morocco

The experience was just so eye opening! I never thought it would be so amazing as it was. There were times where I thought what have I done such as when I got water poisoning, but it made me appreciate things even more. It also showed the care and appreciation the local charity had for our time we spent with them.

What would you improve about this program?
More details of the school I would be teaching at so could prepare lesson plans.