Program Reviews

I've always had company to go on an adventure like this one, my best friend, but lacked the rest. The courage, the time and organization. The UBELONG provided me all the conditions that I needed to realize a dream. It is a reliable association and very concerned so the volunteers who run this mission, have total access to all the information they need and offers plenty of choices. It offers many dreams!

As an experienced volunteer, I know that travelling and volunteering overseas is always a daunting task. UBELONG really made this experience easy and simple, and the team was always avilable for help.

UBELONG was exactly what I had in mind when I was looking up organizations that would help me accomplish my dream of traveling while trying to make a difference. There prices are affordable, start dates are flexible and the minimum time commitment required will work with anyone's travel schedules. I did not expect to have FREE Wi-Fi at my volunteer house so that was a wonderful perk.
From the folks at the UBELONG headquarters to their local team at the volunteer projects, you are quickly made to feel welcome and that "you belong". I was truly blessed to have been surrounded by loving and caring host family and fellow UBELONG volunteers. They make me miss my life in Tumbaco. I was surprised with a birthday party with cake, beverages, decorations and entertainment when I wasn't even expecting anything to be honest. Thank you, UBELONG.

UBELONG made what is a nervous experience of traveling to a new country very seamless for me. Adriana was wondering with checking in and ready to answer any questions needed. Very proud to have been a UBELONG Volunteer.

As I worked alongside doctors in Vietnam I not only made fellow coworkers but a variety of good friends who shared their knowledge with me, both in practice and social skills. I have gained a variety of knowledge and I can only hope I left a great impact in there lives just as they made a positive impact in my life.

Volunteering on the Galapagos Islands was an adventure in every sense. It took me out of my comfort zone - I was on my own, without the Western comforts I'm used to, in a culture I didn't know. At the same time, I was supported by an excellent local team (who were patient with my basic Spanish skills!) and the friendliest fellow volunteers. It was an incredible opportunity to see and give back to one of the most unique places on the planet.

UBELONG is one of the most reputable, reliable and cost-effective international volunteer organizations that I can find. Although it was my first time volunteering overseas, I was not worried and I was well prepared because UBELONG had assisted and guided me very well before the start of my project. I only wish I could stay longer because the project was an awesome experience and it was well worth it.

I feel like the two months spent in Peru changed the way I see myself and others. I feel extremely grateful for choosing UBELONG, because of it I met amazing people and not have wonderful memories. There was times when I was ready to come home because of whatever reason but by finishing my stay I was able to grow so much more. I wouldn't change a thing about my experience.

So many beautiful encouters !
Some of the most beautiful landscapes I have ever seen ; a hike in the jungle ; a Khmer style photoshoot ; a welcome dinner with spiders, crickets and snakes ; an afternoon with éléphants ; Khmer lessons with a tuktuk driver ; a natural shower at Angkor Wat temple (sweet rainy season...) ; a gymnastic session on the backyard's floor at the orphanage... And also looooots of laughter !
This volunteering summer was probably the best summer I've ever spent !

Overall, my experience with UBELONG and their local team was phenomenal. Working with the children at the school in Sale was a real eye opener. Whether it was riding the 6 passenger taxis to work or teaching in a 2 room schoolhouse, I would do it all again in a heartbeat! Each day we would walk to the taxi station right outside the Medina walls, in order to take the short ride into the neighboring city, Sale. Teaching at the school had its challenges. Limited resources made it difficult at first to teach. Also, I can imagine the language barrier would have been another obstacle for me to overcome if I had not traveled with a friend that spoke the language fluently. I honestly believe that by being able to convey the lessons in both English and Arabic, the students were able to gain a better grasp on the topics. On the other hand, I saw numerous volunteers get along perfectly fine without being able to speak Arabic.
The children were unbelievably welcoming. Even though I couldn't understand what they were saying, we still somehow developed an indescribable relationship. The return trip home from work was always particularly exciting to me because from that moment onward the rest of the day was mine to plan. Whether it was sitting at home and visiting with the host families, walking to the beach, or just strolling around the Medina and buying way to many souvenirs. Looking back on my experience I am overwhelmed with an abundance of emotions and life lasting memories.