UBELONG

Program Reviews

Default avatar
Pieter
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Laos VangVieng UBELONG

My recent experiance in Laos was very special. Working up close with the locals (having On and Vedd in the house itself) really meant that I chould have a cultural and immersed experience. Because the project encompasses many fields, I was able to work on the farm yet also have the opportunity to go to the school after work and see the other volunteers teaching English. Being able to see different volunteers in different projects every day was personally very exciting. So all in all this year was another great experience with UBELONG!

Default avatar
Steven
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Mérida, Mexico

UBELONG made it easy to enjoy my experience volunteering abroad in Mexico through pre-departure tips, assistance with the projects, recommendations for places to eat and travel, and more. The most incredible thing about the UBELONG program is the extent to which volunteers are integrated into a local community and culture; something that I will remember forever. My UBELONG experience was invaluable, and I would wholeheartedly recommend the program to anyone.

What would you improve about this program?
After a few weeks of teaching English in San Jose Tzal, I think it would have been better to divide classes by experience (beginner, intermediate, advanced) than by age groups.
Default avatar
Karen
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Experience of a Lifetime

We would repeat our UBELONG experience again and again. We got to see a whole new part of the world and make an impact on the people while there. We loved our project. Through our experience we learned so much about the culture and grew from it. We made lasting friendships with the other volunteers from all over the world. The staff at the volunteer house was extremely helpful with anything you could ask, made great food for all the meals, and kept the house extremely clean and sage. UBELONG and the local staff took great care of us. My only regret is that we didn't stay longer!

What would you improve about this program?
This is actually an extremely difficult question. I can't really think of anything I would change about my experience or any ways to improve it. They set it up extremely well and I honestly can't think of any possible improvements.
Default avatar
Rena
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Phnom Penh

UBELONG has changed my aim and the direction I would like to take with my life. I knew that volunteering would change my point of view, but with UBELONG, it was the best experience! After coming back home, I am 100% sure that I will keep on doing volunteering every year, visiting different countries and meeting with terrific people. Living in another country and adapting to a different culture really makes you so much more mature and strengthens up your awareness. With UBELONG, I became a better person, I didn't only help the people in Phnom Penh, but actually was helped and taught a lot by them.

Default avatar
Tina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

UBELONG Ecuadorian Amazon

UBELONG made it possible for me to afford a volunteer abroad opportunity dealing with forest conservation. I was able to meet unforgettable people in a safe and caring environment. Overall, this was an amazing experience!

What would you improve about this program?
I would have rather have gone straight to the reservation at Jatun Sacha instead of staying two nights in Quito. The preparation book was very thorough but missed out on important information such as finding the bus station in Tena. The other volunteers and I traveled to Jatun Sacha on different days and we all had issues finding the bus station in Tena. Being in a different country knowing their language minimally made asking for clear directions difficult. Other than that, the actual program at Jatun Sacha was incredible and I could not complain about anything there!
Default avatar
Chloe
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

UBELONG was wonderful!

UBELONG was a wonderful organization that provided me with a mentor to answer any questions or help with any difficulties I had in the field. I had some difficulty within my homestay, which the UBELONG team helped me with in a timely fashion. With that being said, if someone has any difficulty within their homestay, they should contact their mentor before mentioning anything to their family.

The students I worked with in the field were wonderful as well. I was greeted with hugs by my students every morning and they were eager to learn. Additionally, they were very kind to me despite our language barrier. The staff at the school was incredibly kind and hospitable as well. They were always looking to help me in some way. Overall, it was a wonderful learning and cultural experience.

What would you improve about this program?
I had some difficulty with thievery throughout my time in the field. Making volunteers more aware of theft prevention techniques would be tremendously helpful.
Read my full story
Default avatar
Alyssa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Unforgettable experience

I had a really great experience being a UBELONG volunteer. From the very beginning the UBELONG staff was very helpful. They quickly answered any questions I had and made sure I was all prepared to go abroad. I really like how UBELONG partnered with a local team, it shows that UBELONG is interested in maintaining a long term presence in Morocco. My favorite part of my UBELONG experience was living with a host family. I was able to learn a lot about the daily lives of Moroccans in a way that would be impossible if I was just staying in a Hotel. My time spent volunteering with UBELONG was unforgettable. Not only was I able to help with something that I am passionate about, but I also felt myself grow as a person.

What would you improve about this program?
I would recommend having the volunteers learn about their placement before they arrive in the country if at all possible.
Default avatar
Doris
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Volunteering in Cambodia was an incredible opportunity.

Not only did I get to visit a new country for the first time, but I also formed relationships with local Khmer and volunteers from all over the world. The people, food, and countryside were absolutely beautiful. My only regret was not staying there longer.

What would you improve about this program?
Be more clear about the kind of work beforehand, and be more clear about the actual impact and cons with bringing gifts to children at orphanage.
Default avatar
Rufia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Volunteering in a Peruvian childcare

Volunteering internationally was one of the most fun and insightful experiences of my life. I may not have changed the world, but I helped make the lives of these children fun for at least a short time, and I gained an appreciation for everything I take for granted back home.

What would you improve about this program?
included Spanish lessons to prepare us for everyday life in the country
Default avatar
Rachel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Galapagos Program Review

After volunteering with UBELONG in Cusco, Peru, I knew I wanted to work with the organization again. I was thrilled to be able to plan a volunteer trip to the Galapagos through UBELONG. UBELONG prepared me very well for the trip. My mentor was extremely helpful in answering my questions and providing information about the project so that I felt confident and prepared when I left. Volunteering with UBELONG is a great and affordable way to see the world while helping others or the environment. I hope to volunteer with UBELONG again soon!

Read my full story