Program Reviews

Volunteering was excellent, I got to experience what it was like to be working with animals in Fiji. I had conversations with locals which gave me great insight into religious and cultural beliefs which impact animal control.

Being immersed in local culture was fantastic and gave an experience which I would not have had the chance outside of this project. Our home stay was lovely, always willing to help out and teach us about the local culture.

During the first week, we painted cages at an animal shelter called Welfare for Animals in Goa. We had a cook who would make amazing local meals. On weekends we were free to go out and explore the state. During the second and third weeks of my visit I was painting rooms in a compound for adults with intellectual disabilities. I was able to meet a lot of local people as well as other volunteers from the same program and other programs. The coordinator was very helpful, although it was difficult for me because there were no other volunteers present for most of my stay. The food was almost always delicious, and I was thoroughly exposed to popular dishes in Goa as well as general India. The house we stayed in was quite nice and met all the requirements for comfort.

A life experience!

Food program was very fulfilling, I felt useful and loved shearing moment with locals.
I didn't "cook" or prepared food as I expected, but I enjoyed anyways. We served the trays and filled the containers for take away meals. After working, we ate lunch at the food shop with the workers of the restaurant, and food was delicious! The afternoons were free time, to visit the city, enjoy moments with your new friends or have a nap...

Weekends are for discovering the county, going to another city or another county... I visited Mui Né and Hoi An and really liked it. I met lots of people, had fun and practiced my english!

My trip was absolutely amazing. It was definitely a hard adjustment at the start I must say, but so rewarding in the end. I made such strong connections with everyone I met, and formed lifelong memories. My whole perspective of the world is changed now, and I am so appreciative that I could experience this. I would 100% recommend this to anyone who is up for a challenge and great experience.

My host family was the kindest. Always welcoming and loving. The food was amazing. Accommodations were very nice considering the living conditions of most people on the island.

Tell us as much as you can about your volunteer trip! Were there any highlights from your placement? What was the daily volunteering like? Volunteering was great, kids and staff were lovely. Felt very supported and comfortable with everyone.

Comments on local team, food and accommodation Food was wonderful, accommodation was average in terms of the ammenities however I had low standards so it was okay. The toilets were gross, especially sharing with people who had bali belly.

The volunteering was a great experience and put my out of my comfort zones. I learnt a lot about the culture here in Bali and got to explore some amazing places on my time off.

The team were amazing and the food was really good! Accommodation as well was lovely, just a bit far out from Ubud that I thought.

There needs to be much more description on where volunteers stay and what they will be doing before arrive. I had no idea, turning up blind sighted. Also the program was not only focused on nutrition it was healthcare in general and it just involved teaching which was not specified in the brief.

What a fantastic trip! It all came about when I didn’t get into an overseas program with University and knew I had to have some sort of learning experience whilst overseas. And what a great experience where I have learnt so much! Each day we would assist in the kindergarten from 8 till 12, then we’d spend time with the ladies in the office assisting with any office tasks. In the afternoon, once the school children returned, we played out in the field. Right up until sunset we would play hand clapping games, soccer, rugby, and pani (Fijian yard game). The kids were absolutely gorgeous and everyone was so friendly and welcoming.

Litea (or mum as she insisted we call her, by the end of the trip she certainly was out Na). She managed to cook for us all whilst managing the office and taking care of her two adopted children.
The food certainly offered us an insight into the Fijian cuisine. We all became obsessed with Tapoka by the end of the trip. We were also very greatful for Mere taking us to the local market so we could enjoy some fresh produce too.

Would be good if the person who assists with what donations are necessary has spent some time in Lovu Hart. Whilst we managed to donate over 28kg of supplies it would have been good to know the demographics of the commune to know how to cater to everyone.

What a fantastic trip! It all came about when I didn’t get into an overseas program with University and knew I had to have some sort of learning experience whilst overseas. And what a great experience where I have learnt so much! Each day we would assist in the kindergarten from 8 till 12, then we’d spend time with the ladies in the office assisting with any office tasks. In the afternoon, once the school children returned, we played out in the field. Right up until sunset we would play hand clapping games, soccer, rugby, and pani (Fijian yard game). The kids were absolutely gorgeous and everyone was so friendly and welcoming. The highlight would be some of the local guys taking us to a waterfall! We had to hike through a sugar cane plantation to the base of the sleeping giant where we then got to jump in and swim at the local watering hole.

Litea (or mum as she insisted we call her, by the end of the trip she certainly was out Na). She managed to cook for us all whilst managing the office and taking care of her two adopted children.
The food certainly offered us an insight into the Fijian cuisine. We all became obsessed with Tapoka by the end of the trip. We were also very greatful for Mere taking us to the local market so we could enjoy some fresh produce too.

Would be good if the person who assists with what donations are necessary has spent some time in Lovu Hart. Whilst we managed to donate over 28kg of supplies it would have been good to know the demographics of the commune to know how to cater to everyone.

Country and project I volunteered on.... Bali and English teaching.

Tell us as much as you can about your trip, were there any highlights? What was the volunteering like? ... I had the most amazing time helping children learn English during daily lessons. I will definitely do it again, as I also met the most amazing people.

Comments on local team, food and accommodation...... The staff were so welcoming and created a safe space for everyone.

Improvements........ Longer hours to volunteer.

Country and project I volunteered on.... Bali and English teaching.

Tell us as much as you can about your trip, were there any highlights? What was the volunteering like? ... I had the most amazing time helping children learn English during daily lessons. I will definitely do it again, as I also met the most amazing people.

Comments on local team, food and accommodation...... The staff were so welcoming and created a safe space for everyone.

Improvements........ Longer hours to volunteer.