Love Volunteers Reviews

We are 19 years old and from America. We felt called to do something that would really make a difference and after a lot of research we stumbled upon Love Volunteers. We feel so blessed that we found them because they were extremely helpful with every step of our journey. They were so kind and patient, and answered anything we asked. We were placed in Kidron Valley Ministries in Jinja. Kidron consisted of an orphanage, a school, and a clinic all on the same grounds. Everyday we were able to walk to Kidron and help at all three parts. Our daily tasks consisted of things like: bathing, feeding, and playing with orphans, coloring, talking to, and playing with school children, and doing whatever the clinic needed help with. This experience was the greatest of our lives and we couldn't feel more blessed that we were able to meet these amazing people. Our host family was wonderful and did everything they could to make us feel welcome. We already can't wait to go back.

I’ve never wanted to travel, nor had the feeling of “wanderlust”. I was only moderately interested in Thailand, but incredibly passionate about gaining teaching experience with younger children. I just so happened to stumble upon Love Volunteers, which helped set me up with their local in-country partner, and their AMAZING teaching program. Traveling out of country for the first time, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the partner organization and Love Volunteers was there for me every step of the way! I had went into this program alone, and am now coming out with friends from all over the world. The coordinators of this program really care about you, and really want you to enjoy your placement, as well as love Thailand as much as they do! They are always ready and willing to help, and will have the brightest smile when you stop by and say hi. I really cannot praise these coordinators, or the local partner organization highly enough. My experience as a teacher has been nothing short of rewarding. The teachers and the students here are absolutely beautiful in mind, body, and spirit. I was a bit nervous walking into a classroom, with no experience, but these past two weeks have taught me how to become an effective teacher, with the help of some feedback from the students and teachers. I was able to learn how to classroom manage, lesson plan, and connect to my students even though there was a language barrier. These people are some of the happiest, generous, and humble people I have met, and have truly made an impact on my life. I would recommend this program to anyone, and everyone, just because, not only do you make a difference, but you come back as a better person as well.

These 4 weeks of volunteering in a temple were above and beyond all my expectations. I feel that I’ve been fortunate to take part in a very meaningful project. Additionally, I’m grateful to have left my imprint on novice monks whom I taught and who taught me just as much. My daily visits in the temple made me feel like a member of this huge family of Buddhism, and that is something that no tourist experiences.
In addition, this month was a lot more than just teaching; I’ve had the opportunity to learn about a whole new culture through its language, traditions, tastes, and sceneries. The fact that volunteers have the weekends off allowed me to travel around Chiang Mai and take tours outside of the city. It created even more experiences and memories that I’ll never forget.
For everyone who is looking for an interesting way of traveling, I would recommend that they join one of the projects and get ready for a mind-opening experience.

This experience exceeded any expectation I had to begin with. I decided last minute that I wanted to participate in this program and I was very quickly accommodated for. When I arrived I was warmly greeted and properly introduced to the work that I would be participating in. I was taken to my home stay where I was introduced to the family I would be living with for 2 week. They were extremely friendly, accepting and welcoming as I entered into their home. The food prepared for me was delicious, their helpfulness was impeccable and I never felt unsafe or uncomfortable in any situation. I frequently got a phone call from the coordinator checking up on me to see how my day was and to assess if there were any problems that needed solving. I felt like I was treated respectfully and I never came across any issues. Living with a local family I was able to engulf myself in the culture and everyday routines and rituals that they followed. They made me feel as If I was apart of their family. I feel fortunate to have been placed with such a kind, giving, and heartwarming family.
I partook in a few different placements during my stay. For the first week I participated in maternity clinics, a dental clinic, home visits, and the school for the blind and deaf. The second week I was placed in the intensive care unit (ICU) at a provincial general hospital. I was taken to my site and picked up afterwards; so I never felt lost or overwhelmed with directing myself around a new city. Each placement had friendly staff that allowed me to observe, assist and learn. I was thoroughly taught about the healthcare system in Sri Lanka and the medical care available. I feel as if all of my goals were obtained from this trip. This once in a lifetime opportunity provided me with more than I could have asked for.

I spent two months in Uganda thanks to LoveVolunteers, and I couldn't have been happier with my experience.

I can't stress enough how helpful the team was when I was trying to organize this trip. Right from when I applied to be a volutneer, through to choosing my destination all the way through to the end of my trip, LV was a constant presence and I never felt disconnected from the people that put me there.

The program itself was great. The person running the project was friendly and made every effort to include me in the running of the orphanage at which I was working. This meant that every day was different- I collected firewood, I taught the kids, I helped with building projects on-site- I did a lot and it really made me feel like I was achieving something.

Uganda is a great destination and I can't recommend it enough to anyone looking to volunteer in Africa. If you do it through LV, you'll be in good hands.

Alternative Housing and Urban Planning Volunteer

STT work in a variety of sectors which help support and protect the poorest communities in and around Phnom Penh, providing advice on human rights issues, architectural solutions, detailed mapping and land rights documentation as well as acting as a voice for these otherwise unheard communities.

Although my role within STT was to predominantly produce architectural solutions that address the needs of these communities my role also encompassed the land mapping process and working alongside the human rights team to protect those who are vulnerable and in need.

My role gave me with the opportunity to understand the Cambodian culture and architectural process within it.

Meeting with the communities and understanding the wider issues concerning the families within them provided me with a deeper understanding of the challenges they face and allowed me to experience a social side of architecture which I had not previously been involved in. Enabling families to have a voice and hope of a better future has been incredibly rewarding.

I handled a number of projects in varying scales, from individual dwellings to more recently the Chrang Chamres project which is situated on a land area of 6.5 acres and proposes to provide 13,000 new homes and a variety of commercial opportunities for the communities living within the development. My drawings for this project were presented to the local communities, individual residents, directors of NGO's and to donors to make these a built reality in the near future.

Another project I was heavily involved in since my time at STT has been the White Building - a complex and political project concerning the threatened displacement of some 2,500 residents. As well as providing architectural documentation I worked with the human rights team and fellow NGO's in providing feasible solutions to help save the building and secure the tenure for the residents of the building.

As well as the fellow NGO's on this project I worked hand in hand with the residents and village chiefs to ensure any proposals have the full support and approval from all key stakeholders in order to provide a attainable vision of the future in these uncertain times.

My time at STT has been extremely insightful - the roles undertaken, the responsibilities, the respect and the appreciation received from both the communities and my colleagues has been very fulfilling. Working in a third world environment has exposed me to the challenges, constraints and stark realities of life for many people which I hadn't fully appreciated. This first hand experience took me beyond my initial understanding of the Cambodian people and exposed me to new ways of thinking in a new and interesting side of architecture which I believe has helped my professional develop and progression.

My time in cape town as an assisting teacher in a primary school was a life-changing experience. My day to day activity includes: walking to the bus station,and boarding a mini bus to the school,assisting in grade r-4 and helping out in the daily food scheme.
It was a great experience that had major impact on my career as a teacher.I learnt several teaching skills and acquired knowledge while helping out. My only problems was the frequent mini bus drive which cost 12 Rand for a return.
I recommend this programme to anyone.

I loved my time in Uganda! My hosts Alice and Bazil were so welcoming and made sure I felt comfortable and had everything I needed. On my first day at the school, Alice walked me and introduced me the the principal and teachers. I was in a Primary four class, helping with reading and spelling in English. The kids were fantastic and were so eager to learn about me, my family, and Canada! I girl from my class walked me home each day and Alice would greet me with a plate of pineapple or mango!
My room was nice and comfortable. My biggest hesitation travelling to Uganda was the 'squat toilets' but I adjusted quickly and they were not a problem at all. It was so easy getting into town. Alice arranged for me to go with a family friend so I always felt looked after.
I had a wonderful two weeks in Uganda and wish I had stayed longer!

I volunteered in Hanoi, Vietnam for two weeks last semester. I worked at a day care for disabled children during the week days and traveled on the weekends. I have to say, it was one of the best experiences of my life. Spending time with the children was, although challenging, very rewarding. Despite living in poverty and suffering from mental and/or physical disabilities,the kids were so optimistic and lovely to be around. I grew really attached to them and miss them everyday. Overall, living in Vietnam for those two weeks was such an unforgettable experience. The people are so kind, and the culture so unique. I loved exploring the city, eating delicious cuisine (the cook at the volunteer house made such good food), and getting to know my fellow volunteers. The members of the program staff were so welcoming and helpful, making me feel at ease. In addition, I felt very safe in the city. I even learned how to take public transportation by myself which was an accomplishment for me considering I tend to be terrible at navigating around new places. I would 100% recommend this trip and program to anyone looking to help out in South East Asia.

I spent two months working as a maths teacher at the local partner school in Bhaktapur, Kathmandu. First of all, the people there ( Keshab, Manojs and Mahesh) are very genuine, very caring people and they are doing a fantastic job with regards to running the school. There are not enough teachers at the school to run all the classes all the time, so this means that there is a real opportunity for you to help out.

The children at the school are very intelligent on the whole, and whilst they can be quite boystrous (like all children) it would be hard not find yourself getting attached to them during your stay.