Program Reviews

My time in Delhi and Jaipur, India has been the most rewarding experience of my life! I split four and a half months between Delhi and Jaipur volunteering in special education schools.
The support I have received from the local coordinators has been amazing. As a solo female traveler I felt very safe at my accommodations and projects. Perfect for university students as well as people who have just graduated and who are looking for an opportunity to give back and go abroad. I highly recommend volunteering in India.

I am pre med and signed up to volunteer for four weeks at a hospital in Tamale, Ghana. My host family was amazing. The program director in Tamale is NOT amazing. He is total chaos. He is 100% in it for the money and demanded I set up a campaign for the school there as soon as I got there. The money raised never went to the school. The program director used it for lots of other things. I spent a total of 3 days at the hospital and then was told I would have a better experience teaching at the school. This was done so that I would raise funds for the school, because if I raised funds for the hospital, the director wouldn't get the money. The director invents "fees" that you have to pay. Please do not chose this program. You will need at least $500 more than you think. Plan on an extra $1000. They are VERY aggressive in their fundraising efforts at the end of your journey and come up with money you did not pay them- like "oh, that was $50 more than what I originally said." ETC. DONT GO!

Overall, I had a good experience there. I’ve met people from four different countries. Working with other volunteers to prepare food for animals and clean their enclosures were fun. The work was taught by other volunteers, so we all had responsibilities of our duties and we cooperated as a team. However, I did not get chance to discuss wildlife conservation with local staffs and other volunteers. Apart from work, I enjoyed spending free time such as cooking and walking around the volunteer activity area with other volunteers.

Wasn’t sure what to expect at first but the company reassured me when I emailed and provided me with all the information I needed. Overall the programme was great and it’s something I will always remember. I made lifelong friends and learnt lots of things that I didn’t previously know. The woman running the program was really welcoming and made sure we had everything we needed. The facilities were good and if there was ever a problem it was resolved with short notice. Would definitely recommend, good value for money.

About the medical program (dentistry) in Chiangmai
This is in my opinion complete fraud!
For 4 weeks the charged me €1,680.00€ with zero value provided by the so-called organisation.

The quality of the volunteer house is a disaster:
A super tiny, shared room on the third floor with stairs only and a small bathroom in bad conditions!
There are nearly 10 people in the house sharing one fridge and one TV on the ground floor.
Every day a man came to each bedroom when no one was there, with the excuse of checking whether the AC or the light was on.
This is a pure violation of privacy especially when considering that the rooms where for girls only!!!!
The breakfast consists of Muesli, yoghurt and bananas to maximize the profit of this rip-off!

about the management:
Of Course, they won't pay any money for picking us up from the airport. It was with the company truck which I had to sit in the back of it with my luggage.
On the first day they just got me to the hospital in the back of the same truck, showed me the dental clinic of it and told me here are the dentists go introduce yourself, which I believe, I could have done without them.
They told me I must manage the time with doctors that I’m shadowing myself and there is no specific schedule!
There was not one second in this program that I felt I’m here to help someone which is the definition of volunteer work in the name of charity. It's just a way of making money in the name of charity and providing the worst quality of stay to maximize the profit!

For a long weekend I stayed in Hua Hin at the beach in a super nice private room with an amazing pool including breakfast and it cost me only €21 a night.
I have no idea what this organization is getting money for if you just compare the value!
The only thing they told me about the hospital was to coordinate with the doctor, so I did and asked the doctors to take one day off and then on Monday I receive very rude and disrespectful messages from Imm trough one of the volunteers, accusing me of not showing up at work before even contacting any of the doctors.
After complaining at Volunteering Solutions in the UK I was told I must talk directly to the local agency to sort out the problems. My contract is with Volunteering Solutions and not with any local sub-contractor.
I will report the company for fraud and claim my money back in court if necessary!

It was a very grateful experience. I’m so so happy to decided to travel to Peru, to know Cusco, which is a beautiful city, and to work with children. I thank VS for the opportunity and the family that welcomed me and made me part of it. I carry them all in my heart. Whoever has the chance to go, don’t hesitate because it has been a great experience. VS has many projects for all kinds of preferences and needs. Each person can choose what they are most passionate about and they really end up being moments that make one a better person.

The company only cares about the money you pay but not about the real human exchange that is the most amazing thing in any volunteer opportunity. Until you pay they are super nice, after it, anything you request does not count. The program says I would have tours on weekends so I would go to the project with kids in the week but they decided to buy a tour in a Thursday without consulting me and so I found out when I arrived in the country and didn’t give me any option for a change since it was booked already. So, what is the problem to miss a day with the kids? For them really didn’t seem an issue but the name of the company is volunteering solutions so I thought it would come in first place. The headquarter of the company is not friendly, the local people in Peru that supports the program, the best ones you will find but unfortunately they don’t make the rules.

The program was an eye opening experience and I loved everything about it! Everything was smooth from the booking to landing in Nepal. Uma, Rashmila both were amazing and helped me feel comfortable at home. I got to see different departments at the hospital, which was exciting. The food at home and at local restaurants was amazing and I loved the dal that and momos! I also liked the fact that there is lot of flexibility and you can go around in the evenings to explore the city. I went to Pokhara as well and Uma was kind to arrange a trip for me over the weekend.

My experience I had in this 4 weeks stay in Sri Lanka was soo unique! I really enjoyed this time because of the open minded and very kind people (other volunteers and staff) and the country itself! Time has gone by so fast and my program ‘Turtle Conservation’ was fun too. Amazing to work with such great animals ! The work you are doing in the hatchery is varied and sometimes a bit exhausting but nothing you can’t do. It’s a once in a lifetime experience and I would definitely do it again it’s so worth it !

It was an unforgettable two weeks. With each activity, different learning and experiences that stayed forever in my memory. The Kwantu Reserve staff are very welcoming and helpful. It really was a dream come true. I booked for two weeks but I believe that the minimum time to get to know and carry out all the activities is three weeks. The accommodation for volunteers is very spacious, clean, in other words, a very pleasant environment. And, the most amazing thing, is sleeping listening to the roar of lions. Unique experience.Thanks @volunteeringsolutions for all the support.