Program Reviews

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.

I was planning for some time to fit an overseas volunteer trip during my sabbatical leave period over the last quarter of 2022 and came across Volunteer Solutions, an organization that undertake projects around the world including English teaching programs.

After browsing through the many programs and destinations, I eventually chose to go to Tianyar for one full month in Bali to teach English to children with basic to no level of proficiency on the language. The accommodation and meals will be provided for in Tianyar with the school just a three-minute walk away.

Tianyar is a small coastal village which is three hours from Denpasar and away from the bright lights and night life of some their more illustrious neighbors Kuta and Seminyak. It is extremely quiet, and volunteers get to stay in ecological attap houses with bathroom that are outdoors. The sea is also across the lodging area. Amenities are quite modest, and you get to experience the following in the village;

- No air-conditioning
- No hot water for shower
- Intermittent wi-fi connection
- Water supply gets cut certain times of the day
- Sharing a bunk with three other guys in double decker beds

Not for a moment did I miss any of the comforts because in replacement, I got;

- The sound of the waves when I wake up in the morning
- The wonderful sunrise in from my lodging area
- The smell of the sea breeze all day
- Fresh and varied food cooked by a brilliant chef we call “Ibu”
- A chance to follow the fishermen to sea
- Interact with different volunteers from different background, mostly Europe
- Throwback to memories of camping trips in the rural outdoors

Most importantly, I got to teach these students at this school Yayasan Widya Sari who otherwise will not be able to afford an education in English. These students come with so much enthusiasm after their own school day to learn the subject and as a volunteer teaching them English, I made an extra effort to come up with lesson plans as well as activities to engage and impart basic English to my two classes of between 9-11 year olds.

Other than that I also got to immersing myself in the Balinese culture which is a different form of Hinduism and even taking time to dress up in a full Balinese ceremonial costume with accessories. I managed to also take lull time to get my PADI certification and dived at the sea in Tianyar in clear waters to see the marine life as well as the nearby Tulambeng to see the World War 2 shipwreck.

My purpose from this experience was to extend service to the less privileged which is more a duty call than being optional or done at one’s convenience. I believe that I made a positive difference to the lives of the students that I taught.

My sincere thanks and appreciation to the Volunteer Solutions team including Sahil Sabharwal whom I corresponded with and made my journey to Tianyar from Singapore a seamless one.

Look forward to my next volunteer trip with Volunteer Solutions.

I spent 2 months in Sri Lanka in the Women Empowerment Program. It was an amazing experience. I really recommend this program, it is amazing how you can get close to these women and how much you learn about their muslim comunity and culture. During the weekdays, apart from working in the program, during your free time there are many activities to do: surfing, going to the beach, going to local shops, going to the swimming pool, doing some sports at the house... and during the evenings we used to get a beer in the beach restaurants, stayed at home watching films...
And also, in the weekends you have the opportunity to visit Sri Lanka, either with trips organized by the house or on your own.
I really recommend this experience, and Volunteering Solutions were available in case I had any trouble, but luckly I didnt have many.

I had an amazing time in Cusco volunteering in the Escuela Católica del Pacifico. I had a wonderful relationship with the English teacher and it was such a rewarding experience. The students were so sweet and we had such a good time using our English.

In addition to having a wonderful time teaching, I had an amazing family who treated me like one of their own. My mother was an amazing cook! I will always have a second family in Cusco.

I also had time to visit many of the historic areas, two fun zoos/animal sanctuaries, Machu Picchu and more. It was amazing!

My volunteer work took place in a local community clinic in downtown Cape Town called Green Point Clinic. The clinic staff there were very welcoming and kind, and they guided me and very fun to work with. It was a fun experience and 2 weeks flew past so fast and I wished I could have spent more time and do more to help them. I live with a local host family in Cape Town with 4 other volunteers. Faaidah and her family welcomed me and treated me as if I was their family members. I'm sure all other volunteers in the house also felt the same. I will definitely miss all her delicious foods she cooked for us and the laughter we had every time we sat down together. I went to Cape Town trying to experience something new, and surely I got that and then some. I have met new family and friends that I will treasure forever. If I ever have the chance to do it again, I will!

My two sons - 15 years old and 17 years old went volunteering in Cape Town from Volunteering Solutions. I can't say enough how wonderful and life changing experience they have obtained! It was a great opportunity for boys at Ellerton Primary School to see the world from different prospective and feel the vibes of different continent! I strongly believe that these kind of life experiences build their their root memories and will definitely shape them as compassionate and caring people in their future lives.

The Summer Volunteer Program in India was an amazing experience. I highly recommend this program because it will give you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children while also introducing you to the fascinating culture and history of India.

One of the most heart-warming aspects of the trip was being able to work with children in Delhi and Palampur. As volunteers, we were left with the impression that the children genuinely appreciated us and benefited from the work we were doing. We were able to make a lot of children happy by giving them the attention they deserve.

Additionally, my experience in this program was very well-rounded. I was able to visit famous sites such as the Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, the Amber Palace, and more. My experience took me from the bustling and noisy streets of Delhi to the quiet rural areas of Himachal Pradesh where one can observe a lot of natural beauty. My experience was also very special because it showed me the rich history of India and the country’s religious, cultural, and linguistic diversity.

I hope anyone who visits India will enjoy exploring this ancient country as much as I did!