Program Reviews

"My time in Arusha, Tanzania has been an experience that I did not deserve. If I were to describe my experience in one word, I can say that "amazing" is an understatement. >From the first day, I fell in love with the culture and environment in Arusha. I was warmly welcomed by the Matolo family, Mr. Charles, Abraham and felt at home. I was treated as a member of their family. Originally, I was supposed to volunteer in the summer, however, due to the pandemic, I rescheduled for the holidays instead. That was the best decision I've ever made. The atmosphere during the holidays is very lively, warm, and welcoming. I connected with every individual that I've met--from the house staff to my coworkers, and fellow volunteers at St.Elizabeth Catholic Hospital. At the hospital, I volunteered in the surgical ward and there is no word that suffices to demonstrate my experience. I have observed a copious amount of procedures, but my most favorite was a pediatric, orthopedic broken wrist repair. I have made so many connections with the nurses, physicians, and surgeons at the hospital. The staff there are extremely kind and loving. It's beautiful to see every worker working together as a team--which ultimately is the essence of what medicine is. Lastly, though I only stayed in Arusha, I can tell from the snippet of what I've seen, that Tanzania is a beautiful country. The weekends were one of my most favorite parts of my time in Tanzania. I visited the Tarangire National Park, Kikuletwa Hot Springs, the Maasai Village, and many more. I am more than thankful to the Volunteering Solutions team. Mr. Sahil has been more than helpful in assisting me to prepare for my trip to Tanzania. Thank you so much Volunteering Solutions for making this goal of mine an accomplished reality and acquired blessing. God bless!"

Spending this time volunteering in Kegalle was one of the best experiences of my life. Rosie is a phenomenal host and an incredibly friendly soul. The project itself was great fun, it was rewarding to help out, getting to know the elephants and washing them in the river. I'll miss them a lot! The girls at the orphanage melted my heart and I'll definitely be going back to do this project again. It was probably the most authentic way I could have experienced the country and Rosie was great in helping us sort out excursions and travel. Thanks so much!

I spent time at the school and the children's home. Both were eye opening. The children were full of smiles and hungry for learning. The unselfish attitude of everybody was something we don't see so much in our privalaged lifestyle we could learn a lot. What Margaret has done for over 150 children at the home is amazing. Without her vision and love for life these children would have had a very different life if any. So I have nothing but respect for her. An experience you will never regret or forget. Kenya is an amazing country with so much potential . You are guaranteed to leave a bit of your heart with the children and want to go back for more.

I loved my volunteering experience in Cusco. I lived with a wonderful family with 2 children. The kids loves me and the whole family helped me improve my Spanish. My program was more than I could have expected. I am currently a pre-medicine student with limited experience, but I really felt like I could help. I also learned a lot. The nurses were all very nice and willing to teach me. I learned how to give vaccines, do finger pricks for hemoglobin levels, and do muestras for the lab. There is a lot of paperwork in the clinics and all medical centers in Peru, making it hard for the centers to see many patients during the day. I did some paperwork, but I always felt helpful too. There are so many places to see in Cusco. There are many ruins close by that you can visit after work and so many options for day trips. I became friends with Brazilians who were also in my program. It was a great program for anyone interested in helping an under-privileged medical center. 10/10 recommend, especially if you know even a little Spanish.

Translated by Go Overseas:

We really liked the project, we had the opportunity to follow Clinical Medicine, Obstetrics and Pediatrics for 2 weeks. The health system is a little bureaucratic, but we were still able to participate and learn from the professionals.
We also really liked the place where we stayed. We stayed at Elizabeth's house, who was always very attentive and helpful with us. During the project, on the weekends, we went to Machu Picchu and the Mountain of 7 colors, in addition to having the opportunity to get to know the city of Cusco, which is charming and full of history, very well.

Original Review:
Nós gostamos muito do projeto, tivemos a oportunidade de acompanhar Clínica Médica, Obstetrícia e Pediatria durante 2 semanas. O sistema de saúde é um pouco burocrático, mas mesmo assim pudemos participar e aprender com os profissionais.
Também gostamos muito do local em que ficamos. Ficamos hospedados na casa da Elizabeth, que foi sempre muito atenciosa e prestativa conosco. Durante o projeto, nos finais de semana, fomos a Machu Picchu e a Montanha das 7 cores, além de termos a oportunidade de conhecer muito bem a cidade de Cusco, que é encantadora e cheia de história.

Translated by Go Overseas:

The days I was in Peru were absolutely wonderful! The city is beautiful and there is much to do and know. For 2 weeks I have made many good trips and met Machu Picchu, something I always dreamed of. The program is special, I learned a lot in the health clinic and met very kind patients and very competent health professionals and patients. I felt safe and welcome in my home and in the city, my host family was absolutely charming and hospitable, I will miss them. I loved my stay and I recommend it to everyone!

Original:

Los días que estuve en Peru fueron absolutamente maravillosos! La cuidad és linda e hay mucho lo que hacer e conocer. Por 2 semanas he hecho muchas buenas viajes y conoci a Machu Picchu, algo que siempre sueñé. El programa es especial, aprendí mucho en la clínica de salud y conoci a pacientes muy amables e profesionales de la salud muy competentes y pacientes. Me sentí segura y bienvenida en mi casa y en la ciudad, mi familia anfitriana era absolutamente encantadora y hospitalaria, los voy a extrañar. Me encantó mi estancia y lo recomiendo a todos!

The best volunteering experience I ever had. The house was amazing! 5🌟
The staff super helpful and friendly!
So recommendable if you want to live the whole #MorrocanExperience that for sure is going to change your life!
The first day that I arrived I was a bit confused because of the Medina. But when I got into the house, they received me with a good Morrocan tea, and a nice talk with all of the other volunteers.

After that week I was way more comfortable and I knew how the city worked. On my 3rd week I started a project, and the Coordinator Ali, helped me a lot in this process! He helped me to find a place, helped me with the people. And at the end of the day, we had such a success.
It is an amazing experience, they have a lot of programs where you can work, from journalism to child care, so that’s amazing. Because they give you the experience that you are looking for!
100% Recomendable!

Going to India has always been a dream of mine, but whatever I dreamed couldn't come close to how amazing the actual experience was. The children I met through the program were so fun, smart, and full of life that going in every day with them was a treat. Honestly, as cliche as it sounds, I probably learned more from them than they did from me. Additionally, the trip to Agra and Jaipur was a blast with the other volunteers in the group. The tours were incredibly informative, and we had a great time seeing the cities (and eating the food). We always felt safe and ready with a number of things to do in Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra. As sad as I am to be leaving, I'm so happy that I visited India through this program and would do it again in a heartbeat.

Initially I was a little confused given the title of the project 'Street Children' yet volunteering took place within an education environment with children who stayed in the slum. Despite this confusion, I wasn't left disappointed! The children's energy and eagerness to learn is evident in addition to the incredible memories created whilst dancing, singing, laughing and generally just being there!! Both the teaching staff (khushboo and bhavesh) and children make you feel incredibly welcome as do all the locals in the area! Accommodation is more than adequate as is the help and guidance shankar (our go to person) provides! He's also a pretty good cook also which is a bonus! All in all this is an experience to savour.... One which will most certainly repeated!!

In the Hostel of Impact House was such a lovely and good atmosphere that I felt home and safe. Everyone was so nice and I made a lot of friends. One of the Things I liked most was that there were no real groups of people who were always together (of course there were some preferences but everyone talked to everyone). Scuba diving was really exciting and the Team is really fun and lovely. I could even get my open water certification which I'm really proud of.
Apparently I lost my ID and my Phone there but the people from Impact House helped me with every step and were very supportive. I even got my ID back after a couple of days but my phone remains missing somewhere in Portugal.

It's a very unique experience and I loved it so much there. I wish I could turn back time to experience it again.