Program Reviews

The whole process was very easy. The staff was very attentive and easy to contact. We had high hopes that the experience would be eye opening and engaging for Bryan. The experience exceeded our hopes. He LOVED the whole experience. The daily blog pictures showed him with huge genuine smiles which thrilled us. He was sad the trip was over and has kept in constant contact with all his shipmates from both boats. He has plans to raise money and go back next summer. Absolutely awesome! The hard work, experience of seeing various levels of habitat, helping those less fortunate, learning about the marine environment, learning how to sail and live on a boat. WOW! Bryan hopes to return next summer for another experience by working and saving his money!

This program not only gave me an opportunity to do so many incredible things, but I also met friends who will be at my side for a long time. The service projects were by far my favorite part. There was enough variety in location that each service project came with new knowledge and understanding of the BVI and the people that live there. The talks and team building activities were so much fun for me because I love getting to know the people around me! My favorite team building activity was Squeeze every night at dinner because it sparked really strong conversation and I loved being able to learn more about all of my shipmates through these questions.

I got to know the locals very well through all of our activities. This trip was amazing. It gave me the opportunity to itch my travel bug, do meaningful work, and make incredible new relationships. This trip gave me the opportunity to learn new things, see new places, and meet new people that I wouldn’t have other wise. The service projects brought us face to face with some of the most dire problems in these communities.

Very organized and professional. Gives kids just the right amount of independence. I am very confident by now, after 4 trips, that kids are in good hands and will have life-changing experiences. This latest experience in Peru, was everything we hoped for. Highlights are the cool group of kids, the close interaction with the people they went to help, and the food. my daughter came back really loving the culture and with a new found respect and generosity for those who are less fortunate. Everything we were hoping for came to fruition.

“I grew a lot on this trip. I not only learned about the real world, but I learned a lot about myself. I found a new passion for helping others that I did not know I had. Additionally I made a lot of friends, and stepped outside of my comfort zone. I enjoyed the structure and the energy of the trip. I enjoyed how everything was taken care of, and all we had to do was show up. My time in Peru was stress free and very meaningful."

My child had an amazing trip. She learned much about Iceland and the people who call it home. I asked her how this trip has changed her and she stated that she has become more environmentally aware and the natural landscape is something she will not ever forget. The bond that she formed with the other children on the trip was incredible. I think that she will keep in touch with many. Her life of traveling has just started.

The 3 weeks I spent in China with Lifeworks International were truly the best 3 weeks of my life. I chose this program because of my love for working with children. Many other service trips also include construction which I did not want to do.

We spent almost everyday volunteering with Chunmiao Little Flower, an orphanage for children with severe medical problems. Before I left for the trip I was really anxious about working with such sick kids. However, as soon as I got started all my anxiety disappeared and I had an amazing time with all of them.

We worked in the baby home with kids under 3 and the group homes with older kids (4-12ish). We played games, rocked the babies to sleep, did arts and crafts, played soccer, read stories, sang... Even though there was a language gap play is universal.
We also got to travel around China but the volunteering was by far my favorite part.

The apartment we stayed in was not fancy, pretty small with hard bunk beds but nothing we couldn't handle. It was totally livable. We ate delicious new food and met incredible people. Our counselors were so supportive and kind and just plain fun.

If you are thinking about doing this program I 100000% recommend it! You will have the time of your life!

Links to help you out:
chunmiaolittleflower.org (also check out their facebook page. just search Little Flower Projects)
lifeworks-international.com/wp/blogs/category/lw-chi-2 (my sessions blogs and video)
The videos are what convinced me to do this trip so watch them all

This program was awesome! At first, I was unsure as it was my first time going overseas and it would be for three weeks. The majority of the hotels we stayed in were really nice, with the exception of one in the rainforest. Also, the home stays were very nice- the families themselves were extraordinarily kind, or at least in my case they were. Service work ranged from helping save turtles to building bunk beds in La Carpio to helping build/clean up a retreat for the children of La Carpio (a ghetto in Costa Rica). On the weekends, we would do non-service things, such as surfing, scuba diving, and horseback riding.

If ou decide that one day you want to go out and start an adventure, this is the place to go. The staff are all so friendly and attentive when it comes to us and you get to learn so much about Costa Rica's culture and diversity. Wll worth every single penny I'm telling you.