Program Reviews

I went on a one week program with Globe Aware in July of 2017. I was a part of a small group of 3 volunteers from the US, though it felt like we had many more on the trip considering all of the lovely local Globe Aware staff and all of the folks receiving therapy at the center for people with special needs, where we volunteered daily. The program was well organized and I felt that I was able to make a difference while assisting the lead therapist in daily activities at the center. We helped with everything from arts and crafts, to pool therapy, to the simple things like making sure we all washed our hands before each meal. I really connected with my fellow volunteers and all of the people there as well. The lead therapist would translate for us when we would tell stories about life at home and really enjoyed learning some Romanian as well. She was always there to guide us. Lunches were fantastic and made fresh daily by one of the moms there at the center. Dinners were arranged at the hotel, which is right on the major pedestrian street in Brasov. Brasov is such a beautiful city, and I was completely blown away by the thriving cafe culture in the old town. There are plenty of sights to see in town, as well as taking a trip out to see Castle Bran and Rasnov Citadel. If you have time, I highly recommend doing some onward travel in Transylvania - though I think Brasov is still may favorite city in the end. I highly recommend this trip to anyone interested in volunteering in Romania!

I had such an amazing time checking out the volunteer vacation program in Jaipur! I've been to India many times but this was my first time alone, without family and I loved it. Not only did I feel comfortable, I also enjoyed my time seeing the sights and meeting with the locals. I also enjoyed being able to interact and educate children and get to know the women in the empowerment camp. Awesome time!

This is my second trip with Globe Aware as a trip leader. I found Globe Aware and began a conversation about how they may be able to help my students find a meaningful abroad experience containing a service component. Their communication is excellent; there is nothing worse than putting in a phone call or e-mail to someone with whom you are trying to do business and then feel ignored, because of how long they take to answer. Rest assured that this will not be the case with Globe Aware, a company of dedicated professionals who exemplify superb customer service at every turn. Once you get to your destination, you may be assured that the in-country coordinators will be the same way. The Cuba trip was incredible from beginning to end. Since we as American citizens have not been allowed to visit our neighbor during my lifetime, it was especially meaningful to be able to go there under the guidance of a company who already had experience there and could speak to the circumstances of the country, what to expect, and more. I have dealt with many companies of this type and can say without reservation that Globe Aware is within the top three. I am planning another trip with them for next year. If you are on the fence about which provider to use, look no further. These folks will deal with you in a most professional manner and you can have confidence that they will deliver a superior product.

This program was life-changing for me and it's critical for the elephants in Surin that volunteers continue to support it. The work is not overly taxing as there are sufficient breaks due the heat (I was there in March/April - the hottest time of the year). The food is terrific and freshly prepared every day. I'm vegan and there were no issues accommodating my needs. You get to spend a lot of time with the elephants through daily walks where you observe them in the forest and through walks to the river to bathe them. Volunteer support is critical as it show the mahouts and villagers that tourists want to see elephants treated humanely, off chains and able to roam the forest with their elephant friends. Most of the elephants in Surin are chained all day when they are not performing in the circus and are subjected to the bullhook (which is NOT allowed in the project). The Surin Project exists side-by-side with the circus and it can be troubling to see the conditions and treatment many of the elephants endure. But it is imperative that volunteers continue to support Surin Project. It makes a world of difference for the elephants.

The school we worked on was in need of cleaning and painting. The Girl Scouts we brought took great pride in their projects. I also learned how to mix and lay concrete. The people we met were great and made us all comfortable in their homes. The down time was nice. The girls were able to interact with one another. The day at the hot springs was a treat. We all had a great experience. Federico was a great guide and was very caring and patient. Federico knew how to interact with all the girls in the troop. He connected with one of the girls that needed a little more attention. Federico shared his world experiences. It was very comfortable just hanging out at night. Federico was also very conscious of protecting the people on the trip.

We were able to meet local people, see how they live and what life is really like outside of tourist areas. By teaching English to both children and young adults we felt as though we were making a difference in their lives. They could use the knowledge we gave them to make a better life for themselves and families. We don't believe in giving people handouts - helping people who will eventually help themselves is what we did and feel great about having the opportunity to do it. Food was always excellent and very local. I love the opportunity to try the cuisine that is native to the country I visit. As part of an organized cooking class we were actually shown how to make Khmer food which was amazing! The Free time we had was enough for us to rest and recharge for the next part of the day. The excursions and organized tours were made excellent by the quality of our guide and Globe Aware facilitator Dine Tuy. We can't say enough good things about him.

I was assigned to teach English at an orphanage outside of Luang Prabang. The teachers were excited to watch my methods and didn't speak English well themselves. My only regret is I didn't stay longer. I was just hitting my stride and figuring out where everybody was at, and how I could be more useful on the last day of my stay. I recommend to anyone considering a Globe Aware assignment to try and stay longer than 1 week. I think their experience, both for themselves and their location of assignment, will be deeper and more successful.

Regarding The Surin Project, there's the "work" and then there's the "project." The work itself was symbolic, but it was so hot (100°+ every day). Itt was of value to the mahouts and it was an important part of the experience. The project itself is incredibly meaningful. Improving the livelihood of Thailand's mahouts and elephants is complex. It was mind-blowing to learn all the issues involved. There was a lot of personal growth as well. We came back changed people wanting to advocate for the people and animals we bonded with. The food was AMAZING. There were 3 vegans in our group as well as someone with a food allergy and the cooks accommodated these needs without compromise. Each meal was delicious. I didn't gain any weight, but I could have...

The work projects were very meaningful. Not only did they provide me the insight to the Cambodian culture, I was able to help with the various projects we were assigned. It really was inspirational. There was a good balance of free time and work. The best part was being in the villages, helping with projects and teaching. It was a life changing opportunity and I am very grateful to have participated. I will most likely volunteer again.

Our site co-ordinator and the children were very appreciative. They made us feel like the work we did was important to them. Alecia made us great meals!! I think that Globe Aware should supplement the food for the children. It was a bit uncomfortable to eat different meals than the children. It was sweet that Rocio, our program person in Cusco, allowed us to choose what time we would start our day, but we went to help, not sleep late. We chose to start our day at the same time as the kids so we could have breakfast together.