Program Reviews

My scores speak for themselves! Cambodia is a wonderful country and I felt very safe wherever I went - the people are engaging and very welcoming, always smiling and willing to help. But the stars were of course the bears! I had the most amazing experience and it was an absolute privilege to be so close to such fantastic animals. The bears are intelligent, funny and delightful - my biggest challenge was not being able to cuddle them! I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this experience and hope more volunteers will sign up to support the Bear Rescue team in Cambodia with the wonderful and extraordinarily worthwhile work they do in caring for these wonderful animals.

Arriving at a remote wildlife sanctuary in a country so far away from my own was certainly daunting in the beginning; the people were new, the food different and the working hours long. Yet over the course of a month, I established a rhythm. Adapting to the change in environment, my days became easier. I began to feel fulfilled by the work as the connection I cultivated with the centre deepened. Making improvements to the place that provided for me, whilst looking after the animals, I found to be deeply satisfying. Close friendships with the people around me were also developed, adding a welcome pillar of support. Undertaking an experience such as this definitely shouldn't be underestimated, but the rewards to be had are many. This has undoubtedly been a life-changing event that will continue to shape me throughout the future.

When I was planning my trip, I expected nothing more than to learn more about the bush and be lucky enough to find animals I knew that are "hard" to see. I had the privilege of staying a whole month in the Rusermi camp and as the days passed by, not only a dream came true, learning about the bush, footprints and encountering lions, wild dogs, rhinos, elephants, etc, but I also made good friends. Friendships that made my "goodbye" much harder. I totally encourage people to have an experience as a volunteer and to work with wildlife in South Africa because I know nobody will ever regret.

The locals and the other volunteers which run the programme are so friendly and welcoming. They sort every problem that you have and will go the extra mile for you to feel safe in their country.
Before I went I didn’t realise I would be able to visit different parts of Ghana whilst I was there. Most weekend we could go for a weekend trip away which meant I could explore the Volta region and see waterfalls, go to the beaches and much more. They were very flexible and helped us plan routes of where to go. You can volunteer as different things such as in the building site or as a teacher and then everyone reconveins in the evenings for dinner and sometimes round a camp fire to sing songs. I had an amazing experience and would recommend it to anyone that wants to go.

The Community Education Project in Huaraz, Peru is such a worthy cause. The children are taught nit only academic education but also how to eat healthy and play, which is essential in any child's development. The volunteer apartment is in a great location and has a social area to watch movies on a large LCD 40 ins TV with internet connectivity to Netflix, Youtube etc. This can help volunteers if they feel home sick. There is a great open plan kitchen where you can cook with an oven, blender, toastie maker and everything you would need (apart from a micro wave). Huaraz is a wonderful place and very safe (I felt safer than any major UK city). Very beautiful as it is surrounded by mountains and treks are many of the world's most stunning treks only a few hours away.
Typically you would work Monday to Friday 9.00 - 12.00, then go for a lunch break and back at 3.00 - 6.00pm. Friday afternoons are left for a treat to the park. The children are so well behaved and happy that the volunteers are there.
A worked with several volunteers from different backgrounds and ages and they all agreed it was such a fantastic experience for all. I would recommend this project to anyone who would like to make a difference.

I did not know what to expect. There was bunkhouse accommodations, we prepared our own breakfast and lunch from supplies provided, and a different group cooked for all each evening. If a group wasn't cooking then the group was assigned to other activities. Early each morning we left the lodge and either counted all the herbivores along a transect, counted birds, identified predator tracks, managing the camera traps, or made or repaired bush roads. We had a few hours off each midday and then did one of the above activities in the afternoon. In camp we had to keep baboons and vervet monkeys from getting into the buildings. The lodge was on the bank of the Oliphants River and was not fenced. At night we had lions and hyenas near by. A herd of elephants visited our camp daily to forage along the riparian area between the camp and the river. A young bull elephant would walking in through the front gate and forage on the shrubs just 15 yards from where we were sitting or standing. The rangers held training sessions on bush craft which was essential for our safety when interacting with elephants and other wildlife that we met in the bush or in or near camp. This was an experience of a life time. The data we collected would be/was submitted to an ecologist which would make recommendations to the game warden. As a short term volunteer we never found out what was in the reports or how the report was used by the warden. I would highly recommend this placement for anyone.

Working with Village by Village I’m Ghana was the most rewarding experience of my life. This small charity is making such a massive difference to people’s lives in rural Ghana and I feel priviladged to have been able to work with them. I spent my time making promotional films for the charity, working in the crèche, baby weighing, helping with the girls club and helping out with admin jobs. My favourite thing was the children, they were always around and always wanted to play. Living in such a remote place for a month and working with the charity who put all of their energy into improving people’s lives all day every day completely changed my out look on life. I would recommend this project to anyone, it was the best thing I have ever done.

I have recently returned from a month working at Animal Aid Unlimited through POD volunteers.

I had a wonderful experience from start to finish. Animal Aid was life changing and I intend to return next year. POD were fantastic and advised on everything every step of the way.

My accommodation and the team in India couldn't be faulted, excellent food, fun and help if needed.

I felt happy, safe and fulfilled as a volunteer at all times and would recommend it to anyone with a real passion to help.

I went to Thailand for an unforgettable week at the elephant care facility. All of the staff were super helpful and made the experience memorable. I was given the opportunity to be hands on with the elephants, walking feeding and washing them! What made it so unique is the local Thai staff that helped us learn more about the culture as well as care for the elephants, I was even made a bracelet by one of the workers who was called som! Overall, the experience is one I’ll never forget and shows that these animals are getting the care they need in such a fragile time for them. I highly recommend the trip even if it’s just for a week like I did.

It was an amazing experience the staff are really friendly and will cater to whatever you want to do. Really easy to get to know everyone else who is volunteering as you are in a different group each day. The accommodation is comforable and the facilities are really nice. It is a once in a lifetime experience that everyone should experience and I am going back this summer with my family as I want to show them what the project is like