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Operation Groundswell

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ishaule
32
Male
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Service Learning for Education and Healthcare in West Africa

One of the best organization's out there

Jan 21, 2013

Operation Groundswell (or OG as it is affectionally named) is one of the best organizations out there! The experience that OG offers competes with some of the bigger names out there and outpaces them faster than Usain Bolt. The trip leaders truly make their programs amazing; not only do they come with years of crazy life experience, but they are also real people that care about who you are and what you want to get out of the trip. When I was in Ghana, one trip leader in particular really pushed us all to get out of our shell's and make a connection with the boys at HCC! One of the most common critiques of programs like this are that they are over-glorified 'volun-tourism' trips and OG works really hard to get away from that by making sure that trip participants live like a local. Taking crammed tro-tro rides (basically a van that they somehow manage to fit 12 people in) and working alongside locally-created projects (rather than coming in as white saviours and messing stuff up). One of the craziest things I ever did in that country was to take a 45 minute motorcycle ride with three people (on one bike) and all of our bags and backpacks--so not only were the 'boys' hurting but also every other part of my body as I struggled to hold on to this speeding machine. But. That's what it is to be Ghanaian. You just go with the flow.

What would you improve about this program?
This program has a great deal of flexibility and has the ability to change based on the participants experience level. So if there is a group that doesn't have a great deal of travel experience, it can be more rigid; whereas if a group is comprised of experienced backpackers and hitchhikers then the program can become a little more loose. However, there can be an issue that emerges when the trip leaders can't modify their leadership styles to match the group needs. This is a very young organization and it still has a few hiccups to overcome. But the model they present is refreshingly different than other programs that advertise themselves as the same thing.
Default avatar
Kelsey
32
Female
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Service Learning for Education and Healthcare in West Africa

West Africa Experience

Jan 21, 2013

My trip with OG is something I will never forget.
Travelling to Ghana with a group of amazing people has truly changed my life.
Being able to travel throughout the beautiful country of Ghana, and learn about the culture, food, music and people was incredible.
Operation Groundswell is a great organization that allows its participants to experience an authentic cultural exchange.
Yes, it was hard to get used to the food at first, but once you try the egg n' bread you will be hooked!
OG creates relationships that last a lifetime, and although it is not always easy to be with a group of complete strangers in a foreign place, the good times definitely outweighed the bad.
Overall- OG WEST AFRICA has made me fall in love with Ghana, and was a great program to go with, as a first time traveller.

What would you improve about this program?
Perhaps helping the participants to fly together.

Lowering the program fee, as the flight is very expensive and is not included in the price.

Having more debriefs as a group!

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