Program Reviews

I went to Tanzania for tree weeks, together with my daughter, working in a private school in a village outside of Moschi. It was very interesting to see how they where teaching the kids, the languise was only Englisch, i think it would make more sence wen they explain the exercisis in Kishuaeli.
I was together with tree teachers, taking care of 40 kids between two and five years old. Even the smallest children was tought the letters, i would prefore if they would play more and learn that way!!
I had a lot of fun learning the kids to wasch hands after Toilet etc. Drinking water during the day, all kind of better hygieine avoing illness.
All teachers were very kind and open minded, very exited to hier how we do in Europe. And how we treat children, also talking about Childrens Right!!
The Family we were living with, was the most lovely people you can think of. Me and my daughter had a great time, i really apriciate having this fantastic expirience together with her. The hold journie was an extraordinary expierience and i higly can recoment Project Abroad as an Organisation, i would choose them again.

Two years ago I spent six weeks in Costa Rica, volunteering in Barra Honda National Park. I was sleeping at the entry of the national park. Outside there was only nature. In the morning I would come out of the room hearing the sound of birds and howler monkeys, seeing butterflies flying around and enjoying the smell of the forest. After a good breakfast we would usually go hiking for around three hours, doing some kind of survey on monkeys, butterflies or birds. We'd do some camp activities in the afternoon and then go out to do bat surveys sometimes. Being the only volunteer for the first three weeks enable me to get to know the staff better and have a deeper insight in the life of locals. During the weekends I was able to travel a bit. I even did some diving were I saw beautiful fishes, octopus, rays and some sharks. I was feeling connected to nature and myself again.

It’ll be a bit of a stretch to give you a proper insight into my experience, and at the same time not say too much because part of the magic is that you don’t know what you’re getting yourself into. Here’s my attempt: I was 18 when I started my roughly four month long trip, which is over a year ago now, had just finished school and wanted to go abroad before starting university. I loved the idea of a fairly small country with high mountains as well as tropical climate and a rich culture. And I love Asia. Arriving at a crowded airport alone, in a different part of the world, anxiously waiting for my luggage to finally show up, knowing I had this big trip ahead of me, felt very surreal but fantastic. A Nepali lady offered to wait with me for my luggage. The transport to the hotel was organised perfectly well, as was everything else during the trip, without exception. I spent the first day exploring Kathmandu on my own before other volunteers arrived with whom I travelled to our final destination: Bharatpur, the second biggest city of the country, located farther south. This in itself can be quite the experience as the roads are in questionable conditions, especially during monsoon season. As a medical volunteer, this is the usual location as there is a large private hospital of relatively good standard, but it is also possible to stay in Kathmandu for the medical placement, which from what I’ve heard, is great too. We had a lovely welcome and were brought to our wonderful host families. From that point onwards, new, incredible memories were added each day. Medically speaking, It is fascinating to see how different medical care is there to what one is used to from home, what the interaction between nurses/doctors and patients is like and how patients and their families deal with diseases, and especially psychiatric conditions. You’re getting the chance to get an insight into all kinds of medical specialties and experience how medical care works in Nepal. There is a lot to learn, watch and observe. It is also possible to teach hygiene to school kids and participate in other outreach projects. All in all, It is the combination of everything being new and exciting and so very different for a while and getting into an entirely different routine after some time, that truly makes the experience. The amount of wonderful people, other volunteers and locals alike, that I have met during my time still overwhelms me. I still sometimes find myself in disbelief about it. I would also like to mention the time of the year that I travelled to Nepal: I was there from summer to late autumn/early winter which meant experiencing monsoon season as well as the start of the cold season, being there for trekking season and experiencing almost all of the big Hindu festivals first-hand which was absolutely incredible and magical. I definitely recommend this time of the year. I could talk all day about some of my dearest moments of the trip, but I’m sure you’ll make your own marvellous memories. So take all the numerous opportunities thrown in your way to make some once there ;).

I went to Mongolia with a friend at 17. While I had travelled alone before, I had never gone so far by myself. The Projects Abroad staff were easy to reach and made me feel supported throughout my travels, and were easy to find at the airport when I arrived in Mongolia. Though few people outside the staff spoke English, we were able to get by with a combination of hand gestures and google translate.
The project itself gave me opportunities I would never get as a student in Canada. As someone who is interested in a career in medicine, I was able to ride along on ambulance calls, sit in on surgeries (I was 2 deviated septum surgeries and a hysterectomy), play with orphaned and special-needs children, as well as get hands-on while helping to treat patients with a local doctor. I learned how to insert an IV, measure blood glucose levels, bandage wounds, perform CPR, and take blood pressure.
The social aspect was also awesome. We had a small group, about 13, of kids from all over the world. We had 4 girls from Canada, 2 kids from the USA, 2 boys from Japan, 3 girls from Taiwan, a girl from Korea, and a girl from Italy. I made great friends who I am still in touch with. Together we got to go to a karaoke studio, visit the Mongolian countryside, see tons of national monuments and museums, and take pictures in traditional Mongolian costumes. I had an amazing experience in Mongolia, and I would definitely travel with Projects Abroad again.

During my time in Costa Rica I had an amazing time volunteering in the local school. I visited Costa Rica during the school holidays which meant I was volunteering on a holiday program for children who's parents were at work during the day and needed help with childcare. This meant that we had a lot of agency to teach what we wanted to in lessons. At the weekends we travelled around different parts of Costa Rica with the other volunteers, getting to know the country and doing as much as possible. Staying with a host family was something I was initially worried about but as soon as I arrived my mind I realised they were so friendly and I loved staying with them and getting to know them. It was an unforgettable experience; the country is beautiful, the children were so sweet and willing to learn and the other volunteers were all very friendly. I would 100% recommend this project to anyone wanting to make a difference and visit an amazing part of the world!

I could have never expected such a life-changing experience in very little time. Only 4 weeks gave me the knowledge and growth of my whole degree. The team in country take care of you from the minute you land, and the family I stayed with treated me like their own daughter- it was hard to say goodbye. Also, the other volunteers I met made all the traveling during the free time so fun!

During my project, I enjoyed having a lot of responsibilities, it gave me a lot of freedom to bring my own initiative into the interventions. The local team are very welcoming and grateful to have you there. If I could have changed something from my trip it would only be one thing: I would DEFINITELY stay for longer! Four weeks was way to short. I would recommend at least 3 months to make the most of the experience.

I don't have much time, so this reviiew will be short.
That being said, I can't put into words how much working with Project Abroads has helped me develop as a character.
On my trip to Peru I met unique people, experienced different cultures, and ate some great food!
On the way there you can see many phenomenal works such as Macchu Picchu along with other temples.
I live in a small town in the USA, and my experiences there are limited.
I practically live in a bubble, but my experience in Peru has changed my perception of the world (in a good way!).

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This program was wonderful and I would highly recommend to high school students looking to volunteer. It helped me to build independence, create friendships with people from across the world (whom I am still in contact with) and develop a much more holistic view of the world. Growing up in Canada, especially in such a safe community, I had a very sheltered view of the world. Projects Abroad changed that for me, however. It should me that millions of people all across the world live a very different life then I do and I have a very different view of the world. This program taught me to appreciate what I have been given and allowed me to better understand others. Overall, I believe everyone should experience something like this at least once.

Heyho my name is Marco.

I've spend close to 3 months in Mandeville (Capital of Manchester Parish) and worked for the NCU FM radio station. Mandeville itself is very clearly arranged so you can easily overview the city after a few days walking through. Also it offers everything you need. From a post station to many different restaurants, bars, market places etc.

Even though I worked at a readio station, most time of my work was about taking and editing pictures and videos for the social media content of the radio station. There is also the possibility to work more radio related, but due to the fact I already had experience in editing I choose to be in this division, which was a lot of fun. Besides that my contact person from Projects Abroad always made sure I work in a good environment and have stuff to do (big up for that!)

At last I want to talk about Jamaica itself. On the weekends you have the time to experience the other parts of this beautiful island and culture, which was amazing. The island itself is full of history and beautiful places to visit. Me for myself never experienced an act of violence for the whole time I was there. I'm still in contact with a good friend who lives a few blocks away from our host families house.

If you're planning to go there I would be happy to share more of my experience and if you have any questions do not hesitate to ask :)

Until that
Big up yourself!

This is by far the best voluntary project I have ever done. It was truly the best experience because I was actively involved and could see how projects abroad help with conservation in San Cristabol and also helped to employ locals working with the projects and the locals who also support volunteers there during their voluntary programme.
My activities ranged from planting Otoi trees- I must have planted more than 60 trees which I am so proud of and hope to go back one day to see them.!!! These trees are the tortoise staple diet.
I helped at the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre- the only protected haven centre on the island where giant tortoise, endemic to the Galapagos are kept safe and bred. To feed these animal, clean their pools and observe them was such an amazing experience and to think they were nearly wiped out by sailors not so long ago. We must share this planet with them and their existence now is our responsibility and we must protect them!!!
I was also involved in monitoring sea lions- what an absolute thrill- to see these playful animals.
Invasive Plant removal- sadly the sailors also introduced plants such as Black berry, guava which have altered the ecosystems of the islands and are displacing the endemic plants by competing for food, light nutrients and geographical space. The eradication of these invasive plants is done by hand using machetes- its such rewarding work as you get to do some manual work- keeping in good physic( building strong biceps:)
Plant nursery -reforestation of endemic species is essential to these islands- putting seedlings into soil- getting dirty and regenerating mother nature- you can't imagine the joy of feeling and touch soil the life force that sustains the all that grows on this planet.
Beach clean up- yes sadly there is litter on the beach because people are still very ignorant about the impact of plastic and the dangerous rubbish. So being there and showing and telling the locals how unique their home is fundamental in educating and encouraging them to recycle.
The Galapagos islands are unique, mesmerising, spectacular and enchanting. The animals there will turn you into a giggling child, the excitement and joy you will experience is indescribable . You will encounter iguanas which are very unique to these islands,birds such the blue footed bobbies , red footed bobbies, frigate birds, finches etc, sea horses, sharks, whales, dolphins, turtles, sea lions and of course the tortoises themselves-hence the name Galapagos.

Please, please go- its an experience that you will never forget. I strongly recommend going with Projects Abroad because in my opinion they are professional, supportive and above all they are following some of the World Health Organisation's 17 Sustainable Developmental Goals.