Program Reviews

Volunteering abroad ethically, has been an aspiration for my wife and I and we took a chance after a ton of research. Unfortunately we didn't get what we paid for in IFRE's Kenya placement with Boundless Loves, which didn't match their online description of Cultural Conservation. On top of that, communication issues, cost overrun and lack of direction made us leave our project early.

IFRE didn't communicate costs well, and the money we paid for our program placement didn't have a portion go to the project there as the IFRE website claimed. Boundless Loves’ projects didn't have a lead or any actual projects for us to join, and we had to create our own. They put us in front of cute children, trying to make us feel sorry for them so that we would donate more, and “coordinators” were constantly asking for more money. For any project we wanted to start, we had to make our own plans, fund and direct help for them--which from everything we've read is not very helpful because we're simply forcing our biased fixes that may not fit the local needs or culture. Without leadership or proper oversight, and not receiving useful information, we were left bewildered, frustrated, and unable to help in a meaningful, long-term way.

Finally, IFRE or known as Global Crossroads in EU isn't a volunteer organization, they're a volunteer placement group, so if you can connect with a group on the ground, you can save $300+ per person. Additionally, extra services come at a premium, for example our safari cost twice the going rate in Kenya with no difference in experience for the other safari goers who paid half the cost.

In regards to our experience, I can say it was very positive. The work with school in Mitaboni was very rewarding, the children and the school have great needs and we were glad to help. They kept us very busy throughout our time there. The children instantly bonded with us, very quickly we had several "best friends".
The host family was very accommodating, all our needs were attended to and every effort was made to make us feel at home and welcome. It was a great way to immerse ourselves in Kenyan culture and truly learn how they go about their daily lives.
Our reception was good, Barnabas was waiting to meet us when we arrived and we always had someone at our disposal to advise us or meet our needs or answer any questions. Arriving at the airport in Kenya can be quite overwhelming and a little bit of a culture shock if it's your first time there.
The safety of us and other volunteers was always a priority. We were always kept informed and updated on our surroundings, travel plans, routes and times. At no time did we feel uncomfortable or in any danger. Barnabas and his staff as well as the staff of the school and hospital were always looking out for us.
Local support was top notch. The people we came in contact with were so friendly and accommodating. Kenyan people in general were so friendly and welcoming. Always willing to go a step above what was needed. They are happy to explain things about their culture, give directions and offer suggestions, even complete strangers.
I would absolutely endorse this project to other people looking for an authentic way to experience a new culture, while helping others who have great needs. Kenya is a beautiful country, rich in cuture, friendly people and traditional ways. They will whole heartedly greet with a "jambo" or "caribu" and a big smile. The costs and expenses are very reasonable. Saftey is a priority. You will get an education, do rewarding work and you will want to return.

The volunteering has been amazing and eye opening, the children are the most kid and sweetest I have ever met. The teachers are nice but some can be cold to new comers. The hours at the orphanage are great as you can do the whole day (8:30-6) or half day (8:30-12/1:00) and explore the city of Galle and the surrounding towns. The other volunteers I live with are amazing and have become close friends over the course of the 5 weeks staying here. Micheal’s house is a great place to stay as it is on the main Colombo-Galle road and right across from the beach, the other volunteers and I love to walk on the beach and watch the sunsets, see turtles and watch kids play cricket and soccer at the beach. The food served at Micheal’s is fresh and just like the way my Sri Lankan Acci makes at home, it’s amazing to watch and see the process. I would highly recommend doing this trip it has changed me as a person so much (for the better) anyone and everyone should do it

I would definitely recommend this experience. I worked at the orphanage for only 3 weeks, and still I felt like those kids were mine. They need so much love and they give love to you as well. It was hard to leave them...
It is also hard to see them leaving in those conditions, but after a while you get used to it. However, as I mentioned below, most of the teachers and the stuff working there are very rude wirh any volunteer. They do not give any love to the kids and they get angry if you try to play with them or kiss them. I honestly thought that that was very sad; even if they are clearly frustrated they should not treat the children like that.
They stay at Michael's was good! He and his family are super kimd, and available for any kind of need you can have. He also organized few trips for the foreigners that were staying at his place, all of them at a fair price.

From the very beginning José did a fantastic job. On the first day he gave me the option between 2 facilities, which we both visited!

I elected the school in the poorest district of Quito as I wanted to face a real challenge and above all help pupil who really needed the assistance, motivation and language classes I could give them.

It was kind of great to every day enter San Roque and its people on the way to the school. Always with the "protection" of my "bodyguard" Fernando oder José!

The children were so hearty that I cannot find words for. Will never forget.

Also the school director was very kind and prepared a great goodbye ceremony at the end of my stay!

I can really recommend the program for male persons, as I am not sure, if women really want to daily go this district from Quito. But if you really want something different, go there and enjoy to the maximum. The children will thank forever, as they are not used to see volunteers!

Participating in the medical program in Sri Lanka at Karapitiya teaching hospital was definintly a lifechanging experience! Doing my 8 weeks of volunteer work I learnt so much about the different units I was connected to and myself. The doctors have been so good to teach, explain and answer every question I got. Participating in the program has made me so much more sure about my decision becoming a doctor! My stay was also more than just the medical impact - thanks to Micheal - the host - there was so helpful with whatever and was arranging a lot of trips around the whole beautiful Sri Lanka. Michaels home became a connecting
meeting point and platform for growing friendships between us volunteers from all over the world. When we did finish our volunteer time in the afternoons and weekends we went to see the amazing sights, that Sri Lanka has to offer.

If you got same considerations and want to experience a new culture and new sides of yourself, then I can only give my warmest recommendations!

I volunteered 3 weekes in a small private hospital in Kathmandu nov/des 2018. I choose the origination because they were easy to access and replied me very fast. In a matter of weeks everything was fixed. When I arrived the local coordinators were really sweet, kind and at the same time very honest about everything. The hospital was very interesting because I learned about many unusual cases, it also inspited me to see how they made everything work together despite the low resources they had. But somehow I didn't really felt like I was a recourse or did any difference by volunteering. And not having a task in 3 entire week gets very fast boring, I think the program is more suitable for medical students than practicing doctors. On the other hand I loved the cultural experience I got through the host family I lived with and my coordinators. They treated me really well and included as their family very easily and fast. I learned about Nepali religion, history, traditions and food culture in a very close way by living with and as them. There was nothing touristic about the experience, something I personally appreciate a lot. I got a very good relationship with my coordinator miss Pratima Ji, she was so including and did everything to make my experience unique, I specially enjoyed hiking to Chandragiri with her and her friends, which she arranged only for me.

Greatly enjoyed my time volunteering in Sri Lanka while staying at a wonderful host families house. The host, Michael, was very supportive and helped us with every question we had. I learned a lot from the Physical Therapist and enjoyed teaching the young Buddhist monks English. The other volunteers I stayed with were also very fun to travel with and we all became close friends by the end of it. The weekend trips were pretty fun as well and I would recommend taking full advantage of all the adventures that Sri Lanka has to offer. Galle was also a great place for surfing and we loved going to the beaches to hang out and surf for the afternoon after volunteering. I wish I had just a bit more time to explore the country. I would highly recommend to others considering this program.

I went to Indonesia (Bali) for two weeks in the beginning of August and worked at a primary school as a teacher the first week, the second week I worked at a babies’ home. I had an amazing time and I got a chance to experience the real Bali and meet some really wonderful people. It was real work, I really did get to do things and it really felt as if I did make a difference, sometimes the hours were long but it was always fun and worth the time. The coordinator was also very flexible and helpful. He helped me with any problem at work and also to plan my activities for the weekends.

To be honest I did struggle a bit in the beginning since it was all very new to me- different country, different culture etc, but the people were so nice and helpful that it went quicker than I thought. I would recommend everyone that is interested to stay for a longer period then I did. At least one month or more, which gives you time to settle down, get used to the work and get to know the children and teachers better.

I spent one week in Kathmandu for the photojournalism project and it has been a very interesting experience. I stayed with local people and had the opportunity to get in contact with local culture. I have seen local events such as a Hindu wedding and visited the most important places of the capital city, Kathmandu. I also visited two places with my tutor, Ram, to take pictures according to his suggestions. We moved using his motorbike. He has always been available to give me suggestions regarding my pictures. This project gave me great motivation to continue to take pictures all over the world and hopefully start a travel blog on my own to describe the beauty you can find in local cultures, especially when very different form ours, and in all places you can travel to.
Thank you!
Margherita