Program Reviews

My 16 year old daughter and I just returned from the Costa Rica – Family Volunteer Vacation. Discover Corps put together an experience which far exceeded my highest expectations. The pre-trip communications were helpful and I had a personal contact I could call or email as often as needed to get last minute information. I was well prepared with clothing and essentials thanks to their attention to pre-trip planning.

The trip was a blend of special experiences (including a meal and sugar cane pressing lesson with a family, a school with adorable children giving us a performance and getting to know about us and sharing about themselves, and a wildlife rescue center), along with tours from outstanding outfits in different areas of the country. There were also a few stops at top-notch vacation spots (hot springs and National Park beaches). The Discover Corps outfit had personal connections with the locals we spent time with, allowing us to enjoy a casual, comfortable time learning about the country and giving back to the people in various ways.

The two guides we had provided us with outstanding guidance and support. They were wonderful and fun people with unending knowledge of Costa Rica, which they would share spontaneously or if we had questions. They also knew spots where we would bump into wildlife along our route or good stops for photos or food. The restaurants they chose were locally owned and the food was always amazingly fresh and proudly presented. They were clearly professionally trained (always keeping a mindful eye on us, but often staying back a bit allowing us to take in our experience). We developed a warm connection with both guides.

The accommodations we stayed at ranged from rustic to wonderfully unique to a ‘good old staple’ Best Western. We felt the places we stayed were well suited to the type of experience we were pursuing.

I cannot say enough good things about the Discover Corps staff and the volunteer vacation experience they put together.

I could not recommend the Discover Corps trip to South Africa more strongly! We went on game drives and got to see wildlife up close--animals like lions, elephants, giraffes--with our expert guide, Conrad, who knows all there is to know about the bush. animal life, and conservation. We learnt a great deal about conservation of various endangered species, and about the history of South Africa, both from Conrad and our other host, Lilly. We got to volunteer at a primate shelter, visit an animal rescue shelter, and spend a day with children in a local township, singing songs in English with them and playing other games. I came away educated on conservation, and on the history of South Africa as well as some of the challenges this beautiful and complex country faces. From dancing with excited children, to taking photos of lions less than 10 feet away, to the gorgeous scenery and the wonderfully serene lodge we stayed at, this trip was life-changing and I am already thinking about how to get back to South Africa to volunteer for a longer period of time!

I was the first to arrive so stayed at our host's family home. His family was very friendly and accommodating. As I got to know them over the days there, I found them to be very interested in trying to improve the lives of the people, especially for the children, in the community where homebase was located. I went over Christmas because I wanted to experience Christmas in another country. My first evening in Cusco we saw several churches and Nativity Scenes. The next day we went to Homebase. Our host had the children come to us there at homebase so we could interact and teach English in a relaxed setting. We were invited to a baptism and then invited to the family's home for a meal, which I found meaningful. Our host was very accommodating to us, frequently changing schedules based on circumstances and our limitations (I had trouble adjusting to the altitude). This was my first trip to Peru, so everything was new and exciting to me. I do plan to return to visit my "Peruvian family" again.

Discover Corps's Celebration of Arts and Culture program is really special. I highly recommend it as an introduction to Cuba, a beautiful country full of creative and friendly people. The best parts of the experience, in no particular order, were the small group size (three travelers in my trip), food (!), the ever-present art and music in Havana and Trinidad, the different varieties of city architecture (especially in Havana), and our funny and very knowledgeable guide, Ela.

Discover Corps provides several great activities, including visits to the community art project Muraleando, the Havana Museum of Fine Arts, a tour of Old Havana, the Bay of Pigs, and Hemingway's home.

I would recommend that all travelers with Discover Corps review the online Travel Portal for their specific trip, as a lot of helpful information is listed there regarding currency exchange, local customs, suggestions for tipping, and even recommended reading material. Staff members are also available to answer any questions from prospective travelers.

My trip to Guatemala through Discover Corps was incredibly inspiring, while still being very comfortable. Discover Corps plans all of the logistics needed for safe and fun travel. I was looking for a trip that would have a purpose. Something that wasn't touristy, but that really gave me a feel for a new culture. This trip was that and so much more. While all different, the other groups members and I all got a long really well. Lasting memories and friendships.

This was a simply amazing and unforgettable experience. We got to volunteer with a non-profit that does fascinating work helping to preserve the sea turtle population in that part of the world, we got to see this beautiful country and its warm and friendly people, and have fun adventures like fishing in a mangrove, zip lining, horseback riding, and going to a gorgeous resort and covering ourselves with skin-enriching mud before taking a refreshing swim! My favorite moment was watching the baby sea turtles confusedly and *very* slowly make their way to their vast new home--the ocean--with us watching over them ensuring this first journey of their lives is a safe one. My second favorite was jumping over waves in the ocean when it started raining, and joyously running back to shelter with my fellow travelers. A truly magical experience.

I am so glad that my husband and I used Discover Corps for volunteer travel. I had been wanting to take a trip like this for a long time. I love to travel but I longed for the "real" experience beyond cookie cutter tourist attractions. The best part was doing something to positively impact someone's life.

The Discover Corps team made me feel that I was being taken care of from the very beginning. Jasmine was extremely helpful and informative throughout the predeparture process. Our group leaders in the DR were extremely knowledgable. We learned a lot, helped those in need, and had some fun, too! I think it can be a great bonding experience for friends, family, and couples. Upon my return home, I feel more grateful than ever for all of my blessings.

I highly recommend this trip to any and everyone! Words cannot express how much we loved it!

Our trip to the Dominican Republic was everything we hoped for. We are a big family, and my children have never really traveled internationally. We didn't know exactly what to expect, but we were enthusiastic. We were so grateful for the excellent guides we had who did everything in their power to make it a great experience for all my kids- my teenagers worked hard, interacted well despite the language "barrier" and came home so grateful for what they have. Even my little five year old worked where she could and had a great time making friends. The projects were meaningful- the interaction with local children and families was priceless, and the excursions were so much fun!

My 13 yo son and I went on this trip. We had a terrific experience. We enjoyed working along side local children/teens to better their communities. We learned local perspectives regarding the citizenship/residency of Haitian individuals in the DR. We enjoyed the ocean and great traditional cuisine.
We would definitely go on this trip again. I plan on taking another Discover Corp trip with my other children.

The trip to Peru was fantastic. I travelled with my 11 year old daughter and we both loved the experience. Our local hosts could not have been more welcoming, making us feel a part of the family from the minute we arrived until our last hugs at the airport. We stayed in their family home in Andahuaylilas which was magnificent and just around the corner from their home in Cusco so home cooked local fare meals were the norm for the trip. Our volunteer project centered around teaching English to children ages 8-15. The kids were on holiday the week we were there so it was as much camp as school and I am not sure who had more fun, them or us. Teaching conversational English rounded out just spending time together and getting to know each other. The trip to an orphanage was nearly as inspiring as the Andes themselves. We were guests in homes of local women who work in a doll “factory” with an affiliated preschool.

The experience was rounded out with the trip to Machu Picchu and other historic sites. The trip was a perfect mix of a little touring and a lot of local living. I hope to get the chance to travel with DiscoverCorps again and to make it back to Peru to visit our new extended family.