Program Reviews

I highly recommend Discover Corps for a trip to Cuba. The entire trip exceeded all expectations.

The agenda was very well organized, diversified, informative and interesting.

The purpose of the trip was "people to people". We were introduced to artists, dancers, musicians, professors, economists, students and farmers.

The hotel and restaurant accommodations exceeded expectations as well.

We had a wonderful Cuban guide, Dayron, who made the trip truly memorable.

I highly recommend a trip to Cuba with Discover Corps.

Upon arrival to Cusco I felt fully embraced by the host family. They welcomed us into their family and home. We immediately became immersed into the Peruvian culture, from the poorest of people to those who are working to make Peru a better place for its citizens. We managed to cover a great amount of territory in just two weeks time. Our host family made sure we saw all of the sites and never left our side without making sure we were taken care of.

Really excellent trip! The projects being done in the DR are very well thought out. The program leader Dave is very knowledgeable and very insightful regulars in the DR issues economic, social etc! Would definitely do this program again!

I felt like we were embraced by the host family as part of their family circle. Our days were a mix of exploring cultural heritage sites like Saxay Waman and Machu Pichu, learning doll making skills and visiting a doll making factory project where the owners goal is to empower local women to make a living for themselves and their children. Profits of the project are used to grow the project and build a school for the children of the workers and the local community. We learned to bake bread with the family's grandmother. We hiked up the steep side of a mountain cliff with a local Shaman to make an offering to the mountain. The ceremony involved a bon fire to burn our offerings, giving the mountain an entire bottle of good wine! and then a sweet offering. Since we were all from the US, the Shaman chose Coca Cola! Even a Shaman can have a sense of humor. The size of our group was small, 5 of us; and that was perfect for this immersion journey of the heart and spirit. Each one of us left with a full heart and memories for a lifetime. One of the best experiences ever!

Thoughtful programming and excellent staffing with local partners. We entered Cuban urban neighborhoods and local clubs and salons. The food was over the top and creatively served by family restaurantepreuners in private Art Deco homes. Public art and architecture abound on itinerary, along with cultural and natural heritage, Cuban Revolutionary history, private showings and interactions with Cuban cultural ambassadors. At first glance I thought ithe trip was pricy; Excellent value for the authentic people to people CubaNow experience. Good companion trip with Belize:)

This is the second time my family and I have traveled with DiscoverCorps. The educational and cultural experiences were extremely informative and enlightening. Experiences, I think, you do not get with any other group. Meetings with artists, doctors, professors, musicians, community program leaders and local families. The tour guide was a fountain of knowledge; If he did not know the answer he would find out and get back to you. I felt extremely safe and well taken care of. CUBA is a must see with a company that has the in-depth people-to-people connections with the fast changing country. I would choose DiscoverCorps again.

The Discover Corps Cuba tour of eight days was filled with thought-provoking sites and community activities--my favorite the Habana Compas Dance. I have additional questions that had been mentioned in conversations with our well-informed trip leaders. I want to investigate more fully the lives of Cubans which fulfils my lifestyle of a life-long learner.

I really liked the pacing of this program. We volunteered in the morning. In this case, we were painting at a local school. In the afternoon, we went on different outings, including a hot spring and interesting local towns, like San Andres Xecul. We had speakers or additional outings in the evening. Program participants are all different ages. Home base is a private home in an urban area. There are brief hotel stays on both ends of the trip. I especially enjoyed seeing the city of Antigua. The guide, Tara, is nothing short of miraculous. I was happy, safe, and comfortable throughout my stay, and I learned a great deal about Guatemala. In terms of difficulties, due to weather conditions, I missed my connecting flight from Panama to Guatemala and arrived a day late. I used the Discover Corps emergency number and quickly received a call back. On arrival, I was immediately picked up by one of the guides, Orlando, and my trip proceeded without incident. I definitely plan to travel with Discover Corps again.

This trip was eye-opening for me. I got to learn so much about the Thai culture, while being completely submerged in it. We got to cook Thai food, go to temples, and my personal favorite, go to the elephant sanctuary. We got to see the great parts of Chaing Mai while also being able to truly help. This for me was a perfect way to travel.

Discover Corps Peru was a great program which went far beyond our expectations. It offered the unique combination of doing a service project in the community, lots interaction with the local people, as well as seeing some beautiful tourist sites, such as the famous Machu Picchu, Inca ruins around Cusco, beautiful cathedrals and

It took us off the beaten track to places not often seen in many overseas programs, such as walking up a mountain with a shaman to make an offering at an altar to Mother Earth, visiting an orphanage, or seeing the Q'ewar Project that empowers women through making dolls sold all over the world. The proceeds are used to fund and build a Waldorf School for local children.

Our hosts Miguel and Julio and their family were wonderful--flexible, accommodating and supportive.