United Planet Alumni

A Taste of the Middle East

Working with United Planet to be placed in Jordan's Development through the Arts was a great experience. After the initial online application, I was directly in contact via telephone with a representative from United Planet so I always had a personal contact with the program provider. They provided me with correct information regarding what to to expect in Jordan. Jordan is a country full of beautiful people and places. Living with a local host family who was the director of the school was a great experience, because as volunteers we learned a lot about the history of the organization House of Tales and Music. During the volunteer day, there are a variety of tasks to be done such as teaching music and art to the children as well as assisting teachers and guests who come to work with the children. There are also many opportunities to visit Jordan during the stay including a trip to Petra, Wadi Rum (the dessert) and the Dead Sea. There are many locals who make the volunteers feel at home and each volunteer is welcomed. This is a great program for those who want to experience a taste of the beautiful culture of the Middle East.

Never believe you are too old to do something and go someplace you've never been before.
I already shared my experience through your blog and again I will never forget my trip to Jordan.
I developed a love for the country and people that are mostly unknown in my area of the United States.
Most of the publicity of the Middle East is very negative and I think people are afraid of those countries and the people who live there.
I learned they are just like me, and have many of the same problems I face in the USA.
We have to stop hating and start caring about countries we know little about except through the media.
Volunteering is a great way to get away from those beliefs.
I shared a lot of photos with my facebook friends and family even though I know that some still don't understand that while they have different beliefs/religion they are all GOD'S Children.

I spent 11 weeks teaching English in Quetzaltenango (locally referred to as "Xela"), Guatemala. Choosing this project proved to be one of the best decisions I've ever made. I gained valuable volunteer experience, helped nearly 200 girls to begin learning English, and gained a family of friends that made such an impact on my life that I'm planning to return within the next year.

My volunteer duties included teaching six classes of English to 4th through 6th grade female elementary students. I taught Monday through Thursday. I also participated in special school activities (for example, I was invited to be a judge in their annual talent contest and Carnival celebration). During weekends I usually spent taking day trips or hanging out with my local friends.

My support system was excellent! The coordination of the United Planet volunteer program is linked to the Kie Balam Spanish School which organized my housing, one-on-one Spanish classes, and cultural experiences/outings. They took care of me every step of the way from the moment I arrived in Guatemala, and they always seemed eager to assist me in whatever needs I had (medical, organizational, linguistic, etc.). I now refer to them as family.

My host home was very comfortable, with a spacious room, wi-fi, and three hot meals prepared for me everyday. And the meals were catered to my tastes and were much, much more than rice and beans (even though I ate my share, but that's because I love rice and beans, haha). My space was respected, and I was treated as family. I would return there anytime and know that the other homes used by the program are with extremely friendly families.

The foreigner will feel very comfortable in Xela. There are constantly dozens of Spanish school students from other parts of North America and Europe if you desire/need that sort of social interaction. Or, if like me, you prefer to spend most of your time with locals, they are among the most hospitable/friendly people you could ever meet. They'll be happy to teach you how to cook local food, go out with you to work on your Salsa dancing (a popular social/nightclub activity), or guide you to the best late night taco spots.

I highly recommend this program for anyone who wants a volunteer experience that is both satisfying and rewarding (both for the local community and for you). Viva Guatemala and viva Xela!

I had an amazing experience volunteering through United Planet. What I loved most about the program is that I was able to live very independently in the country but I also had the support that I needed while I was there. I worked teaching English in a local orphanage of Siem Reap, Cambodia. I was able to come up with fun and creative lesson plans for the children that I knew they would enjoy and learn from. I grew extremely attached to the children, who were beyond grateful for the time that I had spent there with them. Although they had very little, they were some of the happiest bunch of children and they probably taught more to me than I was able to teach to them. Without a doubt, this was a life changing experience for me.