Plan My Gap Year - Volunteer in Tanzania from $375

Childcare - July 2022
All I can do is recommand Plan My Gap Year as a first (or not) experience in voluntering. Im only 18 and it was my first time out of Europe so I was kind of scared of how things would go, but all of the coordinators (Angel, Halima, James, Elias and Huruma) are there for you whenever you need them, they make sure you feel confortable everyday and treat you like they’ve known you for a long time! For example, you could feel a bit homesick on arrival which is completely normal, but all the coordinators will do anything that’s in their power to help you feel better.
When going to town, some of the local people will try to get more money from as they can see you are a tourist and don’t know the price of the local stuffs, but again the coordinators will be behind you and will explain to you as soon as you arrive what price you should pay for everything, they are also ready to « fight » any person that would still try to get more money away from their little baby volunteers !
The accomodation was simply amazing, everything you need and most of all : always super clean !! The mamas take care of the food, but also of the cleanliness of the house. They change the sheets of all the beds every couple of days.
I wouldn’t change my placement even if I could, that school was really one of the kind that needs volunteers to « function »
I feel grateful for this experience and I will come back as soon as possible

Had the most incredible experience, especially being an American. I volunteered with several people from around the world. It was amazing getting to know everyone, and sharing this experience with them. Arusha is a wonderful place to volunteer since it is know hotspot for volunteers. The location in which we lived was amazing, cozy and convenient. It wasn't far away from the hospital and it was right in town. We as all the amenities we needed and the staff was amazing. Thank you Queenie and Jodie, and the rest of the staff at the Mulberry for keeping us safe, informed, and having fun with us. The staff is also incredibly helpful in setting up Safaris and weekend getaways. I wouldn't change a thing.

The whole experience was amazing, I felt prepared before I left and was greeted at the airport and taken to the volunteer house. I volunteered at Nourish school and orphanage and it was such a rewarding experience. No two days were the same, we also visited a baby orphanage and that was emotional. The experience was amazing and I've made lifelong friends who I hope to volunteer with again in the future.

I spent 2 weeks in Arusha at a Medical placement with PMGY and I cannot recommend it enough !! The staff were so helpful before getting to the country and whilst there, they provided 24 hour support to all the volunteers. The accomodation was a lot nicer then I had expected and the food wasn't too bad. There were always other volunteers around to hang out with during time off and there are lots of things to do. On the weekends and days off the staff can help you plan trips away so that you can explore Tanzania which was really good. There is a bar and restaurant at the volunteer house which was good and town is literally only a 2 minute walk away. I can't wait to plan my next trip with PMGY and even return to Tanzania because it was such an amazing place ! Ideally next time I would like to go from a little more time 3-4 weeks as 2 weeks was only just enough to settle in and meet some new friends.

I did the medical program for 3 weeks, the overall experience was amazing and I wish I had stayed longer . The doctors at the hospital are more than happy to explain things and let you help out. I learnt so much during my time there.
The accomodation is basic but comfortable and the house Mama's prepare lovely food. The support was excellent as there was always a member of staff at house if there were any problems.
The people you meet soon become like family and saying goodbye is the hardest part!

From start to finish, my experience with Plan My Gap Year was excellent. The handbook and support given pre-departure was extremely helpful and Josh answered my emails promptly and thoroughly.
The support given on arrival, during and on departure in Arusha was great and I always felt very safe and secure.
I did the 2 week orphanage project at Nourish school and orphanage. It was an incredible experience and a very hard goodbye.
For potential volunteers looking to join the programme, I would highly recommend PMGY. There's so much more to do as well as your programme and the people you meet become friends for life.

The pre-departure support from PMGY was so useful, I would recommend using it as much as possible! Josh was great to speak to over the phone, friendly and informal - really knowledgeable about the programmes.
I spent 4 weeks in Tanzania and I wish I had gone earlier and stayed longer as the experience just gets more enjoyable as you get to know the other volunteers and the staff. The accommodation is relatively basic - there was no WiFi while I was there (not always the case) and the showers aren't consistently warm - but it was extremely social, comfortable and I wouldn't change anything major. The house Mama's cook amazing food, just be open to trying some new things and you'll never go hungry! The Mulberry (bar and restaurant on-site) serves more Western foods and is a great little social hub to have right next door.
The staff in-country are fantastic and there is always someone available to chat to and ask any questions or reports any concerns. I did an orphanage placement and a member of staff escorted me and the other volunteer on the first day to show us the journey and introduce us. I took food every day for the kids breakfast and toys (from the resources shelves at the volunteer house). Apart from playing with the children, I helped with food preparation and keeping the orphanage clean and tidy.
I would definitely recommend this experience if you're willing to be spontaneous and settle into the 'pole pole' lifestyle in Tanzania :)

Amazing! I was scared that it wasn't going to be as good as other programs due to the price being much more affordable. However this was not the case! I can't fault anything and I had an experience of a lifetime. Everyone was so friendly, the accommodation was fantastic, the food was better than I was expecting, there was a bar and restaurant at the accommodation, the medical program was great. I can't wait to choose another destination to volunteer at through PMGY or to go back to Tanzania!