Location
  • Tanzania
    • Arusha
Length
2 to 24 weeks
Project Types
Childcare Education Teaching Health Medical

Program Details

Language
English
Age Min.
17
Timeframe
Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round
Housing
Guesthouse Hostel
Groups
Small Group (1-15) Medium Group (16-30) Large Group (31+)
Travel Type
Budget Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price
375
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Meals Transportation
What's Not Included
Airfare Travel Insurance Visa
Sep 07, 2023
Dec 01, 2023
15 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Volunteer in Tanzania with Plan My Gap Year – an award-winning, international volunteer abroad organisation with programs based in Arusha. PMGY provides safe, trusted and affordable programs, with a range of volunteer projects in Tanzania, including Childcare • English Teaching & Medical opportunities.

PMGY Tanzania have projects located in the northern city of Arusha, the gateway to many of the country’s spectacular national parks. The Tanzania volunteer programs start on the 1st & 3rd Sunday of every month. Our projects in Tanzania run across the year and participants can join us from 2-24 weeks. Volunteers in Tanzania are provided with an extensive pre-departure support service, airport pick-up, orientation, breakfast and dinner, accommodation and local support.

Video and Photos

Impact

Ethical Impact

Plan My Gap Year is committed to providing ethical volunteer opportunities that truly benefit the local communities. We have personally vetted all of our Volunteer Programs in every destination. We support a small network of Volunteer Programs abroad that we have specifically chosen due to their efforts being sustainable for our volunteers and the local communities alike. We work closely with each of our local teams to ensure we are assessing and adapting to ensure quality experiences for all involved.

For this reason, PMGY does not provide volunteer opportunities in orphanages in any of our locations. Research and studies have shown that visiting and volunteering in orphanages has the potential to generate an industry that separates children from their families. In turn, putting children at increased risk of neglect and abuse. Therefore, we do not support these institutions with our volunteer network.

Instead, we focus on offering alternative childcare volunteer opportunities whereby children come to and from the placement setting each day. In other words, our local teams collaborate with childcare projects which do not offer any form of residential care. These are safe, responsible, and vetted projects, where participants continue to provide valued assistance supporting local staff.

Program Highlights

  • Most Affordable – PMGY’s programs are accessible to everyone who wants to make a difference, through low fees and high-impact projects.
  • Best Support – Our international and local teams provide extensive around the clock services to assist you every step of your PMGY adventure.
  • Safety Prioritised – With safety a PMGY number-1 priority, we have taken all necessary precautions to ensure our programs are as safe and structured as possible.
  • Extraordinary Experiences – With PMGY, you have the opportunity to truly immerse yourself in amazing cultural and travel experiences, ensuring you leave with unforgettable memories.
  • Friendships for Life – Your PMGY experience not only opens up a doorway for new experiences and exciting memories, but also life-long friendships when meeting new people from around the world.

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Program Reviews

4.95 Rating
based on 19 reviews
  • 5 rating 94.74%
  • 4 rating 5.26%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.65
  • Support 4.8
  • Fun 4.9
  • Value 4.5
  • Safety 4.95
Showing 9 - 16 of 19 reviews
Default avatar
Lucy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Unforgettable experience!

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!

What would you improve about this program?
More food options as the menu becomes quite repetitive especially for those staying longer periods of time.
102 people found this review helpful.
Alex
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

2 week orphanage project in Arusha

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.

What would you improve about this program?
The wifi was broken for the duration of the time I was there and we weren't told this before we went!
111 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Laura
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing experience!

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 :)

76 people found this review helpful.
Caroline
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

PMGY Tanzania Meldical Program

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!

What would you improve about this program?
N/A
72 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Will
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Tanzania 2017

I stayed in Arusha, Tanzania for 1 month from the 3rd of June till the 2nd of July volunteering in an orphanage. I cannot recommend this trip enough! i think 1 month is the perfect time limit to go as you have enough time to really get to know the other volunteers and locals that work there. I also think that going in June/July time is perfect as there are always other volunteers around and the weather isn't too hot.
It's difficult to describe how it's so enjoyable but it is definitely worth doing through PMGY.

What would you improve about this program?
Hot water
75 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Lauren
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Tanzania orphanage programme

I have recently returned from a months trip in Arusha in Tanzania I would say the experience overall was amazing. At the airport we were immediately greeted by the staff at the airport, and helped with our luggage and even given a gift! Everything was well explained and we were shown and told how to get to our placements and back - that staff came with us for our first day. Our accommodation was pretty standard 4 people of the same sex per room and we were provided with mosquito nets, etc. The food varied, breakfast and dinner was included in our package and it was mostly traditional African stuff with some western bits aswell. Loved every minute an would highly recommend to anyone.

What would you improve about this program?
More space for people as is very crowded when busy. More options for food as a few of us didn't eat most of it.
45 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Leon
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Give it a shot!

Through PMGY I was a medical volunteer at a private clinic, community clinic, and a government hospital during my one-month stay in Arusha, Tanzania, and lived with a local family.

The pre-departure support is comprehensive, the volunteer handbook is all you literally need, including interesting information and advice like to avoid giving money / items to those who ask or you may promote further exploitation which I had also learnt previously the hard way. Of course, if I had rare questions i would usually receive a reply within 24 - 48 hours.

The in-country support is again comprehensive. They will personally guide you to your home, work, attractions to see in town such as the museum, maasai market, and to the essentials like the grocery store and banks.

Regarding accommodation, unlike most volunteers, I chose to stay with a local family where I was placed up in an extremely peaceful, quiet, cool and "green" mountain. Here, I had a first world bathroom shared with only one other roommate, a private room with a bed, including mosquito net, desk, shelves, chair, light. The home cooked food is delicious and tasty, and I will admit that I am a fussy eater too. The best part is that it is Tanzanian food and really fresh as they grow much of their food! You can even help with feeding the animals, gardening and cooking over an open wooden fire if you want to! However, I live about 45 minutes away from town, including the volunteer house, so it can be difficult to spend time with other volunteers.

For my placements, I did not expect to experience healthcare delivery in three distinct settings and am very happy that the in-country team could organise that for me, even on such short notice i.e. within a week of my request while already volunteering at the time. They definitely want to help you get the most out of your time in Tanzania! My favourite is the government hospital which is the busiest and most action-packed location where you get to observe and assist in a range of tasks and operations, depending on your knowledge and skills or willingness to learn how to do "XYZ", such as watching C-sections in the theatre to performing examinations on patients in the wards like measuring blood pressure, undertaking a Glasgow coma scale test, or undertaking phlebotomies, respectively. Just remember that it is Africa so you will witness unique and potentially traumatising events which you will not see in the developed world, let alone on "western" news or in "western" documentaries. Be open-minded, respectful and remember that the medical staff are ultimately doing their best to help patients get better with the very limited resources they have available. Also I recommend that you learn to speak some Swahili, at least do the pleasantries fully in it, including farewells, because if you develop good working relationships with doctors and nurses which includes also chatting with them, they will incorporate you as part of the team more often so you will learn more and get more practical experience. Besides, Swahili is a great icebreaker and you will make a great first impression.

In summary, if you want an intimate volunteering experience and experience life like a local working Tanzanian but also have the freedom to do touristy activities as well, then I would encourage you to stay with a host family, brush up on your clinical skills, and start applying. I will never forget coming "home" everyday to my "family" on a daily basis after opening the front gate where the two children would run to greet me and hug my legs, or how my host mother would welcome me to her home with a beaming smile, help me with my belongings and ask about my day. I know they say home is where the heart is but after living with a local Tanzanian family for a month, i'm starting to think family is where the heart is too. The best part is that tomorrow, I get to experience this moment all over again, and although I may live alone with my roommate in the mountains, I certainly did not feel alone but welcomed and adored by many.

46 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Maya
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A fantastic trip! Tanzania, July 2016

Had the most amazing 5 weeks in Tanzania and didn't want to leave!
All the pre-departure information from PMGY is brilliant, the volunteer handbook is very informative and contains all the info you need about Tanzania and the projects, which helped me to feel more prepared for my trip. The PMGY team were great at answering all the questions I had and responded quickly to emails.
The team in Tanzania is great and we felt very welcomed, right from when we were met at the airport. Any problems were quickly sorted and we could always contact or speak to a member of the team if we needed. The local team are also great at helping to organise weekend trips, to Moshi (hotsprings, waterfalls, start of Kilimanjaro) and to a Maasai village, which allowed us to explore more of Tanzania!
The accommodation is very close to Arusha town centre, local shops, ATMs, and within walking distance of the supermarket and fruit market. All the volunteers relax and have dinner together in the evenings and I made loads of new friends!
I did the teaching project and in my class the children were aged 6-7. I helped to teach Phonics, English and Maths, sometimes alongside another volunteer, and sometimes by myself, so it was always good to plan the activities I was going to do with my class.
There is lots to do at weekends, locally around Arusha and also the Moshi trip and safari were both amazing!
For anyone thinking of going to Tanzania, or another country with PMGY, I definitely recommend it!! I had the best time and wish I was still there! Everyone in Tanzania is so friendly and I hope to go back one day! A big thank you to Plan My Gap Year for all your help and for all the information!

48 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers