Why did you pick this program?

I chose to travel with Volunteering Solutions because they were very affordable and provided many different program opportunities during the timeline of when I was able to go abroad. I went on a "Summer Special" which was equal parts volunteering and traveling/exploring throughout the country. This felt like the best of both worlds for me, as I enjoy giving back to the communities that I am fortunate enough to visit.

What do you tell your friends who are thinking about going abroad?

Many of my friends are avid travelers as well, but for those who have yet to experience wanderlust, I tell them that traveling is the absolute opportunity of a lifetime. There is no better way to learn than by immersing yourself in new cultures and ways of life that might be different from your own. Traveling is one of the greatest educational experiences you can ever offer yourself and will open your eyes to many of the beautiful places our world has to offer.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

The biggest piece of advice I would offer to someone traveling to Thailand would be "pack less". You really don't need half as much as you think and investing in a comfortable backpacking backpack would be really, really smart.

What's your favorite story to tell about your time abroad?

My favorite stories from Thailand involve the elephant village we visited in Ban Ta Tit, outside of Surin. We volunteered by bathing, planting, harvesting, and feeding the elephants and it was surreal to see these beautiful and majestic creatures in all of their entirety. Elephants are worshiped in Thailand and in this working elephant village, they are part of the family. The "mahouts" or elephant trainers are deeply devoted to their livelihood and the responsibilities of caring for the elephants are passed down from generation to generation.

Why Should I Travel to Thailand?

Thailand is a country with rich culture, traditions, and beliefs. Thai people are honest, patient, and respectful and once you visit, you will understand why the country is known as "the land of smiles". There are so many things to do and see in Thailand that every day feels like a new adventure. Between the bustling city streets of Bangkok, to the jungles of Khao Yai National Park, to the laid back lifestyle of the islands, Thailand truly has something to offer everyone.

Tell us a little about Volunteering Solutions and your role at the organization.

Saurabh: Volunteering Solutions was started in 2007 and we have sent over 5500 volunteers abroad since then. Our main aim is to keep our prices affordable and realistic, at the same time provide quality and meaningful projects across 20 countries we work in. Our focus is on personal care and touch for every volunteer right from the time they send in their first inquiry to us. We have a dedicated team in office, who take care of every little detail a volunteer needs before the start their journey and our in-country staff helps them have a great experience while on the projects.

Since the time we started, my role in the company has changed every year. I am now primarily responsible for development of new programs and expanding our programs to new destinations. I am responsible for traveling to our current programs from time to time and meeting volunteers on the field to make sure everything is going great in country. I also over see our IT team and make sure we can use today's technology to serve our volunteers in a better way.

What makes Volunteering Solutions unique?

Saurabh: We offer a vast variety of programs in 20 countries and keep our costs affordable, with programs starting at only $200. Apart from volunteer programs we also offer affordable Internships and Summer Volunteer/Travel programs abroad. We give personal attention to all our volunteers and they are merely not a number for us. All our destinations we offer programs in are visited by our staff on a regular basis.

We offer our volunteers with a 'MyAccount' section for them to plan ahead for their trip. This can also be used on any handheld device, such as iPhone, Ipad or any other smartphone or tablet. With this feature, volunteers can access their trip info anytime on the move, things like Placement Details, Pre Departure, Booking Flights, Buying Insurance etc can all be done through this.

What are the most popular volunteer projects with Volunteering Solutions?

Saurabh: Our most popular destinations are: India, Nepal, Ghana, Peru, Thailand, South Africa, and Kenya.

In your experience, what characteristics make a good international volunteer?

Saurabh: In my opinion, a good international volunteer is someone who travels with an open mind and is open to anything new and unusual. Someone who has a strong urge to help and make a difference and adapt to different cultures and customs by leaving behind the comfort of their homes for the projects more than anything else. Basically they should be open minded, flexible, willing to get hands dirty and take part in any task given, and the volunteer should 'expect the unexpected.'

How do you ensure your programs are sustainable and mutually beneficial for you, the community, and the volunteers?

Saurabh: Volunteering Solutions works with grassroots level projects through local staff and organizations. The local people know what is best for the community and what should be done to make a difference. All our projects are monitored by local staff and changes are brought as and when needed. The volunteers gain by working with locals and knowing their customs and ways of living. We have constant communication with the locals to make sure all is well. Majority of our fee goes to the local staff/organizations in country, this in turn helps the local economy and helps sustain the projects we work with.