Could be so much better

I'm a little different to most of the other volunteers as I wasn't interested in a vocational type placement. I wanted to volunteer for a cause that I've been supporting for a number of years - I wanted to help at the Bear Sanctuary.
When I go to Romania I was told that volunteering opportunities at the bear sanctuary had ceased 6 months ago so I would have to work at the dog shelter. If the numerous consultants I had spoken to while making inquiries and bookings had told me this (and I mentioned it in every email) then I would have made different arrangements.
The staff in Romania pulled some strings and I did manage to volunteer for a week with the bears but the volunteering was for only an hour each day. Deeply unsatisfactory. Working at the dog shelter was much better as I felt I was useful. I like animals, I like dogs. But what I wanted (and paid for) was the bear sanctuary.
There was no-one from Projects Abroad really interested in what I was doing or making sure that there was something for me to do. It was very strange
Secondly, I'm in Romania and excited to be in a land of such vibrant musical traditions. i was really disappointed that the Projects Abroad team hadn't organised ANY cultural events at all. No organised excursions or tours outside or inside the city. No cultural events. Nothing. Their idea of an event was basically getting together to drink at a pub and maybe go and eat something. I had to make my own arrangements for anything touristic or cultural (the cultural part was actually surprisingly hard to find).
The homestay was great and I was fortunate to be sharing with some really wonderful girls from all around the globe. That was definitely a highlight. But the Projects Abroad organisation leaves a lot to be desired.
If you're someone wanting to get experience in a field then come along and do this (though it's an exceedingly expensive way to get experience). If you want to actually volunteer for a cause that you believe in then there are better places to go and hopefully where you money goes directly to the charity rather than a third party organisation.
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I brought up all of the above plus a great deal more points with the Projects Abroad people both while I was there and as feedback. Their comments that they would arrange something cultural were never followed through (and as far as I'm concerned an evening cooking Mexican food and talks about teaching strategy and allergies are not cultural) and so far I've received nothing from them regarding my comments (even after I followed up and asked them about it). I'm still waiting.
The staff are all very nice but there is really some serious and targeted structure that is lacking in this organisation. It's like they have only been in business for 12 months rather than several years. Do not waste your money with them. It's not cheap.