Latest Program Reviews

Over 300 Programs and more than 3,000 Reviews

AFS

DO NOT PARTICIPATE -- My family just experienced the exact situation described in several reviews below. We hosted a French female student in California, she was a sophomore in our local high school. She was with us for 7 months, during which we thought everything was going well. We took her to the Grand National Rodeo, ski trip in Tahoe (we provided all equipment,ski pass, etc.), box seats at the San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker performance, great seats for the national touring show of Moulin Rouge, Renaissance Faire (loaned her the costume), Halloween party and associated events (loaned her a beautiful flapper outfit), etc. And this past Saturday AFS arrived and moved her to another family: zero advance notification, just poof & she's gone. Frankly, it reminded me of a scene in a movie when Child Protective Services removes kids from a dangerous abusive situation. We do not know anything and were provided zero information. I gather the girl somehow arranged to get another family to host her that has a kid on the same lacrosse team and our exchange student thought she would have more fun in that family. The situation has been stressful, hurtful, and extremely unprofessional. At no time did anyone from AFS comply with their stated process of communicating with both parties (student & host family), try to mediate a mutually agreeable solution, work in a transparent and respectful manner. Instead the student was told to lie to us. Explicitly and verbatim: she was coached to lie to us and hide everything about what was happening re: this transfer that the student unilaterally initiated. I do not know what she said to AFS to cause them to behave this way but the reality that this precise experience is articulated several times below makes me believe this is how the organization operates. We are shocked and upset; especially since our family had previously had extremely positive experiences with foreign exchange for our son and a family in Japan via Rotary. My advice: find another agency and do not get involved with this group in any way!

Program:
Location: USA
Posted: Mar 6, 2023
Overall:
2
Support:
1
Value:
6

Askari WCP

I just concluded my second volunteer trip at Askari, and this place never ever gets old. My first time I spent 3 months, and most recently I stayed for 2 months, and my life was changed, enlightened and inspired both trips. We are involved in so many aspects of the reserve management, learning about the bush every day and making amazing friends along the way. Askari is special. I get choked up just thinking about how much its impacted my life and my passion for wildlife management and conservation. You will leave this place feeling inspired and proud of what you took part in, I guarantee it.
If youre wondering if you should come to Askari, do it! Your outlook on life will be changed for the better, and your breath will be taken away at least once a day...thank you Askari, I hope be back for trip #3!

Program: Volunteer Abroad
Location: Africa
Posted: Jan 28, 2023
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
10

Askari WCP

More than a volunteer program it's a real friendly experiment. With a dedicated and passionate staff, we learn so much about animals and birds. I really enjoy discovering the bush like this, with no tourists around, only us and the wilderness. Working on the reserve was like a treasure hunt everyday. We had no idea what could happen but it was always such amazing things. I trully recommend to join Askari if you want to discover the Big Five in a different way.

Program: Volunteer Abroad
Location: South Africa
Posted: Jan 26, 2023
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
10

Askari WCP

This volunteering has been the best experience of my life! This was the first time that I travelled alone for my vet studies and I was just amazed day by day by the animals we discovered. I have got so many great moments that I will always remember, from seeing the lions up close, to seeing such young hyaena pups on our trip to Kruger (so curious and cute!) to having an elephant herd surround us, it was so beautiful! In the final week, we had an unexpected visit from a wildlife vet to assist with an injured cheetah, I am so grateful for that! I made new friends, we had lots of hilarious moments. The braai rendez-vous around the fire each Friday night was just perfect and memorable. Thank you Katie, Stuart, Bronwyn and all the staff for their kindness and their passion. They made me live my childhood dream! 

Program: Volunteer Abroad
Location: Africa
Posted: Jan 4, 2023
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
10

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)

I've been checking out IVHQ for a few years now before I finally decided to take the leap. Simply reflecting back on my time volunteering makes me tear up. I had the most amazing life changing experience I could have ever asked for. It beyond exceeded my expectations. The support of the IVHQ team had me at ease, the local team was also amazing, the accommodation and food was incredible. I made friends and family for life with the other volunteers and local team. Teaching the children felt so rewarding and getting to explore and learn about another culture was eye-opening and magical. Bali is an incredible place. I can't say enough good things about IVHQ and the experience I had volunteering. I can't wait for my next adventure!

Program: Volunteer Abroad
Location: Indonesia
Posted: Nov 26, 2022
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
10

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