CCS does a good job at taking care of volunteers, they feed you, house you, bus you around to and from work. But NONE of the money you pay goes to support the community. They just place people in schools and clinics, and if you are not there, the school and the class will still run. They don\\\'t develop any projects. It is a money maker. And on top of that, the organization is very corrupt. The house manager is corrupt, the country manager Mama Thea is corrupt... and CCS knows it and does nothing about it. If you want to have a nice vacation and feel like you are helping somebody, go with CCS. If you actually want to help somebody and support an NGO, stay away from them. This is not an NGO, it is a profit maker. Keep on searching
Cross-Cultural Solutions
As an international volunteer with Cross-Cultural Solutions, you're making a meaningful contribution, working side-by-side with local people and sharing in the goals of a community that warmly welcomes you. You're experiencing another culture like never before and really getting to know its people. You'll gain new perspectives and insight into the culture and yourself. It's an exciting and personally inspiring experience, and you'll develop memories that will be with you forever.
I spent a month i Moshi, Tanzania with CCS and I must say, it was an amazing experience. The staff was incredibly supportive and really helped me plan a life changing trip. I worked with children at an orphanage in the area and also had the chance to work at a clinic performing home visits to the ill.The in country staff is warm and friendly and the housing is fantastic! I can't even explain how delicious the food is - you are very much so taken care of with CCS.
I plan to return to CSS in 2011 and cannot wait - if you are searching for a company that will give you a satisfying abroad experience, one that is safe, trustworthy and all around fun, CCS is it. They are professional and can truly be counted on - you can reach the home office from the country of your placement and they make everything extremely easy for you - I highly recommend CCS for anyone looking to make a difference abroad!
Comments
I am a mother and grandmother and baking cookies for 24 grandchildren for several years could not even compare to the satisfaction one gets from being a volunteer in other parts of the world with Cross Cultural Solutions. My assignments were varied from Womens Empowerment Group, to schools to orphanages to senior day care centers. I loved them all. This month I am heading off to Lima, Peru for four weeks with Cross Cultural Solutions. They have been so good to me including the staff, the cooks,drivers and security. I sold my house, put my furniture in storage and have my one suitcase packed. "I can't sleep. I am so excited!" I will be 84 years old my next birthday. IT DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS.
Comments
Disreputable - they refused to return 3/4 of the deposit for a prior cancellation after it was learned that the area involved was dangerous, even though CCS had assured us beforehand that it was safe
Comments
This was the most amazing experience of my life. My only complaint is that I was only there for a week. Other than that, everything superseded my expectations. They prepared three AMAZING meals a day. It was probably the best food that I have ever had. The staff was so supporting and friendly. I definitely plan on going back sometime in the near future.
In regards to my volunteer placement:
We (I went with a group of ten college students) worked at a local school. We helped to create a basketball court for the youth to use during break time/before and after school. The kids were amazing. They would come out and talk to us and play soccer with us during their recess. Most of us didn't speak spanish, but they were very patient. It was surprisingly easy to communicate with them. The work was difficult, but worth it. I had a back injury, so unfortunately I was unable to do very much at the placement.
In regards to the staff:
Very warm and caring people. They care very much about their volunteers. They were very supportive of me and my injury. Also, the night guard, Juan, was one of the sweetest persons you will ever meet. He takes a bus to the volunteer house every day. He took a detour one day to bring my roommate sugar cane (she had mentioned how much she loved sugar cane). He doesn't speak English, but tries his best to communicate with the volunteers.
The town/volunteer house:
When we arrived, other volunteers that were already there showed us around the town. It was a nice way to get acquainted with both the town and the other volunteers we would be living with. In regards to the rooms, it was 4-5 in in room (bunkbeds). Each room had it's own shower and bathroom. We each also had our own locker for personal items. Also, there was a house maid that came through daily and vacuumed and made sure that our beds had clean sheets.
Overall, I am so grateful for this experience.
Comments