The reason I originally chose CCS was because of the initial support and contact I had even before I had enrolled in the program. The program fee is more than other programs I looked into but the amount of support you receive before and during the program is amazing. The staff in country are local and from the area and are excellent support whether about the volunteering or even just fro a hug because you are homesick! They provide cultural activities such as language lessons, dance lessons, cooking lessons and much more which allow you to gain a great insight to the culture.
Everything is taken care of once you arrive in country which really allows you to focus on the volunteering and cultural immersion.
Cross-Cultural Solutions
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9 / 10
after 143 Reviews
Based on overall, support & value average ratings
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.
Program website: http://www.crossculturalsolutions.org/
Program:
Location:
Posted: December 13, 2008
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
10
By: Anonymous
Age:
Hi
I volunteered for 1 week in Costa Rica with CCS. We were painting a mural for an underprivledged school. Although we did make a different to the school with our presence it wasn't worth the cost nor the effort to visit Costa Rica to only actually work for 3-3.5 hours a day. The accommodation & food was great, the staff were really nice. I would definitely not recommend CCS, it is overpriced and more suited to people that don't want a "hardcore" volunteering experience. Also I felt that 1 week is not enough, don't volunteer for any less than 2 weeks. I did have a nice time but couldn't get pass the cost, non of which goes directly to the community.
Program:
Location:
Posted: December 4, 2008
Overall:
4
Support:
9
Value:
2
By: Anonymous
Age:
Comments
I had no problem parting with the money....but it was not worth it at all!!
It is for people who feel uneasy about travelling to a foreign country where no one speaks the same language. The money pays for room, board, and the staff. They are trying to make people feel comfortable in a place that is strange to them.
You paid the price no gun to the head, it was your mistake, its 90% always the volunteers fault.
Not everybody is cut out to be a volunteer. Cross-Cultural Solutions made it easy for me to volunteer. They just told me what they needed and I was happy to do what they asked. It was that simple. I know there are cheaper organizations asking for volunteers but the ones I checked out, you had to get your own rides to your placement...or walk... you had to buy your own food and you had to live in homes with people you didn't know. I didn't care for any of those. With CCS they picked you up at the airport, took good care of you during your time and then the whole group would see you off at the airport again when you left. They always took care of me and the other volunteers. The Security Officer made his rounds often and let us know where he was. I felt like they always had a hold of my hand. That was important.
Program:
Location:
Posted: November 19, 2008
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
10
By: Anonymous
Age:
This is my second volunteer association with CCS and I am very, very pleased with their programs and the fantastic staff in both places. I can't say enough about them. I spent 12 weeks in Costa Rica and 6 weeks in Trang, Thailand and can hardly wait to do another tour as a volunteer. I wear my CCS shirt with pride and I am always telling people how great I have been treated and how concerned the organization is in getting me properly placed. The driver takes us shopping and picks us up at a given time. This is a good time for the volunteers to hang out together and get acquainted. The cooks prepare foods that you like, if you have a favorite. Clean beds and clean towels and clean rooms are always there for us. Some afternoons are planned with cultural experiences or you can sleep or plan your own entertainment. They try very hard to make sure we are comfortable. The driver takes us to our assignment, along with a packed lunch made by the cook...and then picks us all up when our day is done. Quite often I am approached by a staff member asking if everything is ok and do I have any questions or comments. They really want to know if there is any problem. I get a lot of compliments and respect from the public. Most people have commitments and cannot do what we are doing. We are lucky! This is sharing your life, your love and your culture with others. I LOVE IT ! I became an "adopted" family member of several of the teachers and students at the schools and also of the cooks, drivers and other staff members of CCS. I care about them. THEY CARE ABOUT ALL OF US. I cried when I left and I still find it difficult not to cry anymore. I have lots of good memories. Thanks CROSS-CULTURAL SOLUTIONS. I won't ever forget you. I will be back. EDG
Program:
Location:
Posted: November 19, 2008
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
10
By: Anonymous
Age:
I had an amazing time. CCS really looked after us.
Program:
Location:
Posted: November 18, 2008
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
10
By: Anonymous
Age:
Comments