I spent my summer with CCS-Karanga in Tanzania and it was terrible. The program was very poorly run and the staff was very rude and inconsiderate. While I was there I met many other volunteers from other organizations that paid thousands of dollars less than I did to come and were getting a much better experience while there. The food there was amazing but that is about the only thing CCS was good for there. My placement was somewhere where they didn't really need/want me. The "cultural excursions" were terrible and not informative at all. I was very much looking forward to integrating myself within the local culture and really getting to know the people but that became very difficult with the staff I was with. I had such a terrible time with CCS that I decided to leave the program early and spent the rest of my time in the village along. Once I dissociated myself with CCS I was much more respected in the community and was allowed to really delve into the culture and actually feel like I was making a differences- which is what I came to do!
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.
This program is fabulous! I volunteered in Tanzania at the Kilimanjaro location. (Moshi) It is more expensive than other volunteer programs but you definatly get your money's worth. Even before you leave they get you well prepared. Airport transportation is completly covered and it is reassuring that someone will be waiting for you when you land. All the staff (cooks, housekeeping, program organizers, guards, yard workers, drivers) are exreamly friendly and helpful. Many become like family. They serve 3 meals a day and it's delicious. You live at the homebase with the other volunteers and there are showers and toilets that flush. It's normally 4-6 to a room. There is typically about 30 volunteers at a given time but that can vary. They provide Swahili and cultural lessons and have guest speakers as well as excursions. (buffet one night with traditional dance and music, and a hike to a waterfall and visit a local chagga tribe) You always feel safe because there is a guard at the gate all night long. They find a placement for you after you request what field you want. You work the mornings at your placement (ex)school, orphanage, hospital, woman's groups, center for street children...)and your afternoons are either cultural/language activities or free time. Evenings and weekends are always free. On your free afternoons or on weekends you can go help out at an orphanage even if that is not your placement. The staff will help you make arrangements for safari's or a trip to Zanzibar or a day hike of Mt. Kilimanjaro. They also provide transportation too and from your placement. I cannot say enough wonderful things about CCS!
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I stayed in Puriscal, Costa Rica for 3 weeks and it was absolutely amazing. The staff at the house were incredibly helpful,working at my volunteer placement was very rewarding (and fun!), and I met some great people along the way. I would really recommend it to anyone who is looking to volunteer internationally as well as learn about other cultures.
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