Since I had no international volunteer experience and knew I was going to be traveling alone, I wanted to be sure I chose a very reputable organization with which to partner. Cross Cultural Solutions (CCS) exceeded my expectations. Immediately after registering, I received my initial packet of information, followed soon after by a welcoming phone call. Regular communication continued by either email, phone, or through the CCS website until my departure. Although I don't think you ever entirely know what to expect, there were no surprises.
From the moment I was met at the airport, I felt safe with the CCS staff. Transportation was reliable, the house staff was excellent providing security, and meals were home cooked fresh daily. Although tentative schedules were prepared for the week, the staff proved very flexible with special requests by many of the volunteers.
My experience at the designated volunteer site was amazing. We were warmly welcomed and made to feel a part of the site "family." I was fortunate to work with seniors as requested, and after a very quick week, actually felt sad to be leaving. The thank-you received by the volunteers was personal and sincere.
A day of volunteering with CCS is not just about "working." The volunteer experience is completed in the morning, and following lunch, there is an opportunity for a cultural experience in the afternoon and/or evening. Staff, along with other volunteers, also had suggestions for free time activities.
My experience was positive in every way. My only regret is that my Spanish was not good enough to converse with everyone involved, and saying a mere Gracias when leaving just didn't seem sufficient. Somehow I feel that I got more out of my one week abroad than I was able to give. I hope that wasn't the case.
If someone is at all hesitant about an international volunteer experience, I highly recommend registering with Cross Cultural Solutions, placing your trust in their organization, prepare as necessary, and then just relax and allow the experience to unfold.
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.
Cross Cultural Solutions gave me an opportunity of a lifetime! I had always wanted to volunteer abroad for several years and after some research, I decided CCS would be a great start and it was definitely the best decision of my life. The program specialist works closely with you, getting you prepared to the fullest before you depart to your trip. I had many questions as I was beginning my application process and they were all thoroughly answered. Next arriving to your home base can make someone anxious especially if this is something they are doing for the very first time in their life. And that was me. Being that it was my first time doing a volunteer abroad trip, I was a bit nervous about how I would acclimate to the new culture and how I would do at my volunteer placement. However, right when I got to Guatemala, the in-country staff relieved many of my anxieties. They were extremely pleasant and so helpful in making me feel comfortable and right at home. And the volunteer placement was awesome. It was such a rewarding experience. I learned so much from the ladies that I helped at the elderly center there. I will cherish the time spent with them and will never forget this experience. It was an eye-opener for me and I wish everyone gets the opportunity to do something like this in their lifetime. Another thing I loved about CCS was their way of immersing you into the culture. Each day they had a cultural activity planned for us which gave us the chance to learn about the people, the culture, the language and the country we were visiting. CCS seriously over succeeded my expectations. I went in not know this experience would change my life, but it did. And now I can't wait to do my next trip. I want to try all of the locations CCS works with. I highly recommend everyone to look into this program. You won't be disappointed!
The volunteer work through Cross-Cultural Solutions was such a fulfilling experience. The staff at CCS are extremely helpful and prompt in the pre-departure by frequently checking up, sending updates, and answering any questions. The volunteer work was extremely rewarding, and the cultural activities that CCS provided were phenomenal in terms of providing a holistic lens of the country, along with its cultural uniqueness to be celebrated and its issues to be acknowledged and acted upon.
The in-country staff does an incredible job of making the volunteer feel at home with their friendly companionship and awareness of how you are personally feeling. The focus of exposure and education in addition to the service work allowed this trip to unexpectedly be one that teaches volunteers both the tangible and intangible aspects of this life that are so essential to be recognized.
I am considering traveling through CCS in the future, and I am extremely delighted in the opportunity. If you are considering volunteering abroad, I have hope that CCS will provide an opportunity for a life-changing experience.
This program provided the right combination of meaningful volunteer experience, cultural emersion and vacation. The staff are highly qualified and professional. The program is well structured to provide an up close and impactful volunteer experience at a variety of sites including an orphanage, children's hospital, adult english program, and several other youth programs.
Cross-Cultural Solutions provides a unique cultural emersion experience which gives you the opportunity to learn Moroccan dance, cooking, history, and social norms. You will also get the unique opportunity to learn more about the "true" muslim religion and lifestyle.
Touring and sightseeing are part of the weekly agenda, and the program provides you with the flexibility and time to tour the country - visiting exciting places such as Casablanca, Marrakech, Fez and the famous Merzauga desert (on camels of course!).
Housing accommodations were good and we enjoyed home cooked meals each day featuring the local cuisine. I did not get sick at all during my stay in Morocco!
The people are amazing - very friendly and love to speak to Americans!
I highly recommend this program!!!!
Amazing experience! I had the time of my life. I met great people and explored an amazing country. The volunteer placement was tough, but rewarding. I definitely recommend this program. I got to see the Atlas Mountains, ride camels in Sahara Desert, spend the night in the desert, see snake charmers, among other things. The country is relatively cheap compared to US prices, so that's also a plus.
