Russia

I have read through these reviews with interest. I cannot comment on any of the programs people seem to have had problems on, but wanted to leave a review of my time with CCS and my thoughts on how volunteers can get more from the program.

I volunteered in Russia (sadly no longer a destination they offer) with CCS in 2007, and am thinking about volunteering with them again. I had a fantastic time in Russia, and had no problems with staff, meals, accommodation or my placement. I volunteered in a hospital - playing and spending time with children (many with special needs) who may otherwise of had no visitors. They loved having us come and visit them, and would rush down the hall when we arrived for hugs. What made a huge difference between my experience and that of some of the other volunteers was the language barrier. I had taken Russian lessons for 6 months before my trip and I really think this helped so much. I would recommend learning some of the language before you go. Being able to write, read (even if I didn't always understand!) and engage in a little chat (hello, goodbye, thanks, what's your name, etc) made such a difference when on my placement, and when out and about. I was able to make myself understood when asking for directions or paying for things. I was nowhere near fluent and sadly have forgotten much of the language since, but I was at a real advantage compared to some others who hadn't even learnt how to say hello, thanks or please. Even if you can't attend lessons there's so much now online, youtube, etc. Or borrow/buy some books/CDs from the library.

I also think that volunteering is a very personal thing. While I had no issues with my time in Russia, I spoke to another volunteer who felt that CCS wasn't the right company for her. She had no issues with CCS, but said she wouldn't volunteer with them again as she wasn't particularly interested in all the other activities (language lessons, trips out, city tour, etc) and just wanted to spend all her time volunteering. There were also volunteers who had no idea what they were letting themselves into - these people were in the minority but they had read little of the literature we had been sent, were asking questions about things we had already received information on, seemed surprised about certain things we had been told about, etc. The idea of volunteering, and then being faced with the reality of it are two very different things. Some volunteers left as they couldn't face working in the (very difficult) conditions of some of the placements, and some left because it was a complete culture shock (again I do think that learning the language helps with this). I have no idea why some of the people were there, they didn't seem particularly interested in learning about the country, culture, language or really their volunteer placements. I saw some really shocking behaviour while I was there (from a small handful of the volunteers). Saying all that the majority of the volunteers were lovely people, and I have stayed in touch with some.

My placement itself was for about 3 hours a day. I could have gone to an afternoon volunteer placement as well if I'd asked, but I wanted to do all the extra things on offer as well as see the sites so didn't take this option up. I'm not sure how much detail to go into as Russia isn't a option CCS offer any-more, but if anyone is interested please comment and I'll go into detail.

All in all I would recommend CCS, but can only comment on my one experience. Others on CCS placements in different countries may have a completely different experience, and obviously the staff make a huge difference. I'd recommend contacting several of the alumni who have recently been to the country you're thinking of volunteering in before making a decision.

I went to Yaroslavl Russia over 10 years ago through CCS. The time and experience there still resonate with me. I was always a bit curious about the Soviet Union and Russia and when the opportunity to spend time there and volunteer at an orphanage came about, jumped. I was a bit nervous at first as one hears stories about Russia, but I also thought some butterflies were fine and indicative of a great experience ahead.

In some ways being in Yaroslavl felt like being in opposite land (a term I heard from my daughter many years ago). It was different, it was strange at times, it was new and if someone seeks this in travel, this should meet that desire.

The time spent with children in the orphanages was unforgettable, as they were some of the most memorable and wonderful kids I've ever met. Appreciative, happy to see me each day, sweet natured, curious and lots of fun as most children are.

CCS took good care of me while on the ground. The director and translators made sure whatever I needed was explained and provided. Somehow it all flowed perfectly.

From that trip my curiosity about Russia increased and to this day I still have friends that I met there along with others that I met through that experience.

I have volunteered with CCS three times, in Morocco, India (the Palampur location) and Russia. Each time I was openly welcomed, felt supported, and felt I made an impact on those around me. Furthermore, each experience most certainly impacted me and I was able to bring different perspectives back to the United States and share them with my friends, family, co-workers, and students. I would highly recommend this program and intend to continue volunteering with them as time passes.

I cannot recommend Cross Cultural Solutions enough. I have volunteered with them three times -- twice in Russia, and once in Guatemala. The program IS expensive; there is no denying that. But when you get to the country and start volunteering, you start to wonder why the program doesn't cost 10 times more.

For example, when I volunteered in Russia, here is what my placement fee paid for: several translators (Russian law requires them for foreigners who are volunteering there), three meals a day, lodging, two drivers, a van to chauffeur us around, a secretary and a director. Not to mention the gas and all the supplies we needed/brought to the placements. In other words, even though CCS is expensive, the money goes to a lot of good people who are not exactly making it rich by working for CCS.

In both countries, I saw real differences being made in the lives of the people we volunteered with. I can honestly say that the times I spent in Guatemala and Russia with CCS are among the best times in my whole life. This organization makes sure that there is no fraud; makes sure that volunteers do not mess up the local structures/cultures, and will go above and beyond in helping their volunteers. The directors are always on 24-hour emergency call for the volunteers, and often live mere seconds or minutes away from where the volunteers stay.

All in all, it's a wonderful program and I hope to be able to volunteer through them again soon.

At first, I was a little bit disappointed with CCS in Russia. I was told I would have multiple placements and that I would be crafting with the people in each. I was sceptical and felt a bit ridiculous that I had come so far just to make some photo frames with a bunch of people who probably didn't want to know anyway.
I couldn't have been more wrong. When you get out there and you see the joy that simply having visitors - whether you are making pots or reading magazines or running around with a football - brings to these people, you understand that the crafting is secondary. Yes, your lollipop stick photo frame might be lame - but these people are some of the most neglected, hidden away, loving people in the world, and they don't CARE how lame your craft is (though, of course, you try and make something that isn't lame, because you want them to have fun with the craft too). They are just glad to be seen.
People in this country would turn their nose up at a bunch of randomers miming how to make flip books and origami boxes because they can't speak the language. Not a single person in Russia did that. Not once.
I was glad for the multiple placements, too -I felt like I got to see so much more and help so many more people, and it also meant that none of us had to spend an unbearable amount of time in the truly heartbreaking placements.
In several placements, the volunteers are the ONLY visitors these people get, so you can really see how you are making a difference just by being there.
There is a translator with you at all times during the placements, two lovely cooks, a really nice homebase, a great city to explore and trips out are easily arranged. We worked two "shifts" a day at placements, had language lessons and cultural trips every week, even a Russian cooking lesson. In Russia, you also have the benefit of being able to get to know the other volunteers really well - they don't have big groups of 20 or more there all the time like some of the other, more popular countries. The day I arrived, there were four of us at the airport and two already in the house.
I honestly had the time of my life and I would recommend it to anyone. CCS held our hands the whole way through, for every silly little question I had at the beginning right through to feedback, and I am still in touch with the other volunteers and even my programme manager. I am definitely going to volunteer with CCS again.

I choose this organization after researching other options and it seemed to offer the most support before and during the volunteer experience. All of my expectations were met. Before my trip, CCS was very helpful and provided support for planning. In country, the staff was wonderful: friendly, informative, helpful. Transportation was always provided (airport, to placements, and on field trips) and we were given an excellent orientation to local transportation for use during free time. In contrast to some othe postings, in Yaroslavl the placements are thrilled to have volunteers, and the in-country staff assist with placement planning so that I always knew what I would be doing and why. I volunteered for almost all day, every day (with the exception of a weekly field trip one afternoon each week). The impact of the volunteers in Russia is significant as the volunteers are literally the only visitors some of the placement clients/patients have.
I traveled to St. Petersburg with another volunteer over the weekend and that was a great trip.
I encourage volunteers to go for at least two weeks. It takes one week to accomodate to the time change and the language change.