Thailand

I taught English through IVHQ in Chiang Rai, Thailand and it was one of my most memorable experiences of my life. I'll admit I had heard second hand terrible stories from people that volunteered with other companies so was a bit nervous before I went but to future volunteers - don't be. IVHQ do an outstanding job ensuring local staff are right (for the Thailand project anyway) and my project was incredible. Blanche (my program coordinator at ivhq) answered all my questions promptly before I left which was reassuring and never did I feel unsafe (which was another of my concerns before I left). I agree with the girl below who said if you could give this experience an 11 I would. If you are considering it - do it. You will not regret it.

Just came back from an amazing trip! Everything turned out great as people at volunteering solutions were great and helped at every step. A must visit if you are planning for Thailand...

IVHQ is fantastic! Incredible value, there were other volunteers here from different organisations who paid DOUBLE what I paid for exactly the same experience. Email responses were extremely fast. I cannot wait to do another program through IVHQ.
The staff here in thailand were fantastic, i felt so welcomed and they were always trying to help make my stay easier and more comfortable!

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

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.