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I had the most incredible time on my trip with IVHQ.
Everything was well-organised and I felt supported throughout. I felt that it was all worth the money and was by far the cheapest volunteer program out there!
I was able to learn so much when volunteering with the turtles and was trusted by the co-ordinators to work independently, but they were there for support if I needed it!
I cannot fault my time volunteering with IVHQ and will be using them again and sharing them with anyone else wanting an adventure!

Terrible company that treat their staff awfully and treat their volunteers like cash cows. They ask staff to write fake reviews all over the internet. For profit company that do not re-invest in sites or equipment, do not invest in staff, poor communication from head office ran by interns, thus a very high staff turnover, camps like basic holiday camps, scientific programs a joke. AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE.

My volunteer experience in Sri Lanka was an amazing adventure and challenge. Nothing could have adequately prepared me for the culture and lifestyle differences between 1st and 3rd world countries. Honestly, my initial response once I arrived in Sri Lanka was "What have I gotten myself into?"

However, after I recovered from the initial cultural shock, I was able to appreciate the warm hearts of those who made my stay in Sri Lanka an experience I will never forget.

During my volunteering, I was attached to the "Paradi Orphanage ". There are 69 kids ranging from one day old to 8 years living and being cared for at the orphanage. My host family accepted me and made me feel a part of their wonderful family. They taught me the most about Sri Lankan culture, customs, religions and the Sinhalese language. Although the children and staff at the orphanage were absolutely amazing, I know I will never forget the kindness, laughter, love, and happiness that I experienced at the orphanage. I will forever remember each and every child who opened their arms and heart to me. It was heartbreaking to leave the children, but I hope to return in the future.

I am grateful for everyone who assisted me during my Sri Lanka experience. I don't know what I would have done without them.

Projects Abroad is an amazing organization that has helped me achieve my goals, help others, make lifelong friends across the globe, and learn so many things. I was just getting ready to graduate high school and I knew I wanted to travel the world and help others while I am young and able. Projects Abroad made that possible with their Global Gap Year program, which took me to Ghana, South Africa, Peru, Nepal, and Thailand.

From the beginning, Claudia, a project coordinator at Projects Abroad, answered all my questions and provided me with all the information I needed to make the decision to go on the journey of a lifetime. The staff at Projects Abroad are friendly, knowledgeable, and dependable, at home and in country.

There are set projects in some countries and options in others, including; care, teaching, medicine, animal care, building, marine conservation, and others. We really got to experience and do so many incredible things. During the week we worked hard and on the weekends we had time to explore and reflect. Each country we volunteered in came with unique cultures and different volunteer opportunities. Yet the one thing they all had in common was great staff, amazing host families, and friendly people. I am so thankful for the opportunities Projects Abroad provided me with and if you are thinking of taking a gap year, Projects Abroad is the organization for you. You get to help others, see the world, and make lifelong friends. Seeing the smiles on others and the impact you can make, well, there is no better feeling in the world.

I found Ann and NGOabroad after a period of time as a director of a not-for-profit organization which worked with other agencies to provide architectural assistance in disaster situations.

As any one who has worked in the sector knows money is a constant concern - both in what can be done and how long the organization survives.

I am an architect and what attracted me to NGOabroad was the role which Ann played which is something like an agent between me and the end clients - in this case the global charities and NGOs which Ann visits. On her frequent expeditions she gathers a portfolio of projects in need of professional assistance. This model avoids the trap of having to raise money first in order to provide the service and expertise. I see myself as an enabler for organizations to take what I have done and source the funds. Whilst the downside is that projects may never be realized my own experience is that what I provide is pivotal in getting a project off the ground.

I am now about to embark on my forth project with Ann and like the other three projects it will be different, stimulating and challenging in equal measure.

I am working with four different not-for-profits in four different countries and it is they that either have, or have the ability, to source the funds required. Although my role is ostensibly to provide architectural services this can often expand to cover advice on agriculture, business plans, landscape design, WASH, renewable energy, low cost housing, masterplanning, grant applications, etc. Each project has required a different and unique solution; a solution which is unique to the client, the country and the culture.

The opportunity to work for these clients and the privilege that it is is largely down to Ann's ability to source projects and match them to people like me with a set of skills with broad application.

I suppose it goes without saying that I have found Ann to be highly professional, prompt to communicate, truthful and most importantly a thoroughly decent person! She has a well balanced, and nuanced, ethical compass; mercifully free of any agenda and has a total avoidance of dogma, preferring direct action in the hope of long lasting and sustainable results.
Long may she continue!

My daughter went with GLA to both Ghana and Peru and loved both of them. She has traveled before on her own, so we weren't that worried about her, but also always knew she was in good hands! GLA made the application process really simple, and we loved all the communication we got! They set up a blog that would be updated pretty frequently! GLA is awesome!

A fantastic organisation! There are so many different international opportunities to get involved with and the team are excellent and very supportive!

I have been able to enjoy many enriching overseas experiences through Concordia such as volunteering on various different social and environmental projects in Europe, exchanging my time and enthusiasm to help community projects in return for accommodation and food.

I have also had the opportunity to lead one of Concordia's UK summer projects here in the UK, where I coordinated and organised the daily social activity programme for the volunteers who were working at a youth centre in Kent to deliver outreach sports and creative activities to youth in the local community.

I have also been fortunate enough to take part in "European Voluntary Service" through Concordia. My project was in the French Alps, working for an organisation which promotes intercultural appreciation and tolerance through international summer youth activity camps, festivals, local community projects etc.

These are just a few examples of the many diverse opportunities that are made possible through Concordia! I would highly recommend the organisation to anyone wanting to take part in "ethical" overseas voluntary projects which benefit local communities and to those wanting to feel enriched and inspired!

Hey Guys!

My name's Jacob Rosen and I have done 3 Vision's programs. I started in 9th grade and am now going on my 4th program as a senior (in Highschool). I have done the Alaska, Nicaragua, and Peru programs. This summer I am going to Cambodia.

I have never found a better program that involves alll the aspects of the fun of traveling and the rewarding feeling of community service. The thing about the community service though is that it is very hard labor. I know most people think community service is picking up trash or hanging with elderly but here on visions you do some real building. From concrete work to carpentry projects like building roofs for cabins you really get the experience of hard work. That being said it isn't painful and debilitating! It's an incredible experience because you work side by side with local builders. The spanish programs allow you to practice your spanish with the local builders and they are usually younger guys so you make lasting friendships. Also, on the weekends the program plans out INCREDIBLE exploration days to see the local area, immerse yourself in the culture, and experience the local landmarks. I have truly seen the most beautiful sights in my entire life on visions. I hiked to the top of Macchu Picchu in Peru and have hiked/ ice climbed on a glacier in Alaska.

Im very open and friendly and LOOOOVE sharing my experiences. I can fill you in on details about the daily life inside the house and the other little details I didnt mention. Feel free to email me at Rosenj@ewsdmail.org or add me on facebook where we can then video chat. My facebook is Jacob Rosen.

CSA offers low cost, fully accredited programs worldwide. Open to all students and adults worldwide - from all countries. Gap year students also encouraged to register with us. Program lengths vary, but include Semester, Trimester, Academic Year, Summer, Monthly and Weekly. Programs are held at Universities, Colleges, and Institutes worldwide. Earn academic credit for college or high school available on most programs, especially the "University based" ones. Housing flexibility is offered - student residences, flats (apts), and host families are available. You can arrange own housing if you prefer. For over 20 years (since 1990), Center For Study Abroad (CSA) has provided low cost opportunities to study abroad....all in a easy, convenient process. Join us !
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