I can honestly say that this travel experience was one of if not the most traumatizing things I've ever been through in my life. My experience in Ghana happened several years ago. I was supposed to be there for 6 months and begged my family to get me out after 1 month. Upon returning home to the u.s. I was in counseling for over a year dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder from this trip. United Planet promised many things such as support and reasonable expectations of what was asked of you during your volunteer service but this simply isn't true. When I contacted people both in Ghana and in America saying that I was struggling and needed help and pointing out the basic necessities promised we're not being provided and that I was not in a safe healthy place the response I got was, well, it's Africa. What do you expect? We can't control Ghana's side of things (from the American branch) and we just don't have the money and resources to give things that your country promised (like edible food, basic medical care, work days less than 12 hours long, equipment necassary to preform tasks safety, etc) from the Ghanian side. On the first day I arrived in Ghana there was no one to help me with anything. Apparently there had been a mix-up with what day my flight was supposed to arrive so I was a day early. I was picked up at the airport and brought to a hostel and then abandoned there with no money, no cell phone or way of contacting anyone, and no explanation of what was going on. I had to go around the hostel begging people for information and safe drinking water. I basically spent the day in my room very ill and very afraid with no one to help me. The next day the Ghanian staff showed up and explained that I had arrived a day too early. They've been finally helped me get some money so I could at least buy water. It was several more days before they would help me get a cell phone so I could contact my family. I was very sick the entire time I was in Ghana and so were other volunteers. One girl I volunteered with had mono but they didn't send her home and expected her to keep doing her normal volunteer work. Of course she was much too sick to do so, so another volunteer and I were simply expected to pick up her tasks on top of our own. What was supposed to be volunteer work became slave labor. And as I mentioned I was extremely ill the entire time as well. There's so many more horrible things that went on but I'm getting so upset remembering it all. I just want people to know but this experience is not what people say it is. I'm sure there are some people that really did have a wonderful time with United Planet but this was the worst experience of my life and years later I am still dealing with the trauma. I wish someone had told me the truth about what went on and what to expect so I would have known that this was not the right option for me. I am still so angry at United Planet and everyone in Ghana. I am still so hurt. I just hope this can help someone else stay safe and not make a horrible decision that will scar them for life like it did me.
United Planet
As an international non-profit organization, United Planet strives to create a world in which all people understand, respect, and support one another. United Planet's global network of leaders and volunteers fosters cross-cultural understanding and addresses shared challenges to unite the world in a community beyond borders.
Had an incredibly life changing and eye opening experience with United Planet. I have done some previous travel to different countries, but never for longer than two weeks so a month seemed scary at first. The Boston office staff was extremely helpful and made me feel comfortable and supported throughout the process. The in-country support was also great. I loved cooking with my host family, learning recipes and songs in Spanish and really getting a honest look at life in Peru. I also liked that we had time on weekends to hangout and really explore the area. I felt safe the entire time. I really enjoyed working with the kids and liked that United Planet had long standing relationships in country so the programs were sustainable. Overall very very rewarding and I’ll take this time abroad with me in life forever.
My volunteer experience in Italy was life changing. Thanks to united planet, I was able to meet some of the most interesting and influencing people in my life. Even though it has been 2 years since my time there, I still keep in contact with some of my friends from Italy. I've always believed that travel stimulates growth, and UP gave me the greatest opportunity. My contacts were caring and head office was supportive and responsive. I would definitely recommend this experience to those who are missing out.
For me the idea of traveling to Tanzania was like the equivalent of going to the Moon. I didn't know what I would find there or what the experience would even feel like. There was no way for me to prepare for such an exploration, no past event I could reflect on. All I knew was that I had to go because there is more than just the world that I am living in, and that was what I was dying to see.
United Planet was my support team that guided me to Tanzania and then safely back to the place where I am from. I could write millions of words about the details of my adventure but I would rather just boil it down to its essence and let you go explore the details on your own. Trust me, that is something you want to do.
In a way you could say that my trip to Africa now dictates my every move, my every thought. I went there over 5 years ago and this has never been more true then now. No matter what life offers us, we must try and experience it with joy and to exist without failing to see the power in every moment. That is what the animals, the people and the landscapes of Africa taught me.
There are other worlds than the one you know. Sometimes it is hard to step outside the one you are accustomed to but believe me, it is worth getting out of your comfort zone. United Planet is someone you can lean on for the strength you need to explore the unknown.
I went to Cusco, Peru through United Planet for eight weeks after I graduated college. I can honestly say it was one of the best experiences of my life. I think traveling will always be my favorite thing to do, but I also think a program can either hinder or enhance your experience. I am so glad I chose to go through United Planet, which is why I have decided to write a review. I feel so strongly about how well they planned and conducted the whole experience.
Upon arriving in Cusco, I was greeted at the airport by my host family. My host family was amazing!! I cannot say enough nice things about them. I thought I was so lucky, but other volunteers and I would tease that we had the best family, so it seemed like everyone felt the same as I did! My entire stay at their home I felt comfortable and cared for. We had three home cooked meals everyday. I am a vegetarian and United Planet made the effort to place me in a home where they were willing to provide those style meals for me. I was so grateful and it was never an issue.
I worked for 5 weeks at a womens shelter. Those girls challenged me everyday and although some days I felt discouraged or saddened by their situations, I learned SO much from them and feel they felt the same way about me. I made some great connections with the girls and it was through this program that I learned how much I enjoyed tutoring English, which is something I am currently pursuing at home. The last three weeks I spent volunteering at an Animal Sanctuary. This had not been my original plan but there were some openings for volunteers at the site and United Planet allowed me to switch over. I loved working here! We were outside all day. I gave tours to English tourists and helped the owners with their English. We painted, cleaned, cared for the animals and cleaned trash out of the river. It was a great experience.
I also took Spanish classes while I was there as part of the program. These classes far and above exceeded my expectations. The classes consisted of myself and one or two other students and the professor. This setup allowed for a great deal of personal attention and encouraged us to speak much more than a typical class at home. I could not believe how much my Spanish improved after only eight weeks!
There were also weekly cultural activities throughout my time. I loved these because I felt like it was a great way to learn about the culture and meet other volunteers. The cultural activities were also at the school which became a great hub for meeting other volunteers. We took cooking classes, a Quechua language class, origami, and salsa dancing. I loved it! We also went on three amazing excursions. We took a weekend trip to Macchu Picchu which was absolutely amazing. I still cannot believe that I was able to have that experience. We stayed overnight in Aguas Calientes and then hiked Macchu Picchu the next day. There was a group of about 8-10 of us which made it a really fun trip. We also went horseback riding for an excursion and white water rafting. White water rafting was one of the best days of my life! We spent the whole day out there and it was beautiful. We wore wet suits and jumped off a boulder into the river. After we finished for the day we were served a huge, delicious lunch and even got to go ziplining!
I can honestly say everything about my trip went smoothly and I would definitely travel through United Planet again. The only issue I encountered throughout my stay was that I got sick, which is obviously completely out of United Planets control. However, when this happened I called the in-country coordinator and she actually came and picked me up and personally took me to the doctor and waited the entire time with me. And then checked in on me for the next few days until I was better. I also received an email from the coordinators in the Boston offices checking in on me to see how I was feeling. I just thought this was above and beyond what anyone had to do for me and I don't think I would get that through another program. I am so grateful for my time in Peru. I met so many wonderful people and still keep in touch with my host family and several volunteers. I highly, highly recommend traveling and volunteering through United Planet.
