Projects Abroad

I spent 4 months in Peru from September to December, 2012. I loved every minute of my stay in Peru. I was living with a host family in a village called Pisac. Pisac is about an hour away from Cusco and is a beautiful little town with a daily crafts market. From Pisac it was easy to travel other places and it was fun to just explore Pisac, which is beautiful. My host family was amazing! Although I did not speak any Spanish when I arrived and they did not speak any English, they made me feel welcomed and part of their family from the very first day. For the first two weeks of my stay, I took thirty hours of Spanish. These were intensive private Spanish classes with a teacher from Projects Abroad. She helped me gain a basic knowledge of Spanish so that I could speak with my family and, after the first two weeks, start working in a kindergarten in a town called San Salvador, which is ten minutes from Pisac. During my time teaching, I also took another 60 hours of private Spanish classes at the same time. My time in the kindergarten was great! I worked with a classroom that had 18 five-year-olds in it. Although I didn't speak Spanish at the beginning, by the end I was able to lead the class in Spanish - teaching them how to add, write letters, and work on coloring. It was an incredibly rewarding experience to work with these children. A typical day for me consisted of breakfast at 7:30 am, working at the kindergarten from about 8 am to 1 pm, family lunch at 1:30, Spanish class from 3 to 6, and dinner at 7, then I would watch TV with the family and go to bed. Sometimes, I would not have Spanish because I would go to workshops provided by Projects Abroad to share ideas and suggestions about how to best work in the kindergartens. These were great because the Projects Abroad staff is extremely supportive in every way. And other days there would be social events in different towns where I would be able to join with other Projects Abroad volunteers and staff members and hike, cook, or hangout. I loved my experience with Projects Abroad because the program is set up really well - you are always supported by the wonderful staff and there are so many opportunities to really experience the culture. And Peru is an awesome place to be!

Projects Abroad is a very awesome organization with helpful staff including the host families they assign all of the different volunteers. I strongly believe that their welcoming personalities make it easy for anyone to adjust. This certainly did help me. Also, not only were the staff members from Projects Abroad helpful and welcoming, but also the staff from the care program I was working at. It is essential to get acquainted with the not only the place you're living and what is around you but also make lots of friends with the other volunteers there. Projects Abroad has a coordinator who plans weekly socials so that volunteers can get to know other volunteers. This was also very helpful and helped me adjust to living in a new country. The projects certainly hands on to make the best of your experience! Overall, I would recommend Projects Abroad and plan to volunteer abroad in the future again!

Projects Abroad is an extremely well organized and supportive program. They offer a myriad of different hands-on volunteer opportunities in everything from teaching to dentistry. I signed up for the midwifery program in Cuzco, Peru, one of the very few midwifery abroad programs available to students like myself. Projects Abroad contacted me shortly after I signed up with my host family's information and work placement. When I arrived in Cuzco, I was picked up by a staff member, who gave me a quick tour of the city and introduced me to my host family. Staff from Projects Abroad were always available to call and often stopped by my house or workplace to check in with me, which I found comforting. They organized weekly events for volunteers to get together and participate in outings, such as tango lessons or hiking. It was a great way to meet fellow volunteers, and created community. Some of my closest friends in Peru I met through Projects Abroad too! Overall, if you want to travel abroad, be insured a place to stay, and guaranteed hands-on work in your field, I would strongly recommend contacting Projects Abroad.

When I first became interested in going abroad, Projects Abroad's website let me choose from dozens of locations and placements. As soon as I chose Argentina's Care and Spanish program an Argentinean Project's Abroad representative got in touch with me, answering all of my questions and concerns about my upcoming trip. On the plane on the way to my placement, I met up with other Project Abroad volunteers and when we landed, I was taken straight to my new home to meet the family I was staying with. They were incredibly kind and welcoming, even though there was a language barrier, I felt like I fit right in. The next day we had an introduction day with all of the volunteers. Projects Abroad showed us around the city, teaching us to use the bus system and find our way to the mall and banks and other places we would need to go, so that we could find them on our own when we would have free time. The next day we started Spanish lessons and our placements. At my placement, I worked in an orphanage with young kids who needed people to play with them when they came home from school. During my time there, I got so attached to those little kids, it was so hard to leave them at the end of my two weeks. It was so rewarding to work there, I did it for every smile and every laugh. Once we had the opportunity to take them to the arcade in the mall and McDonalds. They get so few outings like that, so they were all smiles that day. I think what I was most surprised about during my trip was how much independence we had. Any time we weren't in Spanish class, in our placement, our at one of our social events, we could do anything we wanted, meet our friends at the mall downtown, go out to dinner, take a tango class. I loved this trip so much, I made amazing friends that I still keep in touch with, improved my Spanish, got an Argentinean family, and made fantastic memories. I would definitely recommend Projects Abroad to everyone.

I spent two weeks in Accra, Ghana with Projects Abroad in the beginning of the year. I was very nervous because it was my first time going to Africa, and all by myself! But it was the best decision I ever made. I worked in a school during my first week, and met the most amazing kids. And it was so special to get near the school and see all those beautiful children running towards you yelling 'madam, madam!' and trying to hold your hand, just trying to be close. Sweetest kids I ever met. The second week I worked at an orphanage, and again I was amazed by the kids and their vitality. It made you realize that no matter how tough life is, or how many problems you have, there is always space to be happy, to enjoy life. Those small children taught me that. Projects Abroad made the experience easy and enjoyable, they were very helpful and I would definitely recommend them to any of my friends!

I went to Cordoba, Argentina this past summer on a “two-week special” trip with Projects Abroad. More specifically it was a Care and Spanish trip, which means we volunteered with youth there in the afternoons while taking classes in the mornings. It was an absolutely amazing opportunity. I got to meet so many new people (people from all over the world came together to volunteer there), do so many new and fun things, experience a new culture, and volunteer my time for those less fortunate than myself. It was truly eye opening, as international travel always is. Projects Abroad did a great job balancing education, experience, social events, and immersion. They orchestrated great “socials” which were nights where all of the volunteers met up to enjoy time together doing something specific to Argentina or the city itself. For our trip we got to have an asado, which is a sort of Argentine barbeque, and we took tango-dancing classes. The classes were also really helpful. There were teachers for all different levels of Spanish (for full immersion or just beginning) and they really care about developing the students’ ability to speak Spanish and speak it well. I would definitely recommend this organization and country to anyone looking to do something of this sort. I did look into other companies before deciding on Projects Abroad, and though I can’t vouch for those companies, I can assure you Projects Abroad is professional, enjoyable, educational, and an all-around great experience. I don’t even have any complaints about the trip or organization! The only reason I gave the 8 stars for support was because it was a tad difficult getting in contact with the Projects Abroad office in Argentina (not because of them, but simply because of time-zone differences). If you’re interested in seeing a little bit about the trip in video form, I’ve posted a video I put together to highlight some great parts of this country and trip. Check it out if you’d like! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhOk65XUI2E&feature=g-upl

I loved my experience in Botswana through Projects abroad. It was so amazing being able to work with people from all over the world. Learning about the country and the wildlife there was so interesting, and being able to witness the wildlife so closely was simply breath-taking. Overall the activities and daily events were planned very well and everyone that worked there was very professional. While everyone was very professional there were also so many friendships made with the local staff members and group leaders. I will never forget my time abroad and would recommend it to anyone and everyone.

The first of July, I arrived in Brasov, not really knowing what to expect. I was met at the train station by Projects Abroad staff, and was immediately put at ease. Over the next few weeks I would find out that the Projects Abroad staff were some of the most genuine people I had ever met in my life. The care and sincerity that the staff had for the volunteers was unexpected, and made me feel that if there was ever a problem I could depend on them to help, and to be there if they were needed. Whether it was just for advice, or for directions to weekend destinations, the staff was always ready to help, and enjoyed being there for the volunteers. I felt as if I had been welcomed into a family. In addition to having the support necessary, I also had a chance to work with and meet many of the locals as well. Most of the work was done in smaller villages outside of Brasov, and we were welcomed into the communities with open arms. I would recommend Projects Abroad for beginning and experienced travelers alike.

Overall I had a great experience with Projects Abroad, since I stepped off the plane in the Cusco Airport in Peru, they were right there to pick me up and helped me through every step of the way to make sure I was comfortable and knew my way around. I volunteered to teach English in a small town named Lamay and they matched me up with a teacher who could speak English so my experience with teaching was easier since I didnt speak great Spanish. The office in the Sacred Valley of Peru was easy to access and had great collection of teaching tools which helped to teach English a little bit easier. The only tough thing with my experience was there was a massive strike amoung the teachers in Peru so I didnt get to teach as much as I wanted too. There wasnt really anything Projects abroad could do about it, but they did as much as they could. They set us up with doing other work in Peru, such as painting an orphange and working in a day care which I really enjoyed. I felt as if I became good friends with the staff and other volunteers of Projects Abroad and they helped made my experience the best it could be. Projects Abroad set me up with a wonderful host family who made living in Peru the best six weeks of my life. You as a volunteer have to make the best of every situation and become flexible, so that is what helped immensly with the strike. I highly reccommend working with Projects Abroad they had the connections and resources in Peru to make your experience one to remember.

In reflecting on my two months in West Africa (Senegal and Ghana) with Projects Abroad, certainly what stands out most about the program is the local support that is provided by the staff. In both countries I was provided with answers to all my questions, assistance with all of my needs, and even some long term friendships all from the Projects Abroad employees. In addition to this, both of my placements with human rights organizations were structured in a way that allowed me to contribute to the organizations' needs but also to be creative and independent in doing so. I cannot express enough gratitude for the friendliness and understanding that I encountered from the P.A. staff in both Senegal and Ghana. I would recommend this program without reservations.

June 2010 was the month I graduated from high school, exciting yes, but also horrible news for me because it meant I could no longer be a foreign high school exchange student. Time had run out on me and I had no idea where to look, I spent countless hours on the internet trying to find a study abroad program that wasn’t so expensive, but in reality it cost a lot no matter what. But I was lucky enough to come across the Projects Abroad website, it immediately caught my attention, and I was not only drawn by the seemingly less expensive costs, but by the quality of the placements. I was so worried because I had no idea – having found it on the internet – whether it was legit or not, but after further investigation I discovered that it was in fact for real, and decided to go to Chengdu, China for two months under the care program. At first I was a little worried because I was not in contact with the director until about 1 ½ weeks before I was meant to leave, but that was somewhat understandable because Chengdu was a new city that had just been added a few months earlier to the program. And the time that was not given to me in preparation prior to the trip was certainly made up for once I arrived in Chengdu. I was greeted by Projects Abroad at the airport and was immediately taken to my accommodation to get settled in. Once I was there I met the director who then proceeded to get me a phone, and show me around the neighborhood before going out to dinner with all the volunteers. I felt so welcomed, and ready to embark on this new adventure, and one of the best parts about traveling with Projects Abroad is that I felt safe! Being a young woman in a strange place in a foreign country can be scary, but I was lucky to never feel that way. Everyday during the week I would go to volunteer at this school for kids with autism, I would help them with their coordination, balance, and trust skills, and I would also help decorate the school. It was a little bit challenging due to the language barrier, but soon enough you begin to familiarize yourself with everything and everyone, so it becomes a lot easier, plus the workload was not heavy at all. It was fun getting to know the kids, and the instructors. The teachers were also very welcoming, everyday at lunchtime they would make sure to wait for me and take me out to eat with them. I was able to learn a lot about the local shops and restaurants, the information was useful, and I was then able to pass it along to the new volunteers that arrived about three weeks later. All in all I had an AMAZING time! It was a new experience for me that I will never forget. And for those of you wondering how in the world I was able to get around without being able to speak Chinese, well that was made so easy thanks to Projects Abroad. My director, Kevin, was always available 24/7 via phone, I could easily resolve most of my problems through a simple text message, or a phone call, plus I would see him about 5 times a week, so including all the other volunteers I never felt alone. I learned so much, made new friends, and best of all I was able to make a difference in people’s lives even if just for a couple of months. Go and I promise you will come back a different, but better person than you are now!

June 2010 was the month I graduated from high school, exciting yes, but also horrible news for me because it meant I could no longer be a foreign high school exchange student. Time had run out on me and I had no idea where to look, I spent countless hours on the internet trying to find a study abroad program that wasn’t so expensive, but in reality it cost a lot no matter what. But I was lucky enough to come across the Projects Abroad website, it immediately caught my attention, and I was not only drawn by the seemingly less expensive costs, but by the quality of the placements. I was so worried because I had no idea – having found it on the internet – whether it was legit or not, but after further investigation I discovered that it was in fact for real, and decided to go to Chengdu, China for two months under the care program. At first I was a little worried because I was not in contact with the director until about 1 ½ weeks before I was meant to leave, but that was somewhat understandable because Chengdu was a new city that had just been added a few months earlier to the program. And the time that was not given to me in preparation prior to the trip was certainly made up for once I arrived in Chengdu. I was greeted by Projects Abroad at the airport and was immediately taken to my accommodation to get settled in. Once I was there I met the director who then proceeded to get me a phone, and show me around the neighborhood before going out to dinner with all the volunteers. I felt so welcomed, and ready to embark on this new adventure, and one of the best parts about traveling with Projects Abroad is that I felt safe! Being a young woman in a strange place in a foreign country can be scary, but I was lucky to never feel that way. Everyday during the week I would go to volunteer at this school for kids with autism, I would help them with their coordination, balance, and trust skills, and I would also help decorate the school. It was a little bit challenging due to the language barrier, but soon enough you begin to familiarize yourself with everything and everyone, so it becomes a lot easier, plus the workload was not heavy at all. It was fun getting to know the kids, and the instructors. The teachers were also very welcoming, everyday at lunchtime they would make sure to wait for me and take me out to eat with them. I was able to learn a lot about the local shops and restaurants, the information was useful, and I was then able to pass it along to the new volunteers that arrived about three weeks later. All in all I had an AMAZING time! It was a new experience for me that I will never forget. And for those of you wondering how in the world I was able to get around without being able to speak Chinese, well that was made so easy thanks to Projects Abroad. My director, Kevin, was always available 24/7 via phone, I could easily resolve most of my problems through a simple text message, or a phone call, plus I would see him about 5 times a week, so including all the other volunteers I never felt alone. I learned so much, made new friends, and best of all I was able to make a difference in people’s lives even if just for a couple of months. Go and I promise you will come back a different, but better person than you are now!

When I first decided I wanted to go on an alternative Spring Break trip I had no idea where to start my search for the right one. I asked one of my friends which program she had used and she enthusiastically suggested Projects Abroad. I was a little skeptical at first, not because of the company itself, but because I was essentially paying to volunteer, a concept I had never heard of before. But once I was in Costa Rica and saw where exactly my money was going to I was elated that I could donate my time and money to such a great cause. Projects Abroad is a wonderfully organized volunteer program. Every single member of staff that I met was amazing- on the first day in the office everyone greeted me with a hug! I felt so welcomed and like I was genuinely needed at my placement. The other spring breakers and I spent one week helping out at a day care and painting a mural at a kindergarten. I had the opportunity to practice my Spanish in every day conversations; an opportunity that I would never get sitting in my classroom. The work was definitely physically hard and exhaustive at times but we still had time to go out to the bars and restaurants and even to a beautiful beach! I met some amazing people from all over the world that I feel like I will be friends with for years to come. I would recommend Projects Abroad to anyone looking to volunteer in a foreign country- you learn so much about yourself and people in general that the experience is not to be missed! The only drawback is the price (it is quite pricey) but the money is used for such a great cause that this issue can be overlooked. My only regret is that I was not able to spend more time volunteering in Costa Rica!

I had an amazing experience volunteering in Tanzania with Projects Abroad. I'd lived in Africa once before, but in a different country and context, so I wasn't really sure what to expect. I was placed in a hospital outside of Arusha, and with a wonderful host family. The Projects Abroad staff were supportive without being intrusive; it was just enough structure to not feel lost, but not so much that it felt like a tour package. Working in the hospital was a very humbling experience (and required a strong stomach), and I really learned a lot. It was a lot more hands on than I had expected and I was asked to do a lot, which was really cool (and sometimes a little scary). Overall, I am very grateful for the experience and I would definitely recommend the program.

I volunteered in a Care placement with Projects Abroad for 3 months. I lived in Niteroi, a city of about 400,000 in the state of Rio de Janiero. I lived with a local family. My home was in a great location - it was a block from the beach and the bus stop. I worked every weekday at a creche - or care center. The creche is free, so most of the kids there came from relatively poor families. There were about 75 children ranging from 2 to 6 years old, and there were 14 staff members. At work, I played with the kids, fed them and bathed them. It was definitely a challenge and the experience often times pushed me out of my comfort zone. But the experience gave me invaluable perspective. Though the playground equipment is not as impressive as that of schools and care centers in the US (where I live), the kids for the most part act the same way. Kids are kids no matter where they live or what kind of background they have. During the weekend, volunteers were free to explore the marvelous city of Rio. I visited Cristo, Sugarloaf Mountain, the Lagoa, the Botanical Gardens, the Sambodrome, Flamengo Park, Arches of Lapa, Niteroi's Contemporary Art Museum, a favela, a samba club, some of Brazil's forts, and so much more. I watched a soccer game - the Fla-Flu game. It was between Flamengo and Fluminense, Rio's crosstown rivals. I enjoyed many of Brazil's beaches - from Ipanema Beach in Rio and Itacoatiara Beach in Niteroi. Along with sightseeing in Rio, I took side trips to Sao Paulo, Cabo Frio, Iguazu Falls, and the Amazon, where I held a crocodile and fished for piranhas. The volunteers mostly hung out together. The volunteers I worked with came from the US, UK, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Japan, and Portugal. Some people were taking gap years like me and some were taking time off from university or work. None of us knew each other before coming to Brazil, but we immediately had to trust and rely on one another. Brazil was incredibly eye-opening. I learned how to get around Brazil and immersed myself in the culture as much as I could. I became more alert and aware of my surroundings. I learned a lot from the way Brazilians treat others and approach life. They are never in a hurry and never seem stressed. Living in Brazil - where bus drivers wait for the man running to catch the bus from 2 blocks away and taxi drivers pull over to give money to beggars - moved me and humbled me. Brazilians amazed me with their warmth, openness, and carefree attitude towards life. The months I spent in Brazil were some of the most rewarding in my life. Projects Abroad's best feature is its flexibility. The staff does a good job placing you where you want, when you want, and how long you want, which is something I don't think any other gap year program offered.

I completed the Projects Abroad-Romania Program for academic credit towards my undergraduate degree. As a senior in my final semester of college, my project was to conduct independent field research on disadvantaged children abroad and then compose a lengthy report on my findings. Throughout this process, I was expected to immerse myself in the culture, complete surveys, and learn some of the local language. I contacted Projects Abroad shortly before the start of my semester with this "list." To my surprise, immediately after my web-chat with one of the New York City representatives, the organization got right to work in making my semester abroad a reality. Any questions that I had were immediately answered; all of my requests were accommodated. This early promptness and helpfulness definitely set the tone for the rest of my trip in Brasov, Romania. Throughout my time in Romania, I was afforded the opportunity to volunteer in three different orphanages, take Romanian cooking classes, speak at two Romanian High Schools, study the Romanian language, sightsee and visit museums throughout Brasov, attend social gatherings with volunteers from around the world, and immerse myself in the "local" life of the city. In this capacity, I meandered through historic buildings, cradled abandoned babies, played board games with formerly abused youths, learned how to cook "Galusti Cu Prune," interacted with high school students, and distributed surveys to Romanian locals. Most importantly, I also made many lifelong friends- from Romania and around the globe. It goes without saying that my time with Projects Abroad was one experience that I will never forget. The people I met-- my "host dinner families" (the families who taught me how to cook Romanian cuisine), the sweet children I volunteered with at the orphanages, the wonderful volunteers from all over the world, and the staff at the Romanian Offices-- all shaped my experience and allowed me to see the "oneness" of our collective humanity. I am forever grateful to Projects Abroad for being the conduit of this experience. For anyone wishing to travel beyond their geographic borders to continue their "education," whether through an academic program or an enhanced life experience, I highly recommend this program. Suffice it to say, I will definitely be returning to volunteer with Projects Abroad again. -Aly K, NJ

I spent two months in Romania doing a physical therapy placement and loved every single minute of it. Before this experience, the only time I had spent abroad was a week of an alternative spring break trip with 14 of my classmates, so I was a little nervous about going so far from home on my own. Those worries disappeared the minute I arrived to see the Projects Abroad sign in the airport. The staff was incredible at making me feel at home and trying to morph my experience into what I was looking for. For example, when I wanted a different experience from my placement, they had one set up for me within the week. My placement was at Hospice Casa Sperantei where I worked with children with lifelong disabilities and terminal illnesses. The physiotherapist I shadowed was amazing and really invested in teaching me. I was allowed to touch the patients, interact with them, feel their stiffness and crooked spines: experiences I hadn't had shadowing physical therapists in the US. I left this experience with no doubt that this was what I wanted to do as a career. I was so excited about it, I actually filled out almost all of my physical therapy school application while I was abroad! Being abroad over the summer was awesome. Since you can come and go when you want with Projects Abroad, I crossed path with 40some volunteers from all over the world. Every night we would meet up for dessert or karaoke or coffee, and on the weekends there was always someone to explore the country with. We became so close that I will always call them my Projects Abroad "family". I learned so much in Romania about myself and what I wanted in life. I met some incredible people and learned not only a ton about Romania, but the places where my fellow volunteers were from too. All of this with the beautiful Romanian backdrop, the summer I spent there was the best of my life.

I spent 2 weeks volunteering at a IT school in Mawala, a small village an hour south of the capital. The school was a single room with 12 computers where children came to take 3-month classes on how to use Microsoft, the Internet, and other basics like how to turn on/off a computer and how to use a mouse. Since they have no computers in their homes or public schools, this was the only place that most children had any chance to learn about computers. I found almost all the children to be extremely receptive and very excited to learn. I had a great time interacting with them and learned just how much I take for granted when it comes to computers. For example, it never occurred to me that I would need to teach someone what it means to "click" with a mouse - but then I realized that these children couldn't know such a thing because they had never observed someone using a computer before. The Projects Abroad staff was very supportive and checked in frequently to make sure everything was okay. They showed me how to get in contact with other volunteers and gave me lots of information on how to get around the city/country. They placed me with a good host family that had had numerous volunteers before (although I was their first American volunteer!). My host mother was an excellent cook and I learned to enjoy her spicy cooking. The other volunteers I met were extremely friendly and were from all over the world. We became fast friends and I had a great time traveling with them during my free weekend. Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with very friendly people, and my one free weekend turned out to be nowhere near enough time to see all the exciting places I wanted to see! This small island is packed with beautiful beaches, temples, and mountains and I recommend a longer stay if you have the time. But on the whole, I had a great time traveling and volunteering and would highly recommend the program!

My volunteer experience in Senegal from July-October 2011 with Projects Abroad was absolutely incredible. I was supported by the organization's staff from the day I first made contact with them, and have felt that contact through this day-- even after my experience has ended. I reviewed several organizations before making the choice to volunteer with P.A., and I would not have changed one thing about my decision. Through Projects Abroad, I found the perfect balance of support and independence, which is exactly what I was looking for in an organization. I didn't feel confined or overly directed while in Senegal, but someone was always there to help me if I needed assistance. The desk officer, social manager, and on-site staff were available 24/7, which is certainly a comfort to many individuals who volunteer in a foreign country. The excursions and social activities allowed for the chance to get to know other volunteers, and the projects themselves were extremely fulfilling and enlightening. Most of all, the structure of the program allowed for true immersion into the local culture. This is a vital element for volunteers to gain as much as possible from an experience while giving back to the residents of the community in which they work. The time I spent in Senegal genuinely changed my life, and Projects Abroad made that possible.

I loved my experiences in Sri Lanka through Projects Abroad. I learned so much about the country, it's people, the other volunteers that were from all over the world, and myself. The staff members were very helpful and accommodating. My host families were lovely and they always tried to make me feel like I was a member of their family and the community. The people were friendly, nice and very impressed when a couple of the other volunteers and myself would wear saris to work. They would make a point of telling us that we were teachers and they knew this because we wore a sari; my host moms were wonderful, from helping me get dressed in my sari in the morning, to accommodating their cooking for a vegetarian, to trying to teach me how to cook some of the local cuisine, and to bringing me tea when I was sick; they were just all around lovely people. I don't remember the final cost that I spent on my trip but the experiences I had and the friends that I made were worth every penny of it.

A small city in the Eastern European country of Romania is not where many people would go. However, for me, it was the most amazing 1-month experience I could have asked for and my choice to volunteer with Projects Abroad was the best decision ever. This summer I spent 1-month in a medical internship in Brasov, Romania through Projects Abroad. Preparing for my trip, I had no idea what to expect but the PA staff were with me from the time I considered a project. With frequent check-ups before my arrival in Romania, my friend and I felt ready to go to a new place. After travelling across time zones we arrived in Romania and it was unlike any place I had been before. The structure of the Projects Abroad program is what made it such a special experience for me. I lived with a host family and had a placement at a local care center for children with Down Syndrome. When I wanted more medical experience, the PA staff immediately gave me an opportunity to work in a local hospital as well. The freedom and flexibility of this program appealed to me the most. After being taught transportation and directions to work and the city center, we were responsible for attending every day. We could plan our own trips with other volunteers and if we ever had any questions, the PA office was just a 10 minute walk and the staff was more than happy to help plan. Romania was a place I had never before thought about going to, but ever since I returned to America, I can't stop talking about it. The friendships I made through my 1 month in Romania are more than I could have asked for. Projects Abroad was fantastic in every aspect of this trip and made my experience the way it was. Projects Abroad is a wonderful organization and I hope to participate in another program with them. I feel that everyone should participate in such eye-opening and life-changing experience.

I could not have been happier with my choice to volunteer with Projects Abroad. I found out about Projects Abroad through a career fair at my university and I thought it would a cool thing to do over the summer. I chose to travel to Moldova, located in Eastern Europe, because I had never heard of the small nation before. It was the best decision of my life thus far. I have no doubt that my friends are sick of me talking endlessly about my adventures in Moldova and my parents are probably disturbed by the total makeover which has taken place in my room to make space for all my pictures. From the moment I submitted my application the Projects Abroad staff was in contact with me. They were always prompt and knowledgeable although I would not recommend their flight booking service (you can find much better rates just booking airline tickets yourself). However, overall, I felt that the program was a good value. When I arrived in Moldova I was met at the airport by a friendly, and welcoming staff member. I was then brought to my host family who opened up their home to me and made me feel like I was staying with family. In terms of satisfaction with my volunteering project, I am extremely pleased. I started teaching my own classes the very first day I went to the local school. The students were so enthusiastic I instantly fell in love. Of course everyday was a challenge, but I was very pleased with the assistance and advice the staff provided me. Every weekend the Projects Abroad team offered trips to local sites to the volunteers. This was a great way to meet the other volunteers and see the area. Although I think they could have been done for less money, overall the chance to mingle with the other volunteers of set the potential price hike. I recommend Projects Abroad without hesitation. It was an amazing opportunity I am so grateful to have had.

As soon as I arrived at the airport, I was greeted by PA staff and taken to get dinner. The staff was very welcoming and attended to every question I had. Throughtout my stay, all staff were there to assist me with my needs, and It was great having someone who I coudl go to or call, e.g. the time I stayed out late and the rickshaw driver did not know where the address I was staying and we had to call the PA staff late at night and wake him up, but not to worry, he was helpful and I got home safe that night. I got sick 2 weeks into my trip, but the PA staff came and took me to the hospital and contacted me regularly to see how I was doing. I liked the fact there were regular scheduled outings for the wekend where we had to opportunity to have a guided tour and meet other volunteers. If I knew someone who wanted to volunteer overseas and was looking for an organization to sign up with, I would definately recommend Projects Abroad! The only thing I did not like was the fact I did nnot know the address where I would be staying, until I got to India. It could have helped to have been more prepared ahead of time.

As soon as I arrived in Ghana I was greeted by a staff member, very clearly marked as a Projects Abroad staffer, as well as, a few other volunteers who arrived on the same plane. Projects Abroad also provided me with plenty of contact information of staff members, just in case anything were to go wrong, a few weeks prior. This staff support continued throughout the 2 month trip. I was also very pleased to have weekly staff interactions during Tuesday night Quiz nights and during my outreach programs. I honestly could not have asked for a better accommodation. I stayed with Molly Yankey for my two month placement. She is the kindest and sweetest Host Mother in all of Cape Coast! She took care of me and my seven other roommates like we were all her daughters. She cooked to our preferences and always made sure we were well fed. Even having a roommate who was a vegetarian, she met her needs to the best of her abilities. I am so thankful for my placement at Miss Molly's because it also meant living with Esi and George, as well. They are like family to me now and I stay in contact with them, even a year later. The conditions were great, especially for being in a third world country. The running water would often not work, but that was only due to overall Cape Coast city problems. However, Molly always made sure to have water stored on hand so all 8 of the volunteers and the three family members could take showers and use water as need be. My project was with the Central Regional Hospital in Cape Coast and I worked as a Physiotherapist. I was able to work with my own patients, diagnose, and rehab with my own plan. Definitely an experience that I would not have been able to have in the united states without being certified. I was treated respectfully and always have plenty to do. Overall, I had an amazing experience with my placement and on top of that, an extraordinary time traveling all around the country of Ghana during the weekends. The price for the program was a bit lofty, but with how well the two months went and how well everything was taken care of, did I mention I contracted Malaria and the staff took me to the hospital and checked up on me for days after??, I am perfectly satisfied with how much I paid. I know I could not have had an equal experience going through a different program.

My experience with Projects Abroad was surprising and life-changing. I must admit I found things to be a bit rough at first. Once arriving in Accra, I was greeted by scorching heat and humidity. When I was first offered a water, instead of receiving a water bottle or a glass like I'm used to, I was given a little square plastic pouch filled with water. My face must've shown how surprised I was because the very friendly Projects Abroad staff member responded to my reaction with "I know it's a bit weird. You just have to bite the corner off and sip." I obviously did not know what I was in for. There were many things in Ghana I found surprising and strange, but those feelings immediately disappeared when I began to realize it was all a culture shock for me and that this was how many people live their lives in other parts of the world. My host family and all the Projects Abroad staff members made me feel so welcome. I found all the townspeople in Cape Coast to be so humble and hospitable, I felt like two weeks was simply not enough! I made so many new friends and I got to spend time with other teenagers who had the same passion as me. I would not trade my experiences with Projects Abroad for anything in the world and I most definitely will be joining the program again next summer. I recommend PA for anyone who would like to make a difference in the world, help make the lives of those less fortunate better, while at the same time, have an awesome time doing it!

Without Projects Abroad, I do not think that I would have been able to have such a successful trip to Morocco. Sure, I could have planned my own trip, but I would not have been able to locate a family in the beautiful old part of Rabat, the nation's capital, on my own, and I would not have been able to find such a qualified French tutor without their assistance either. Furthermore, being part of Projects Abroad gave me the opportunity to network with other ex-pats during our weekly get-togethers. Projects Abroad also accepted my outside scholarship money. When I went to Morocco, it was the first time I had ever been to a Muslim country, and Projects Abroad really helped me adjust while also letting me discover the country by myself. I was able to travel freely without feeling like Projects Abroad was breathing down my neck, but I also knew that if I needed help, staff was only a phone call and a few miles away.

This trip with Projects Abroad was absolutely amazing. I thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in a completely unknown culture and life. The Ghanaians were welcoming and very accepting. The Projects Abroad staff were warm and supportive but also were good about keeping a distance so one could have the complete experience. The children at the daycare were adorable and kind. Realizing how little they have, both education and materials, was shocking. Helping to teach them English and basic lessons was very rewarding. I would give anything to go back to Ghana!

I loved Ghana and everything about it. I plan on going back to Ghana next year with Projects Abroad again, because everything was executed so well and was extremely organized. I'm looking forward to next summer already. :)

I had a fantastic time with Projects Abroad. The staff were extremely welcoming, meeting me at the airport, introducing me to my host family, and taking me on a "test run" of how to get to and from my placement. They dropped in to make sure that I was having a good time, and just generally made me feel supported and safe. My host family was also an amazing resource for support and love. Right away I knew that this was a place where I could be happy.

I have just returned from my amazing Medical Mission trip to Mongolia and I would like to thank Projects Abroad. The trip was everything I hoped for, though a little surprising in some aspects, and your help enabling me to have this experience means a lot to me. From the very start, with my 36 hour delay and over night stay in Beijing, I knew this would be an interesting experience and a trip I would never forget. Apparently Mongolia has certain wind drafts that make it difficult to land airplanes in the Chinggis Khan Airport, so flights from Beijing to Ulaan Baatar are frequently delayed. Fortunately for me, my flight originally scheduled for 7 am Saturday was delayed until 7pm the next day. This meant I was only a bus, airport train, and underground subway away from spending an entire day in Beijing. I was able to see the Temple of Heaven where emperors prayed each year to the heavens for a good harvest, Tiananmen Square , the Forbidden City, and the Lama Temple Buddhist Monastery. Having seen a city I never expected to visit on this trip, I was then ready to begin my two week mission in Mongolia. I don't really know how to start talking about Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia other than to say it was interesting. The first day I was there I saw Mercedes, Land Cruisers, BMW's, Hummers, and Lexus cars that I never thought I would see in Mongolia, but the rundown, rusted apartment buildings the cars maneuvered through quickly assured me that I was indeed in the right place. However, the apartment I lived in was fairly nice and clean besides the fact it was on the 7th floor with no elevator and had some mold lining the stairway walls all the way up. I noticed this all my first day there and once I had a feeling of what the city looked like, I was ready to go to work in the hospitals. With my previous experience I was able to help a lot, including removing sutures from a man's eye. I was also able to observe many interesting things in various hospitals and clinics. To start, due to a lack of money, the Shastin's State Hospital of Mongolia only has one Stryker drill for a neurosurgery department that has nearly ten surgeries every day. But as if this isn't bad enough, the drill was broken. So the craniectomies I observed were either done with a hand saw, a hammer and chisel, or just cauterization through the skull. Once the surgeries were then completed, the skin flap was sutured closed directly over the brain tissue without a patch or other protective material. This is because a skull flap/patch costs about $800 in Mongolia, and the average annual salary is only about $1000. In addition to brain surgeries, I saw a tonsillectomy with only local anesthetic, many cholecystectomies, hernia repairs, heart surgery, vaginal births, a couple of c-section births, and a premature baby die helplessly on a table in front of me. I am very fortunate to have had so much experience at Little Co of Mary Hospital because that offered me many chances to make comparisons to western medicine/surgery that I would have otherwise been unaware of. In addition to my medical work during the weeks, I went with several other volunteers and our supervisors to spend the night in a ger in the Terelj National Park on the weekend. The wide rivers, endless mountains, and actually fresh air (completely unlike Ulaan Baatar) was incredible and the whole trip would have been worth just going to this national park. We ate cooked beef with a nomad family for dinner in a ger, I got to ride a yak , and then at 4am the next morning me and another kid decided to climb on top of the biggest mountain for sunrise. We could see forever in every direction and after several hours of sitting on top, we returned to camp and then headed back to the city. Overall, visiting both China and Mongolia made this an amazing trip and again I really want to thank you very much for helping me have this experience. I feel I have gained much insight into the ways of a completely different culture, lifestyle, and style of medicine very unlike our own, and I will carry this awareness forward with me as I embark on my life's journey into the world of medicine. Sincerely, Alex Seyferth

The three month business internship program with Build Shanghai and Lister Investment & Management in Shanghai, China was the most amazing learning experience of my life and provided the best eye opening environment for anyone seeking to enter the international business world with strong insight into the Chinese market and developing future industry specific business proposals and networking contacts.

The Projects Abroad team was great at giving me all the support I needed leading up to the trip. If you want to make sure you are secure at all times use this organization. At the airport I was greeted promptly and made to feel right at home right away. My host family was absolutely amazing and everyone in Projects Abroad wanted to make sure I was safe and happy at all times. The materials provided were very useful,and the staff was always available for support at any time. The program itself is a bit expensive and I the only downfall I saw was not enough money from what I paid going into the orphanage I worked at. I feel the price is a bit high, but I am glad I used Projects Abroad for my first volunteer trip to Africa because they always made sure I was comfortable and safe and healthy - so in this sense it was worth the extra cost.

Projects Abroad was an amazing experience. The staff is courteous and on top of things. They don't stifle you with attention or hold you by the hand, but neither do they just throw you out without any information or know-how. My host family was very kind and would go out of their way to make sure we were comfortable. The food was also amazing (unless you don't like spicy food!). The placement went slowly at first, but by the end we were giving regular talks to students on HIV prevention and treatment. Of course the Projects Abroad HIV program in Ghana is still fairly new, so of course it's going to have growing pains. Overall Projects Abroad was a great decision for me and I highly recommend choosing it. Ghana is an amazing country as well, so you really can't go wrong!

It has been nearly four years since we began our collaboration with Projects Abroad and during these years we have had the pleasure of working with a number of your volunteers. The children, who are between the ages of 3 and 6, have enjoyed learning about other cultures and the enthusiasm with which the volunteers work, has helped to encourage and stimulate the children in so many ways. It has been a privilege to work so closely with people from different countries and the exchange of cultures has meant that we have all benefited greatly from the volunteer program. Your volunteers have shown more than just love and care for the children and have given their time to bring new activities by teaching the children new songs, dance and games. Working in an orphanage can sometimes become rather stressful and having the volunteers here has helped tremendously in alleviating some of that stress. As a result of our cooperation with your organization since 2003, two classrooms have been refurnished with new carpets, wardrobes, shelves with a new drainage system and heating system have been installed. We have also been able to provide the children with more toys and equipment, which simplifies the daily running of the orphanage. This kind of contribution deserves more gratitude than we can possibly express. Thank you so much for all your help and for making the lives of these children not only easier, but also much happier. We're sure our cooperation will continue and develop even further in the future.

From day one, the PA staff in the US worked hard to make sure I could complete all of the requirements necessary for my college credit towards my internship. They responded quickly to all of my e-mails and calls. Once I was accepted into the program, the staff in Fiji was also quick to respond to my questions and needs. Everyone made me feel confident and ready for a successful trip to Fiji. Once I arrived, I was immediately greeted by a staff member which was great because I already felt lost and exhausted from traveling long hours. I arrived immediately at my host-families house. My family was very friendly and did all they could to make sure I enjoyed my stay. The food that my host mother made was wonderful! They also asked if there was something particular I didn't eat but I was open to trying new things. I got a roommate after a couple of days which is a great plus. It was nice to have another volunteer to talk to and do things with. There were a few complications later on in my trip with the meals and staff (not keeping things confidential) but this is a minute problem that was immediately addressed. I liked that the staff did take time to meet with the volunteers mid-way between our stay to find out how everything was going at the accommodations and placement. Any conflicts were resolved immediately. The placement was great. It was challenging working with 35+ students in a class but it was also very rewarding once you figured out how to manage things a little bit more. I would've liked to do more teaching with the students but this particular class wasn't really setup in a way where the teacher taught at the front of the class like in traditional classes here in the US. Again, if any one did have a problem with their placement, the PA staff were quick and helpful to letting us go elsewhere. PA also held weekly socials which was a great way to meet other volunteers and do something fun. The staff are also helpful in planning any weekend trips you may want to take. Overall, it was a great experience and you can't go expecting to have the luxuries you have back home. You have to be open to trying new things and doing things that you want to do.. you are there for yourself and to teach children so make the best of it! And if you go and feel that you're not comfortable .. speak up! The staff will help you and do what they can do to make things better. Also, when I returned the US, the staff again were quick to get in touch and talk about my experience and let me know how I could be involved. For the pricing, I felt it was a little much. I am not sure exactly how the money is used but I do feel we could have gotten a little more for the price we paid. I'd like to see some of our money go to our schools because the students struggle with having supplies such as pencils, erasers, paper, etc. Great experience and I definitely would recommend PA.