United Planet

This volunteer program was by far the best program I have participated in. From the beginning, everything was organized and the volunteer coordinator was prepared with all the information. Not only were the students I taught amazing, the other volunteers I met were just as great. This program has given me memories that will last a lifetime and friends that I will continue to stay in contact with.

The teaching was definitely rewarding. Being able to see the understanding and appreciation in the students faces was one of the best things I've ever seen. Just knowing that you have made a difference, no matter what size, in someone's life is really an experience that everyone must have. Volunteering was great not only because of what I've accomplished, but also how the program changed me. I feel more confident and useful now in my school and life because of the volunteer work. The friendships made were also fantastic. Volunteering with the group that i volunteered with definitely added to the experience, and I know that even after volunteering, we will always be very good friends. Overall, this was possibly one of the best times I've had in my life and if I had to do it again, I would do it in a heartbeat.

I enjoyed being immersed in Japanese culture very much and only wish I had been able to spend more time there. My host family was amazing and wonderful. They made me feel completely welcome and part of the family. As a result, I was never homesick and didn't want to leave them in the end!

I could not have imagined a more perfect first visit to Japan, all thanks to United Planet. It was the most organized, fulfilling organization I have ever been apart of. The experience surpassed my expectations: from the host family, to the volunteer work, the visits around Japan, to the everyday cultural involvement - the people of United Planet and Japan made me feel like I was family. I went to Japan to volunteer and in turn I learned more than I could have dreamed of in such a short quest time period. I will absolutely be using United Planet again and would recommend this amazing organization to anyone that asked with flying colors.

I loved working in quito, Ecuador - the people were wonderful, my host family was so nice, and i felt like i realy made a difference. I am so glad that i decided to go on this quest; it was definately a life changing experience.

I had the most marvelous experience volunteering abroad in guatemala with united planet. My language skills improved tremendously and I made lasting bonds with my host family and other volunteers from around the world. My volunteer work was both challenging and rewarding. I hope to go on another longer quest soon.

My experience in Nepal was more than I ever expected it could be. I met people who are now my best friends. Living in Nepal helped me to find myself and discover who I want to be back in America. My life has changed because of the students I met and the teachers I met. Life is about who you meet and how you respond to them. The students and the teachers treated me as family and made me feel like I was home. It was wonderful to eat only food that was taken from the earth and not have electricity for two months. In short, I couldn't have had a better experience and I would encourage anyone to travel and learn about other cultures. But most of all, travel and learn about yourself.

I had the most amazing time. The pre-departure information was very helpful. And having the 60 days before my trip was essential in getting prepared. Upon arrival, I was taken to my hotel for the night and the dinner with Binita was very comforting. They did not take us to the school until Tuesday which I thought was nice because it gave me a whole day to get over some culture shock. I taught alongside another volunteer wednesday through friday, and then the following Monday had my own classes. It was nice to get accustomed to it first with another volunteer. My classes and the teachers were great, I did have one experience where I witnessed the teacher beating the kids and I told the school coordinator I was not comfortable being in that situation; the situation was quickly fixed. Other than that, my experience at the school was flawless. Excursions were very fun and it was always nice to have other volunteers to talk with on the weekends. My host family was fantastic, it is definitely helpful to have a hostfamily that you feel you can chat with and open up to. Being able to call it 'home' was very comforting during my five weeks away. All in all, I was entirely please with my experience, it exceeded my expectations and I would absolutely do it all over again. I speak very highly of United Planet.

Jordan was an amazing experience. The small country has a vast amount of beauty and 3 weeks was not even close enough to see all that it had to offer. The culture is amazing and most people were very interesting in what I was doing in Jordan. I can not wait to go back in the future!

My trip to Tibet was like a gift from God. It was magical, beautiful, raw, full of journey and discovery. I experienced the people's love for life, simplicity, and their unjaded curiosities for things beyond their experience and understanding. I experienced true human kindness and everyday I strove to be a better person because of it. I am forever grateful to United Planet for this opportunity and to the Tibet in-country hosts for their love and acceptance.

Living with my Tanzanian host family was the most rich cultural experience of my life - the language, food, clothing, child rearing, daily doses of laughter - it was all eye-opening to me.

I would recommend anyone who is interested in broadening his/her horizon to join this program. I was assigned to live with a local family. In my mind, the host family couldn't have done a better job. Due to certain logistic issue, they offered their own house to us and moved themselves to a tent. Food was always more than what we can reasonably eat, and always tasted great! I was very well received by everyone especially the students. They were all super enthusiastic to learn. Even the most jaded person would be moved by their appreciation of you being there. Get ready to have a fan club halfway across the world!

I had a great experience with United Planet in Jordan. I enjoyed the volunteer work I was doing, but more than that I loved getting to know the people there. My coworkers, friends, and random acquaintances were all great hosts, eager to make me at home in their country. What's more, my host family was wonderful and really made me feel like a valuable part of their lives: I miss them already! Jordan is a beautiful country with a rich history to explore, but the personal relationships I formed were by far the best part of my experience.

If you want the highest high you will ever have, go VOLUNTEER!

I couldn't have been more pleased with my experience in Ecuador. Wonderful host family, great program coordinator, and beautiful country. I truly felt that my work was appreciated and am eager to return to re-connect with the amazing people I met.

The children in Romania were a gift to our family. The work we did for them in their village felt small compared to the what we received in return. There were tears on both sides when we departed. We hope to visit the children again.

I enjoyed being totally immersed in the culture of Nepal. Living and working with a family gave me an outlook on Nepal that I'm sure few visitors get to experience. Having the opportunity to experience life in a completely different culture, and feeling like I've helped make a small difference, has been a life changing experience.

Volunteering in Tanzania was the most rewarding experience I have ever had. I woke up every morning with a purpose and spent the day learning a valuable lesson about patience, love, acceptance and gratitude.