Globalteer

I spent a fantastic month with TRACC near the north tip of Borneo from early January to early February. I camped in a comfortable tent under the trees just in from a beautiful beach. The diving was brilliant, lionfish, nudebranches, rays, a turtle, we even saw a whale shark from the boat! It was really rewarding to be able to help with the reef conservation, it was great to see the marine life colonising artificial reefs other volunteers had put in, and it was great fun making and installing new reefs. The visibility wasn't always fantastic but this was because there was lots of plankton, which is what attracted the whale shark! I think the weather gets better after March. The food was great and we could go body boarding or kayaking, or go to the north tip of Borneo in our spare time. The people were fantastic, really welcoming, friendly and fun, and I learned loads about marine life, fish ID and coral conservation as well as the problems currently facing sharks. I passed my advanced open water diver and emergency first response courses while I was there. I would definitely recommend going to anyone who enjoys the sea, you don't have to be a diver, you can take your open water certification when you get there. I wish I had stayed longer!

I had a very very good experience in chiang mai. Everything was perfect, i made a lot of amazing friendships and loved my project and the kids that i worked with. I have no words to explain how this trip changed my life and the way that i see the world. Im also in love with Thailand and this amazing city that is chiang mai. I LOVE CHANYA AND JOY

I spent two weeks in Medellin, a week of which I volunteered with Globalteer. I had not previously volunteered or travelled to Colombia so was unsure what to expect. Leading up to my trip I frequently exchanged emails with Elena, the project coordinator. Elena arranged my accommodation, Spanish lessons, pick up from the airport and sent me lots of useful information about the project and Medellin in general. Once I arrived in Colombia I was met at the airport and driven to the hostel in El Poblado. The hostel was ideally located, very clean and the staff were fantastic! I met with Elena the next day and she showed me around El Poblado and how to get to the project. Once at the project I was introduced to the staff and children and given a tour of the facilities. As a volunteer you are given the freedom to plan your own activities and chose which areas you want to help with. During my with the children I helped clean up after meals, organised and took part in arts and craft activities, walked the children to school and took them to play in the park. I also gave one of the older children one to one help with his English work from school.The staff at the project were very welcoming they are also genuinely invested in the children they care for. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the project and in Colombia and hope to return!