Love Volunteers

Born in Zimbabwe in the 1970s’ makes it a special destination for me and I would love to offer my support and learn more about my birth country. I can offer workshops seminars training f for staff and teachers and drum workshops for children.

I volunteered in Bosnia and Herzegovina for two months while teaching English, arts and crafts and some other workshops to the youth in the host city and it was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. From working with the very youngest children to some surprisingly talented young adults, it was a journey of discovery of not only what I could contribute but also learnings for my own life. The best part of the program is the degree of freedom that is offered - as long as your idea makes sense and attracts participants, you will be fully supported to put it into practice, hopefully for the long run. In the abundant free time offered (the whole weekend, except during summer holidays), feel free to visit one of Europe's most underrated destinations, which is filled with culture and cost-effective transport and stays.

My experience in mental health support as a volunteer has been a transformative journey that has brought hope, healing, and positive change to individuals facing mental health challenges. Through my dedicated involvement in a volunteer program, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that compassionate support and advocacy can have on the lives of those struggling with mental health issues. As a volunteer, my focus was on providing emotional support, guidance, and a listening ear to individuals navigating their mental health journeys. I worked closely with mental health professionals and other volunteers to create a safe and non-judgmental environment where individuals could express their thoughts, share their experiences, and receive the support they needed. Each interaction was an opportunity to offer empathy, understanding, and encouragement to those facing mental health challenges. I engaged in one-on-one conversations, support group sessions, and community outreach initiatives, all aimed at destigmatizing mental health, promoting self-care, and encouraging individuals to seek professional help when needed. The impact of my volunteer work extended far beyond the immediate moments of connection. Witnessing individuals find solace, experience breakthroughs, and regain a sense of hope and purpose was incredibly gratifying. Through consistent support, I observed individuals develop coping mechanisms, build resilience, and embark on their personal journeys towards healing and recovery. The cultural diversity within the volunteer program further enriched my experience. I had the opportunity to engage with individuals from various backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences. This diversity fostered a sense of inclusivity, allowing for the exchange of diverse perspectives and the discovery of common humanity. It reinforced the importance of cultural sensitivity and tailored approaches in mental health support. Now, I am passionate about spreading the word about the significance of mental health support and the power of volunteering in this field.

I previously participated in a trip abroad to represent my country abroad in the field of art and music, and we got third place in singing. I am a girl who loves to travel and help others, especially since I am a doctor. I am used to caring about the health of others. I strive to volunteer in many fields

Hi, I just finished my time volunteering with LV in Costa Rica and wanted to share my experience, as I mostly only could find reviews for African or Asian countries on the internet before my trip. I was in Jaco Beach and joined the Educational Support programme by LV. Unfortunately I would absolutely not recommend this programme. I was supposed to stay for 6 weeks but left after just 1.5 weeks. I think that because Love Volunteers is such a huge organization who have programmes all over the world, they don’t really know what’s going on at every project location. I had so many struggles arriving before even volunteering. The circumstances of the project don’t allow volunteers to actually help and make a difference. The programme description on the website was very different and while you expected to actually make a difference here and feel like you could make an impact on the children life, you were just disappointed. I was supposed to go into schools and help the children learn English. Firstly, we were at a public school, where they desperately needed our help with English but unfortunately the school was super unstructured (which is of course normal that the circumstances are not the best) and the English teacher was barely there (the English teacher had personal issues and was barely coming to school to teach). The children were just missing out in their opportunity to learn English. We weren’t allowed to teach a class ourselves, so we were just assigned random cleaning tasks around the school. Because we were upset about not giving the chance to help the children (while also only being in school for an hour daily) they managed to assign us to a different school. The new school: A private bilingual school, teachers from the US, students fluent in English…no help needed. Now that sadly wasn’t the intention of the programme at all anymore. Those kids at the public school needed the help but sadly the school and programme managers couldn’t make it accessible to them. This of course is just a single experience, but I think that the situation at the school has been like that for a while. Which LV should’ve known about and in my opinion shouldn’t have offered this programme anymore. Also, which for me is also a part of volunteering, that I expected was to be in a community of other volunteers who are helping out as well. If you’re looking for a fun experience with other volunteers who share the same passion for helping as you, then definitely don’t join this programme. When I arrived there was one more guy here, who before me was alone for a few weeks. If you’re planning to stay long term than you should maybe consider that. If I had know about it before, I would’ve thought twice about it. Of course this is also only because I’m a young student taking a gap year and wanna have fun experiences while volunteering. Overall, I think that other locations might be a better option if you rlly wanna make a difference and volunteer. But what I rlly appreciate is that LV tried to better my experience here and look for alternatives. They also rlly just weren’t aware of the situation here and tried to adjust it.

Great experience in Rwanda! The local staff are very, very friendly and helpful. The place is very safe and they try to make it as convenient as possible. A chance to interact with local people and see how they work and live. Everything worked, very very well!

Building a mud hut for AIDS orphans is a very impactful and meaningful time in rural Zambia, where families live typically on <$2 per day. No previous experience needed - just optimism and some manual work in the sun to create a home for a village family. Wonderfully friendly people - we’re in our fifties now and loved the time with the project leads Paula and Matt who both live locally now. Jump in! Give it a go.

An experience that surpassed my expectation! I really cannot pin point to a single moment, and say this was the best. As the experience as a whole was amazing and brought back a lot of memories. From the warm welcome from Alli, Leila & Amina, meeting other volunteers at the house, to interacting with the kids & meeting the hospital staff will always be cherished. It was an adventure from volunteering, living with other volunteers & sharing our experiences, to exploring the cities; overall well planned so we can have some time to unwind and relax. A lot of respect for the team so dedicated to the projects and thinking of those in need. Surely will continue to explore other countries with Love Volunteers, and at some point would love to go back to Rabat.

The project was far beyond what I had expected. I spent three weeks in the department of cardiology of Somdech Phra Pinklao Hospital in Bangkok. On the first day I received a thorough schedule of what I was going to see and learn in the next weeks, but the best part was the team: they gave me a kind and hearty welcome and everyone was very nice and willing to share with me everything they could and wanted about both cardiology and Thai culture. The clinical part of the internship was in English and, as I don't come from an English speaking country, I had to get familiar with a different terminology, which was challenging for the first few days, but at the same time it was the most useful thing I got from this internship for my future medical career and what I am most thankful for. Living in such a wonderful and different city like Bangkok is truly a life changing experience. I needed a great open-mindedness to live this experience, but since diversity and uniqueness are two of the thing I love the most, it wasn't difficult for Bangkok and Thai culture to find a place among my best and beloved memories.

Good project interesting care about nature and help to grow trees and ultimate natural program his amazing program is a long term project which aims to deliver significant environmental and community benefits in the Christchurch region. Working in diverse locations from inner-city parks and waterways to scenic hilltops overlooking the Pacific ocean and coastal reserves, volunteers will work on restoring biodiversity in the area, support.

I had a time of my life i just want live the real life, compartir my time in this moment with real people. See other culture, expand my mind, compartir saberes, be a friend and connect with people a través the universal awareness.

I am Ahmed from Bahrain. I've volunteered in a middle school in Istanbul to help the Turkish students in the English lessons. It was the most challenging experience I've ever had. I felt in love with the environment and everything was going in the right way. The children were lovely and grateful and they were utilizing their efforts to learn and practice more. I hope that I'll come back again soon. My thankfulness to Love Volunteers for offering me this great chance which increases my self-confidence and my desire to help others. Istanbul is a wonderful city in which you cannot get bored in it. Many activities you can do in your free time. It has a perfect transportation system including buses and metro stations as well as the taxies which were found everywhere. You will not face any difficulties in hiring to the project site. It is better to have a mobile 4G service with internet connection so that it'll be easier to find your correct way. You'll enjoy the Turkish cuisine which are diverse and delicious. The school staff were very friendly and cooperative especially the English teachers as they help to break the language barrier with the children. They are always available when I require any help. The children were very friendly and intimate, and they accept my presence with them. Other teachers were very gregarious, and they invited me to attend their classes. TIPS: You will absolutely get familiar with your stay in Turkey. You will love the project and the environment. Everyone here sends their greetings to you. It's better to have an internet connection with you to stay in touch with your assistant. I recommend volunteering in this project with Love Volunteers.

Everyone in the volunteer programme were friendly and welcoming. The children we helped were absolutely gorgeous and so warm and fun to be with. They enjoyed all the donations I supplied, eg play doh, textas/ pencils, masks, plasticine, stickers, koalas and stickers. The country of Argentina is amazing. So much to see and do. The people are so friendly and helpful. I will definitely return to Argentina. If you have the time and money you should visit the Iguazú Waterfalls. This was the highlight for me. TIPS: The children were lovely so come with an open heart. Bring some art/ craft activities for the children. The ages seem to range from three to 13 years of age. If you speak some Spanish this will definitely help.

Overall, I am very glad I decided to visit Nepal. Staying at the monastery was such a unique cultural and spiritual experience. Nepal is a very unique and naturally beautiful country. The people are so incredibly friendly and interesting. I think this has to do with how religious the country is :). And the food is amazing. The only thing I wasn't very prepared for was the amount of dust/pollution. TIPS: Research a lot about Nepal and the city you are staying in before you visit so you can be more comfortable and confident during your stay! Make a general list of things you want to do but also be sure to live like a local and go with the flow! That is when the most unexpected and memorable experiences happen. Also, try to travel around Nepal a bit or elsewhere in Asia if you have time.

Tirana is a safe, interesting city with lots of places to visit and eat. The people are very respectful and friendly and transportation in the city is excellent. Albania is country full of history, with a variety of museums to visit, from history to art. There are a variety of restaurants, cafés and bars where you can eat and relax. The people are very relaxed and polite. Altin was very friendly and kindly provided airport pickup and departure. He also recommended places to visit. Maria is a lovely lady who cares deeply for animals and there is some really crucial work being done at the shelter such as sterilisation, rehabilitation and adoptions. There are too many animals at the shelter and not enough people to ensure all the dogs for example have enough environmental enrichment and exercise but of course I understand this is difficult and differs from country to country and hopefully will begin to change as the attitude improves toward animal welfare in Albania. TIPS: Make sure you go out into the city and sample traditional Albanian food, visit the attractions such as the museums. As for the project don't be afraid to suggest doing certain things, such as taking the dogs in the clinic outside for exercise as well as interacting and spending time with as many of the dogs as you can. Maria is very open and will listen to suggestions. Cleaning the shelter takes up a lot of time, however there are staff employed at the shelter which gives volunteers time for this crucial interaction.

I loved my childcare project. The children's home was a lot of fun and a really valuable eye-opening experience. Its an awesome way to see a different culture and get to know people, and there was plenty of down time to explore the area! Nepal is an awesome country. Everyone is very nice and helpful - although do you need to be assertive and able to say no especially when walking alone. The scenery is beautiful on a clear day. I also went paragliding, trekking, and to other attractions around Pokhara. The staff at the children's home were great! There were really helpful if we ever needed anything and happy to help organise things. The project involved helping the children get ready for school, walking them to the bus stop, helping with their studying, teaching some English, and just spending time with them. We also cut vegetables each day for lunch and dinner. I loved my time here so much! We left the children's home a couple of times to teach the children how to ride bikes at the park and to wash clothes at the river.

A wonderful experience. Very friendly and helpful staff. Highly professional organisation. Pleased to have participated. Incredible location and much better living accommodation than I'd expected. Very fond of Thailand. It is unpretentious and has a certain honest. TIPS: Try to look at life and not your phones !!!

I feel like I got the perfect blend of insight on everyday life and tourism. I loved Kenya. It was very peaceful and the people were very friendly and hospitable. I loved working at the Wema Hospital. Dr. George and the nurses were very nice and I got a lot of hands on experience. TIPS: My housing ran out of water while I was there. It would be helpful to make sure you have enough clothes for the whole time, because you might not be able to wash them.

Overall, this was an amazingly beautiful experience! :) Both teachers, volunteers and students were all very passionate, loving and excited about learning/teaching. To be surrounded by an atmosphere of positive people doing their best to improve (either themselves or others), can't help but leave a smile on your face from ear to ear! You fall in love with the Lao young people almost immediately! Lifelong relationships were absolutely formed and I would return with the snap of my finger if I could! :) Additionally, the logistics of the entire program were handled seamlessly. From the transportation from the airport, to establishment at the guesthouse, to our restaurant that provided meals everyday, it all flowed together, was within walking distance and overall very efficient. Luang Prabang and Laos overall is a very, very beautiful place! I see why there are SO many tourist in that UNESCO World Heritage town. Surrounded by mountains, rivers and a green blanket of nature, Laos/Luang Prabang is absolutely worth a visit either as a volunteer or nasty tourist! ;) The LV local team & staff are 200 percent incredible! The Lao teachers are some of the most loving, caring and supportive teachers I've ever seen. They truly care about the Lao students who are learning English and have great patience for all. They warmly accept volunteers into their classrooms and are not afraid to use us to the maximum extent possible; which is great because we are there to serve! They don't treat us like a nuisance and the whole Club knows the importance of having English speakers participate because it's such a powerful learning tool for their students. TIPS: Volunteer here! Now! Your help is wanted, valued and appreciated! The most important things you need to bring is energy, passion and a smile!:) Having a heart that is excited when the lightbulb turns on for the Lao young people is also needed. Everything else will fall into place. Having confidence too in front of a classroom and not being a weirdo in a bad way (I'm a weirdo but in a good way?) also help. Bring appropriate clothing to teach/volunteer since the location is at a monastery but to be honest that's what the Night Market is for; you can buy clothes there for real cheap and that's a great way to assimilate into the culture. Overall, you will love Luang Prabang. It's safe, clean and a vibing city to live and volunteer in. Just do it!

Great, well-balanced mix of service and tourism. Well organized and very welcoming local team in India. Fascinating country with so much to see and learn. -Street children project was very fun and rewarding. -Elephant project at Wildlife SOS Mathura was the highlight for me. Thoroughly enjoyed the staff and experiences afforded by volunteering with rescue elephants -Local staff in Delhi was fantastic! They look after every detail and need. They also coordinated trustworthy guides and drivers in the other tour cities, Agra and Jaipur.

Such an incredible and eye-opening experience, definitely an experience that I will keep close to my heart. When I first arrived in Nepal I was incredibly overwhelmed, it's difficult to ignore the poverty, the stray dogs and the dust-filled streets. It was honestly such a culture shock, but the people in Nepal are truly the kindest and most gentle people I've ever met. For my 3,5 weeks I stayed in Pokhara, where the childcare home was about a 30 minute walk from Lakeside Pokhara. I was really lucky as most days I had a clear view of the Annapurna mountain range. I don't think I could've picked a better place to volunteer. Firstly, HUGE thank you to Nicole and her team at Love Volunteers. I applied in April 2018 (to Volunteer in December 2018/ January 2019) with another volunteering agency (IVHQ). Unfortunately, I think it was a bit of a scam as they couldn't seem to find a placement for me or give me any information and came up with excuses saying "the schools and orphanages are closed in December", after I had paid a $300 registration fee 6 months in advance. So, last minute and out of complete desperation I applied to Love Volunteers and they helped me find a placement, Nicole was super helpful- giving me all the information I needed and answering all my questions and constantly checking up on me during my volunteering stay. Another HUGE thank you to Manoj, for making sure I got to the hostel in Kathmandu safely and for all the help in Pokhara. Thank you to the staff at the Himalayan Children's home, especially Sonam. I got really sick in my first week in Pokhara and he was always checking up on me to see if I was okay and said that whenever I wanted milk tea, he would organise it (milk tea is heaven in a cup). Thank you to the other staff at the Himalayan Children's home for always being so kind and welcoming towards me. To the kids, although some of you aren't kids anymore- thank you for showing me so much kindness during my stay. Thank you for all the laughs, late night talks, the hugs, walks to the bus stops, for showing me some really cool Nepali songs and dance moves, for helping me and the other volunteers cut onions (seriously). You are all incredible, so thank you. TIPS: 1. Don't expect a hot shower, so shower in the late afternoon. 2. Bring a sleeping bag and a pillow, especially if you're volunteering in winter as the nights get really cold. 3. Bring a headlamp as sometimes the electricity goes out at random times. 4. Buy toilet paper. 5. Spend as much time with the kids as possible.

This one-week volunteering service trip was a very meaningful and life-changing experience in my life. I visited two orphangages everyday , the first one is for younger kids aged from five to eight, while another one is for ten to thirdteen years old kids. We played a lot of group games, for instance, ‘FishNet’, ‘What time is it, Mr Fox?’, ‘Monkey and the Ball’... They participated actively in all activities I prepared, especially when I taught them to fold paper planes and asked them to decorate their lovely handmade planes. We also threw out our planes together at a time by counting 1-2-3. Some of them, especially boys, even tried to fold more than one. From their laughters, I can tell that they really enjoyed a lot! And I did enjoy a lot too! I was also touched by a girl from the orphanage in Southern Cherkasy, she asked me to write down my name on her paper plane suddenly. Although it was just a little action, I could feel that she treasured the time with me very much. I really hope that the kids can keep the planes and remember the times we had together. Ukraine is a developing country where the buses there is a bit older and smaller than those we used to take. However, the daily expenses on transportation and food are not expensive at all. It takes only 5 UAH for one way bus. The citizens there are nice too, I remembered there was a guy who helped us to order sandwiches and tea in a cafe, where only Ukrainian was written in the menu. Cherkasy is a beautiful city with nice views and kind people! It was also a great opportunity to live in the host family, where the host lady prepared us various kinds of Ukrainian dishes such ad Holubtsy and Nalisniki . They are all healthy and tasty! Our project coordinator, Alex is very helpful. He took care of us everyday and brought us to several orphanages to meet the kids. I remembered a day that he drove us to an orphanage in Southern Cherkasy. Although the roads were full of ice and snow, he still tried his best to drive us to the destination and keep us safe. Thanks to his help with the translation for games, I could then play with the children conveniently. I really enjoyed the time that day with the kids!! Alex also brought us to different Ukrainian restaurants for lunches. It was really hard to recognise the food since I was not familiar with Ukrainian dishes. Luckily Alex was here to explain to us and share a lot of local information! TIPS: Children there can only speak Ukrainian and basic English. So it would be better if volunteers know Ukrainian or Russian. But sometimes the project coordinator also helped do the translation which really helped a lot!

A great experience in Mwandi, a hands-on project with brilliant staff. I thoroughly enjoyed myself! Mwandi is really out in the bush, although quite a big village it is certainly remote so you get to see the real Africa. The people were so welcoming and the children were so cute. The project is hands on and you really get to contribute to the building of the mud huts, there is a great feeling of accomplishment and contribution at the end of your stay. Matt and Paula were lovely, from the moment we were collected from Livingstone we felt part of the project. The local are great and so helpful not just with the project but with all our questions about local culture and tradition, they went out of their way to make us comfortable and to ensure we enjoyed ourselves. TIPS: If you can, stay in Victoria Falls or Livingstone before or after your stay in Mwandi, the falls are really worth it and there is lots of other activities to do on the Zambezi, including the sunset cruises which I would definitely recommend. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to Chobe National Park which I would have loved to see.

I have just finished my childcare volunteer program in Istanbul, Turkey. It was the most challenging experience I have ever had. It increases my self confidence and willingness to help children from different communities. It was a great chance to meet new people and communicate with pupils outside your region and share with them your expertise and know about their mores. The teaching staff in the school, especially the English teachers were very cooperative and helpful. They helped to break the language barrier with the children and help me to arrange and organize the lesson activities. The pupils at the school were very lovely and amiable, they show an acceptance to my presence with thim and always send their greetings welcomeness. The duration was very short and I hope that I could stay longer but unfortunately because of my opening of the university next week. I am very upset that this experience comes to an end quickly after I got familiar with the school environment. I am planning to come again if there is a chance for sure - God willing - .  I was unfamilar with the transportation in Istanbul. This was one of the obstructions that I faced during my stay. Using the metro and the buses was hard for me because I have no idea about the stations and I was afraid to use them and get lost in the city, so I always used the typical taxi and (Uber app) taxies as my primary transportation in Istanbul. The hostel accomodation was at the heart of the city. It is in a perfect location where everything you need is available. Because of the renovation process in the hotel it can not provide meals, and that was not a serious problem. I wish to send my thankfulness to everyone made my trip successful. My greetings to Love Volunteers and the local team in Turkey for their efforts and continuous follow up. I am very grateful to you

It was a rewarding experience to work in Bamenda. It is not easy but worth it. Having worked in a few other charitable places, I found it much harder to work here. But the people still benefit from your help. Cameroon is a poor country when seen from a volunteer's point of view. I have traveled in many parts of the world, including Africa, Latin America and Asia but I was very sad to see the state of Cameroon in the 21st century. People are extremely lovely, especially the ones in English speaking part of Cameroon! It might have something to do with the fact that I don't speak French! Although there was a conflict going on in Bamenda at the time, it does not affect you as far as you stay away from the no-go regions. Be prepared for a little corruption (I had to pay a small bribe at the airport for bringing in my own local anaesthetic cartridges). There are no fast food chains or anything similar in Bamenda. I found one local restaurant in Douala which had similar standards as a standard western outlet. Otherwise most other eateries are not the cleanest. Home cooked food at my homestay was good. The project I worked on was well managed and organised. I had some help from the Cameroonian counterparts, but not a lot till I arrived there. Once I arrived and people realized how serious I was about helping and then things went smoothly. My host cooked some lovely meals for me every day. The meals are simple but delicious. don't expect sweets/ puddings everyday. Usually you will eat only twice a day. The homestay is very safe. The toilet and bathroom is basic but acceptable. Your host will have a means of transport (motor bike) and he will take you around anywhere you need to go. My host was extremely helpful and went out of his way to help me in achieving my goals. TIPS: 1) Don't be put off by the news. Your in-country organisers will take good care of you and make sure you are safe. 2) Be prepared for serious poverty, especially when it comes to resources, such as medical consumables, stationary etc. If possible, bring your own supplies. 3) The town of Bamenda has very few roads and thus it gets very dusty. Take wet wipes with you! 4) some of the standards of cross infection in the hospitals might not be up to scratch. Put your foot down and demand better standards (you might have to carry a few consumables yourself, such as gloves, masks and hand sprays).

The experience was good. I felt that we enhanced the program they are already running, especially for younger volunteers. Sr Lanka is a beautiful country. The people are friendly and welcoming. The staff were organised and easy to speak with. They are well suited to the position. TIPS: Have some ideas, songs and activities organised for the age group. If you can take some English picture books as they have very few and this would enhance the children’s learning.

It was my first-time volunteering abroad and by myself. I have already been involved in several humanitarian projects, but this was a brand-new experience. Volunteering in a developing country, 10 000 km from my home taught me a lot of new things. Helping people in need while I am myself losing my bearings in a new environment made me more mature and allowed me to discover myself more. Working with children also taught me to be patient. South Africa is a beautiful country with amazing landscapes and places to see. Local people were very nice. I was also struck by the inequalities in South Africa and the water shortage situation there at the time. TIPS: Rent a car if you have a driver's licence. Bring warm clothes during winter. Stay open minded and be patient.

My general impression is that I loved the volunteer program. South Africa is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It is rich in culture, food, and wildlife. I am very content with my project and staff. Everyone was generous and willing to teach. The staff really made my volunteering experience enjoyable. My tips for the other volunteers is to come with an open mind and to be open to new experiences.

Fantastic first impression of volunteering. Personally rewarding and I was left with a real impression that we had made a difference by being there, both at the school and with the handicapped children - who were utterly delighted to see us each day. Amongst the 10 volunteers onsite we had a real connection that also made it incredibly enjoyable both at the school and back at the house. This will not always be the case, but for me, this was another highlight! See my comments below, but I would highly recommend Love Volunteers for facilitating this incredible experience. Badulla was a super-friendly place, aided by the fact that there were no other tourists, and wherever we went people smiled, honked their Tuk Tuk horns etc. I will never forget these smiles In the more touristy places, however, this was not the same, but the people remained very friendly. Another good example is that the public buses were very friendly as few tourists use them. I suppose this is the ""progress"" you get from tourism and so we were probably utterly spoilt in Badulla. That said, the people were super friendly if you consider the conditions in which many of them live, and for this reason it does make them pretty exceptional as a nation. I would whole-heartedly recommend Srti Lanka to friends and family :-) Shivanthi, the volunteer coordinator in Badulla, was the sweetest person you could ever imagine meeting - there was not an irritated or nasty bone in her body and she was so incredibly helpful, hospitable and just plain nice. This was not commercially-driven, it was just her nature. TIPS: Be open in your new environment and feel free to immerse yourself and try things you never realized you knew you could do! Always carry a smile with you into each day and above all enjoy the experience as your enjoyment is felt by those around you

The children were a pleasure to work with and having seen their living conditions, I believe that the local team makes a real difference to their lives! I hope they will keep up with their amazing work, but it would also be amazing to see that the lives of their employees improve through their honest work, not just charity of other people.. The country is absolutely beautiful and lush green due to frequent rains (the rainy season lasts 9 months a year! Whilst Rwamangana district is a poverty stricken area and people are hardly managing to get by, the country's capital is up to date with the modern world. There is a lot of contrast between how people live. The country is super safe and I wasn't even scared to walk by myself after dark, the people are very trustworthy. On the other side people are a little reserved and not very smiley unless they get to know you. As mentioned above, the staff were amazing and the project was very rewarding. I was overwhelmed on numerous occasions by the poverty in the area which was very, very obvious - which made me admire the staff even more. All of them are incredibly patient and also dedicated to the mission of the charity. TIPS: bring rainproof outwear bring good shoes - there is a lot of mud here when it rains! learn a few phrases in Kinyarwanda to break the ice don't expect the local people to speak English be very patient - the pace of life is very slow :)

I could write about my experience in Cusco for days. I spent exactly 12 weeks from March to May of 2018 in the beautiful city I grew to call home. I began my stay working with disabilities and special needs, but soon discovered that volunteering in an animal shelter was a better fit for me. I can't even describe the feeling of waking up each morning with such a sense of purpose and love for what I was doing. My host family was incredible and because they didn't speak any English, my Spanish skills increased ten fold. From spending a weekend in Quillabamba, seeing Sacsaywaman, Puka Pukara, Qenko, Tambomachay and Qoricancha, Easter at the church of San Francisco, hiking Rainbow Mountain at 17,000 ft, white water rafting the Urubama, getting two new tattoos, taking an airplane over the Nazca lines, riding a dune buggy through the sand dunes of Huacachina, visiting a monestary in Arequipa, discovering Lake Titicaca in Puno and on Taquile Island, to seeing the incredible Machu Picchu, my tirp was nothing short of spectacular. Being in a place of such history and culture was like stepping into a book. I learned so much about myself and really learned to take every chance that comes my way so I can look back on my life and say I truly lived it through both traveling and helping those in need. I have gained everything from my time in Peru (I even adopted two street dogs!) and have made friends from all over the world that will last a lifetime. If you're even considering going to volunteer in Cusco, DO IT. You will not regret it. Love Volunteers was there every step of the way. They answered my emails so quickly and were checking up on me constantly. As a smaller volunteer organization, I feel they really created an authentic experience and I am forever grateful to them!

Volunteering was a highly satisfying and challenging experience. Everyone I worked with was warm and welcoming. My only regret was that I missed two days of construction work and that there was no way for me to makeup the time I missed working on the house, which leaves me with a feeling of unfinished business. The environment is clean to an almost shocking degree. The people are extremely kind and welcoming. Rwanda is the most community-oriented and forward-thinking country I've ever been to. The project was appropriately challenging and satisfying to complete. All the staff were extremely receptive and supportive. No complaints. TIPS: - When working with wet mud, wear the tightest gloves available, as wearing looser gloves causes mud to buildup on them and makes your job more difficult than it needs to be - Learn to say "Good morning," "Good evening," "Thank you," "Sorry," "May I help you?," "You're welcome," "Yes" and "No" in Kinyarwanda before arriving, as these are basically all the things you've ever need to say or understand - Drink lots of water - Visit Akagera National Park! - The project center has wifi, but it only works well early in the morning, so do all internet-related things in the morning.

This was an absolutely amazing program! I felt completely at home and everyone treated us very well. I felt safe the entire time and the people at the program were always there to help and answer any questions I had. It was the most amazing time of my life and I cannot wait to do it again. Everything in Rwanda was perfect and the childcare and development program opened my eyes to a new sense of the world and changed my life completely in a good way. I will never forget all the amazing people I have met there, and I look forward to doing it again. The country was absolutely breath-taking, everything is so beautiful and safe and really opened my eyes to a new perspective.

My experience with Love Volunteers has truly been great. During my stay in Cusco I've been able to recieve a lot of love from the locals, the hosts and especially the kids. I will never regret this decision, nor will I ever forget this experience. If you do have the chance to go, just do it! Going to Peru had been a dream of mine for quite some time and it was all that I had imagined and more. There are poverty and a lot of noise and differcies to what I'm used to but there are also so much beauty to take in, interesting culture, great food and many wonderful people. At arrival I got some briefing which was very helpful. Whenever I've been in doubt or had any questions, I was able to turn to our contact person and there I got my answers within a short amount of time. The hosts were wonderful. I was able to stay in Cusco for two months and it really did feel like my home away from home. I must admit though that knowing some Spanish is very helpful, also when communicating with the staff or at the project. About the project I'd say that at first it was a bit challenging to know how to assist and help out in the best way, but the kids opened up immediately and it was easy to just love them and try to be there for them. TIPS: This is an experience that you won't regret, you will build relationships that you will carry with you for the rest of your life. To be able to get out the most of it I'd advice you to try to pick up on some Spanish before you go since most don't really speak English. Also, if you are able to stay a bit longer then do it. I went for two months and honestly wish I'd stayed a bit longer. There are some wonderful people out there and also great things to see!

I absolutely loved Nicaragua, Granada, and Carita Feliz! The people I encountered were friendly and helpful. Granada is a beautiful town. The security is unbelievable. To think that men can stand on the corners outside banks and other stores with wads of money, cordobas and dollars, and make fair exchanges is incredible...would never happen in Washington, DC or Bethesda!!!! I found travel very easy, once I got informed. I took taxis, chicken bus, and local minibuses and the ferry. Very impressed with the promptness, much better public transportation than DC. On the weekend I had the opportunity to go to Ometepe, Merida on the smaller half to the island, the peaceful surroundings, kayaking, walking, enjoying the sunset, just the perfect setting. I guess I pretty much answered this above. At Ometepe I was told that 40% of the country’s energy is renewable. I saw wind farms and solar panels being used. People told me that the energy was being sold to neighbouring countries and they were a little frustrated about who might be benefiting from the sales. A lot of roads were in very good condition. A particular highlight was that El Berrinche Ambiental was having their 9th annual week together, always in Granada. It is an international group of street performers committed to the environment. Their week entailed learning from each other, working with the local community-especially the kids, and performances every night where they again engaged the community. I was so spoiled. My understanding is that the two main coordinators are social workers at Casa de las Botellas. It was such a delight to watch them interact with the kids. One night I got included in the show with 3 clowns competing for my affection, fun. Carita Feliz was absolutely the highlight of my trip. Meylin, Ivania, other staff, and the children have left a lasting impression. One feels the love just walking into the building. All the kids and adults just seem so comfortable and everyone contributes to making the community center a place of welcome, education, exercise, and health. Shantall Cerda was very attentive and helpful. She showed me around the town, took me to Carita Feliz, introduced me to my family, helped me set up Spanish classes. TIPS: Changing money-yes, you can trust the guys on the street to give you a fair exchange. Look up the current exchange rate before you go out just to confirm. Use the local transport, but if you're taking a chicken bus get there early if you want a seat. We were at least 15 minutes early for a 0630 trip to Rivas and got 3 of the last 5 seats. If you're catching a local minibus the guy will grab you on, push you in and the bus may start moving before you really realize your on, very efficient, similar dismount, don't fall. The Convento de San Francisco gives a great overview of the history and culture of the town including a huge relief map...a great orientation. I felt very safe walking around the town. Cafe Sonrisa is a great place to get coffee or breakfast. Staff is deaf and mute so just point to the menu. Very welcoming. Also make hammocks. Garden Cafe is great. Eskimo has wide selection of ice cream, sundaes and banana splits for a hot afternoon. Just sitting in the Plaza Central relaxing is delightful.

This volunteer opportunity was life-changing! The work was absolutely amazing and the experiences I had were once-in-a-lifetime. The women's empowerment program was something so needed in this part of the world, so it felt like we were truly helping people. I definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to make a difference for marginalized communities, while being immersed in a new culture and meeting a group of like-minded people from around the world. Nepal is absolutely amazing. I love how friendly and helpful the people are there and how they are always willing to welcome you into their home for tea and conversation. The entire country is vibrant with culture, history, and natural beauty. The support in the months leading up to the program, the communication with the staff, and the induction process were all very helpful. The staff were great with answering any and all questions. TIPS: Do your research on the project and your responsibilities beforehand, but don't worry too much because there are always people to help you!

I had an amazing and life changing experience. Our local contacts made our arrival and settling in smooth and pleasant - and everyone at our Monastery was extremely welcoming and kind. I wish we could have stayed much longer than two weeks! I'm extremely grateful for the time I had in the Monastery and with the Monks, and I hope to go back to visit someday. Nepal was an amazing place to visit. My first time in the developing world, I had a little culture shock initially., but quickly felt comfortable and enjoyed the country. The Nepali people and Himalayas both make it is a special place i'd like to visit again. Don't underestimate the value of the volunteer work. Volunteers at our Monastery were the primary source of exposure to English language and other core educational concepts for the kids. So even if only volunteering for a weeks, the cumulative effect can no doubt have a significant impact.

This was a wonderful programme and an experience of a lifetime that I know I will never get anywhere else! Nepal is an amazing country but so poor. The people live in extreme poverty and its very sad to see. The project is very rewarding and all the members of the community went out of their way to make sure I was happy and comfortable at all times. TIPS: Be prepared to live without your usual luxuries during your programme. Take your teaching seriously. Prepare for your lessons. Come prepared with lesson plans. Bring stationery with you. Bring teaching notes, photo copies, lesson plans etc. Don't try to "wing it". Its unfair to just arrive and think you will just "take it as it comes". The monks are serious about their English lessons and so you should be too. Also participate in every day monastery life as much as possible.

I was grateful for the immersion into the monastery life and learned as much as I taught. Nepal, specifically Pokhara was very welcoming. There were no concerns about safety or wellbeing. Other than bargaining on the price of everything, the Nepalese are very helpful and welcoming! You'll get back as much, or more, than you give!

This has been the most humbling experience of my life! The people are genuine and happy. The countries overall cleanliness was the most startling observation as garbage is sure to be seen anywhere you go. The culture and history is unbelievably fascinating. Staff was unbelievably nice, communicative, caring, and had contagious happiness. TIPS: Expect the unexpected and go with the flow. Be engaged with the monastery as much as possible and live in the moment. I did get travels Diarrhea, extremely weak, chills, extreme stomach cramps, and blurry vision one day. The cramps lasted for a few days, but the travelers Diarrhea lasted for 3-5. I am still unsure the cause of this, but I do believe it to be the food. So be careful with what you eat and if you need to get something different then what they serve everyday there's a store right next door that has oatmeal, snacks, etc.

The experience was amazing, and it was a great opportunity to work alongside the students and get to know them better. I really enjoyed my time at the share house and enjoyed meeting other volunteers as well. The staff were very helpful as well. Nepal is a beautiful country with amazing views of the Himalayan Ranges. However, there is a lot of pollution in the country taking away from the natural beauty that the country has to offer. This is quite disappointing to see. Nevertheless, there is a lot of history and much to see and do. It is quite clear at the time that the country was still recovering from the recent earthquake which has destructed a lot of buildings. The staff were lovely. The Project was quite an experience. Watching my student Sahinder, understand mathematical concepts, playing games with him was very rewarding and an experience that I will never forget. TIPS: Make the most of the opportunity. Ask for more duties and activities. Bring coloured pens and pencils as the children love this!

Well organised and communicated about what to expect. The information provided beforehand to read was super helpful prior to arriving. Such a beautiful country with beautiful, kind, warming people who make the most of what they have and go over and beyond to make you feel welcome and comfortable. From the moment of arrival Manoj was very helpful, kind and knowledgeable in regards to any questions about Nepal, Buddhism and just life. Also very helpful about exchanging money and getting a SIM card for Nepal and providing recommendations on what to do in Pokhara. Lama Gupte and his wife Omi Kumari are so kind and beautiful and made me feel so welcome and I felt like family. All the other Lamas and Lama Guptes family that are there at the moment are so kind and beautiful also - I truly feel so grateful to having this experience. TIPS: My tips would be to go with an open mind and be patient with yourself that it may take a few days to adjust to the culture change, but it will be so worth it. Also, to have some form of ideas of what you would like to teach the Monks with classes that can be adapted to the levels of literacy.

This was my third placement at this school and its always a pleasure to return to the smiling familiar faces, noisy classrooms and list of work. The children, though originating from poorer families, are keen to learn and take great pride in their school and are also very proud to wear their uniform. Its evident the education they are receiving from this privately/volunteer run school, is equal or above that of nearby govt or very expensive private schools. Nepal is very much a poor nation and still many buildings under repair from the earthquake 3 years ago, though there is a lot of new development evident. Unfortunately, air and ground pollution is still a major problem in Kathmandu and this often hides much of the amazing mountain views and also affects the health of most foreigners. However, the people are always smiling and getting on with the hectic busy day to day life, though many don't have jobs. I have always felt safe in this country and have never had any bad experiences with any locals, or others, day or night. When the sky is clear you will be rewarded with amazing views of snow-capped mountains from the school playground. After a meeting with the principal, a list of projects, big and small, was put together. Throughout the 3 weeks i completed some alone and others using local contractors. These included additional steps on the stairway to the playground started last year, filling in the playground holes left by the govt excavators, extending the playground fence and some electrical and plumbing repairs. I also repainted the passage way walls between classrooms and received some help from other volunteers. TIPS: Be prepared for a third world country experience but also open minded to the adversity and challenges the Nepalese face every day. Electricity, hot water, gas cooking and mobile reception are all optional extras in this country and though generally now most are ok, there will be times you are without some or all. Only drink water from sealed shop bought bottles (only 20 NPR) and try to wear a facial mask when out in the streets. Do expect to be unwell in some way during your stay, most commonly stomach upsets and chest infections. Treatment is readily available at any local pharmacy (and very cheap), though you should take own medication if you feel uncomfortable buying abroad. Sometimes you may feel frustrated and emotionally drained but one more look at the smiling faces around will bring you back to reality fast. This country and its people are both beautiful and friendly, you will never regret your experience in Nepal and i'm sure you will want to return.

A highly rewarding experience. I was very sceptical in the beginning, as i haven't done volunteering abroad, but after a month in Nepal i can now say it was probably my favourite travelling experience. I always had a good experience when meeting people from this region (only people from India, up until now) and i had this feeling that Nepali are very friendly as well. Truth is, you have to see it for yourself to believe it. People were smiling all the time, very open, very friendly. I believe that Greeks (my country) are very warm and friendly, but i think Nepal tops us all. They have a special kind of mentality. That’s what i miss mostly. Besides that, Nepal is one of the most beautiful countries i have been to. High mountains and an endless green landscape all around. My project was in a private clinic in Pokhara. The staff was very friendly, and they made me feel like home from day one. I spent most of my time in the operation rooms (3 weeks in a 4-week program) and i had the opportunity to see different practices and learnt new things. The family i stayed with was very warm and i had some nice conversations with the the couple and their kids. I didn't feel like i was just hosted there, after some days i felt like part of the family. It's a very different experience to stay there as a local. Last but not least, i had all the help i needed with the LV staff, and my contacts in Nepal. The orientation and my adjustment went all smoothly thanks to Manoj. He would come from the capital (Kathmandu) to check with me regularly. TIPS: If you've done volunteering abroad before, then i don’t have any tip to share with you. If you haven’t, it’s one of the best experiences someone can have. The only advice is to really want to do it. If you're 50-50, you should prefer something else. The mindset prior those kinds of trips, takes a vital role on what kind of time you'll have once there. If you're all about blending with the locals and absorbing a very different culture than you probably live in, things like cultural shock and difficulties to adapting there, will not affect you as much as you think.

It was a great experience that enables you to immerge totally in a new culture. I keep amazing memories from my time in Nepal and would recommend such an experience to anyone, who wants to learn more about a country and its culture. To stay in a host family was the best way to get to know better the culture and the Nepalis way of life. Our housemother was very nice, and we shared great nights with our houseparent’s! Nepal is an amazing country with a major ethnical and environmental diversity. You can see so many different landscapes and the peoples are adorable. The climate is very humid, especially because we have been there during the monsoon, but you get used to. I was lucky to do a trek in the Himalayan mountains after my volunteering project and it was the best experience! My local coordinator was very nice and always reachable if we had any questions. He told us a lot about the country and we enjoyed a lot talking with him. My love volunteer coordinator was also very nice and help us in the planification of the trip, reassuring us when needed. TIPS: If you would like to take part to the health volunteering project in Nepal in a hospital in Pokhara, you need to be aware that it is mostly an observation internship during which you won't be able to do a lot (as you don't have the competence required to treat patients). However, you will have the chance to see many different cases and you shouldn't be afraid to ask as many questions as you can, because the doctors won't explain you anything if you don’t!

Nicole is very helpful and prompt in response the inquiries. Volunteering alone in overseas is kinda intimidating but her professionalism is comforting. Am glad that my first volunteer experience in overseas is with Love Volunteer. Nepal is a developing country with multi ethnicity and multi religion which all live in harmony. They treats foreigners very well and I really love Pokhara. Is an eye opening experience to see cows, goats and other animals on the road, no strict traffic regulations and everyone found their own pace of living. In the children house, Lama, staffs and other kids are friendly and they tried their best to address our concern. The kids are curious about Malaysia and I'm glad to introduce Malaysia to them. TIPS: You will love Pokhara and the kids. Lama, staffs and kids are very friendly. Just don't keep passing the mobiles to the kids to play. Bring face mask if you think is dusty and drink mineral water. Do not flush toilet papers into the toilet as the sewage system is not established.

Overall, I had a really great time on this project and though it was not without its challenges, like any travel, I feel that I was able to get a lot out of it personally. Morocco is a beautiful country, rich in history with many fantastic sites to see historically and culturally. My placement was excellent. Morocco World News is a great place to intern at. There was opportunity to do editing, writing, and contribute on many different levels. The staff at the agency were extremely kind and helpful. The best part about the placement was truly the people!

I really enjoy teaching English and this is the best place to do it in my opinion. This is my second visit and I got to see the Moldovan snow this time instead of the sunshine. Moldova despite being a small country feels vast due to it's small population. You get to experience the rural areas and at the same time get to see the big city before you fly home. People are warm and friendly. I didn't get to meet the local team manager this time because she was in Switzerland on a school project but her sister, husband and other volunteers made me feel welcome. TIPS: If you want to teach English and don't want to to travel to the other side of the world this is the ideal location. It's one plane ride for me and the flight time is under 3 hours. Fundamentally this is a volunteer experience where you are actually helping rather than being a spare cog in the machine. The students benefit from hearing a native speaker. TEFL is not essential for this volunteer program but I took a TEFL course prior and felt it ameliorated my teaching ability. Another volunteer here liked teaching at the school and this gave him encouragement to take a TEFL course. Although it is not essential to know Romanian to teach the students it helps to learn it when you are interacting with other people (shopkeeper for example). I advise volunteers to try to learn Romanian or Russian. I need to take my own advice and improve my Romanian!

Overall, I really enjoyed my program. The people were very nice and I stayed in Lakeside which was also very nice. I have loved this country. The weather was not great during my stay but I still saw some beautiful sights and had some great experiences. Everyone is very kind and helpful, just ask anyone for directions or help and they will be happy to help. If you are walking around alone make sure you are assertive as some people will approach you offering services or offering to show you around and need to be firm when saying no. Overall, I think this is a great country to visit especially if you have a lot of free time to see everything. The staff were great on arrival. I arrived at midnight and Keshab and Manoj helped me to my accommodation and then rode the bus over with me. I was dropped off at my accommodation in Pokhara and Manoj returned a few hours later to check on me. The host family was great, very kind and accommodating and happy to help booking things like sightseeing. TIPS: If doing the medical programme you really need to put yourself out there and offer to help where you can. The staff are willing to translate and explain things to you as long as you ask. If you have any problems or wish to move wards you may need to be persistent in asking for help with this.

I think I made a good contribution to the education of the students assigned to me, and I certainly learnt a lot about them, their culture and their way of life. Thailand is a wonderful country - beautiful scenery, deep and rich culture. Most of all Thais are friendly, cheerful, fun-loving people. The staff were all very pleasant and helpful. The project title was 'Teaching Monks' but really it should be 'teaching at a Buddhist school' because the school is a regular school attached to a Buddhist temple where about half of the students are novice Buddhist monks and the other half are regular schoolboys - who behave and misbehave as they do in any school anywhere. TIPS: Bring your own materials and expect to teach from the first minute. The programme outline suggests that you will be assisting Thai teachers but the reality, for me at least as an experienced teacher, was that I was asked to lead the class as soon as I walked in. The Thai teachers assisted me, not the other way around. This was fine for me but if you've never taught before this could well be a challenge.

I have been very happy with the experience and encourage you to continue to place volunteers here. If their experience is like mine, they will no-doubt enjoy it. The house has adequate facilities and is filled with good natured staff. Our hosts have been extremely easy to work with. My days with the Primary School have been extremely rewarding. I was one of the first volunteers to be placed at this school, which has meant the teachers and students really embraced me and put me to work right away. I have been able to lead lessons, help with activities, and do my best to maintain order in classes filled with energetic 3-5 year olds. It has been a rewarding experience, and I believe might have been useful for the teachers to have a needed extra set of hands.

This was my first time doing a volunteer vacation. Both my daughters are interested in the medical field and I wanted to make sure volunteer opportunities were safe. Love Volunteers communicated with me throughout the program. Our host family was very hospital and helpful in our first venture. I wish we could of stayed longer but I work. I became more comfortable with the system set up and the schedule as the days went on. My daughter was able to manoeuvre around the streets and be aware of her environment. In fact she loved it so much that she plans to go next summer. The country of Oaxaca, Mexico is beautiful. It's people are diverse and hospitable. Like any country, including the United States, you have to be careful and aware of your surroundings. There was a festival while we were there called the Guelaguetza which we enjoyed after our duties at the clinic were completed. The more I travel I realize that the majority of people in the world have the same issues, hopes, and dreams for themselves and their family. I enjoyed conversing with my host family. Physician Dr. Mendoza-Ramirez, and Josephine Vasquez regarding the differences and similarities of the healthcare system, I plan on going back as one week seemed to go by so fast. As far as the other aspects of the country we walked a lot and enjoyed the cultural exposure and education regarding the population and history. Martha was our contact person in Oaxaca, Mexico which our host introduced us to in person on our arrival. Our host Mercedes was amazing. She sat with us at breakfast everyday and practiced Spanish with us. We talked about family, our clinic experience, and society as a whole. She prepared beautiful breakfasts for us and woke us up on time for our last day at clinic which we almost missed. She even let me read some of her children Spanish books. The house was beautiful and decorated well. We had everything we needed. The physician and staff were also helpful and let us help as much as was permissible and based on our experience. They taught us the system at the clinic. I see the disparity in the supplies provided to the clinic including medication. It was amazing to me that they wasted nothing. They were careful with supplies and were proactive in treating their patients. For example, Josephine would always ask the parents about their vaccine records even if the child was the one who was brought in. Dr. Mendoza-Ramirez would take time to educate the patients regarding contraception, diet, and medication. It was apparent that both had established a great report with the community in Los Lomas. TIPS: One tip for Volunteers I would suggest is to make clear your expectations to Love Volunteers as well as your skill base. I think this will help with having realistic expectations. In addition stay more than one week. I believe we were more into the rhythm of things after the third day and before we knew it our time was over. Another tip for volunteers is to let the staff know that you are willing to not just observe but also do things like clean, make posters, and do work that will benefit the clinic or staff.

I had an amazing time in Mexico! The culture, the food, and the people never fails to amaze me. I have Mexican roots and I enjoyed visiting a new part of Mexico and shadowing amazing doctors. I felt very happy during my stay. San Juarez was very safe for the most part and everyone was very respectful and generous. I am grateful for the opportunity the project gave me in a clinic in Egida de Guadalupe. I was able to learn about public health in Mexico and observe how general doctors work in a clinical setting. The staff was very welcoming and always ready to help. The staff that worked in the center where all volunteers met were very lovely and friendly.

I really enjoyed my time in Oaxaca. I had a very friendly host mom along with project leaders that made the transition smooth and helped with the language barrier. I was able to improve on my Spanish and also learn a lot about medicine along the way. I traveled to Oaxaca alone and was able to meet other volunteers who were just as enthusiastic about medicine. It was great to experience the beauty and culture of Oaxaca that contributed to a great internship. Oaxaca was an amazing area of Mexico. I felt safe the entire duration of my trip. The people in Oaxaca were friendly and the food was delicious. It was a very cultural area full of cathedrals, museums and nearby archeological sites. Visiting Monte Alban was one of the most interesting sites I had the opportunity to experience. The city is full of markets and restaurants, along with close access to gyms, laundromats and grocery stores. The staff was very helpful throughout the trip. They were available for any questions that I had. The first week of my project was spent in a rural clinic. In this clinic, the doctors were very friendly and so were patients. Many patient's at this came for primary care services, such as management of diabetes of hypertension, evaluation of illnesses and certification for attending school. The second week was spent in one of the hospitals. Here, I was able to see specialties ranging from surgery to internal medicine to trauma. It was very interesting to see appendectomies and also trauma surgery to fix a man's stomach after being shot. TIPS: Many of the volunteers did not know what to wear on the trip. In the clinic, any attire is acceptable with a white lab coat over. In the hospital, all articles must be white, including shoes, pants, shirts etc. It is also important to bring scrubs if you plan on watching surgeries.

I had an amazing experience in Costa Rica! It was very refreshing to learn about a new culture and meet a lot of beautiful people. My host family was very generous and welcoming. A piece of my heart has stayed in San Ramon and I hope to return in the future. The country is beautiful and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to live to the phrase Pura Vida! that was clearly expressed and lived by. Costa Rica has amazing food and the people are very outgoing. I enjoyed traveling to Jaco for a weekend and returning to San Ramon that eventually felt like home by the end of my stay. The staff at the Guarderia ""Mis Primeros Pasos"" were super sweet and loving. They made me feel comfortable at work and they taught me a lot about the country and the workplace! They checked in on me and were always willing to help me if I needed anything. Tanya, my coordinator, was very punctual and informative. She was polite and always willing to run the extra mile for nay volunteer who needed assistance. She did a good job at uniting all volunteers at the INLEX office and creating a safe place for everyone. TIPS: Being a volunteer is about adapting to live in the given country to choose with no expectations and be thankful at all times. It is more about the memories you make than how much you work. Pure Vida!

Very positive experience. I was able to feel like my daughter and I made a small positive contribution, even during a very short period of time. I was also very impressed with the organization -- the Director clearly knew each student and their situation personally, and it was clearly well-run. The degree of poverty in Oaxaca in heart-breaking. Many children spent their days in the streets selling trinkets to passer-bys, and/or accompanying their parents who are doing the same thing. Oaxaca was also much hotter than I expected -- in the 90-degree-range (Farenheit) in late March. Very well-organized and gracious. Our host family (Sra. ""Tico"" Padilla) was very kind and supportive. The language school was well-managed and flexible as well. TIPS: People coming during Semana Santa (Holy Week -- the week before Easter) should be aware that schools are closed and therefore the Center will not be operating as normal. However, there is still a need for volunteers, although they should be prepared to be highly flexible. There will just be a few children at the center, and no meals are served. The children who are there will need help with schoolwork, and also people to play and interact with. There are also some administrative tasks that the staff can use help with. (For example, we cut up a lot of paper.)

Warm staff, safe location, very real problem areas they allow volunteers access to for volunteering, great exposure to other cultures via other happy volunteers. Wonderful, very warm, hardworking and inclusive. Really enjoyed the volunteering opportunity and safari tours! I got to teach women computers, look after babies in an orphanage, meet very respectful Kenyan staff members that went over and beyond to make our volunteer experience something worthwhile. TIPS: Understand that Kenya in general is a logistically behind country. Roads are bumpy, streets flood and the people are very Hakunah Matata. If you try to instill your idea of what structure and order should be, you will be disappointed. Go into this volunteer program knowing things will change last minute, the placements may need your own personal adjustment to feel effective and standards of living must be adjusted. Be patient with all the staff as most came from very hard backgrounds and deserve your respect and kindness.

Very good experience. Had an opportunity to do multiple trips, volunteer, and meet some amazing people. Very diverse country. Capital is more developed compared to the rest of the country. Friendly and relaxed culture and everyone is always trying to help! I was stuck several times and the locals always offered support and advice, never asked for money afterwards either. Excellent staff. They did an amazing job and made me feel safe and settled. The project was very interesting. Wish I could have explored more of the area- IDP Camp- but know that at that time there were no other additional projects running and the people were really busy. TIPS: The house in the evening can get cold, so pack warmer clothes. It is located in the mountain so has a cooler temperature compared to Nairobi. Everyone was wearing jumpers after the sun had set.

A very nice experience, from the very beginning until the end. I experienced a lot, had the chance to meet nice, strong and inspiring people... Kenya is a very nice country. Very friendly people, beautiful, nice weather... It have a lot to offer. I never felt unsafe during my stay. LV's local team in Kenya is an awesome organisation! Everyone is very helpful, friendly... They are always there to help and listen TIPS: Have an open mind and be flexible! The projects are some times a little bit different than you expect or they want you to do some different work. The best thing to do is try to make the best from it and take the little moments to do your thing (and talk about it with someone on placement or the organisation to find a solution)

I loved every part of my experience! I loved Kenya and hope to visit again. Very well organized and I loved the way they are all enthusiastic. TIPS: Live with the people, experience their culture, feel the country and help humanity.

This was an amazing immersion experience into Kenyan culture. Not only did I learn about traditional things like food, language, culture, and history, the LV Local team also shed light onto what the future of Kenya holds so long as people start demanding better. Overall, the Kenyan people were friendly, inviting and curious. I met quite a few men that still practice polygamy, and view women as something to be "bought", essentially, with a dowry gift, which was a little unsettling morally. However, I think younger men and, more importantly women, are beginning to reconsider this and other practices which will be very interesting to watch unfold. Safety wise, I never felt at risk, even walking through the slums everyday, and LV’s local team were always willing to help me get from place to place if I didn't feel comfortable. Obviously the beauty of a safari in Kenya cannot be overstated and it was an amazing experience; however, the beauty found in the everyday joy of children who have so little but are still so happy was equally awe-inspiring. I cannot say enough wonderful things about the staff at LV's local team in Nairobi. Everyone was laid back, warm, inclusive, and highly informative. When Izzo and Marta start talking about a brighter, more empowered future for Kenya, it is so easy to get equally as enthused for a population you don't even know. Then when you start meeting the Kenyan people, the enthusiasm only grows! TIPS: "Kenyan Time" is a real thing (thanks in part to the ever unpredictable matatus), so don't get super hung up on schedules. If you're going to be placed in the slums, or anywhere else the food might not be reliable, grab some stuff for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch! If possible, bring reading glasses/sunglasses to donate to the local people...they need them.

Amazing experience kids so sweet and they so different I mean they love to learn and they happy to see you all the time :). Kenya is different the cost where I was is poor. Diani beach beautiful in beach side amazing ocean and white sand but the Ucunda where I was stay and volunteering it's dirty and poor. Karen from Love Volunteer was always online helping me, thank you a lot. Host family was nice and helpful to me. TIPS: If you ever go to Diani be careful in evening don't back to you place late. Not all people like when people take a photo of them so better ask first. The school always needs a pencil, pen, paper , copybooks everything for colouring so I was bring with me a lot. And there's a place name Forty thats a beach bar you can meet a lot of volunteers there, so you can spend amazing free time together :)

I went in without many expectations and I’m so glad I did because I ended up doing things I would have never expected. I signed up for a medical program. The local team was great in setting up outreach programs which were fantastic (although of course with any developing country the frustration always lies in whether or not the patients will follow up or be able to afford to continue their treatment), however my day to day “work” in the clinic or hospital would be better suited for a medical student (which I’m sure is the majority of medical internship volunteers), not a practicing provider. It was mostly observation and education. I truly did appreciate the education as I don’t see tropical diseases where I’m from nor do I see many HIV patients. It was fantastic seeing and learning about diseases I had only read about. But, I came to Ghana to be as productive as I could be, so a few weeks in I did see an opportunity to be more productive when one of the boys in our orphanage was not enrolled in school and so I decided to move away from the medical program and more into teaching him English and how to read. The local team okayed the switch (even though I still went to the clinic a couple of times a week). This by far was the biggest challenge and I am so grateful to have taken this on. This little boy taught me so much more than I ever expected to learn. Pablo taught him math and did a great job. We fell in love with the boys and in the orphanage and the kids in the community. I have been in many developing countries, so nothing really surprised me here. The biggest disappoint for me was all the trash everywhere (beach, street, parks). Our accommodations were clean and comfortable. The local team manager and her staff were GREAT. They took such good care of us. I really appreciate all the steps they took to ensure our safety, comfort and transition into a new country. I also appreciate how flexible they were in me changing up my program, as mentioned above. TIPS: Go with an open mind because things don’t always go as planned. Be flexible. Be patient. I think an actual practitioner needs to be aware that the only hands on experience will be through outreach programs that sally can definitely set up. That practitioner should be prepared to either bring medicine or purchase medicine for the people after seeing them because the people won’t be able to buy it for themselves most likely. I ended up exceeding my budget (which I’m ok with) by buying medication for the people to at least start their treatments but it’s something to consider prior to going.

Ghana is a beautiful country. I really enjoyed my time at orphanage and meeting new people. The people were very welcoming, and I felt safe. The hospital that I was assigned to was only new so there were not many patients. The LV local team manager was amazing and made sure that I was ok every step of the way. Highly recommend!

Overall, I have had a wonderful experience in Zambia. Within this short one-week experience, I was able to learn a lot about the country- the culture, cuisine, people, and ups and downs of the lives here. This was a great learning opportunity and this experience has already inspired motivation for bringing change into the world in need. Sharing the tales from this experience with my loved ones have already opened the opportunity to educate people and inspire fundraising and donations as well! Zambia is an amazingly friendly country. People are very nice and open to friendship. They are inquisitive and accepting of the differences that I presented to them. Food and accommodation is very cheap as well, making the country available for affordable tourism. Everyone speaks very good English and I also have not felt unsafe anywhere! The project I worked in was a very fun one, where I helped build a mud house. As crafty as it sounds, it is a combination of technical knowledge learnt by the villagers by tradition. Due to lack of manpower created by different disease epidemic that affected the young adult generation, the village is left with a higher ratio of children and elderly compared to adult of age needed for hard labor. The houses made of mud needs reconstruction, and lack of income and manpower makes it difficult to do that. The project is completely funded by volunteers and is run very efficiently. The staff are very altruistic in nature and have left their lives in other countries to settle in this village to continue this cause. I have had a great experience and the patient staff has answered all my inquisitive questions for me to be able to learn more about the country, it’s people and their needs! TIPS: Have an open mind and go with the flow. There are many ways to help the individuals in need. As I am very goal oriented, I started creating goals of how much work I want done in the given time. Within a short time, I realized how patient and open minded these villagers are. They themselves being in need, were ready to take life as it is and surf the wave rather than swimming against the current. They gave the project a very festive atmosphere by chatting, smiling, singing etc., while continuing to work, rather than making it a stressful environment. I am greateful to the people here to remind me of how we are responsible for shaping our own lives by keeping the balance between work and fun!

Amazing program - such a diverse and immersive experience. Loved every minute of it! Kenya is a very cool country with a rich culture and history. The Explorer Program provided insight into the country far beyond the surface level. The LV local team is a truly outstanding organization, thanks to Izzo and Marta and everyone else on the team. It's their warmth, dedication, enthusiasm, and deep knowledge towards Kenya, sustainable development, and volunteerism that allows volunteers to have such wonderful experiences. Not only have they created an infrastructure in which volunteers can engage in rich and meaningful work at the ground-level on a day-to-day basis, but they also foster an atmosphere where volunteers inevitably form some of the most profound and rewarding bonds with each other as well. The LV team really makes everyone feel like part of the family, and like we're all contributing in important and concrete ways to much larger goals. TIPS: Don't hesitate at all. Come to Kenya - for as long as you can, because you will fall in love with this place and the people around you. Choose to do many excursions so that you can experience all there is to do and see, and learn about the world around you. Bring a sense of love and dedication to volunteering and it will undoubtedly be a richly rewarding experience for all involved.

Volunteering with Love Volunteers in Kenya was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. This experience was life changing and I’m already planning my return. I am in love with Kenya. The people, the scenery, the chapati! I felt so privileged to be able to experience this country with the locals and to try and contribute a small amount to this beautiful country. Best people ever. From Marta and Izzo who I am just in awe and inspired by. Two of the most giving, loving and amazing people. Sophie the house mum who rises to that name with aplomb. All the boys in the house who are constantly smiling, offering help and stories and friendship. Finally my host family at IDP who were the most welcoming and fabulous people. I was taught to make chapati, heat my own water and celebrated each England World Cup win, with a family who made me one of their own. TIPS: Be prepared for all weather conditions! At least when I was here it was changeable bring a good hoodie and rain jacket just in case. If you are staying at IDP invest in a travel pillow because they are not supplied by the family. And just bring an open mind and energy because if you do, you will have the best time of your life!

I absolutely love the mission of Love Volunteers local team: creating self-sustaining transformation in Kenya. The staff could not have been friendlier or more helpful. The work was challenging, but the weekly outreach projects with all the volunteers were very satisfying. What a beautiful country, and yet what an enormous amount of deprivation. The excursions planned by the local team, which then support the projects, were so fun, so informative and absolutely spectacular. The Kenyans that I met were very friendly and helpful. The food was simple and tasty. The local team were always available, always friendly, and always accommodating. I was able to teach at 2 different schools: one was very challenging, one was really rewarding. The children were, well children: delightful, curious, and fun. The weekly projects we did to help, typically with our manual labor, and the organizations supported, were very gratifying. TIPS: Be prepared to be surprised; there is just no way to fully prepare yourself for what you will hear, see and experience. Pitch in: whether is it doing dishes at your community house, helping out another volunteer at their placement, or busting your chops doing manual labor you might not do at home, the more you put in and the more flexible you are the richer your experience will be. Remember that you are an ambassador: Each of us represents Love Volunteers, our local agency and our country of origin when we are abroad. Locals will draw impressions of all those groups based on how we behave, how we speak, and how we treat those around us. It's an important responsibility.

This experience was amazing - simply amazing! I love Kenya, will go back any day in a heartbeat. My host and Pendo who cooked for us were both so welcoming. They made us feel like we were at home In Barnabas Mission school director Harrison Gonah and the teaching staff was just awesome. I cannot imagine the commitment and passion with which they do their day today tasks. They don't have much but they got "" big hearts"". Very impressive! TIPS: Yes, particularly in arriving in Nairobi and customs were a bit tough. Since I had lot of items as donations at first they said they would be taxed. I explained to them saying they were all donations from family and friends in Australia and also they were used items ( I carried a lot of stationery items i said they were factory rejects:)

It was a great experience, from meeting the people to the placement and the interaction was great. The country is amazing, It is still developing however the people are very receptive and are willing to learn and develop. The staff are wonderful, very hospitable and caring and they make you feel safe and at home and are there whenever you need them.

A total life changing experience for me. While I suffered a bit of homesickness :). for the most part I was too blown away by all the new and rewarding things I was experiencing. I strongly bonded with the children at the orphanage /school and hope to do some work for them while back in the USA and hope very much to return to see them again next year. I have had a love affair with Kenya since I was first there many many years ago....it continues to hold a strong place in my heard. I was at St. Dorcas Orphanage and School. The conditions of the school/orphanage are pretty bad but in spite of this, the kids seem to be happy and thriving. There is a strong sense of community and everyone looks out for one another ....it is very uplifting and impressive. The staff works very hard with little the little resources they have. TIPS: Be prepared for less than ideal circumstances and facilities. the outcome is only as good as what you put into yourself. If you remain open and receptive and, most importantly, non-judgmental you will be HUGELY rewarded.

I thoroughly enjoyed my adventure in India! Two words: colourful and load! The staff looking after us were great, from cooking our food to giving us advice on travel and things to try out. I enjoyed my internship at the hospital however for me 3 weeks of observing was a little long I would recommend 2 wks. And try and go with others, it makes it more fun and you feel more confident with others around you who are equally as confused when trying to understand all the Hindi lingo :) TIPS: I am a nursing student, it was assumed that I was either pre-med or med so I ended up hanging with the doctors (which isn’t a bad thing at all) But if you are doing nursing, make sure you go and tell the nurse in charge, make yourself known as they will teach you skills more appropriate to your field.

I loved this experience. It was very challenging but also very full filling. Every day I was there, felt like and adventure, and i learned something new with every step i took. I also met very kind and amazing people! I felt accompanied and supported by the local staff at all times, so it made feel very safe. I would definitely recommend Love Volunteers, this program and country to everybody. India is an amazing country, full of magic, kind people, beautiful landscapes and history!!! Every city is different and has its own charm. New Delhi is very dirty, chaotic, the traffic and driving is crazy, but is a city full of life... Udaipur is the dream city, beautiful architecture, surrounded by lakes, and amazing views. Jaipur is beautiful, magical, full of nature, lovely animals and incredible history!! and Agra... there's nothing else besides the Taj Mahal in Agra, but definitely worth it!! The symbol of true love!! Very kind staff. The Jaipur project with the elephants its amazing! The animals are so well taken care of and they really seem happy; each of the mahouts really cares for his elephant. TIPS: Bring very comfortable shoes (sneakers, hiking boots), a lot of pants (yoga, loose) and basic t-shirts, do not bother bringing cute or expensive clothes (at least not to wear them daily) because they'll get ruined. Also, bring your own washing soap so you can wash your clothes during your trip. It is important to know that in any program you do, you'll get very dirty and sweat a lot, so bring loads of spare clothing. Since you'll be eating new foods and tastes, I recommend bringing medicine for your stomach and digestion. Also, bring back packs (not luggage with wheels), since you'll probably be traveling in trains a lot.

I had a great time in this program. Everything went smoothly (for the most part), and I felt I was really able to integrate myself with the locals as well as work hard and make a difference in the small community I was in. Love Volunteers and the local program team made it clear what was expected and how to overcome any challenges that arose. I also felt that I was able to find a great balance of volunteer work and travel/leisure, which helped me see more of Guatemala and soak up the culture. I am very glad that I decided to do this program. I have no complaints, and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone interested! I had been to Guatemala once before, but this time I felt I really got a great look into the culture and detail of this amazing, beautiful country. I found that the host family placement was one of the best ways I was able to connect with the culture, as I was able to experience how the Mayan/Kiche people live in the Mayan highlands. Although there were a few frustrations with how things went sometimes (I was ripped off while taking public transportation), Guatemala fascinated me and I hope to go back again to experience even more that the country has to offer. During the visit I was able to visit such sights as Tikal, Semuc Champey, Antigua, Quetzaltenango, Lake Atitlán, which were a great way to learn more about the country as a whole and its natural and cultural beauty. It was easy to get around and to find anything I needed for personal needs, and I never felt unsafe or in danger. The project was great. The other volunteers and I were received quite well at Corazon del Bosque, the ecological park we were working at. All the staff members loved having us and I even became good friends with them. The work we did varied wildly, from planting trees up in the forest to working in the park's tree nursery to painting a store/café for the locals to come to. The director of the park knew what to do with the volunteers and the staff was helpful in coming up with projects for us to do. It never really felt like there was a lack of work- there was always something that could be done. One of the projects currently at the park is the reconstruction of a building that burned down, but the park staff did not want us to work on this out of possible dangers. Some of the manual labor at the park was challenging and required heavy lifting, which was nice to help with. If we ever needed any help, the park staff were very kind and helped us get the necessary materials for the particular project we were working on. We had some freedom with the work we did, but were also working under the guidance of the park officials. TIPS: It is good to be patient. It is a developing foreign country, and sometimes things don't run quite the same ways they would in a first world country. Therefore it is necessary to be patient with yourself and others and know that the people around you want the best for you. The Guatemalan people are very kind, and are always more than happy to help you with whatever you need. All you need to do is ask!

This program was simply amazing! Ghana has to be one of the best countries in Africa! I loved the local team manager, she is the best. I also loved my every part of the project work in Pentcoast Hospital. It was the best staff, and the best home stay. If you visit Africa, you have to visit Ghana!

We loved the country and all the support from whoever was part of it! Definitely it is a under developed country, but that was exactly what we wanted. The people are extremely friendly and try their best to help you out. I cannot describe in words how was my experience on this program. The smiles and open arms we were well received. The best country you can choose in Africa!

It was a rewarding project! Really enjoyed working with the staff, the horses and the children. Ecuador is beautiful, and so is Quito. I can't wait to go back and visit more of this country. The staff at the project don't speak much Spanish, so it was very challenging to communicate with them, but that forced me to learn and practice Spanish. But the staff are very friendly, helpful. I really enjoyed working with them! TIPS: - The typical apartment for volunteers are shared rooms (with one other roommate) in a 4-bedroom apartment. I stayed with a host family, and had my own room and bathroom, but the apartment was not that modern, so expect not-so-great showers, plumbing, etc. - Quito is mostly safe, but at night, take a taxi! - You will ride the horses bareback! So be prepared.

The volunteer experience was fantastic! It was truly a life changing experience. The owner and manager of the animal center are extremely dedicated and hard working. Ecuador is beautiful. We stayed in the capital, Quito for a few days before and after our volunteer time and it was very clean and the people extremely nice. Oh my gosh, I can't say enough positive things about the owner (Jorge), manager (Raul) and coordinator (Seb).. They are extremely dedicated and knowledgeable. Their hearts are definitely with the animals and keeping the center as close as possible to the animals natural habitat. They believe strongly in ecological conservation and education. Volunteering at the Animal Conservation program involves hard work. Expect to do whatever is needed to keep the animals healthy and the center as natural as possible. With that said, the support from the coordinator and other volunteers is amazing and fun. Take your own towel as the center does not provide them. The center just started providing laundry on site for a small fee which is a great benefit. It is easy to get into the closest town for meals, groceries or entertainment. Take advantage of your weekend time off and visit Banos, a very cute, touristy town about an hour bus ride from the center Or the new Eco lodge that the animal center has just opened. It is deeper in the jungle and volunteers can stay there at a fraction or the cost of tourists. It is an amazing place.

I want to say a big thank you to you all for teaming me up with such an amazing NGO. After initially emailing with questions many months ago, Love Volunteers put me in touch with the local partner, who made fundraising and preparing for Zambia easy. Their responses were always prompt and informative. From the moment I landed in Zambia, I was greeted by the friendly team. I felt jet lagged and tired, but was made to feel at home from the second I walked into camp. The camp was fantastic! The staff, the food, and the accommodation could not be faulted. They have managed to build their facilities over the years, and even have the option of creating hot water for showers! The experience working in the rural hospital is one I will never forget. While I went over with the intention to assist & provide education, I found it was also a great learning experience for me!

I feel so lucky to have found Love Volunteers who then introduced me to Paula, Dan, and Matt. I went with the intention of helping a community and I left feeling like I had a second home. Zambia is a beautiful place but like anywhere in the world, not without problems. I learned a lot about its history and the people while I was there, and I learned even more about the outside world from their perspective. It was a new experience to be an outsider, but also welcomed by so many with open arms. I can't say enough about Paula, Dan, and Matt and the team. They are doing so many amazing things in Mwandi and it being a third world country they have to work very hard to get anything done. I felt like I was home at all times, with family. I spent time with kids at the pre-school, building mud-huts, and also at the old folks home. Every project they have is a wonderful eye-opening experience. TIPS: Do not go into this with expectations. Stay open and trust the program and the people and you will have the experience of a lifetime. I left with the desire to go back and do this a thousand times. They take great care of their volunteers, and feed you ridiculously well for being a small village in Zambia. If you can, go for at least two weeks if not more. You will get a better sense of the world they live in and the projects they do. Also do not miss an opportunity to go to the bush for a weekend and Victoria Falls for a day.

It's been a life-changing volunteer experience. I’m sooo amazed by the friendliness and this pure kindness people have in Costa Rica. It’s something that you can never buy with even millions, trillions of dollars. It’s something really special and rear. If I ever got free time, I’ll definitely come back and volunteer again. This is truly the best travel experience I had ever had in the past 21 years.

I definitely enjoyed my time here in Costa Rica. We had a much more luxurious time than I was anticipating. I would definitely recommend this trip to a friend who was looking for an amazing experience helping others! Costa Rica is a beautiful but very hot country. Having previously experienced the conditions in rural Zambia, CR's tarmacked roads, AC, running water, uninterrupted electricity, wifi, and lack of mosquitoes gave me the impression of luxurious conditions. However, my compatriots may provide a different view, having not been to the same places that I have. Overall, I would say that things were a lot better than I expected: this is definitely an excellent destination for first-timers (even if it doesn't seem like it at the time!). The heat definitely killed one or two members of the group who weren't used to it. I, myself, was uncomfortably hot more than a few times, and was thankful for the AC and nearby ocean! I would like to see a project running to remove some of the litter lying about; although Costa Rica has protected vast areas of land and has seemingly highly sophisticated recycling systems, this was the issue that stuck out to me the most. Marco was a wonderful local partner. He fetched more paint, scrapers, and brushes for us many times, helped to organise Hailey's birthday at the school, and was instrumental in relaying the wishes of the staff. The school was equally amazing: all the staff were very welcoming and accommodating (especially Rosita, who is now immortalised on the wall!). The children were very receptive to our visit; it was wonderful seeing their reactions to the murals. As to the project itself: I loved the painting we did, especially on the bathroom doors and in the dining room. However, I am doubtful as to how long the paint in the classroom will last, as we were told not to scrape the previous layers of paint off, nor to apply a primer. I know that this is not how the local culture works, but I would have preferred to have taken these steps in order to know that our work was worthwhile and will last a long time. I was definitely pleased that we were painting and not clearing the yard in the hot sun!

Amazing!!! This program changed my life. I really, really loved my time there and wish I could have stayed for longer. Costa Rica is amazing!!! I wish there was more information on the site about climate / time of the year that it rains / how much it rains in a day, but overall I loved this country. Cost of living / goods is on par with USA, but overall a worthwhile visit. Absolutely fantastic!!!!! I loved everyone. They genuinely care about us volunteers and about making a difference in the world. If I was to do this over again, I am 1000% confident in them and wouldn't even hesitate.

Very happy with how everything worked out, i was very lucky to have had such an incredible experience. Vietnam was epic, beautiful country with so much to see and do. The people, the food and the culture was so different and refreshing. I will 100% be going back. The staff were all really lovely, no complaints. Good communication and really easy to access if necessary. Vietnam is such a safe place, and is more westernized than other Asian countries, yet it still staying true to its culture and heritage. If you're looking for a country to do your first solo volunteering trip, I would highly recommend.

I really enjoyed this experience. The teaching was challenging at times and I would have liked a little more opportunity to co-teach, but overall a great experience. The volunteer house staff were very helpful and knowledgeable. I would recommend the program to anyone seeking a worthwhile teaching experience.

The people I worked with in Cartagena were wonderful and very helpful and passionate about their mission. The city centre of Cartagena is beautiful. The setting near the ocean is enchanting for someone land locked like myself. The heat and humidity was challenging. The local people are very nice and accommodating to visitors. I never felt unsafe though I walked everywhere. Though poverty was evident in places i served, it didn't touch the spirit of the people. Music and joy were pervasive. The projects were very important work for the local youth we served. Hopefully the scope will widen to provide help to more youth and keep volunteers a little busier. I would have liked to be able to volunteer more. The work is very meaningful. The staff was fantastic! The time and effort put forth by all was inspirational. The vision they work towards for little or no pay or reward other than the student's smiling faces was amazing. TIPS: Spend time to really learn the language. It was my greatest regret. One can help with just a basic understanding of Spanish, but this severely limits the meaningful interaction with the students. To reap the greatest rewards, start studying Spanish early and on a website like YouTube where you can hear the language being pronounced. To be respected in the communities, volunteers need to dress conservatively. This includes long pants for males, and long pants, skirts or dresses for females. With the high heat and humidity, lightweight, dry fit clothing would be best. Carry local change for the transit system.

At first, everything came a bit as a shock: the traffic, the people, the volunteer house, the interactions, ... We felt a bit lost in the beginning. But after a few days, we came in the 'flow' and met the other volunteers. Everything went on on his own tempo. Overall, it was a real eye-opening and impressive experience! I didn't have any expectations when I left home, but still it came as a shock. I was surprised about how the people live in Cambodia: the dirty streets, air pollution, the small shops along the drive ways, the unsafe traffic, ... I think it's very hard for the local people to live there because of the poverty. The people were all so kind to us, in the hospital of our program, on the streets, during our weekend trips, ... So it was really nice to communicate and interact with the locals even though they couldn't speak English very well. In the hospital of our program, they were very glad to have us. Most of the doctors and students were very kind and explained us a lot. A few doctors were not really open minded, but maybe, that's someones personality and not the vision of the hospital! They were also very interested in the hospitals of Belgium. We told them a lot about our experiences in both the Cambodian and Belgian hospitals. TIPS: Tips for the house: wait a few days before making a definite opinion about the house and the staff. At first, you can feel a bit lonely because you didn't see much people. But at the end of the first week, everything is different: you have met the other volunteers and have heard about their experiences, you have had an orientation day in the house, you have spoken to the local staff, you've settled in, ... You will feel much better than the moment you arrived after a long flight ;) Tips for the program: with a smile and an open mind, you can get everywhere. Just ask the local team if you don't understand something or if you don't feel right about something. Probably, they will try to make things better for you because they are very glad to have you there. Some people cannot speak English very well, so they are a bit shy to start talking to you. So remember: it's not because they don't like you, but because they feel unsure.

The home stay was a delight. They were very friendly and glad to meet folks from other countries. Although English is the major language of the country, in the villages, many speak only a Uganda dialect. The animal safari's were incredible.

I have absolutely adored my time in Ukraine. Volunteering with the Love Volunteers has been one of the best things I've ever undertaken. The nature is stunning, the culture and pride is incredibly present and the people are warm, open, generous and strong. I'll never forget my time with these kids, or the families who opened their doors to feed and house me, the beautiful selfless nurses in the orphanage, the conversations with curious Babushkas (Grannies) in the village streets and my guide Sasha who kept me safe throughout. I wish only the greatest success for Ukraine in their struggle to live without war, without corruption and without poverty. I have a strong feeling I'll see her again!

We had a really nice stay in the volunteer house. The staff in the National Pediatric Hospital Phnom Penh was very kind, they let us do a lot, and we've learned so much about the health care in Cambodia. It was a wonderful experience. Since Cambodia is a developing country, I expected to experience a lot of things out of my comfort zone. The first days were a little tough, because the country is even more poor than I thought, but after a few days, we were settled down. We had a great time in Cambodia. In the weekends we travelled around to discover Cambodia's beautiful culture and nature. Mey was really nice and she gave us a an interesting orientation day. The city tour was also very interesting, and a nice opportunity to meet some other people of the house. The staff in the hospital was really nice, we we welcomed kindly, they showed us around, they let us participate in whatever we wanted. I learned so much and I'm really grateful I have the experience. It certainly will influence my way of thinking as a doctor in the future. National Pediatric Hospital Phnom Penh is a really good place to volunteer, I would recommend every medical student to go there. You are able to chose at which department you would like to work, and you can switch every week from department. So, you have a general impression at the end. They also let you participate to conferences, and I had also the chance to visit an local NGO with one of the doctors.

The month I spent in Cambodia was one the the best experiences I've ever done! I was able to fully get to know a different country and its beautiful traditions as well as meet people from all over the world sharing the same house and the same projects. I was able not only to live Phnom Penh as a local, and not as a tourist, but also to meet its inhabitants, that were so kind to show us around and teach us about khmer language, culture and food. An entire month might seem too much time to someone, and that is what I believed too before leaving, but I assure you that as soon as it ends you'll feel like barely a week has passed. I highly reccomend such an experience because not only it gives you a chance to see a different country but also to help someone in need and to help them raise their voice and their rights. Cambodia is probably the country where I've seen the strongest bond to the culture and the tradition. The country itself offers you incredible views, historical insights and cultural sceneries: it's still not as touristy as other countries, such as Thailand, and therefore kept an original and real feel to it. Poverty is one of the major difficulties it has to face and, unfortunately, you'll be able to see it even walking around the major cities, such as Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. People are usually very welcoming, although they don't speak much english and, if they do, they have a very strong accent (but you'll get used to it). I was very surprised by how generally polite and very reserved they are. The volunteer house is very big and it hosts many people: everyone has its own space and the rooms have western facilities. The staff is always very helpful and ready to organize some activities to your request. I worked with a friend of mine in a local NGO on a project regarding the indigenous communities spread across Cambodia and their rights. It gave the opportunity to have an insight on the difficulties the country is facing, especially after the Khmer Rouge period at the end of the 20th century. TIPS: Don't be afraid to travel around, because with the right precautions could be the perfect way to get to know a new place and its culture. Be aware of the diseases like malaria, dengue fever and hepatitis and, If you feel safer, get the vaccinations (malaria is not present in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, dengue is spread everywhere and there are no vaccinations against it). Always carry around a strong repellent (at least 50% DEET). Other than that, remember you are going there to have fun and be open to their tardiness. It will be an experience you won't forget!!

The host family is very kind and helping where ever they can. Very open people that are kind and loving although they do not have a lot of material things. TIPS: If volunteers want to bring something, they definitely should. All kind of children’s clothing, shoes, etc. will be highly appreciated.

One of the most amazing experiences of my life! The history and culture of this country is so rich. Very sad to hear the atrocities that have occurred here but it is something all people should know and understand about Cambodia. It is also contributed to the beauty in these people I have come to love. The project was incredible. It fitted in with my background in business yet also gave me opportunity to live in a world so far away from my normal day to day life. I am so grateful for the support I received from LV’s local team and I was in regular communication directly with Nicole at Love Volunteers. They were amazing!

It was a wonderful experience. Everything was so well organised and had no issues. The local team were very helpful and friendly. I absolutely loved Cambodia. I'd always heard there was something special about Cambodia and I agree. There is something very special about the people, the culture and their history. It was not as chaotic as I was expecting and much cleaner than other SouthEast Asia countries I have travelled to. The project was actually quite fun. I've done numerous humanitarian trips, and this was really the first time that I saw the immediate impact my help had on the people. The family we built the toilet for were so grateful and happy to finally have their own toilet and privacy. It's something that we take for granted, yet for this family it has now changed their life. The local staff were great. They were fun and helpful and good company to be around.

Hi! I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Club English Laos. The school has very worthy and enthusiastic students and, given the resources available, was run well. Somsouk is a wonderful host who took time away from his family on my arrival to show me around and orient me with the school. He was available most of the time if needed (but really wasn't). The bed in the home stay was awful but that's really my only issue with the accommodation. Once my back recovers I'll forget all about it! The hosts at the home stay were so gracious. The teachers are very good and organized. They used me as needed and I was able to quickly contribute with lessons, pronunciation and the conversational aspect of the school. There were about 12 volunteers most of the week which is a bit much for some classes. At times we had one teacher and two volunteers for 3 students. We kept busy but likely too much. Other times it was one teacher, me and 25 students which was dynamic; even entertaining. My week went by too fast. I wouldn't discourage a one week stay (and I feel it went well) but you may note that a two week minimum commitment is recommended. Many are here for 3 or 4 even 8 weeks - while one week is still a contribution, I feel 2 or more would have been better as it takes a day or two before the students get to know you and open up in conversation. So, overall I give this a 5 out of 5! Only wish I could stay longer and think I may sometime in the future. I will also say that Love Volunteers gets my recommendations for ease and responsiveness. Good value for money - thanks for your help!

I have just returned from two-weeks in Nepal and my impressions are all positive. I have undertaken a placement that has affected me greatly on a number of levels and I am aware that on occasions I was part of things that left me feeling very humbled and honoured to have been a witness to what happened (if that makes sense). I have returned being much more aware of how fortunate I am and I have every intention of returning nest year (to the same placement). I would say that, without a doubt, it has made me a better person and I am so pleased that I went and experienced the things that I did. The words that spring to mind when considering this question are friendly, developing, harsh and inspiring. I am not sure that I can add to that at this moment in time! Very welcoming and helpful and I am in genuinely in awe of the work they do and the manner in which they undertake it. Inspiring!! TIPS: Go for longer than two weeks - I will next time! Be prepared to 'throw yourself in at the deep end' and just do it! Be non-judgemental and open minded Take two lap tops (the children kept wanting to watch a film on YouTube - which on occasions was completely appropriate and the staff were fine with this - but it left me with no lap top, and I was surprised as to how I struggled with this!!! (this comment is - obviously - said tongue in cheek!) Try and learn some of the language before you go - I really wish I had!

I have just completed my 1-week volunteering programme in Turkey, Istanbul. I have thoroughly enjoyed the programme and enjoyed working with the kids at the art school. It was great to see how differently the art schools operate in Turkey compared to the UK. Overall, I enjoyed my placement, met lots of different people and enjoyed the cultural society of Istanbul. The country was great, there were lot so of things to see and do outside of our volunteering hours. The staff members of LV's local team were wonderful. They had given us a small booklet which gave us details of our project placement and school. They had thoroughly set out a timetable and how to get to our differently locations - which we thought was very helpful. The booklet also consisted of things about Turkey; e.g food, drink, social life, cultural etc etc. Likewise, the project member kept us up to date on things and helped us out on any queries we had. TIPS: I would advise others to check when schools are most busy e.g during summer time our summer location was not too busy. However, this depends on the volunteer, as some may like busy environments, and some may not. I would also recommend volunteers to do some research on public transport as you may have to commute a lot & some countries e.g Turkey had a TravelCard which was used for ferries, trams and buses instead of paying cash etc

I personally think that everyone should be a volunteer in these underdeveloped countries. I feel like your whole mind changes after this experience, you now see your life with another perspective and you appreciate everything... My first impression was that it was such a crazy country with chaotic traffic but when you get to know the people and all the beautiful places you fall in love with it instantly. Cambodians are people who will always have a smile for you and the willingness to help you whenever you need. My project was the reason why I started to love Cambodia since the first day. The kids are amazing and the staff at my project were so kind and really thankful for my help. At my house, everyone who was working there would actually care about your whole stay in Cambodia and would help you anytime. TIPS: My main tip would be that you need to be patient and open-minded with everything you will come across with. The first days are always tough but when you get used to the country, you will love it. Try to understand and respect the culture even though it might seem really strange for yourself.

My month in Ecuador has gone so fast. And I feel sad that I will be leaving this amazing country. The volunteer placement I was on was incredible, I had the opportunity to teach English to an amazing bunch of kids and everyone at the school was so appreciative of what I was doing. I definitely shed a few tears on my final day of volunteering. Whilst I have been in Ecuador, I've also made lifelong friends. We have shared so many memories, laughs and moments. It's kind of crazy. I knew that when I left the UK nearly four months ago, I would meet people, however I never realised just how many friendships I would make along the way. Thank you so much Love Volunteers with providing me with these amazing opportunities. I will definitely be volunteering with you guys again. Elena

I had a fairly good experience with my construction project in Siem Reap through Love Volunteers. Both Love Volunteers and the local volunteering team were very organized and helpful. They replied to my emails and texts quickly and had great advice to make my experience even better. I really enjoyed volunteering in Cambodia. I learned so much about their history and the tragedies they've faced as well as some current struggles that they are still facing. Everyone I interacted with was so lovely, such as our site coordinators, the family we built the house for, and even tuktuk drivers and servers, etc. Siem Reap is also a nice place to visit and I really enjoyed shopping, eating in cafes and restaurants on Pub Street, and touring Angkor City. The landmine museum was also a great place to visit. Working on this program was very interesting. It was the first time the local team had built a 2 story house and we joined during the third week of building and finished the house by extending the back into a kitchen and toilet, building a viranda out front, and painting everything.

I loved the place and loved the work. I love Palestine and want to visit again. Simply amazing, fam away from fam. You will enjoy every part of your stay, and the people around make it more beautiful :)

It was really an exploration in all areas of my life, i learned how other countries welcome people, their culture, traditional foods, their hospitality, you are a human being through other people, with ought other people you are not called a person, and its only by people its when you can know yourself oneself`s relays in other people. if you go out there from your family you get a bigger family from the one you have and learn a lot as you will be able to see things in a different perspective, maybe you were not some one who can share your secrets or give out to help, but when others share their secret and give openly you also start doing the same.

Volunteering in Nablus was a great experience overall. The people are welcoming and the culture is very close to my heart. We volunteered at a summer camp in one of the areas of Nablus. The kids are full of energy and they loved meeting the international volunteers. The summer camp offered a variety of activities ranging from fine arts, dabke (traditional Palestinian dance), theatre, and sports. Even after volunteering I had the chance to learn dabke from the teens at the camp. The city of Nablus is very lively. The location of the accommodation is located in the center of the city which is perfect. It is also easy to visit the areas nearby using public transportation. People are welcoming. You can see the effects of the occupation on the country and on the people as well. The staff of Project Hope were very helpful. They made moving in smooth and they provided us with the schedule of our volunteering. They also organized activities in the evening for the volunteers. Furthermore, the summer camp we were sent to was great and there were also lots of local volunteers. TIPS: Make the most out of your volunteering experience. The memories you will make will last a lifetime.

People are deeply get involved and they are working so hard nerveless of all the hurdles they have It is amazing the number local volunteers and internationals form all the world there and the chances we find to exchange whatever. Absolutely I recommend this experience! There is not so much difference between the human being no matter where they are. The most of the people are looking a job, to feed their children. About the political issue I would say that unfortunately people gave up . The enemy is too powerful and also they are fragmented That is amazing always they look after you never lack anything. You can be confident with them. If you do not like something you can talk with them and it is changed

Volunteering with love volunteers has been a pleasure, they supported me from the beginning to the end. I truly enjoyed my week in Brazil with you guys and I so regret not doing more than a week because the community I worked with was like a family to me. Evie, the coordinator was the nicest person ever and everybody’s disponibility I truly felt like home, I felt like a family because that’s what they made us feel like. Volunteering in the daycentre community was truly awesome, kids were so sweet, and I learnt so much about not taking things for granted. I also came during the worst period, a lorry strike but still they have managed to make me do what I would like, and it truly was a remarkable experience. I can’t wait to go back and see the community’s centre all built and see how the children have grown up and how my new family is doing of course! I am definitely planning on volunteering end of summer again with you guys but this time I am so intrigued to try Mexico or Bolivia!! TIPS: To everybody who is going to volunteer in Brasil I can say you will love it and will be changed as a person in better. Don’t listen to all the news like I did, because there are always two sides of the story and there is so much fake news to mock a country . Don’t do much research, just go with the flow . Also not many people speak English so better download google translate and then download the Portuguese language so it will work off line too! For the rest enjoy your time!!!

Overall this was a great experience. I was a little weary going into it because I'm not super fond of young children but once I saw the smiles on their faces as we entered the school each day I quickly warmed up to them. Despite the obvious language barrier the kids were friendly and very curious. The work that we were given was not too tedious, as it only involved painting for the most part. We were thankful for the easier work because of the high temperatures. Most of all I was thankful for this experience in which I got to experience a new culture and build relationships with the very kind staff. Costa Rica is an absolutely beautiful country. When I stepped off of the plane one thing that absolutely stunned me was how green, lush and beautiful everything was. Everyone that we encountered on our trip was very helpful, patient and kind which I was more than thankful for given that I've never travelled without my family, and only spoke the tiniest bit of Spanish. I absolutely fell in love with the little town of Jaco and everything it had to offer us. I was intrigued by the simplistic ""mas tiempo que vida"" lifestyle that everyone had in common, as well as the laid back ""pure vida"" lifestyle. As cheesy as it sounds, this little surf town quickly grew on me and will forever hold a special place in my heart. We were very lucky to not run into anyone unfriendly or rude on our trip, and everyone we met were very accommodating and kind. Our program advisor, Marco was very nice and tried his best to help us resolve any issues we had. He constantly went on supply runs whenever we needed him to and took lots of pictures of us. He wasn't around much because he said he had other programs that he was overseeing but when he was there he was always making jokes and playing as our tourist guide. He also made sure that we were okay when the earthquake hit, even though we had no clue it had even happened. The staff at the school were very nice and tried their best to answer any questions we had even though they spoke very little English. In particular, the cafeteria lady, Rosita was very welcoming, helpful and kind. All the kids absolutely loved her and we quickly bonded with her. She made our volunteering fun because of her kind, grateful and funny personality. TIPS: One thing I can't stress enough to STAY HYDRATED. I ended up with heat stroke on one of our volunteer days which resulted in missing half a day of work. I thought I had been drinking plenty but that's not enough. You need to constantly eat salty foods to help keep water in your body, wear light coloured clothing, wrap a wet cloth around your neck or head and keep in the shade as much as possible, because it's really not a fun experience, and your volunteering isn't something that you want to miss. One Last thing- Even if the conditions aren't what you expect, find something to appreciate each day. Don't waste all your time taking photos for your friends and family-they will not look as good as the real thing. Be present in your volunteering and interact with the kids instead of being shy and only taking photos. Live your volunteer time in the moment and you'll learn, give and receive a much better experience than if you don't.

For the past month, I've had the pleasure of volunteering with LV in Thailand in a women's empowerment program at The Wildflower Home in Chiang Mai - a sustainable farming, single mother's shelter. Helping and observing here, I've been fortunate enough to witness the importance of what a strong, loving, and well-connected community can do for marginalized women and children from so many different backgrounds and circumstances. They've all taught me a thing or two (or twenty) about patience, generosity, optimism, kindness, and hard work. The tasks here include providing companionship to the women, teaching English, helping with crafts, and assisting in the daycare. If you're not sure which project to choose, the women's empowerment program is one that involves a little bit of everything. Sign up for this project if you want to leave feeling inspired, and like you've truly made a difference to the women and children who make this place so special. The sisters, mothers, and long-term volunteers are exceedingly kind and, for the most part, totally welcoming, as are their children. I would recommend that volunteers signing up for this project be comfortable around children of all ages and ability, as you will be spending time at least once a day (most likely, for hours on end) with them. Also, it is important to note that rather than assisting with teaching English and other classes, you (and the other volunteers) will more than likely be the one leading the class.

Lovely country, hospitable people and GREAT FOOD!!! It was much better than expected, the untouched beauty of the Bosnian landscape makes it something worthwhile visiting. The staff and fellow volunteers were super friendly, you make friends immediately. It has such a welcoming atmosphere TIPS: Cherish every minute, because it will be over before you know it

I had a great time in Thailand and enjoyed working with the monks and I got comfortable getting around in a foreign country. When getting outside of the city the country side is very beautiful. The people are wonderful with lots of smiles and I always felt safe where ever I went. I did want to see if Thailand would be a country I could do some extended living with the exception of the heat it could be a nice country to live. The project was fun, I worked with a Buddhist Monk teaching English. He was really a great guy and cared that the students got the most from his teach and but me to good use in pronunciation. My experience was really easy. The staff from LV's local team were easy they were relatively hands of for my project. TIPS: If you are a twenty something person staying in the accommodation that they provide will be great, however if you like having fresh towels, your own bathroom and a big space you may want to do as I did and find a nice hotel with a pool for about $20 a day or for even less can be found. I know I'm a spoiled American but having my own place made my stay much more comfortable. I enjoyed my stay at the Prince Hotel a block from the local teams office.

My project was great and I absolutely loved my time teaching monks. They were slightly timid at first with their English but soon talking up a storm. The teachers at the school worked well with me and helped me teach the classes by myself. Bangkok's culture-rich environment didn't disappoint. The temples, markets, foods, restaurants, shopping, and bars all provided a piece of Bangkok. Thailand has a lot to offer, from the food to the people it was a great experience. The beaches were beautiful and there were a lot of cute shops and restaurants. Bangkok seemed to be made for tourists. There was something to appease everyone. The temples were beautiful, the markets were interesting, and the food was spicy. The staff here was amazing! They help you with anything you could possibly need. Their English is very good and they can translate almost anything. They keep the fridge and the snacks stocked. They provide all details to get to your project and complete it successfully. My project was great and I look forward to going every day. The school provided me with a schedule and allowed me to plan the lessons. All the teachers and staff at the school were very kind and generous. They would do anything to accommodate me and were extremely grateful to have a native speaker. The monks enjoyed having me as a guest teacher and were usually engaged. I would highly recommend this program.

It was a very interesting experience. I had a chance to work side by side with international and local volunteers, as well as with the staff of a local NGO. Meeting the local staff, as well as the local volunteers, provided me with a very useful insight into Bosnian society. The project was about community-building and peace-building, and most activities were specifically designed in this sense. I really appreciated the staff's availability and kindness, as well as their commitment to include volunteers in designing daily activities TIPS: Don't be afraid to ask when you're uncertain about something; Have a non-judgemental approach (Bosnian society and recent history are very complicated and, in a way, problematic); Bring your own creativity and enthusiasm!

This trip was excellent - I found myself useful to both the young monks and the older monks. I was expecting a higher degree in English knowledge overall from Teachers and students, but overall it was easier to settle in than I had expected it to be. Excellent support form the local team. They are all very helpful and professional. More than just being a volunteer, when one expects to bring significant experience to his life, this is definitely an excellent way to add value and meaning and counter balance our European comfort. The little ceremony which concludes the program reveals the truth and sincere appreciation from the all team.

Brcko is a great place to do a voluntary service placement. There are lots of possibilities to implement your personal project, create your own workshops, and meet new people. Bosnia is a beautiful and very safe country. Despite what you may think, people are generally very friendly and helpful. There are some obvious political problems in the country, there are still a lot of signs of the war, and transport takes a long time. However, you will get used to this very quickly and start to appreciate the country, the people, and of course the food! The local project staff are always very helpful and friendly. They made me feel at home from the first day, and were always available for help whenever I needed it. TIPS: If you are into creativity, art, and music, then this project is the place for you. Bosnian culture is very welcoming and the food is great. Even if you do not have any experience working with children, the local project staff will help you out.

I really enjoyed my experience! The description on the website as well as information given ahead of time was very accurate and useful. Teaching at the local Thai school was an enriching and eye- opening experience for me as a future teacher. I am very happy I did this program! Thailand is a beautiful country with amazing people, and I loved my time on Koh Samui. I got to experience the local school during the day and explore the island at night. The local staff was lovely and it was also very easy to communicate with Nicole from Love Volunteers with questions and details. TIPS: Enjoy your time at the school and on the island! No need to stress. The house meets the needs of volunteers; it is not super fancy or anything but it nice and safe! The house is in a more local area (non-touristy) part so enjoy that part of the experience! The schools aren&#39;t close enough to walk to, but the local team picks you up each morning and is there with you!

This program was so well organized. I loved that they had things planned for us each day. I went to the Costa Rica in 2016 with another organization and we were on our own when not working. Far less enjoyable. I would highly recommend any trip with LV and their local team in Thailand. They were so amazing. Loved Thailand so much that I want to return soon. Once again with the LV local teams support it made the whole experience amazing. The project kept us busy even when we were not with the elephants and the local team there has the most kind, helpful and fun staff that I have ever worked with. Hats off to that organization. TIPS: Make sure the local team is good, it really makes the trip amazing. We had a welcome dinner so we could all meet and had planned activities every day. Loved it.

After joining this program, my perspective on the medical field broadened. I gained insight into the daily lives of doctors in the General Surgery Department. I was able to learn numerous medical terms and watched multiple surgical operations. The doctors and medical students were amazing and helped explain to me the procedures and anatomic parts the surgery was being done. I had an amazing time learning in the hospital! Thailand is rich with culture and remnants of the past. During my stay I was able to travel around Bangkok and learn about the history of Thailand. The temples are especially beautiful. It is easy to buy food. Restaurants are open in every corner you turn to. Everyone here is kind and helps you if you get lost in the city. The local project staff are incredibly friendly and are always there if you have any problems. The Thammasat University that I was placed into was a perfect place for me because I got to learn about the daily lives of medical students in Thailand as well as doctors. TIPS: Always ask questions if you're confused. Don't be shy. Enjoy your time here because it will be a memorable experience.

Fantastic experience. Feel humbled after having spent the past three weeks in a typical Balinese village. Very friendly Host and well behaved school children. Would love to re-visit the place in the not so distant future. Very green and clean island. Friendly down to earth people. Good food and welcoming atmosphere. Was slightly pessimistic but this all changed once I saw how eager the school kids were to learn English. The local staff made us feel at home and were always helpful. Local host was a GEM. Could not do enough to make us feel comfortable. She was a great cook and kept us well fed. She took us to local religious ceremonies, cafe, local sights etc. TIPS: Working in the remote village in Bali is the best way to learn the local culture. If this is you aim apart from teaching the local children, then this is the place to volunteer for.

Felt very welcomed by everyone and settled in quickly. Beautiful with very happy and generous people. All very nice and welcoming, so helpful with all of my questions. TIPS: Be prepared to use less western-style toilets!

I really enjoyed discovering Bali through this programme as it allowed me to meet people with similar intentions with all the volunteers, and get a glimpse of local life on the island by teaching at the school. All the staff were helpful and kind making you feel welcomed. TIPS: Arrive with an open mind and embrace everything your trip has to offer!

It was a great experience and I hope to be able to do something like this again. The country was beautiful, and I always felt safe there. The staff was absolutely amazing, and I loved all of them! TIPS: Don't pack too heavy. You end up mostly wearing the same things over again anyways!

The hostel is in a very rural part of Tanzania. I was taken back a bit at first but it didn't take me long to get used to it. The locals were friendly and welcoming and made me feel at home. I enjoyed learning and practicing the local greetings and eating the local food. The staff was very helpful with not only the project, but also providing everything the volunteers needed.

Everything in the Wildlife Rescue shelter project was amazing. I had such a great time. The location is a little remote, but it was a great opportunity to experience the best of the Australian wilderness! Thank you to everyone at LV for this trip.

This program allowed me much more then to see and give back in another country. It allowed me to truly learn and be immersed in the culture. Tanzania is country filled with resilient, caring people. Though their needs are great, their strength in the face of adversity is compelling. The local team manager went out of his way to ensure all of our needs were met. He also went above and beyond, enhancing the experience in the country with immersion in the culture through educational excursions. TIPS: Be prepared to see and experience some of the most heart-breaking, and some of the most wonderful things in life.

The program was very well organised; the duties were easy to follow. There was a lot of guidance, so you felt comfortable with your duty. Australia is beautiful; it has lots to offer for the traveller and visit lots of natural parks and learn about the history. Food is great too and very diverse. There is something for everyone. The project team at the Turtle Centre are amazing! The staff have done a fantastic job in creating awareness and setting up the centre! It's inspiring and it was an honour to get the opportunity to meet the staff and work with the turtles. It is not an opportunity I would get in my own country. Although i was out of my comfort zone, I am very glad I took part; I would definitely do other volunteer programs again! I also met some lovely people, with whom I will stay in touch with them. TIPS: Enjoy every moment!!

They are so nice. I really love Tanzania, I’ll come back again for sure. My work wasn’t so hard, all people I’ve met is so nice and I’ve learnt a lot about the way they life and think. Even they are a development country I think they are so happy, and they know how to enjoy life, and that’s an important thing. In a politician way is so complicated but I’ve liked to ask for it. I’ve travelled to Kilimanjaro and is so nice too, I’m in love with Hot Springs, it’s the best place I’ve ever been! My work wasn’t so hard, I’ve worked about 2-3 hours 6 days a week. The place was so nice, and we were planting trees. We’ve spent good time with workers too. TIPS: Even be the rain season, I’ve been sunburnt. There’s a lot of mosquitos but no malaria. And take money because we’ve gone out sometimes...but you’re going to have fun 24/7, so enjoy and learn each other!

It might seem cliché, but this trip to Tanzania was amazing and it has changed me loads. Not only have I gotten the opportunity to learn about a different culture, I have also gotten the chance to learn about my self, to grow. The program I did, working in an orphanage, made me realise how much I take things for granted and how little one actually needs to be happy - I have loved it. I have had the opportunity to visit more than just Arusha, which honestly is not a pretty nor nice city. I have been to the Kilimanjaro, in Moshi, to a Maasai village, near the border, and on a 4 day-long safari, exploring Tanzania's wildlife and landscapes, and it has all been mesmerising. Tanzania is an absolutely beautiful country, its citizens have much to offer as well. Unfortunately, I have never really felt 100% safe, even accompanied by locals. People stare at you, men shout things, but I have not once been physically approached by anyone indecent and all the people I have met have been very nice and helpful whenever I had asked something, but the general feeling of not being safe was present daily. The hostel I was assigned to initially was a bit of a flop. There wasn't many other volunteers there, the access to Arusha city was limited and overall I just wasn't happy there. I have deeply appreciated the Love Volunteers Staffs reaction to my complaints: within a day they had found me a new hostel, still well centered, in Arusha, where 10-15 other volunteers were already staying. It is, in my opinion, a rather big shame my stay had to start the way it did, but in the end, I am deeply happy with the support from LV. The project, in which I taught English to young orphans and school children, was wonderful. I have learnt them many things ( I hope ), but I can for sure say they have taught me more. The children and the staff working at the orphanage/school have shown me how little one actually needs to be happy, and how holding on to love and family makes you stronger. I have never seem more hopeful people and I wish them all the best, they are all truly remarkable. TIPS: I had very idealistic expectations before going on my trip, where I pictured that since I was doing this volunteer work in an underdeveloped country, I would see everything in pink and be happy and grateful all the time, but it was much harder than expected. The distance from home, from a comfort zone, was bigger than I had imagined, and times were emotional occasionally, good and bad. I would sometimes feel lonely, sad, happy, amazed, but what really got me through it all was writing it down. I kept a little day to day diary were I would write down what I had done on a daily basis and how it had made me feel, which helped getting through the bad days and enjoying the good ones even more. I kept in touch with home a lot as well, giving myself 30 minutes a day to call friends and family, just to see what they are up to and to be reminded that everything I learn, I will bring back to people that might want to do the same thing as me, later. One thing I tried to keep in mind is that a trip like this one is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, so enjoying everyday is a must. Want to see the waterfalls? Go! Want to take a day off work to visit the coffee plantation? Do it! Safari? Yesss!

The program is very involving. I got the chance to dive two times per day in Great Barrier Reef, learn from local scientist and reef operator about corals and other marine lives. We need to complete ""Eyes on the Reef"" survey at the end of the project. There is also an opportunity to volunteer at the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, where we could take care of sick/injured turtles, by preparing food, feeding them, and cleaning the facilities. Australia is beautiful, while Cairns is a relatively small town with almost all things you would like to find. Great amount of choices on food, for younger people, the night life should be amazing (many clubs and bars). Communication and whole booking process was quite easy and straight forward. Great amount of information and instruction were provided in a timely basis. when I had question, Nicole from the volunteer operation team helped a lot and always responded in time. TIPS: 1. You will stay in a dorm room (4 people share) at a hostel. 2. Party life could be very attractive to teenagers. 3. Night market have a lot of nice sweets, Crepe is one of the best. 4. You will get a certification for the Great Barrier Reef diving section, kindly remember to check and make sure the local guide has your correct name.

All in all we had an amazing week at the orphanage. The kids are so sweet and loving, and Emma who owns the orphanage is amazing. Seeing how they live and being able to help in some small way was life changing. Tanzania is an amazing country! The people are very friendly, the food is delicious and there is so much diversity in terms of geography and vegetation. I absolutely loved the country. The staff were fantastic. Benson was an amazing coordinator. The hostel was clean, comfortable and the food there was great. He provided us great transport to the project and around town. I loved staying there, the Hostel is amazing. Emma at the orphanage was great. She showed us around and got us oriented. The other staff were were very friendly and accommodating. TIPS: Have a clear plan when you get there - establish a project you can do and make it something sustainable that will impact them for the future.

It was an awesome experience! The program can actually help sea turtle and I learnt a lot from it. Cairns is a nice and beautiful city. Tropical climate, very warm/hot, very chill. There are many things you can do in your spare time, such as swimming, snorkelling, diving, skydiving and some tours in the Great Reef. They are all very warm-hearted people, very enthusiastic about what are doing. They are also very easy going. You can ask for help from them. TIPS: Be prepared for taking a boat to the Friztory Island. If you have seasick, you can buy some pills from your hostel or the cafe nearby.

I don’t know where to start from. But in a nutshell, this was the best experience and the best month i’ve ever had in my entire life. I arrived to Cherkasy on December the first, it was snowing. Too cold and new people, new language, however, i felt home in a very short period. The people here are great and friendly. The local staff in the orphanages are friendly and respectful as well. My coordinator Alexander was absolutely helpful and made it really easy for me to accomplish my volunteering work. About the kids, nothing can describe how lovely they are, they are so amazing, they participate in every activity i prepare and made me feel really happy. I brought tears to my eye in my last day, whey came and asked me not to cry :( Also they ask me to come back and made my promise to do so, and i will visit one day. This month had changes my life, i realised how simple things can do for these kids. Thanks for every one in Cherkasy, thanks Alexander and thanks Love Volunteers.

Volunteering with Love Volunteers was a wonderful and life-changing experience for me. This program actually opened my eyes suggesting me to make my passion of traveling meaningful every time I visit a new country. The time I spent with the people in Sri Lanka will always be cherished. I was able to provide some great knowledge during my stay and was also able to learn a lot from the people I met. Cultural knowledge, Life lessons, positivity towards life and what not, this trip taught me all of it. I am glad that I was able to provide the children with some good lessons for learning according to the curriculum. The children at the kindergarten were so sweet and welcoming right from the first day that we ended up playing so many games together towards the end of the program. I also got the opportunity to visit the school of differently abled children where we danced painted so many things and had loads of fun. I know everyone says the same thing but even I wish I could live there for a longer period of time to create a larger impact on the student's lives and of course to travel more. THANK YOU SO MUCH LOVE VOLUNTEERS FOR SUCH A LOVELY EXPERIENCE. :) Sri Lanka is a beautiful country. It is full of greenery. I could distinguish between India and Sri Lanka even from the airplane because of the greenery. The people are so friendly and ready to help in any possible way. I don't remember any place in Sri Lanka where I wasn't able to crack a conversation with any random person and obviously, these conversations were great. Learnability is one thing in life I look for and this country is full of things that make you learn new things at every stage of travel. Even the beaches are so beautiful and clean. Really a good place to surf or just a grab a beer and relax on the shore. I am happy that I was able to contribute some of my time and efforts to bring positivity in many peoples' lives from different regions of Sri Lanka. I can say it without any doubt that I was hosted by the best hosts present in Sri Lanka. The whole family was so humble, friendly, sweet and helpful. I was placed in Badulla at Shiwanthi's house and I must say what a lovely lady she is. I had the best conversations with her about life over dinner every single day. I am so glad that I was able to experience the simplicity they prefer in lives. She was able to give me the essence of the Sri Lankan culture in every aspect from food to leading a happy life in the country. I proudly say that I loved being at Shiwanthi's place. :) TIPS: There is nothing specific I would want to say to the fellow volunteers for this program but just be open to everything, keep your doors open for learning new things. If I talk about the kids, they just want to have loads of fun and some appreciation for the work they do at school. So, just be yourself and help the children learn great things about life while having some fun. GOOD LUCK!

It was one the best experiences of my life, was surrounded by the warmest most beautiful people. Breath-taking country, incredible food, was always greeted with the warmest smiles, everywhere I went they were always kind and always willing to help. They made everything so easy, helped out as much as they could, I always felt safe while I was there, they were always looking out. TIPS: If you can get past the language barrier this trip is absolutely perfect and even with the language barrier, I had the best of times and realized sometimes you don't really need words to connect with people.

Excellent all-around immersive experience! Buenos Aires is one of my favorite spots on Earth! Exceptionally warm culture and notably patient with, and welcoming of visitors. Rich in culture, almost reminiscent of Europe though with a distinctly Latin vibe. Staff went out of their way to provide support, and were available at all hours of the day. By the end of my trip they felt like friends! Any hiccups with transportation, lodging, etc. during my stay were expediently attended to. Medical director was quite attentive in incorporating me into the care teams, personally curating my experience, and being flexible with my schedule. TIPS: Despite warnings about pickpockets and petty crime (which is good advice in any large city) I felt very safe throughout my stay! The city is easy to navigate on foot, and convenient ground transportation is affordable. Highly recommend a day trip to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay (a quick excursion by ferry).

Overall - the trip was amazing! I wouldn't change a thing and do it all over again. This was my first trip to Mexico and it exceeded my expectations. The area of Oaxaca was safe and I was able to walk to places by myself (especially as a solo female traveller). The culture is rich and the food speaks for itself. The project was exactly what it stated and the staff were exceptional. I did not feel overwhelmed as their were other volunteers from a different areas there to volunteer. The staff spoke English as well, so I did not feel that communication was difficult. TIPS: Planning things ahead of time and communicating with family members and close friends on a daily basis and well as send detailed plans and documents helped eased their worry (I told my family as long as I text and/or call at least once a day - know that I am okay - which seemed to work). Also - packing a portable charger came in handy several times. Sometimes - the outlets overseas may not work or may not be accessible - I never felt that I had to rush home or let my phone die because I had one on me. Having my iPhone has been a life saver from taking photos and communicating back home, to using for calls.

I had a very good experience on this program. I learned a lot about serving others, and about what it's like living in a country different from the one I've lived in my whole life. I've never had an experience like this before and it was amazing to learn so much. I felt like a local by the end of my experience, and I'd really bonded with so many of the animals at the shelter by the time I had to leave. This was definitely a project I was glad to be doing for two months, because it gave me time to see the city as a local resident would, rather than as a tourist. I struggled and was challenged and overcame and am grateful for the lessons this experience taught me. I mostly stayed in the city of Buenos Aires, except when I travelled to the shelter which is just outside of the capital city. My residence was not in a very touristy area and I was always cautious but I felt safe when taking the precautions I was advised to. The city was rich in history but also like many popular cities around the world. It was very busy and there were usually a decent amount of people (except for Sunday mornings). The people I met were typically very nice and warm-hearted. There were frequent protests in the city but if you steered clear from them they were fine, if only a bit loud sometimes. I had a very flexible working schedule, which I really appreciated. The thing they mainly needed help with was washing dogs, which I was fine with. Other than that, the staff were all very helpful and kind and I had a really good time. I felt I had people I could reach out to for help when I needed it. And I was very sad to leave the shelter and the animals I'd fallen in love with behind when it was time to return home. TIPS: Be flexible. Don't have too many expectations about how things are going to go -- just take the days as they come. Be willing for things to be different than the way you may expect them to be. Always keep an open mind, and let every day be something new. Try to remember to serve as best you can, and have fun! It's also definitely a good idea to know at least a decent amount of the language, it makes a lot of things much easier (but it is a perfect immersion environment to learn the language in)."

Arguably the best three months of my life, would not change a thing about it and wish I could do it all over again. There are not many countries you can go to, not knowing a single word of their language, not knowing anyone or where anything is and still be made to feel totally at home and welcome. I did not speak any Spanish yet the staff at the shelter where I volunteered went above and beyond to make me feel welcome there. Highly recommend this program!!

Not knowing what to expect upon my arrival I just let myself experience whatever came my way. I wouldn't say I'm an experienced traveller but I have been in situations and countries where people would feel very uncomfortable with the living situation. I think this made me adapt very easily. Eating as a family all around one plate was also a bit of a culture shock but which I adapted to happily and trying to implement this on my return!! The country and its people is what most captivated me. People are loving, ready to help and share the little that they have. Despite the poverty they are always happy and ready to dance or play music. They live life in the present which was a huge learning experience for someone who is always looking at tomorrow. It was a great experience to be in a hospital environment where nobody knew about Chinese medicine or acupuncture. Philippe Senghor rather than a hospital was a small medical centre and I was placed in hospitalization where many patients were admitted and stayed for several days at a time. After morning rounds with the admitted patients, we went on to regular out-patient consultation. TIPS: 1. Senegal can be cold at night, especially the winter months and in Dakar. Bring a sleeping bag as there were no blankets. 2. Be patient, people are in no rush ever, especially when using public transport. If you are in a hurry take a taxi, otherwise be patient as Senegal's public transport can be quite chaotic.

"I volunteered in Albania for 12 weeks doing the animal rescue project. These 12 weeks were the best 12 weeks of my life and I had an unforgettable experience. The project was really enjoyable as I love dogs, cats and all animals so much and Albania is now my favourite country because it is so beautiful and welcoming. Albania is now my favourite country. The scenery is so beautiful and unique throughout the country including Tirana where I was staying, which is surrounded by mountains. You would never find the same scenery anywhere else. The Albanian people are the nicest people I have ever come across because they are incredibly welcoming and hostile and will help you with anything and everything. The Albanians are very warming to foreigners too and I always felt welcomed wherever I went and not once did I feel unwelcomed. The cost of living in Albania is also shockingly cheap so if you are going to stay a while like I did, it is very cheap to live even in the long term. Albania is also very safe, and I always felt safe walking around alone during the day and evening however I would recommend to always keep an eye on your belongings just in case. There is plenty to do in the country in your spare time, even in Tirana there are lots of things to do and many bars and restaurants so you will never get bored. The weather is also great but hot during the summer which is when my adventure started. I enjoyed my time at the project very much. It is a Monday to Friday job and usually hours are between 4 and 6. There are lots of tasks to be getting on with and cleaning is one of the main tasks involved here and was an everyday part of the work. Some days there would be lots of cleaning and some days just a small part but it is always a job every day. Also another main task is to assist the vet and other staff members with anything they need help with and I spent most of my time assisting the vet with various types of jobs. There is usually always something to do be doing but sometimes you may find yourself with nothing to do so should try and find something to clean or something similar so that you do not get bored. The staff are absolutely incredible and I love them all very much and miss them too. They are all very nice and welcoming people and some of them speak good English. There are some who do not speak English at all or broken English but you can find ways of communicating still and this doesn’t need to be a barrier. Altin was also great, he was extremely helpful and helped me when I needed to go to the hospital due to a skin problem. He will ensure everything is ok with your projects and your time there. If I could give any advice I would say make the most out of the experience and enjoy yourself. It can be daunting at first volunteering in a new country. Even if it seems hard at first you have to keep going and get past any barriers that are there. Don't be scared to go out and explore because you will miss out. I would also recommend you learn some basic phrases of Albanian because you will come across some people who don't speak English and those few phrases can help a lot!"

This was my tenth international trip and falls in the top three with half the cost. This was also my first experience planning a trip from start to finish and Love Volunteers made the process full proof. Everything from travel times, insurance brokers and the team on the ground was a smooth with step by step instructions and points of contact through the process. We took a team of eight down to provide free dental work to an underserved community in El Porviner, Honduras. The people in the community, volunteers on the ground and the work the organization is doing was nothing short of remarkable. In the five days we were serving the community the team was able to see over 600 patients, providing more than $100,000 in free dental work. I couldn't be more thankful for the people that have made this all possible. I would highly recommend this trip!

General Impression After a long and patient research on the net about volunteering organizations around the world I chose Love Volunteers because of the genuine, altruistic and confidence-building vision they were able to transmit to me. Very useful and understandable pre-departure information and helpful tips from Love Volunteers. Informative and detailed three days induction program at their partner organization in Nepal. Uninterrupted and devoted help and support from both LV and their partner throughout my whole volunteering adventure. Impression about the country Nepal is an engaging country with a fascinating collection of magic landscapes. Its people belonging to many different ethnos are warm and welcoming. I experienced it as a very «spiritual» country, very proud of, and anchored in its profound values, and at the same time equipped with an enviable humility, openness, tolerence and acceptance for different views of life, ways of thinking, religious and not religious beliefs. This «spirituality» I could sense and see just strolling in the streets invited me to take a deeper walk into myself and reflect about my way of thinking and perceive the world. Day after day I felt encouraged to become more open to the new and the unknown, to work with my prejudices and to become more curious about life, people and all resources and possibilities which I was able to grasp through unpartial observation and dedicated receptiveness. The country is beautiful, its people is charming and the handmade clothes, jewels and food are definitly delightful ... BUT what I really liked most and nourished me in an enriching and instructive way was its nonmaterial dimension, the trust and the broad-mindedness of its people and their contentedness and generosity even in situations of material poverty. YES many people in Nepal need better living conditions and a better economy. We who live in richer countries CAN IN FACT HELP THEM WITH THAT, IF WE JUST DARE IT. It is a very healthy exercise for us -who are bathing daily in material abundance- to become more detached from «things» and to win a more sober relation to material objects. We discover very quickly that we actually don’t need so much of all this stuff, and it turns out very soon that it is much more fulfilling to learn to enjoy it moderatly and more consciously. It is sharing which gives us the biggest joy. We are just able to prosper if we learn to share prosperity. In Nepal, through sharing and giving I gained lightness in my mind and more happiness in my heart. Now in Norway I feel more free and real, and happy. It was a therapeutic material weight loss! Project and staff I chose undoubtedly the right project for me this time «Women’s empowerment». Thank you very much for having it on your list! I wished to do field work, research, interviews with women (people) in their daily surroundings and to meet an authentic and natural reality. I wasn’t disappointed. On the contrary… I hadn’t particular expectations, but I feel I got more then I ever could have imagined… This project gave me the chance to challange myself and my limits, to meet very different people who contributed to my growth, to expand my knowledge and to open my mind, my heart and my ears in an innovative way: I learnt «to listen» in a more genuine and sensible way. This is a BIG DEAL for someone like me who is very fond of «talking». I still like to talk, but I became more conscious about it and I do know now much better how good it does and what a source of knowledge it is, to «hear and listen». All the people I was/am in contact with, I met and I worked with, both at Love Volunteers and their partner were helpful, cooperative, committed and prepared to support me in the best and more satisfying way through my whole volunteering experience from the day of my application to this day. THANK YOU. I would choose Love Volunteers again, without adventuring into new internet researches next time I will embark on a new volunteering project. Tips for other volunteers I don’t like really to give tips to others about travelling or other matters in life and don’t rely so easily on tips from others because I believe that we are all individuals and have a unique way to experience and live our own life and our adventures. I also believe that every single human being has the right to choose and try things and experiences out of her/his own needs and convictions without mediations from others. I also believe that it is constructive and empowering to find the courage and inspiration inside you and in your deepest self because this will give you more tenacity, power, joy and success in the end. But if you really wish a tip from me… Well: Don’t miss volunteering in your life. It is the most effective career training you can get on earth. Love from Emanuela.

If you're looking to do tourism while you volunteer, this program is for you! I had the best time in India. My program lasted two weeks but I did a lot of tourism. I was always with someone from the local team or a private tour guide. The local team organized everything, from airport pickup, to train tickets, to pick up and shuttle from the train stations and the hotels to the sites, temples, markets, etc. The local team are the kindest people ever, always willing to help you in any way they can. The accommodations in every city I went to was great and the food was very good! I would definitely recommend this program or Love Volunteers!!!

I experienced an unforgettable time with Love Volunteers and their partner in December/ January 2018. I worked directly with the HIV/AIDS program, working with children who struggle with the illness either directly, or caring for a close family member who suffers from the illness. I learned so much from working with this program, whether it was conversing with young people, distributing condoms, or speaking directly with health facilities. I learned about HIV/AIDs in depth and looked at the illness from a perspective when it comes to my home country. I learned about causes, advanced methods of prevention, and the mentality of young people who are most vulnerable to the sickness. One of the deepest experiences for me was working at an orphanage with children who were orphaned from the disease. Learning about the daily activities these children do to cope with living the best life they can, was a major humbling experience for me. The local personnel are professional, kind, and knowledgeable. Doug was particularly considerate towards my personal experience, and I would recommend everyone to experience the same humbling, educational time that I had with this organization! Lastly, Victoria Falls the most beautiful place I've visited to date!!! The land, people, and atmosphere are simply breathtaking!

My niece (16 yrs old) and I (66 yrs young) volunteered at Love Volunteer's Animal Rescue Center Program in Ecuador for two weeks. It was an incredible experience and I would recommend it highly. The owner manager and coordinator are very dedicated to the animals and work hard to keep the center and interaction with the animals as close to their natural habitat as possible. Their work is truly remarkable and they rely heavily on volunteers. Be prepared to do whatever is needed. We prepared the animals food, fed them, cleaned their living environments, and did lots or=f repairs and building around the Center. It can be hard work but it is so necessary. And the other volunteers make it fun. We met wonderful volunteers from all over the world and became family very quickly. We looked out for each other. On our time off, we went to Banos, a very fun, touristy area about an hour bus ride from the Center. It was a great break and there were so many different activities to do. They have also just opened a new Eco Lodge, which is deeper in the jungle and volunteers at the Animal Center can stay for an exceptionally low cost. Be sure to take advantage of all there is to do in the Amazon. I admire the job that the owner, Jorge, is doing and hope others will dedicate their time and money to this very worthwhile Center.

Volunteering in Brasil was one of the best experience of my life . I have met so many amazing children and learnt so much . I truly can’t wait to volunteer again and I am so happy about this experience! I feel like I have a new home.

I was a medical volunteer in Fewa City Hospital in Pokhara, Nepal. I am a pre-med graduate from Denmark meaning that I had no previous hands-on experience. But I still got to observe, participate and help so many people. It was wonderful, challenging, educational and eye-opening. I learned so much about medicine, medicine in a Third World country and the Nepali culture. Words cannot describe how much I learned and developed, I enjoyed this so much. But it should be noted that this particular volunteering program is not for those who are afraid to ask questions and take initiative. Your learning and participation is your own responsibility. Noone will be there to hold your hand and explain everything to you. You must ask questions, study at home to understand the cases better, engage yourself and put in the time. The more you give, the more you get!

I did a six week volunteer placement at an animal rescue and rehab center in Puyo, Ecuador. Working at the project, was such a wonderful experience, my favorite placement (I've done 4) so far. Very well organized, lots of contact with the animals and meaningful work. In addition to our daily rounds of feeding the animals and cleaning their enclosures we had a variety of other projects, maintaining and creating animal habitat and enrichment. The accommodations and the climate were somewhat challenging, just what you would expect living in the Amazon jungle. The staff at the center are wonderful, kind, helpful and inclusive. Ecuador is a wonderful country to visit, lots of variety in climate and activities. Something for everyone!

My 14-year-old daughter were only able to go for a week (during Holy Week) but it was still a very positive experience. Both Love Volunteers and the project are very organized -- and the project is a very well-run organization that ensures an education for children whose other option would be a life of selling trinkets on the street. I was very impressed with the work they are doing -- they are clearly "in it for the long-haul" and making a significant, positive impact.

I had a wonderful time in Cambodia working with an NGO which provides support to rural communities to adopt sustainable farming practices. Everyone I met was friendly and appreciative, ranging from the manager of the NGO I worked with to the fellow volunteers living at the volunteer accommodation. I had plenty of free time to explore Cambodia and have some experiences I would never have at home.

I had an outstanding experience in Nepal in 2017; teaching English to Buddhist monks in a monastery in Pokhara - it has changed and formed my life in so many ways, and the experience still reflects in my day to day life all these months later and I'm sure it will continue to do so! I cannot thank love volunteers enough for all the help and support prior, during and after my placement and for giving me the opportunity to have one of the most wonderful and unique opportunities. I have gained so many memories and skills explored boundaries I never thought I would and met incredible humans who without this opportunity it wouldn't be possible. The monastery was so beautiful and so peaceful and the boys I was teaching and the rest of the people living at the monastery were so kind and welcoming. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life; the Nepalese people are incredible, so warm and so genuine, and I hope someday I can go back there as they remain forever near and dear to my heart. Now I've returned home it gives me such happiness being able to tell others of all the amazing stories and even the challenges along the way that made it all that more rewarding and again I just cannot thank love volunteers enough for this the first day I got here it was a massive culture shock, Kathmandu airport was absolutely chaotic along with all the streets in Nepal so I was really starting to think 'what have I got myself into'! I was genuinely worried that I wouldn't be able to make it through my placement because of the difficulty I was having settling into the new culture. However, after the first few days, you realise that it really is the charisma of the country and all the little glitches along the way that makes you love the experience even more. The placement is far from easy, but the challenge makes it all the more rewarding. I think anyone that goes into a volunteer placement will have made assumptions before they get there but I think any volunteer can tell you that it'll be nothing like you expect. Everyone who resides at this monastery has been amazing and so kind; the Nepalese people are so unbelievably welcoming and friendly and eating Dal baht every day, having to take cold showers and crossing the crazy roads is all part of the experience!

My 10 weeks in Cambodia was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I was able to contribute in a community and pass on my business knowledge to hopefully sustain further employment amongst the local people in Battambang. What I received in return was a community of people that welcomed me with open arms and for that I will forever be greatful! I also cannot thank Love Volunteers enough for their ongoing support before and throughout the project. Nicole was always there to support me whenever I needed anything. Thank you from the bottom of my heart xx

I was in Kenya for 3 very amazing weeks. Everyone I met was lovely from my fellow volunteers to the local staff and just Kenyans in general. Everyone makes you feel welcome and at home. After just a few days with your fellow volunteers, you feel like family. I had an incredible time on my placement. The teachers and children at the IDP school are great. The children are so friendly and lovely, it's almost overwhelming. I definitely loved spending time with the kids. I think this experience requires an understanding and acceptance that things work differently from back home and that this is OK, if you keep expecting things to work like your home nation you won’t enjoy the experience as much. I don't think I had a significant impact, to do so I would need to be there for a long period of time. However, I did gain an insight into the challenges faced in a developing nation, which was my main aim. There was plenty of flexibility if you're unhappy with your project when you arrive the local staff will make efforts to put you on something more suitable. Kenya is a gorgeous place and the range of excursions gives you an opportunity to explore this wonderful country. The monkeys were definitely my favourite. This is definitely the best thing I've ever done. Definitely a worthwhile experience.

I was originally scheduled to volunteer in the Women's Empowerment project in Bangkok for four weeks, but I guess that program is no longer being run. So I was switched to volunteer in Chiang Mai, Thailand, with Love Volunteers for two weeks at the Women's Rescue home. The Women's Rescue program is a home for single mothers with children/ babies who have no family support. We provided day care for the children, English lessons and art activities for the moms, and whatever other work needed to be done at the home. You can garden, help cook, digital marketing/ content development to help sell the handmade products online, child care, English lessons, etc. Love Volunteers works with a local group who helps you get situated, learn some Thai, houses you with other volunteers, and helps plan other tours/ things to do in town outside of volunteering. Their staff was amazing! Nicole at Love Volunteers was also quick to respond and very helpful. My time at Women's Rescue felt very short. If you can stay longer than two weeks, I suggest you do because it takes a while to establish a rapport with the moms and figure out where you "fit in" at the house. My experience there was great, sometimes a little chaotic (never know what you may show up and do that day) but the moms are so welcoming, the kids are so funny, and the sisters (it is run by three Catholic nuns) are so kind. I was extremely upset that the Women's Empowerment project got canceled, but I think spending my time in Chiang Mai versus Bangkok was a blessing. Chiang Mai was so much fun! My only negative is I don't think much of the money you pay to volunteer actually goes to the Women's Rescue house. If I was to go again, I would contact them directly, bypassing Love Volunteers. It was nice though having some support as this was my first time traveling abroad. But I was expecting some portion of my money to be donated to the home and it doesn't sound like that happens.

Australia's native wildlife was the main factor that made me want to travel to the country. Hence, I was very happy when I found out about the opportunity with Love Volunteers. This program really allowed me to be up close and personal with amazing animals, such as kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and wallabies. There are also possums, sugar/squirrel gliders, and various birds. They have such funny personalities and I got to know each one individually while I was there. The daily routine revolves around the animals, so expect mornings to be busy because of cleaning and feeds. The schedule usually settled down by the afternoon, providing plenty of time to chat, enjoy a cup of tea/coffee, or play with the animals. Make sure to bring clothes you do not care about since they will get very dirty very quickly. A good pair of work boots or hiking shoes will also be nice to have. Living at the shelter is extremely different from living in a city, so it may take a while to adjust. For example, there is no electricity during the day (a generator only runs at night) and you may have some trouble getting cellphone reception. When temperatures are cold, you will also chop firewood. The team is very understanding and will help you as best as they can. If you need a ride to the nearest town, they will try to make arrangements for you. Glenda, the shelter's owner, is very kind and knowledgeable, so you can always go to her if you have questions or need something to do. The other volunteers are very nice as well and will share many funny stories with you. As long as you love animals and are willing to work hard, you will have a great time. After all, how many people can say they have lived with kangaroos, cuddled a wombat, or bottle-fed a wallaby? My time at the shelter was an incredibly rewarding experience. I am already missing all of the animals and the people I became friends with while I was there.

“I chose to volunteer with Love Volunteers Education Program teaching English in Luang Prabang, Laos for a few reasons. I wanted to meet the children of Laos and help them obtain a universal tool that could help them reach further in their lives. I also felt that it would be a great fit for me because I am currently studying in the field of Education. I wanted to experience a rich culture far from my own and make a difference there. I got all of that and more out of my experience and impact while volunteering. Did I mention that this was my 1st time teaching and my 1st time volunteering? I have to say that it couldn’t have been a better 1st-time experience! The smiles on the students faces when they learned new words, meanings, and pronunciations from our classes were amazing. The energy they displayed and the connection I was able to make with them touched my heart and confirmed that I had chosen the right volunteer program. I felt like part of the family immediately. Everyone was so incredibly supportive, great partners in the classroom, and helped me obtain some teaching skills to take back home! When my time was up in Luang Prabang, the hardest thing was saying goodbye to all of my students...and I quickly started thinking of when I would be able to come back and see them! I also was sad to leave the delicious Laotian food, beautiful scenery and people...I never passed a frowning face on the street during my time there. Shortly after returning home in Chicago, IL, I was hired as an educator at The Ogden International School of Chicago and I think my time teaching had a hand in that achievement. I can not wait to go back to Luang Prabang!”

One thing I gained from working in Senegal, was happiness! I can't put in words the amount of love and support I received while I was overseas. The people of Senegal made me feel like family. Waking up at 8:00am seemed so easy. The reason why, was because I knew as soon as I reached the school I'd be greeted with smiles and hugs. The children at the school I volunteered at definitely left their mark on my heart. The pictures and stories I shared with others inspired them to look into volunteering. I will volunteer with Love Volunteers again in the future. I've also told many people to volunteered with this organization. If you want to see the world and change the way someone else sees the world. Love volunteers is the way to GO!! What are you waiting for?

LoveVolunteers with their partner did an excellent job on making sure everything goes by smoothly. They answered all my questions quickly and I was satisfied with their replies. My accommodation in Bangkok exceeded my expectations. Everything is clean and was a more westernize house. The staff there made sure we were okay and showed us around Bangkok. On the other hand, my internship at a Hospital University was amazing. I spent my time at the OBYGYN department where I get to be in the labour room and operating room. The doctors and medical students were really friendly and made the initiative to explain things in English. This is definitely worth the long flight and I will never forget this.

As the title states, this was my first volunteering experience, and it truly was a remarkable one. I made many so many friends in such a short amount of time. All it took for me to get to know the children was stand next to them and play football with them... From there, their questions and remarkable inquisitive natures made it hard not to get attached to all of them. My only regret was that I didn't stay longer... Nepal is a beautiful country, with very hospitable people and an amazing depth of nature. My experience was made not only by spending ample time with the children, but by taking time to admire the local traditions and their remarkable culture too. For someone who's considering volunteering in Nepal, I'd advise them to go for it, for it truly is a great experience.

January 2017 marked the beginning of my around-the-world volunteering adventure. My first stop was in Costa Rica with Love Volunteers for 11 weeks. I started at a small center outside of Jaco beach, but after 5 weeks asked to be transferred due to a lack of work available at the time. Mike from Love Volunteers was exceptional in providing me with my pre-departure information and ensuring my transfer was smooth and successful. The second rescue center provided much more to do as well as the ability to work with other volunteers. It's located in a rural, mountain area near Parrita and really exposes you to a wide array of wildlife. As this was my first time volunteering, my expectations were different than reality. I was expecting more of a hospital/emergency room type environment; whereas, in reality, animal rescue is more along the lines of maintaining the animal's well-being and comfort while you feed and clean up after them. It's like a long-term nursing home for animals that cannot be released into the wild. This allows volunteers to truly care for the animals that become like family. The accommodations and staff members of the local NGO were fantastic. At first, I stayed with a host family who were wonderful and took great care of me. The second location was a rural "hotel", but no less enjoyable. The staff was exceptional and there were definitely some tears being held back when I left. Despite not speaking Spanish, I was able to communicate and bond with the staff that didn't speak English. They were truly wonderful people who care deeply for the volunteers and make every effort to make you feel welcome and comfortable. Love Volunteers did an excellent job selecting this project. They provide clear, informative guidance through the whole volunteering process. I highly recommend Love Volunteers and animal rescue in Costa Rica to anyone comfortable spending time in rural, yet beautiful jungle oasis.

I spent ten weeks working with street and slum children in Delhi and at the end it felt like it had not been long enough. The kids are full of energy and are so eager to learn that putting in effort on my part came naturally. They are all so full of love and every day I was treated with hugs and kisses from the little ones. I would recommend this experience to anyone. If you like interacting with children, you'll love it and if you are not used to interact with them, you'll learn to love it!

Volunteering through Love Volunteers was a great experience. I consistently had excellent communication with the representatives, and was placed with great organizations in both my Thailand and Guatemala placements. I strongly recommend them.

I had an awesome experience doing medical volunteering in Mombasa - although due to the political situation with doctors being on strike I didn't actually get to do any work in the hospitals I was meant to be placed in. Which was lesson one - expect the unexpected and things never go to plan in Africa! Nonetheless I had an awesome experience working in small clinics that were still running and with the help on the NGO coordinator whose family I was living with I was able to help some of the local families in other ways too! Overall, it didn't go to plan at all but thanks to the support I had and the variety of options available in the local area for volunteering I still had the experience of a lifetime. I would say that in order to feel like you are making a true difference a longer stay would be needed -0 I was only there 4 weeks, but as this was my first volunteer trip I kept it short and this was a great taster!

It was such a relief to be matched with a helpful and accommodating volunteer group! They helped us navigate logistics, travel fun and cultural nuances. This really allowed for an immersive experience with no worries or hesitation.

When I signed up to teach English in Koh Samui for 8 weeks I really didn't know what to expect. The Thailand guidebook was informative and Kelly from Love Volunteers was very helpful but I was still a little nervous because I couldn't imagine what my experience would be like. But upon my arrival I was immediately put to ease. The NGO was absolutely amazing and I had the best 8 weeks in Samui. I know what ultimately swayed my decision in choosing this specific project in Thailand was the fact it was the only one I found a really detailed review on so if that sounds like you keep reading for the inside scoop: Don't expect luxury accommodations but the volunteer house was sufficient for all my needs. It's located a little far from the 'action' in Samui but I loved the sense of simplicity and community living in a smaller 'town'. The beach is a 15 minute walk, but no need to worry because you have access to a pool, perfect for those lazy days and before school swims. There's a 7-11, restaurants, my street meat guy, and massage parlors a short 10 minutes walk away. The school I worked in was just a few minutes walk from the volunteer house, which was convenient and super fun considering we often saw our students while walking around the area. (Hint: On the way to school there is a water refill station, safe to drink and only 1 baht a litter opposed to 14 baht a bottle). Teaching was an incredible experience. I had no prior teaching experience, but everything's is done in a simple formula, making it easy for students to learn and making it easy for volunteers to learn how to teach. At the school: the Thai teachers are friendly, the students are amazing, and the environment is one that leaves you deeply refreshed everyday. The provided lunches were always delicious. A variety of local dishes, usually served alongside rice gave you tons of options and the occasional traditional Thai dessert always made my day. As for the island: there is one main road all the way around Koh Samui and pretty much everything is off of Ring Road. Your public transportation options are taxi or songthaew (a converted pick up truck that acts as a communal taxi) though my preferred way of travel was by scooter, it's dangerous so be careful but it's the cheapest, most flexible and fun option. Night markets are my favorite past time and luckily there is one going on almost every night on the island (the Maenam , Thursday, night market is the best in my biased opinion). Tons to do on and near the island for people with all interests. The project, accommodations, island, etc would be a great experience on their own, but what really set my experience over the top was the staff. All of the staff were amazing people whose passion for the company, their job and their country really stood out. From weekly volunteer outings in the back of the Bamboo truck to always offering to drop us off anywhere along the way when they were headed somewhere, to encouraging and supporting us on the project, the Koh Samui team always went out of their way to help us out and make sure we were having an amazing time. They were always just a facebook message away whenever we had a question and some of my favorite memories from the project were simply talking and hanging out with them. They've become like a second family to me and I'll be forever grateful for the 2 short months I got to spend with them. Come with an open mind, ready to meet amazing people, and embrace a beautiful culture and way of life so different than you know and you'll have a lovely time! (If you've somehow made it to the end of this you must be like me and want all the information you can get, I also wrote an article specifically about my experience at the school so if you're interested you can read it)

It has been a great experience collaborating with Love Volunteers partner in Bosnia and Herzegovina, home of a project aimed to bring kids to a healthy place, where they learn useful subjects, develop their creativity and make friends. The volunteers chosen for this project, my partners, showed all a great vocation and will to help the kids, and also creativity and lots of dedication. The kids are also amazing, so willing to learn, smart and cheerful. It was a gift to me getting along with them or receiving their attention in the classes in which I took part either as an assistant or giving them some Spanish language basics. I thank the coordinators, who where always helpful and attentive. Thanks for having me welcomed to this warm-hearted place.

I had an absolutely wonderful time in Nepal. The people I stayed were the nicest I have ever met, and most endearing. Together, we plowed through one of the toughest language barriers with perseverance, stuttering, and a beautiful friendship. The volunteer coordinators, Kelly (Love Volunteers) and Kershab (on-site) were a joy to work with, Kershab spoke very good English, and knew the area very well. He was frank and gave us warning about staying out late and not being naive. He couldn't personally travel with us on the 8 hour bus ride to our volunteer site, but he sent his friend Manoj, who showed us the ropes of living in Nepal, provided us with food and tea, and made sure we were always taken care of. I have enjoyed sharing my experience with people now that I am home, and can't wait to return to my Nepali family soon.

Working on the Love Volunteers Street Children project in Delhi with kids who lack any material advantages but were the most joyful humans I have ever met has, without doubt, been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life ! Love Volunteers were highly supportive before my arrival in India with excellent information and communications and the local NGO made sure that we were well looked after, well informed, safe and able to get the most of our experience. I had never been in a teaching environment but quickly learnt that helping them with basic English and Maths and just giving them my time has a real value. I hope that my stay there, albeit brief, contributed in some small way to building their confidence and knowledge. I cannot recommend this experience enough. I am 57 and had some initial wobbles about stepping out of my comfort zone but as soon as I saw dozens of beaming faces on Day One I knew immediately that I had made absolutely the right decision.

This was one of the best experiences in my life. I am so grateful for this opportunity. It not only gave me a chance to share my passion for teaching and helping people but also taught me so much about Thai culture, tradition, Buddhism and fun everyday things. The Education system in Thailand is a bit different than what I am used to so it also helped me to think outside of the box and go out of my comfort zone. I’ve had experience in ESL teaching but this was nothing like I had experienced before. It depends on you how much you will take and learn from that experience. If you put your heart and passion into it and if you are willing to learn from Thais and monks you will come back home a different person. They culture is very welcoming and they are always interested in learning about your culture and your life. Be open minded and enjoy what the Land of Smiles has to offer. Apart from teaching Monks and learning about theirs lives and culture you will have a chance to experience beautiful events ,festivals, architecture and food of Chiang Mai. It was an amazing trip. Very fulfilling I am very grateful for this experience!

I jumped into this volunteer opportunity with no expectations. I had completed volunteer work abroad before, but this was my first solo experience and my first experience with LoveVolunteers. Before arriving to Nepal, I had corresponded frequently with Kelly from Love Volunteers, as well as the local Nepal volunteer group. Both were incredibly efficient and timely when writing back to me. The guidebook sent from LoveVolunteers beforehand was also extremely helpful both in preparing for the trip and during my time spent abroad. Needless to say, I felt well prepared before catching my flight to Kathmandu. When I arrived, I was offered airport and housing assistance for the first night through the local Nepal volunteer group, but felt confident in finding my own place to stay. Keshab, one of the local volunteers, kept in close contact with me the entire time, ensuring my comfort and safety. After meeting him the following morning, he had arranged comfortable transportation for me from Kathmandu to Pokhara, where my volunteer placement was. It was a long journey, but it was incredibly nice to have another local volunteer waiting for me there, Manoj. Both volunteers were very kind and were wonderful in assisting me to my destination. When I first arrived at the monastery, again, I had no idea what I would be walking into. I am an English teacher in South Korea, teaching 600+ students a week. It was a relief to come to a quiet and peaceful monastery, teaching 3 young monks in training. The teaching schedule was open, so whether it was in the morning for two hours after their morning prayers, or in the afternoon, after a ceremony or festival, we would fit about 2 hours of English study in a day. A quick note about the students: there were 3 boys, ages 12-15 years of age. The small size made teaching so effective and fun. Because the boys live together on the monastery, the camaraderie between them was a beautiful thing to witness. They were kind, smart and the most eager learners I have ever taught. The short hours I was able to spend with these amazing students made my entire trip worthwhile. The rest of the time was my own. The monastery was a bit removed from the tourist destinations of Pokhara (ie. Lakeside, Sarangkot), so this gave me plenty of opportunities to meet and talk to the locals and the monks living in the monastery. I had met some of the most caring and giving people here. I thoroughly enjoyed the location because it gave me a chance to see the real Nepal and revel in the peace and quiet of the hillsides. All in all, this has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever been fortunate enough to take part in. The beauty that Nepal has to offer is one thing, but getting a chance to live with and teach monks gave me a new perspective on life. Talking to the locals, sharing tea with their families and soaking in the rich culture of the Nepalese is the reason I will be coming back. The people I have met will remain near and dear to my heart. Without LoveVolunteers, I would not have been able to cross paths with these outstanding people. If given the opportunity, please, give this program a chance. Give Nepal a chance! It is a decision you will not regret!

The program was so well run, I was made so welcome by all, and their was plenty of support. The 'team' provided me with an insight and experience into some local cultural events and I never felt like an outsider ever. It was an amazing experience. Living in this community, spending time every day with these students made me realise that adversity doesn't define people. These students are from poor families, many from the villages, but their desire to learn English to give themselves better opportunities for the future is astounding. I was in awe of their attitude.

I worked as a volunteer in Nablus , Palestine with Love Volunteer's Partner , as an English language teacher. The people , the administration , the students as well as the fellow volunteers were extremely warm and easy to work with. I would recommend this experience to all people looking out for volunteering opportunities.

An amazing experience looking after and releasing baby turtles into the Pacific Ocean. Montezuma is a beautiful remote location on the coast of Costa Rica where we were able to make a difference to endangered turtle species whilst enjoying the jungle style natural habitat. The living conditions were basic but not impossible, plenty of free time to explore the area as shifts were generally between 4 and 6 hours per day. Also a great chance to meet like minded people from all over the world and share in this extraordinary experience. Highly recommended!

I went to Sri Lanka with Love Volunteers together with my friend Jana. At first, we were quite nervous because we didn’t know what to expect, but as soon as we saw the country, we knew we were going to have the time of our lives. We went to Badulla for 2 weeks and to Galle for 1 week. Our 2 weeks in Badulla were very nice. Every morning we went to the special school to teach some English and handwork to children with disabilities. This was a very interesting experience because we also learned a lot from the kids, for example: the deaf children taught us some sign language. After that we had some time to visit some places in and around Badulla. In the late afternoon we went to the girls orphanage to teach English. The girls were very sweet and they were eager to learn new things, we still miss the girls and the kids from the special school every day. The nice thing about staying in Badulla is that the volunteering centre is quite small, this gives you the chance to live close to the host family which is a nice cultural experience. We spent our last week in Galle, which was a beautiful place by the sea. There we went to the turtle farm to take care of the sea turtles and to clean the beach. The people in the volunteering centres took great care for us and we felt very welcome in Badulla and Galle, they also helped us with deciding which places we could visit and they made delicious meals. For me, it was a life-changing experience and if I could go back right now, I wouldn’t hesitate for a second. Volunteering abroad changed my life, and it’s a perfect combo with travelling because it doesn’t only gives you the chance to see the country, you also have the chance to live with the local people.

At first, you may find it a bit difficult to understand South Africa. But as long as you keep treating it with respect, you're guaranteed to find yourself deeply in love with this country, amazed by the variety of cultures and beliefs it represents. More than that, you'll find yourself admiring its liveliness and powerful nature, standing at the top of the Table Mountain, gazing at the ocean waves crushing at your feet. Love Volunteers made my experience a truly unforgettable one, providing me with assistance on every step of my lone journey. I couldn't wish for being better taken care of! All the members of LV team are golden-hearted people - thoughtful, genuine and undoubtedly professional, with their adroit handling of all the volunteer programs. Thanks to LV, I not only got a taste of South Africa, but a mouthful of its flavours. I was placed in a community based clinic at Goodwood Day Hospital (Cape Town suburbs) and accommodated at a host family (5 min. walk to the clinic). Since I'm a pre-med student, I was surprised at the wide range of tasks I could get involved in. I was working along with the nurses and was allowed to: - take blood pressure - do urine and pregnancy tests - take out stitches - give tetanus injections - clean wounds - measure HGT and Hb levels - fill in patients' files - shadow the doctor (Please note that while doing all those things I was always supervised by a nurse/doctor.) This placement allowed me to get invaluable hands-on experience in the medical field, completing hours of direct patient care. I've developed a deep understanding of out-patient clinical care ad observed a great variety of casualties/cases/medical procedures performed. I strongly recommend this program to all volunteers willing to step out of their comfort zone and not afraid of getting their hands dirty.

Dear future volunteer, My 3 weeks in Costa Rica were extraordinary, an experience that will always stay in my heart. This was the first time I traveled on my own, and so far away. Right before landing, I was getting a bit nervous, but at the airport, two members of the local team were waiting for me with two other volunteers that had just arrived. They drove us to the Animal Rescue Center and I remember it was raining really hard, since it was the rain season at that time. During every morning on the following days, we had a meeting to assign different activities to volunteers. These activities consisted in maintaining the center (cleaning the cages, preparing the food, feeding the animals, rehabilitating some animals) and in working on the new center in another location very close to this one, where they would move a few weeks later. Some of the activities were not related to the animals, like helping to cook for the volunteers, cleaning the pool, collecting branches, and maintaining infrastructure. Animals in that center included sloths, capuchin monkeys, spider monkeys, howler monkeys, pet dogs, a pet goat, a baby porcupine, small parrots, scarlet macaws, marmosets, one olingo, two kinkajous, owls, and peacocks. I learned a lot about them, some evenings we even had lectures on a specific animal. In our free time we read, swam in the swimming pool, played cards, called our families and friends (there was wifi there). This is one of the things that bothered me at first, that many volunteers were on their phones during free time, instead of socializing. Sometimes I wished there wasn't wifi right on the center. But after some days had passed, I also spent some time on my phone because I realized that it's very nice to keep in touch with your loved ones. Concerning free days, we took one or two days off per week. Me and other volunteers went to Montezuma, Manuel Antonio, Land of the Strays, and Los Chorros waterfall. On my birthday evening, we all went to a bar close-by to celebrate. What was even more amazing is that before going to the bar, after dinner, the manager and the coordinator brought by surprise two cakes to me and to another birthday girl, and we had 40 people singing happy birthday to us, which felt incredible. Regarding accommodation, it was alright, but not great. The mattress was too thin so you could feel the metal bed frame, there were too many people in one room, it was a bit stuffy, and there was hardly any space to put your things. Besides, showers had only cold water. However, I realized that one gets used to anything. Once you return home, you really appreciate and are grateful for the usual level of comfort we have in developed countries. Note to future volunteers: the new center has new thicker mattresses and the rooms are way nicer, still a bit packed with too many people, but more pleasant :) Now, about food, we had food three times a day. In the morning it was either rice and beans with eggs, or pancakes with syrup and fruits. The other meals were Costa Rican dishes. Some facts I realized about Costa Rica, especially in the rain season is that everything is humid (things don't completely dry, like hair and clothes); your skin is always hydrated without the need of creams;; there are no big brands in shops (i haven't been in big cities though), for instance one shop was called “clothes for babies”, instead of Mango or Zara; there are not many highways, but for this reason, buses go through very beautiful roads around nature; there are no traditional addresses, for instance, our center was located in 1 km to the southwest of the church of San Miguel de Turrucares :p and the post still works fine! Buses and cars can be very old and not well maintained. One low of the program is that at one point we were too many volunteers and had not enough activities for each one of us. It would be nicer to be less volunteers and feel more needed. Nevertheless, overall, I'd recommend this program to whoever likes working with animals and helping them. In the meantime you'll meet some amazing people from around the world, you'll get to know a bit of Costa Rican culture and see a bit of this beautiful country. One tip: you could reserve a week or two to travel after staying at the center! Love, Claudia

Despite their harsh situation, the Palestinian people are the most hospitable and generous people imaginable! The camp was also very well organized and the volunteers did not want to leave when it was over.

The time volunteering in Nepal was an unforgettable experience for me. If I had the opportunity to come back again, I would love to go there again. Thank you for giving me the chance to contribute in the education of those children and hope to cross lives once again in the future.

Volunteering for Love Volunteers and the local team was one of the best decisions I have made in my life. I spent three weeks in Nablus, Palestine and enjoyed every moment of my stay although time flew by and I wish that I could have stayed longer. Many people have asked me what my favorite part of my whole trip was and my answer has remained the same: the children. I spent almost every day in Askar Refugee Camp. Because the children were on summer break, the time I spent with them was for their summer camp. We did a variety of recreational activities such as drama, dabke (the Palestinian traditional dance), arts and crafts, games, and soccer. Volunteering in Palestine means being given the opportunity to provide a link to the outside world to the Palestinian people and helping to get their message out. It means spending time with children that have been affected by the violence while living under occupation and providing energy and activities with them to reduce lasting psychological effects. I recommend this experience to anyone who is given the opportunity; to see the occupation first-handed, to hear the personal accounts of the Palestinians, to help boost the resilience of the Palestinian children, and to help document the basic human rights that are neglected for the Palestinian people.

Love volunteers has been an amazing organization to work with. They were quick to respond to any and all concerns and were extremely useful in every way possible. I would highly recommend them. Volunteering in Thailand to teach monks was a bit daunting, however with love volunteers there are Facebook groups and the admin, Kelly, who are always willing to provide further information.

Ghana stole my heart. I cannot explain how sacred this journey was. Not only did I become a member of a beautiful family of 50 children; but I gained a much better understanding of myself and the world around me. As Americans, our worth and happiness is based upon our materialist mindsets. We all fall victim to unnecessary complaining, judgment and negativity. Unknowingly, we let our egos get in the way of the interactions we have with ourselves, others and the world around us. We forget how auspicious our lives are here in America and (me included) take a lot of things for granted. In Ghana I witnessed joy, love and happiness like I’ve never seen before. The kids at the orphanage live beyond what you and I would consider minimal; yet they are the most grateful, compassionate and intelligent humans I have ever met. The kids range from 2-23 years old; most have never seen a computer and none of them have phones. They don’t have social media; therefore, their interactions and relationships are genuine and unfeigned. Their culture is flip flopped to that of America. People live on .25 American cents a day which in their currency is 1 cedi. Their minimum wage per WEEK is 5 cedi’s which is equivalent to $1.50. Yet this is all they need to survive and never did I hear a complaint. They are the most magnificent people that I have ever had the privilege learn and grow with. I am already planning my trip to go back during Christmas. Always sending my love and blessings to everyone who shared their lives and their wholesomeness with me.

Here comes my second placement in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam! I am back to the place I first volunteered last year and grateful to get to know volunteers from various countries such as Canada, China, UK, France and many more. Regarding my program, changes are great to be seen. I especially love seeing this particular girl who once could not walk, now is able to stand on her own feet. She still needs assistance in order to walk but with appropriate equipment prepared and the presence of fellow enthusiastic volunteers, I believe she'll be able to walk on her own in time. The activities involved are spending time playing with them, assist them to walk and feed them their meals. These gestures might be simple to us in our daily lives, but has a huge impact on their well-being and future motor and cognitive development. I encourage everyone who share common interest in humanity to come along and join me in caring for disabled children who are in need of us. Here's a quote from myself: When you create good moments for others, you earned wonderful memories for yourself. When you give happiness to others, you gained contentment for yourself. Thank you Love Volunteers for making my dream come true once again!

I volunteered for a month in Jaco,Costa Rica through Love Volunteers, overall it was an amazing experience that has impacted me in many ways. I like Love Volunteers a lot because they are very quick to respond to emails and are very helpful to any questions that I had. The in country contact was slightly disorganized and although there was no Wifi in my house the experience overall was very rewarding. There are lots of cafes and restaurants with Wifi, also I took Spanish lessons while there and I think that it is much more beneficial if you speak at least conversational Spanish or intend to learn. This was an amazing experience and program and I intend to volunteer with Love Volunteers again.

This volunteer was amazing! I got to do clinical work you can't even think of doing in America unless you have a degree. The volunteer itself did not take up most of your time, and I was able to participate in various cultural activities as well! Definitely would recommend.

A few months back, I was fortunate to stumble upon Love Volunteers while looking up volunteering opportunities abroad. I instantly got interested in the programs they had to offer. Out of the many programs I went through, 'Teaching at Monasteries' in Nepal caught my eye. I had been wanting to travel solo as well as experience volunteering in a different country, and this program seemed to be the perfect fit! Ever since I mailed them for the first time, Love Volunteers had been nothing but supportive and prompt. Apart from sharing a detailed guidebook about the country and the program, they answered all my queries promptly. Having just a month off work in summer, I could afford to spend 3 weeks at the monastery. Those 3 weeks spent in Nepal have undoubtedly been one of the best times in my life! I met some lovely people, made life-long connections, traveled, taught, learnt and gathered tons of amazing memories! Staying at a monastery and interacting with monks was in itself a unique and wonderful opportunity, and I feel very fortunate to have experienced the same. Teaching at the monastery definitely had its own challenges, as they relied only on volunteers for academics (English, Math etc.) and there wasn't a curriculum in place. If you tend to get involved with the students and take your teaching seriously, then it gets challenging because all students have different abilities and levels, and ideally one needs to cater to their individual needs. That is possible when you have many volunteers on site, otherwise can be a bit difficult. Nonetheless, teaching and interacting with the lovely monks is really enjoyable, and one sure learns a lot! Such experiences definitely teach you a lot, expose you to much more in life and probably make you grow as a person. One gets to experience life in a totally different context, often without the luxuries and comforts one is used to. However, what you gather is way more valuable - friends, experiences, memories, learning. It's all worth it. My words may not do justice to what I experienced, felt and learnt. All I can say is it was one of the best experiences in my life, and I wish I could have stayed longer! Would love to go back sometime. Would definitely recommend Love Volunteers and this particular program to whosoever wishes to volunteer abroad and make a difference! :)

I had an amazing time in Uganda with Love Volunteers! Love Volunteers answered all my questions in a timely manner and ensured that my trip to Ngora,the town I stayed in, was very comfortable. The volunteer house was also very comfortable and safe. During my time in Uganda I volunteered at the health center. I enjoyed the hands on work with the patients. I was able to deliver baby's and administer IVs and immunizations. All the staff at the health center was very friendly and welcoming and always willing to teach me new things. I was also able to experience Ugandan culture and the way of live in a small town in Africa. The 4 weeks in Ngora were definitely life changing!

The time I spent volunteering in Jaulas vacias was definitely unforgettable. I was welcomed to Argentina by a super friendly Hostel staff and oriented by very capable people at the VOS school (really, they will answer any question you have about the city and will give you the best recommendations.). When going to the refuge for the first time, I was accompanied by one of the local volunteers -who was also super nice and approachable and became an amazing friend by the time I came back home! All the people at the shelter are very dedicated and hardworking, and will most definitely impact you and your ideals in the most positive way possible. As far as the work I did while in the refuge, I loved it because it felt meaningful and like I was doing something helpful for all those animals -and everyone who worked there was always willing to help me out and teach me everything I needed to know (yes, that included helping me with my spanish)!

This 2-week experience organized by Love Volunteers Programs was the most satisfying and amazing one of my life. I spent my days in Sri Lanka, teaching English in a nursery and then teaching Sign Language in a special school. I loved taking up the responsibility of teaching English in an environment where its use was severely lacking. Everyone here in Sri Lanka is very accommodating and nice. I got to explore Sri Lanka over the weekends when I did not have any work. It is the most beautiful country in the world. Sometimes 2 weeks did not seem enough time, but I did my best while I was there. I hope I have left an impact on the local community, while they continue to grow stronger in their education. I'll be taking back many memories of this great program.

Volunteering in Chiang Mai to teach English to Buddhist monks has undoubtedly been the best experience of my life. I thought I would come here to teach, however I'm the one doing the most learning out of all my students. I have had a plethora of opportunities to learn about culture and Buddhism that a regular tourist would never have. I am eternally grateful for this experience. The Love Volunteers local team have been extremely helpful in every way and I am so appreciative of everything LV has done to make this happen!

After a month in Honduras with Love Volunteers I would like to share with you my amazing experience. The goal of this project is to create opportunities for children by cultivating within them English abilities, Spanish literacy, computer knowledge, and a love of one another. The beginning was a little bit hard for me; I missed my family, my friends, my home. In addition to this, I had to get used to the heat, the cold water in the shower, the tap water that we can't drink - quite simply, another way of life. But when I met the children, everything was perfect. They are so welcoming and always want to learn more and the other volunteers are all really nice. I lived in a house with 4 other volunteers and we all got along really well. Almost every weekend we organized a trip to a different place in Honduras. This has been a truly amazing experience and the only thing I regret is that I wish I could have stayed longer! Ps. The picture shows how such a little thing like a balloon can make the children very happy.

From the outset and throughout I was impressed with how professional and supportive Love Volunteers and their local team in Bosnia were, even going so far as to provide me with language lessons. My experience with the other volunteers was equally positive. They immediately included me into their team and I was inspired by their passion and enthusiasm. The highlight however was the children who attended this program. They were all so eager to learn about my culture and graciously shared their own with me. I have never meet such smart, kind, accepting children and it is thanks to them that I will always remember my volunteer experience.

Hello future volunteers! If you are looking to gain more clinical experience while perfecting your Spanish, than this program is definitely for you! I am a pre-medical student at the University of Pittsburgh who decided to spend two weeks in Buenos Aires, Argentina volunteering at Hospital de Clinicas. That decision was one of the best I have ever made. I worked in the departments of pediatrics and gynecology for the majority of my time. I got to shadow a variety of physicians in clinical scenarios, interact with patients, attend medical lectures, tour the medical school, and so much more in my short time abroad. One of the best parts of my experience was building connections with the medical personnel in Argentina. I truly grew close to the staff and felt very comfortable around them. All of the physicians were very receptive to my questions and were willing to teach me a variety of things. We had discussions ranging from the human anatomy to the Argentinian healthcare system. Conversing with them every day really improved my Spanish, especially my medical terminology. By the end of my two weeks I was able to better assist physicians by providing medical tools, supplies, and anything else they required. Working directly with the patients was an extremely enriching opportunity. I got to play with kids prior to their appointments with the physician, but more importantly I got to teach them to feel comfortable at the doctor's. Interacting with the kids one on one gave me the chance to teach them valuable lessons such as the importance of check-ups, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly. In the gynecology department, I was able to oversee consultations and various clinical procedures. I met a variety of patients, each with a different situation that exposed me to treatment plans and healthcare issues. Since I have already shadowed and worked in both departments in the United States, I was able to see many differences, but more interestingly I was able to see many similarities! Beyond the medical aspect of this program, there are many other great opportunities that you should take advantage of. For one, I worked closely with the Spanish School near my hostel in order to perfect my Spanish and better get to know the natives. Additionally, I became close friends with fellow volunteers that I was able to share my experience with. These are friends that I am sure to have for a lifetime. Since I only volunteered mornings to mid-afternoons I had the opportunity to go out at explore the beautiful city of Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires is truly "the Paris of South America." The food, people, culture, music, architecture, and overall liveliness of the city was energizing. While I wish that I could have extended my stay, I know I will be back! I am forever grateful to Love Volunteers for giving me this invaluable experience! I am happy to recommend this program! Best of luck.

I spent 4 weeks volunteering in the Community Development program in Arusha, Tanzania, from April 2016 and have loved every moment of it. I fell in love with the country itself upon landing and that is no exaggeration. Tanzania is a country where its beauty lies not in its architecture or infrastructure, but in its people and their culture. In my time there, the Tanzanians have taught me so much about life, about loyalty, community spirit and appreciation. It is definitely an experience that can't be replicated anywhere else. You need to go into this country with new eyes. View it as if you know nothing about our world and you will be rewarded with an amazing experience. We spent our volunteering hours helping a self sustaining orphanage, who relies mainly on the profits made by the crops and chickens they have on site, to build a fish pond, paint their playground and grow more crops, then we planted around 150 trees in two separate primary schools and 150 trees around the streets of the community in which the NGO was based in. In the beginning I was sceptical about our impact in the community but by the end of each day, we were thanked profusely and with genuine gratitude that everything was worth it. The only downside in my eyes were the scheduling. African time is a thing and people there were very relaxed about time, which made it feel like we were all waiting around for things to happen or be taken to our project site. Work was still being done of course. Our days were anywhere from three to six hour intervals of work with evenings and weekends off, which gave us the time to explore the social lifestyle side of Tanzania as well as be a tourist. I stayed at the hostel owned by the NGO throughout the whole duration of my stay. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful, and I felt safe and supported the whole time I was there. There are hot showers, mosquito nets, electricity, three meals a day and WiFi, though the WiFi was inconsistent and you'd be better off getting a data bundle off a SIM card if you're staying for a while. They have pretty cheap bundles. I met some amazing people during my stay and that could be a contributing factor to my experience, but I assure you it wasn't the only factor. I highly recommend going to Tanzania and doing this program as I have benefited greatly from it and have had an experience like no other.

Love Volunteers is a great organization. They were seamless with all of the pre-event discussions and preparations. The support was top notch. Responses to emails and calls were speedy. The local partner (NGO) i worked with, suggested by Love Volunteers was very helpful and a safe, reliable and honest organization. I highly recommend Love Volunteers and will use them in the future for my other adventures. Also, how can you go wrong with a name like that?

I had a fabulous trip and it was everything I hoped it would be. Basil, the coordinator in Uganda, was the best…we will remain friends for a long time and I know I am welcome in his home at anytime. Thank you Love Volunteers for making this an easy process.

Honestly, I was never interested in volunteering abroad. I never once thought how wonderful such an opportunity would be. But that changed a year ago. Last August, I met up with a cousin of mine for dinner. He was actively involved in volunteering and social work. In fact, he had set up his own NGO called Water and Toilets (WNT) to bring clean water and toilets to people in developing countries. Over dinner, he told me amazing stories about his volunteering projects and recommended that I volunteer abroad. At first, I was hesitant and anxious because I had never travelled abroad on my own. But after some reflection, I realized that beyond the initial uneasiness, it would be a very rewarding experience. Therefore, I asked him to suggest a reputable volunteer organization with great programs. He recommended Love Volunteers, a fantastic organisation offering a multitude of volunteering opportunities. After reading many program descriptions on their website, I finally decided on the Teaching English to Novice Buddhist Monks program in Chiang Mai. I am very passionate about teaching English and math, and thought that the experience would be mutually beneficial. After signing up, the Love Volunteers team were very efficient at processing my application, handing me important information and organising my volunteering program. Although I changed my dates a couple of times, the team was very patient and understanding. After I sorted out my dates, the team introduced me to their wonderful partner organisation. The coordinators were literally there every step of the way! They picked me up from the airport, organized my placement at a temple school, ensured that I was having a good time, and even gave me some delectable Thai food to try. They became my friends and I will miss them! The local team introduced me to an eclectic group of passionate volunteers from around the world. I had some interesting conversations with the other volunteers, learnt a lot about and from them, explored Chiang Mai with them and cultivated some strong friendships. I look forward to meeting them in the future! My experience as a teacher has been truly transformational. I was initially nervous about walking into a classroom with no experience, but these twelve days have taught me how to become an effective teacher. Tips from Todd and feedback from Panya, a teacher at my temple school, helped me develop better lesson plans and improve my teaching skills. The language barrier did pose some challenges, but with patience and a positive attitude I overcame them and was able to connect reasonably well with my students. I think (well hope) that they enjoyed my classes and benefited from them. One thing is for certain though, I benefited from the behind-the-scenes access to their temple. I witnessed morning announcements, prayers and meditation, and took part in some Buddhist activities. Such experiences enabled me to develop a greater understanding and appreciation of Buddhism and the way of life of monks.The education in temple schools is truly a marriage of mind and body! I would like to thank Love Volunteers and their local partner for making this a reality, and would definitely recommend this program!

Everything I expected both good and bad and much much more. I hope to return to Nepal to do more volunteering in the nearby future and to visit the monks I shared a home with for a short period of time. In short, meeting these people, eating with them and teaching and living with them has restored my faith in the resolve of human beings and the No Excuses/No get out of jail free/No this pill will fix it clause. They are tough in mind and heart; they have been hit hard but persist. They are no angels, but if you think about what they have been through, what they are still going through and how they natures and dispositions are still absolutely beautiful and calm, and you then compare it to what happens in first world countries over silly things, you realize there dam near close to angels. We get paid to help people in our countries, many of whom as we all know do not deserve it, in Nepal people do not ask you for help but I guarantee you they absolutely need and deserve it. Furthermore, the gratitude you receive after simple acts, will change your perspective on many values you once held dear. There is no animosity between people only smiles. You do what you have to, to survive but you do not need to crush other races, religions, people and countries to do it. I think it’s important to realize that as a volunteer you have free reign on how you wish to help. If you are going over with the concept that you are going to change for example their core beliefs in order to change their lives, I assure you will be doing them a disservice. That is not volunteer work that is something entirely different and the world has endured enough of that. It’s just one of the reasons I would highly recommend LOVE VOLUNTEERS. The time is now to help. No excuses.

Building mud huts for families affected by AIDS was a new experience for me and I really enjoyed it. Working in the village of Mwandi with the local building team was great fun especially as the woman whose house we were building came and worked with us and her friends dropped by to lend a hand. It was great to feel part of the village and get to understand a bit about what life there is really like. I loved being able to leave something tangible behind when I left and few things are more important than a proper roof over their head for a family who are living in very poor, squashed accommodation. For those who like to explore, Livingstone is not too far away so you can visit one of the great natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls, as part of your time in Mwandi. I loved this experience!

The hospital/medical program in Cambodia, Phnom Penh was truly an amazing experience. The work aspect was very fulfilling as well as informative as I had the opportunity to see many different cases ranging from smaller routine dental procedures to larger more tedious surgeries. I also gained a valuable insight into medical care at a public hospital in a less developed country and how it strongly contrasts with that of a hospital in a developed country/city. Meeting new people from around the world from various different backgrounds was one of my favourite aspects of this program as you meet people with different interests and different experiences which you can learn from and bond over. The people are all very friendly and you make friends that you will keep in touch with for a very long time even after your trip has finished. The accommodation was basic however it was more than adequate as it had a nice bathroom with hot water for showering a fan for each of the different beds and air conditioning that you could use with additional costs. Phnom Penh is a beautiful city with many cultural attractions such as temples, monuments and even the king’s palace which you can visit. There are also many tourist attractions related to the history of city such as the killing fields and S21 genocide museum, which although were very saddening it also made you aware of the struggle of the Cambodian people. Apart from these historical and cultural tourist attractions, there a few great market places i.e. central and night markets which have a great atmosphere and you can buy almost anything at a great value providing your bargaining skills are good!

Last year I spent an amazing 3 months in Cusco, Peru with Love Volunteers and their local team. This was to be my first experience as a volunteer. I was home stayed in La Floridad within walking distance of Cusco. A couple of other young people were also there and I was interested to hear about their experiences. I was gratified to hear they were enjoying their time. The first 2 weeks I attended Spanish lessons so that I might be able to volunteer in an orphanage with at least some Spanish. It took about 45 minutes to walk to the Spanish school which helped with acclimatizing to the altitude. The teachers and staff at the school were wonderful and I did manage to learn some Spanish although I was one who understood a lot but was a bit restricted in speaking. During that second week Carlos, the local team manager, walked me to San Juan II orphanage to introduce me to the director and familiarize myself. Children lived in different houses with a ‘mother’ looking after them. I took the first week and a half to observe the children who ranged in age from 18 months to 14. There are a couple of older boys I had not met as yet. I played memory games and did origami with them. I spent one session in the activity room with a group of young boys and it had worked really well. I discussed with Carlos the possibility of speaking with the Director of the Orphanage about setting up a program of activities for me and the children. As it turned out an ex-teacher also had just come to stay in my house, and joined me at the orphanage as a volunteer. An interest in Reading was identified as very important to encourage with the children, so we set up the library. A program was now set in place where children from 4 different houses, 1 house each day, spent an hour in the library, an hour in the activity room and then an hour in the playroom each morning. The reading went so well with the little boys. Three of us worked together and usually read to an individual boy. For them to get one-on-one help and attention was fabulous. Puzzles were popular too. And playtime. It was not all work. Every weekend I travelled to as many places and had as many experiences as Peru could offer me. These included trekking which was a definite challenge to my acclimatizing to the altitude, at least to begin with. I of course went to Machu Pichu and Lake Titicaca. Colca Canyon was fabulous. The landscape of Peru was the hero for me. The Inca sites were all incredible to see. I gained such respect for the history of this amazing land. Carlos and his friends taught me to salsa. We had weekly volunteer dinners somewhere in Cusco - meeting in the Square. I loved it all! I met fantastic volunteers and am still in contact with many of them. I really recommend anyone to have a go at being a volunteer - it is such an enriching experience - at any age. The LV local team were wonderfully supportive and I felt I had made lasting connections with them. I am a better person, a more content individual and Estoy muy muy agradecido (I am very grateful!).” ~

Dear future volunteer, I am glad that you are thinking about joining the Love Volunteers team as they are everything that you are looking for. If you are looking for a responsible, organized, positive, safe, and creative team then Love Volunteers is the way to go. Let me go a little more into details. I decided to go to Ecuador, Quito and do a Medical Internship as I wanted to see what it was like to work as a doctor/nurse and diagnose patients, work with limited technology, watch operations, and observe the daily routine of the medical staff. My experience lasted for two weeks and it was everything that I imagined it to be and more. Starting from my airport pickup to my nice and homely apartment drop off. Love Volunteers made me feel welcome and safe. Everything was extremely organized and during my first day I received an information package of my schedule, map of Quito, and some local history/safety tips. Later on I got a tour of their local school which was very close to the apartment. I was also shown where to do laundry, go out if I so desired, and shop for food. Everything was spelled out and easy. This has made the whole experience a great deal less stressful and I could simply lay back and enjoy my program. The Love Volunteers local team also helped me book my weekend trips to Otovalo and Quilatoa. Those were amazing and very reasonably priced as lunch was included. My medical program was extremely interesting. I watched doctors perform colonoscopies, draw and test blood samples, perform diagnoses by testing patients and listening to their symptoms, and doctor prescribing medications. I also learned a lot of new medical terms and did blood pressure testing along with measuring temperatures. I am now certain that this field is for me and once I get back to California, I will go to medical school. Thank you Love Volunteers for making me feel safe and helping me find my way into my future career. I highly recommend this beautiful organization.

"You must do the thing you think you cannot do." Eleanor Roosevelt “A few months ago, I took a blind leap, not knowing what to expect, and signed up to volunteer in Ghana for 2 months with Love Volunteers. I had never volunteered overseas and had never been to Africa. I was placed by the LV local team to work with children at Cherubs Orphanage. To say that this experience had a profound effect on my life would be insufficient. I learned so much about myself and my world! First and foremost are the people of Ghana. Their genuine friendliness and kindness are overwhelming! I travelled alone but I never, ever felt alone or scared. If I got lost, I just needed to ask the first person I saw and they would stop whatever they were doing and walk me to my destination! My host family, my new friends, the local community and the orphanage accepted me with open arms and I dove right in! I felt so comfortable and loved! Volunteering at Cherubs Orphanage was a challenge. Admittedly, there were times when I doubted my effectiveness but then I would look the other direction and become overjoyed by what I saw. The children showed such resilience against such extreme odds. A simple game of patty-cake gave them so much joy! It was inspiring! It was so satisfying and much-needed! The children and their amazing teachers were so grateful! I love them so much for being who they are and for giving me much more than I gave them. Now a word about culture shock. Ghanaian culture is very different than my culture. There is an abundance of what I initially felt as chaos but after a few days of adjusting, I found their culture to be one of simplicity. It was so refreshing and enlightening. We Americans are so spoiled and take so much for granted. I always knew this to be true but now I know how that is true. I also know that it doesn't have to be that way. Ghanaians are happy people; Americans, not so much! The food is fantastic! It is locally grown and cooked to order (no fast food here!) It is very, very spicy and delicious! Lots of fresh fruits and veggies. On weekends, I was free to travel and I took full advantage. I went to a monkey sanctuary, rain forest (with an awesome canopy walk!!), bead factory, Kente cloth weaver's shop, museums, cultural centers, castles, beaches, lakes, waterfalls, palaces, and marketplaces. I learned so much about Ghana - past and present. Ghana is a relatively poor country so their needs are great. If you are able, I would highly encourage volunteering in Ghana. You will be made to feel at home and you will learn so much about yourself and the world. I will never, ever forget my experiences. It was beyond amazing and so gratifying. I made so many wonderful life-long friends and had so many fantastic experiences. These I will hold in my heart forever and ever. How can you ask for more than that?

They are a fantastic organization; so welcoming, professional, and they really care for their volunteers and the children they work with. During my time there, I worked with the local staff to improve their volunteer program, fundraising and other operations. Although I was office based, I still got out to the two sites in which the project works in and ran a few projects and taught the children how to play Frisbee. Before leaving, I could already see what positive difference I have made with how the local team works with volunteers, and it will continue to get better and better! Since being in Bolivia with Love Volunteers and working with their local team, I have seen how much it has improved in just a short space of time. The local team are one of the most organized NGOs working in Cochabamba and they know how to get international volunteering “right” and put their volunteers where they are most useful. If you are thinking about volunteering in Bolivia, I would say do it! Whatever your interests and your passions, there are projects for you to get involved with and make a real impact. The team are open to new ideas and would welcome you with open arms. You won’t forget it!

As it was my first volunteering experience and also my first trip to Asia, it was also quite challenging. I loved the Nepali people and meeting the other volunteers, they were all so lovely! I unfortunately got sick after few days, but everyone was very nice and looked after me until I felt better. The kids were cute, friendly, polite and interested about many things. They were very grateful and excited about the candies and balloons we bought them :) We could see how little things can make them smile. Together with other volunteers we had opportunity to participate in the Holi festival. I have never seen so many people together! I enjoyed the atmosphere a lot, especially as I think it could never happen in my country of Slovakia, where people tend to get aggressive and rude very fast. The Nepalese people are generally very kind and respecting of each other, and everything they did was full of this respect. I found them to be very balanced, friendly, connected to each other and also to life itself. I felt there like I was at home, very natural. Even if it's a poorer country than mine, I would exchange our wealth for their inner peace. It was so great! I could see that there is no need to have many things around to be happy. And definitely not for playing with children, if love and will is there. Everything else is just bonus. Drawing pictures on their hands was exciting enough! So much joy from one picture of butterfly! I am looking forward to my next volunteer trip. Thank you Love Volunteers!

I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience! My problem was that I could only do 2 weeks, so I am unsure about the impact that my help may have had. I worked at a school for the first week, and then spent the second week at a monastery teaching young monks English. The school were getting ready for exams and the kids were preparing for that. Their level of spoken and written English was good - I was surprised as I am a teacher, and I hadn't expected that. They were from a poor background, but they were all in uniform and took pride in their work and school. They were great fun to work with. Living at the monastery was another great experience. Just seeing their whole routine was interesting - they were just like normal kids! They had no resources, but I had brought some laminated paper and whiteboard markers, so they had something to write with. Later in the week I managed to buy some exercise books and pencils, so they could start building up a record of the work that they had covered. Probably the best part of the experience, was meeting such a range of interesting dedicated volunteers from all walks of life - both young and old (me!) - I was so impressed with them! I would certainly do it again!

Being a Love Volunteer in Bosnia was an amazing experience. Having their local team host me made it even greater. I met inspiring people from the staff, local and international volunteers, and local people. Along with a friend we had the chance to run our own project and to benefit from the support of many different people around us. Moreover, during my eleven-month placement there, I had opportunities to participate in many diverse activities including French and English classes, creative and recreational activities for children, a film festival and of course all the annual activities (Halloween, New Year party, anti-racist day and summer camp). I definitely improved my organizational and interpersonal skills but the whole experience is so much more than just developing competencies… it’s a life experience.

I’ve recently completed a placement on the Healthcare and Medical project in Guatemala with Love Volunteers and their local team. Some of my duties have included assisting in nutritional workshops in local schools, making house calls with the doctor to pregnant and handicapped women in the village, and assisting during consultations at the health clinic /outpost. Attached are three photos taken while working alongside with a local medical student in the villages of Xeatzán Bajo and Chichoy Alto. It has a been very much a humbling and educational experience, and I highly recommend it to anyone!

When I began my volunteering experience, Bosnia and Herzegovina was a country I previously had little knowledge of. The times I would inquire with friends and family here in Canada I received only vague statements about the ‘Winter Olympics’ and ‘a war in the '90s’. There had to be more to it than that. This curiosity is what drove me to sign up with Love Volunteers and it has to be one of the best decisions I have ever made. Upon my arrival in Brčko (my new home) I was immediately welcomed by local staff and fellow volunteers and before I knew it was a part of this new international family. During my stay of one month I had the opportunity to work with people from many age groups, from little kids learning the months of the year to adults practicing advanced English. The scheduling system was very flexible and the volunteers had a great deal of freedom based on their interests and what they wanted to share. My personal contributions included music, dance, English and German language classes. Before I knew it my time in this wonderful country had come to an end and I only wish I could have stayed longer. To anyone considering volunteering for any period of time, I highly recommend Bosnia and Love Volunteers!

Visiting Kenya was my first time visiting Africa, and my first experience of a volunteering project on this scale, so naturally I had some apprehensions before the trip. Never has a truer word been spoken when I say these worries all melted away on arrival at my volunteer house with the Love Volunteers local team. I’ve never felt so welcomed into a new community so quickly. Both the local team, and the other volunteers at the house were some of the best people I have ever met. And then there were the children. Safe to say they grabbed my heart. I had the opportunity to visit a few different projects Love Volunteers work with, including schools and orphanages, and saw the real difference that LV volunteers have made to the lives of hundreds of these children, both in local schools and through the awesome work that has been done and continues to grow in the SIDP camp. Together, the Love Volunteer local team and the volunteers do incredible work to give these kids a chance in life, and I can’t wait to get back to Kenya, and do what I can to support these awesome projects!

To volunteer in Kenya was my first independent decision at the age of 18, and a big one I must say. I dreamed of going there and my friends were interested in joining me at first, but later I realized that my desire was bigger than anyone else's, so I decided to go by myself. Undoubtedly, the very first feeling I had when I confirmed participation in the program with the Love Volunteers was some kind of scepticism because I didn't know that much about the organization and the way I could help them. But everything became clear when I was warm-heartedly greeted at the airport by two members of the Love Volunteers local team. From that moment I had three weeks of joy and true happiness with children from the orphanage, local people and lovely young and wise volunteers as well! So, as every challenge, traveling alone to Africa is a thing which definitely worth trying! I would like to thank David Wakogy, Maria, Izzo, Jozeph Wanguch - from Kikuyu (Kenya); Matthijs, Manou - from Belgium; Maryana - from Colombia; Jacquelyn, Jaime - from the USA, Karim from Lebanon, and Laura from Australia, Grace from New Zealand, and Johny Bw-obbasa with his family (Kenya) - you are the people who inspired me to learn English! :) And of course, you are great people! With the deepest LOVE!

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in India! The accommodation far exceeded what I was expecting. I felt safe and was very comfortable. I highly recommend this program to anyone!

My trip to Cusco to be a part of the Children with Disabilities program was amazing. It was a privilege to be a part of the community and to be able to help support such an important program. Getting to know the children, the teachers and the parents really made me feel like more than a tourist but one of the family for the time that I was there. Every day I was warmly thanked for every little thing I did, it does not take much to make a difference sometimes. Also getting to experience one city for a month allowed me to immerse myself in a great city full of culture and history. After this trip I could not wait to start looking into similar experiences with Love Volunteers. I can only speak for my trip but from my experience I would highly recommend whatever trip someone else may be considering because for me it was a wonderful experience.

We did our volunteer program in Namo Buddha Monastery. All the monks in the monastery were happy to host us. We shared a lot of memorable moments with them. Our classes were English, Science and Computer but we definitely learned more from them than they from us. They showed us a simple and honest way to live in peace and harmony. I recommend this program to anyone who want to live this experience, and also get the opportunity to learn more about Buddhism. I also recommend to all the volunteer to get involved in all kind of activities that you could share with the monks, besides teaching classes, as these kind of opportunities create more connections with the children and teenagers.

I thought the program in Cusco was demanding but excellent. The local team was terrific to work with. I have great memories of the experience and hope we’ll get to do another LV trip in the next couple of years.

My time in Cape Town was one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences in my life. The city itself is one of the most captivating cities in the world - naturally scenic, a multicultural cosmopolitan vibe, the compelling history, and friendly people. We were never with a shortage of things to do, whether it was hiking Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, learning about apartheid (District 6, Robben Island), visiting a township, or just a good old-fashioned braai. I love learning about new cultures and history, and Cape Town was a perfect place to do that, while also being an accessible and comfortable city for the first-time traveler to Africa. I am so thankful to Love Volunteers and their local team for enabling my volunteering experience in Cape Town - the volunteer house was perfectly situated in Sea Point in a location that was safe and accessible to all the major sights in the city. As for my volunteer project, I did a combination of teaching sports development (Physical Education) and Grade 3 class at a primary school in Sea Point. During Physical Education sessions, I helped lead exercises and facilitate activities for the students in the swimming pool and on the field. In the classroom, I provided support to the teacher in assisting with student learning, grading tests, or with administrative tasks. I even acted as a substitute teacher on several occasions (only if the volunteer feels comfortable doing so). The students and staff at the school were so welcoming and appreciative for my help, and they made me feel right at home. Saying goodbye to them was the hardest part about leaving Cape Town. For those considering this program or having any doubts, or who don’t have any teaching experience, you won’t have any regrets doing this program. I’ve done volunteer trips before, and this one far exceeded my expectations. You will learn and grow so much from this experience, from Cape Town, from learning the city; and working with children will stretch you in ways you never knew before and teach you so much - about love, generosity, compassion, and about yourself!

During February and March 2016 I traveled to Sri Lanka for eight weeks with Love Volunteers for my medical elective. I spent four weeks in the private Hemas Hospital in Colombo and four weeks in Passara District Hospital, a remote government hospital in the central hill region an hour public bus ride from Badulla. The experience was one I will never forget. I spent the weekdays working in the hospitals, observing doctors and practicing skills, while the weekends were spent traveling across the beautiful country that is Sri Lanka. The hot and hectic atmosphere of Colombo contrasted quite significantly to the quiet and rural hills that surrounded Passara District Hospital. During my time in Sri Lanka I lived in volunteer homes in Colombo and Badulla, enjoying home-cooked authentic Sri Lankan food and the company of the families I was staying with. I had chosen to travel to Sri Lanka by myself, which, although initially daunting, I found to be an enlightening experience. I was helped along the way by the local volunteer coordinator and his wonderful family so I never felt truly alone. Overall I had a fantastic experience, I learned a great deal about Sri Lanka, not just its healthcare but also its deeply interesting culture, history and friendly people. I would recommend Love Volunteers and Sri Lanka to anyone looking to travel to a rich and colorful country and participate in fantastically worthwhile experience!

I had no idea what to expect before I came to Cusco, but it turns out that coming was one of the best things I've ever done. Working with the kids was eye-opening. A little overwhelming at first, but you quickly adapt. They are so kind and friendly, always greeting me with hugs, which never ceased to fill me with joy. The homestay was very important to me as I wanted to be culturally immersed and practice my Spanish. I was so lucky to have a brilliant family and will no doubt stay in touch with them in years to come. I felt part of the volunteering family too, which was great as I also wanted to make long-lasting friendships with people from all over the world. The coordinators were always very helpful and welcoming. I would 100% recommend Love volunteers to anyone who is thinking of volunteering. Do it!!

I had the opportunity to work with Love Volunteers and their amazing team of staff in Bosnia. Over the summer we created and implemented over 40 arts and language workshops including: English, French and Spanish language classes for adults and for children and youth media workshops. We also facilitated the activities and classes for the week long children’s summer camp, hosted a Future Shorts Film Festival, developed the first issue of a youth magazine and created a stop-motion animation film. It was an experience that I truly treasure, and was one of the best summers of my life. If you are self-motivated and excited to learn a new language (& learn to play samba), if you have lots of creative ideas and want to work with people that are giving, kind, and supportive then volunteer here! Thank you for such a wonderful experience!

My 6-month adventure in Cape Town, South Africa would not have been such an amazing experience without the help of the Love Volunteers and their local partners. Upon landing, after spending a day and a half in airports, there was someone there waiting to take me to the hostel. I was greeted by the hostel manager and a volunteer and was put at ease immediately by the fun atmosphere in the hostel. I am glad I spent the first portion of my stay in the hostel, because this gave me the opportunity to build friendships with other volunteers from around the world and people to explore beautiful Cape Town with. I also spent two months staying with a host family, which I can again thank Love Volunteers for making possible. They provided me with transportation to my new home, who welcomed me with open arms. My host family spent time making me and the other volunteers they had feel at home and included us in their family activities and celebrations. I also was very connected to my volunteer project while with my host family because I would spend a majority of my day there since I didn’t have as many sightseeing things to do during the week. I was with older children in the classroom who I immediately clicked with and we learned from each other. Overall, the experience I had in South Africa was more than I could have ever asked for, and I thank Love Volunteers and their local team for what they do to make this possible for other people. They organized the projects that I spent my days volunteering at, the tours I would spend some weekends on, and places for me to stay and see what it is like living in Cape Town. I highly recommend volunteering in Cape Town and I can’t wait to go back to see the friends I made!

My time in Cape Town was something I find difficult to put into words. It just seems impossible to compress my 5 weeks in South Africa into a mere paragraph or two. On a day to day basis, new and extraordinary experiences were waiting to change and shape me in ways I'd never anticipated. From befriending other volunteers in the volunteer House who were from all over the world, to working alongside the healthcare providers in the local clinic, to exploring the constant adventure that South Africa is, I think it can probably go without saying that there was never a dull moment. The Love Volunteers local team were absolutely incredible - definitely some of the most caring and insightful people I've had the opportunity to engage with. Life in the hostel with the other volunteers was always a blast because there were always other people to talk with about the volunteer projects or how their perspective on certain things may be different from your own. Not only that, but Cape Town is packed with some of the most breath taking beauty you'll ever see where you can hike Table Mountain, hit the surf at Muzienberg, or just lounge it up at Camp's Bay all in the same day. My volunteering experience in Cape Town will always be something that I carry with me in life because it truly changed the way I look at the world from a global perspective and how simply volunteering in your own community or across the world can have positive impacts that people wouldn't believe.

From December 2015 until January 2016 I was lucky enough to be involved with Love Volunteers and their local team in Peru. During my time with them I worked as a volunteer at Chaska Wasi, an orphanage for disabled children. From the first day I was there I was surprised with just how little resources the staff had at their disposal to care for so many children. What this did mean however, was that my contributions were genuinely meaningful and welcomed by both the staff and the children. Some of my duties included preparing and serving food, cleaning up and washing dishes, dealing with the children’s needs, and most importantly finding fun things for them to do. Even the simplest of activities could bring joy to their smiling faces. One of my favourite things to do was take the children to the park. Because of the limited number of staff, getting out of the orphanage was something the children didn’t get to do a lot of and they absolutely loved it! Seeing them run around and play, laughing and having fun was just awesome. It felt good to be able to bring some kind of joy to their challenging lives. It was a very fulfilling placement and I was truly sad to say goodbye for the last time. I will definitely go back one day to visit. A big part of my stay was my host family, Carlos and Clara, who looked after me and the other volunteers living there like we were their own children. They were warm and welcoming and made me feel comfortable which was important as I passed Christmas in Peru, missing out on my own family Christmas. Instead I had my first Peruvian Christmas, we ate, drank, and laughed with the extended family and were included completely. It was a full on Peruvian experience and I am really thankful to have had that. I can fully recommend Cusco as a place to visit; as a tourist I found it fascinating. It’s a wonderful mixture of the old and the new, full of friendly people. The historic centre of Cusco is beautiful, with ancient architecture and impressive structures. A great place to get a real good view of the historic city is from the mirador in San Blas, which overlooks the city centre. There are also a lot of markets, cafes and bars to do your shopping, relax with friends, or go out and learn to salsa. Cusco is also really close to many other interesting places like the Sacsayhuaman and Cristo Blanco which are really enjoyable day trips out of the city, completely reachable by walking. A little further away you can reach Pisac in the sacred valley and visit their famous markets with all kinds of crafts and foods for sale, and plenty of locals going about their business. Of course Cusco is also the gateway city to Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu truly is one of the most spectacular sights you will see and it’s very easy to get to from Cusco with just about every travel agent ready and willing to sell you a passage. There’s a trip for everyone, from jungle adventure, to the traditional Inca trail, or you can simply take the train if you don’t want to walk but you should most definitely go, you won’t regret it! With a large bus terminal and comfortable overnight busses you can maximise weekends away, reaching new cities while you sleep. Personally I recommend going to Arequipa and visiting Colca Canyon. If you’re lucky you will get to see the condors fly! In short this was a wonderful and rewarding experience in a great location surrounded by amazing people. I don’t know why you hadn’t gone sooner, it really is that good.

Volunteering in Peru has been one of the most important choices I have ever made in my life. It changed my life forever! People often ask, "Why work for free? You don't get anything". I respond with, "Try it yourself and you will realize that you actually get a LOT in return!”. I worked in a school designed for children with physical and mental disabilities, The kids I worked with had a major impact on my outlook on life. Despite the fact that they were living in poor conditions with disabilities that prevented them in many ways, most of them had such positive attitudes. Happiness is in no way dependent on money, but rather on the little things in life that we take for granted far too often. I only hope that the kids continue to be happy and optimistic as they go through life. This was an amazing opportunity and great experience, and I feel very privileged to have been able to do this. Living with a Peruvian family for 4 weeks, as a local, rather than as a tourist was an eye-opening experience. My host family were very welcoming and made me feel like I was at home. It has made me re-evaluate my priorities and also made me extremely grateful that I live in an amazing country that has lots of education advantages, job opportunities and healthcare. I can honestly say the more you submerge yourself in the project you are supporting and the local lifestyle, the more rewarding you will find the whole experience. I'm grateful for the people I've met, the experiences I’ve encountered, and challenges I’ve overcame; but most importantly I am grateful that I have the heavenly father who is there to forgive me, to help me ease through pain, but yet allows me to live the greatest life ever. Regarding my project manager; Carlos, he was very helpful. He made me feel very welcoming and like I was a part of the group, he was very helpful from answering every kind of questions before my trip to the very last day I left. Overall, I'm really glad that I decided to go to Peru with Love Volunteers. Cusco was such a cool city with great people, food, and culture. I'll always remember my trip as one that was not only extremely insightful, but also just really fun and exciting! I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone looking to go to South America, I know I'll definitely be returning there one day

I volunteered in Palestine last fall with Love Volunteers and their local team, and I am very grateful I did. It was an amazing experience, which expanded my understanding of the area and which I have been sharing with as many people in the US as I can. I am even hoping to volunteer in Cambodia this fall as a result of my visit there last year!

It was only two weeks that we spent in the village of Mwandi, Zambia but it is two weeks that will always stay with me. The program in Zambia is very well run by hardworking and friendly people, and I hope to have an opportunity to return in future as it is impossible not to be inspired by such a worthwhile experience.

It’s been a month already! It’s been super fun, some challenging moments, but that only enhanced my experience. The staff and children at the centre were lovely and made me feel at home in their workplace. They definitely love cake! So if you’re bored during an evening, theres a idea for you. I hope you have a really great time here in Tirana. I left a couple of notes at the project with advise/things I picked up during my time. Have fun!

I had a wonderful time in Malawi - my work teaching children was really eye-opening and Love Volunteers made sure I was well-informed about my placement before I arrived. The local partner is such a great organisation, and they really need more funding, so I would really encourage anyone who wants to support a worthy cause and actually get something back from it in the form of a rewarding feeling, personal development and a new outlook on life, to apply and volunteer in Lilongwe! As a young female travelling alone, I felt totally safe in the hands of Urunji and Love Volunteers, being met at the airport and never left to fend for myself on public transport. I developed a friendship with another volunteer from Chile, a culture of which I hadn't experienced much, and it was a great opportunity for me to again learn about other countries and ways of life. I had plenty of time to rest, as after teaching at schools in the mornings, I would come home to relax in the afternoons. I also had the opportunity to visit Lake Malawi and Liwonde National Park on the weekends, as well as Lilongwe Wildlife Sanctuary - these were all great experiences too! Overall I would describe my experience as fun, developmental and important for the community.

I volunteered in the nursery care program for abandoned babies and fell in love with Tirana. The last weeks have been wonderful. The people I have met, the babies, all the kindness from everyone and the charm of Albania made this trip very special! Thanks a lot!

I spent 4 weeks working with the children on English I left a few notes about vocabulary and grammar subjects we covered. I hope they continue to have fun while learning.

It was a great pleasure to teach such nice children. They always worked very hard in class.

I had such a great time here in Tirana volunteering at the community centre with the students and staff! The students were great! Very respectful and loved to play, paint, and learn english! They also loved teaching me Shqip, I can’t believe my eight weeks are already over. I’ve had so much fun here. While you’re here explore Tirana and other cities near and far. Beat, Kruje, and Durres are great for day trips. If you ever have a long weekend go down to the beach in Saran. The water is beautiful. Also the surrounding countries are nice if you have a long weekend. As for Tirana the block is a cool area to hang out, shop and eat. I have friends from home that live in the block, if you ever want some cool people to hang out with let me know and I can connect you! My favourite restaurant in Tirana is The Stephen (Stefen) Centre. They have everything you didn’t think you could find in Tirana, like pancakes and other comfort foods! I hope you enjoy your time in Albania! It’s definitely an experience! Let me know if I can be of any help.

I volunteered at ‘Help the Life Association’, a school for children with mental disabilities. It was an absolute pleasure to be a part of such a fantastic community for 3 weeks and my only regret was that it wasn’t for longer! Tirana is a great city and Albania is a beautiful country with wonderful people… I’m already planning my return trip!