Reviews

Provider: Gapforce

Program: Marine Scientist Training Costa Rica

Costa Rica was one of the most meaningful and transformative experiences of my life. It was my first solo trip, and what started as an opportunity to travel and earn my Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, and Divemaster certifications became so much more than that. I made lifelong friends, immersed myself in a new culture, and discovered the beauty of living simply through my homestay experience. I loved being surrounded by the warmth of the local people, learning about their way of life, and experiencing a culture so different from my own. Everywhere I turned there was something new to appreciate. The incredible wildlife, vibrant marine ecosystems, and natural beauty made even the simplest days feel special. I spent much of my time diving, exploring beaches, discovering nature, and learning more about marine biology. I especially loved being able to turn my passion for the ocean into something meaningful by participating in beach and underwater cleanups, collecting marine debris, contributing to coral restoration projects, and gathering data to support conservation efforts. What made Costa Rica truly unforgettable, though, was the people. The friendships I formed, the kindness I experienced, and the sense of community I found made me feel connected to a place thousands of miles from home. Costa Rica taught me independence, adaptability, appreciation for simplicity, and the importance of protecting the natural world. I left with more than certifications and memories; I left with a deeper appreciation for different cultures, a stronger connection to the ocean, and a desire to continue exploring, learning, and making a positive impact wherever I go.

Provider: Isla Internships Abroad

Program: Global Development Internships in Kosovo

I had a fantastic time in Kosovo with Isla this past summer. Not only was I able to find an internship perfectly curated to my field and my interests, but I made connections with people that I still talk to today. The Isla team provided any information that I could ever need about the country, culture, travel to and in the country, and helped me take care of any concerns that arose while there. The communication was excellent and Isla really helps to build a community amongst the interns and offers many events and activities to take part in. This was my first experience going abroad alone for an extended period of time and I felt so safe and confident doing so with the help of Isla. I met so many people from all over the world and got to network with some incredible people in my field. The people in Kosovo are also extremely welcoming and it’s so easy to fall in love with the region. One of the best experiences I’ve had.

Provider: International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

Program: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

I had a wonderful time volunteering with IVHQ in South Korea. I volunteered in a soup kitchen. I met amazing people from around the world and I learned about the amazing country of South Korea and its wonderful people.

Provider: CGEE

Program: Decolonizing the Mind: Racial and Environmental Justice

The title of this review is the title of my integrative project. It summarizes my time in Namibia related to purpose driven learning. I’m grateful for meeting Namibians and making connections with them and for the connections in South Africa also. Living in the house with a bunch of entitled, racist, selfish white youth was a distraction, and I hope that the program will truly examine what “decolonizing” means. It’s currently hyper focused on the comfort of white youth. However, for those who really care about humanity, there is a world of opportunities for engaging with and supporting people who are fighting for justice and equality.

Provider: IPBio- Biodiversity Research Institute

Program: IPBio Amazon Biodiversity Research Assistant

Participating in the Amazon Research Assistant program was everything I hoped it would be. While I met amazing people who were in or creating careers as biologists, my career background is different and my goal was to come and make a positive impact while getting to see sides of the Amazon forest that a random tourist may not see – best part is there is plenty of time on the weekends to see all that a tourist would see too! It also necessary to note that the area always felt quite safe – keeping common sense safety tips in mind and if any issues or troubles arouse the program staff were unbelievably fast to handle it completely – seriously within minutes the issues would be resolved. My only wish is that I was staying longer as the activities cycle and I would have like to repeat some of the activities both to see my own improvements and to get the chance to see some areas again!

Provider: Amigos de las Américas

Program: DR: Sports, Culture & Community Transformation

My summer in the Dominican Republic was unlike anything I've ever done. It was a true immersion, and even though it is marketed that way, words cannot really relay to what extent it truly is. I lived with locals, like a local, and it was the most difficult thing I've ever done. AMIGOS gives volunteers ample training and briefing, and has very rigid safety guidelines that made me feel safe throughout. However, what made this experience so unique to me was how little my hand was held when it came to figuring out how to be a leader and create a meaningful experience for myself. It is up to you, the volunteer, to do this, and create your own motives and take your own initiative. AMIGOS set me up so well to do this. I've never felt like I've actually "grown" so much from an experience. I sincerely feel my outlook on life has changed—I appreciate smaller moments, and feel more perceptive to my surroundings. I feel humble and happy. But keep in mind the Immerse program model is not for the weak. To have a meaningful experience, you must be able to self-motivate, or at least be willing to learn how to self-motivate, when days can be long and difficult. The ultimate reward for me on this program were the smallest breakthroughs: understanding a conversation well, meeting a new person in the community, picking mangos from trees, or being toured around by children. I'd strongly recommend this program to anyone who wants to be changed.

Provider: studyTEFL

Program: Accredited 120-Hour TEFL/TESOL Course $29 with certificate

I am experienced as an English teacher for about 14 years but my next school told me to get certification. I chose this because it had a nice reputation and the price is very cheap. The units are well made with engaging text that you're able to open and close parts. Questions were many so I trusted the course.

Provider: Spanish Express

Program: Live & Study Spanish at Your Teacher's Home

An Excellent Experience with Spanish Express I have had a wonderful experience with Spanish Express, and I would highly recommend the program, particularly to people in a similar situation to mine. I am 58 years old, recently partially retired, and an English speaker. Before joining the program, I had spent about a year studying Spanish by myself, mainly through self-study, but had virtually no experience speaking the language with other people. When I first arrived in Barcelona, I could barely speak any Spanish at all. It was literally my first experience having real conversations in Spanish. After four weeks with Spanish Express, however, I was genuinely surprised by how much progress I had made. I was able to have simple conversations with my Spanish hosts and, more importantly, with ordinary Spanish people in everyday situations. In Barcelona, I had formal lessons with Monica and Laura, both of whom were excellent. Laura helped me enormously with my pronunciation, correcting some of the habits I had developed from speaking English, while also strengthening my understanding of the basics. Monica introduced me to Barcelona’s culture through various excursions and visits, including a wonderful flamenco experience. These activities made learning Spanish much more enjoyable and gave me a deeper appreciation of Spanish culture. I then continued my experience in Valencia, where I stayed with my teacher, Pilar. She was absolutely amazing. Not only did we have plenty of formal lessons, but we also went on numerous excursions and spent a lot of time talking together in Spanish. This was particularly valuable because I was able to learn so many practical, everyday words and expressions that you simply don’t get from textbooks. Pilar was incredibly kind, patient and accommodating throughout my stay. She went out of her way to make sure all my needs were taken care of, and I always felt very welcome in her home. Her children were also lovely and a pleasure to spend time with. The whole homestay experience was genuinely special. Looking back, I feel that the combination of formal lessons, everyday conversations, cultural activities and living with Spanish-speaking teachers has made a tremendous difference. My grammar has improved considerably, and I have gone from being almost unable to speak to being able to hold simple conversations in Spanish. For someone starting from a very basic level later in life, this has been an extremely rewarding experience. It has given me both practical skills and, importantly, the confidence to continue learning and speaking Spanish. A big thank you to Monica, Laura and especially Pilar for making this such a memorable experience. I am very glad I chose Spanish Express!

Provider: AFS-USA

Program: AFS Intercultural Programs: High School Abroad in Germany

In 1965 we in the US had a negative view of Germans. Immersing myself in their language and world helped me see them as wonderful people, full of strength and resilience. I also learned a perspective from outside our own limited experience. AFS takes you to another level of humanity.

Provider: Teach Explore Asia (XploreAsia)

Program: Xplore - Join the Adventure Camp Thailand Experience

Most unique and whiplash experience. To volunteer within schools, teach youth and explore Thailand's authentic self was beautiful. Forever lasting me memories filled with laughter, adventure and bullying. XploreAsia provided very misleading information about cost of this trip, did not care when other members of group began bullying and refusing to help in School Projects. The accommodation given had doors falling off, leaking showers, mould in the rooms and non working facilities. All genuine issues or miscommunications that occurred was dismissed. The more I spoke with other people who went through this Experience the more I saw the lack of care of individuals. We had absolutely gorgeous tours, language and cooking classes that was amazing and very grateful for, however the behaviour of Staff Members, lack of accountability and transparency was exhausting. I was told very clearly they would assist with my last day of Accommodation, specific needs and transport from Hotel to Airport, all met with denial and minimum effort. I have made long lasting friendships from the lovely people I met, I will continue to travel and explore this beautiful world, just not through this.