Reviews

Provider: MAXIMO NIVEL

Program: Volunteer in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru

My time volunteering in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, was an incredible experience. I spent my time teaching English in a community project. The program is well organised and provides meaningful opportunities to contribute to the local community. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a rewarding and impactful experience. The staff at Maximo are also lovely - Anika made me feel welcome from the moment i stepped in. I would recomend to many!

Provider: That's Mandarin

Program: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin

I really love this Chinese school! Teachers are patient and friendly. They explain grammar and pronunciation clearly, and encourage us to speak bravely.Classes are fun with role-plays and simple cultural activities. I was afraid to speak Chinese before, but now I can talk about daily things. The learning materials are useful. The atmosphere is warm. I make friends with classmates from different countries. I improve quickly and enjoy every class. I strongly recommend this school to everyone who wants to learn Mandarin well.

Provider: Putney Student Travel

Program: Greece & Italy Middle School: History, Islands & Culture

As parents of a kid who has always loved camp, we thought we knew what a great summer experience looked like. Then our son went on Putney Student Travel’s Italy & Greece middle school program, and it changed our perspective entirely. He came home a different kid: more confident, independent, mature and excited about the world. He didn’t want it to end, and months later he’s still talking about the people he met. What makes Putney extraordinary is the people. The leaders were exceptional, and our son still keeps in close touch with them, along with the friends he made on the trip. I wouldn’t be surprised if they organize their own reunion over spring break! From the leaders to the directors, everyone at Putney makes you feel your child is genuinely known and cared for, as if he were one of their own. As parents, there is no greater reassurance. Putney gave our son far more than a trip. It gave him room to grow, lasting friendships, a new sense of independence and courage, and a real drive to learn about the world. We’ve even noticed a difference in his engagement at school this semester. We sent him hoping for a wonderful adventure; he came back with something far more meaningful. We can’t imagine sending our children anywhere else. Our son is already planning to return for the next four years, and we can’t wait for our daughter to experience Putney when she reaches middle school. Putney has earned our trust in a way very few organizations ever could, and we wholeheartedly recommend them to any family.

Provider: Meiji Academy

Program: Meiji Academy - Study Japanese in Kyoto

When talking about studying in Japan, for me the biggest concern was finding a trustworthy and legitimate language school. As I have studied in the past with Meiji Academy I was all set for this experience. But I have to say that it was a Meiji vibe but ten times more large and in a traditional Kyoto coverage which I loved!! The school facilities are high-class with a whole school building, a large student lounge, a study library and a level community engagement I haven’t seen so far. Despite the wonderful temples and rich history. Kyoto can sometimes feel lonely. That’s why I completely felt the need and glad I chose to study again with this school. I stayed in a sharehouse they organized which was great but unfortunately a bit far away…30mins is not what I was expecting. My friend said the apartments are much closer to the school and well equipped but it comes with a price tag. Nevertheless I would do it all over again if I had the choice!

Provider: MAXIMO NIVEL

Program: Customize Your GAP Year Program in Costa Rica!

This Gap year helped me realize what I wanted to pursue in my future. Anika and Roger were amazing and great help. The area was nice, my home stay was very nice loved my host family. I enjoyed this trip very much.

Provider: MAXIMO NIVEL

Program: Volunteer in Guatemala! Working with Children

I had such an amazing time with Máximo Nivel, and I had some incredible teachers there, Mateo, Ande, Francisco. All of the staff there were amazing, and the program itself was so great; it really allowed us to get a taste of local life in Antigua, Guatemala, as I practiced Spanish every day and got to engage with the primary school children on a day-to-day basis.

Provider: Meiji Academy

Program: Meiji Academy - Study Japanese in Kyoto

Kyoto is fascinating through and through all facets of Japanese culture and traditions. I think I made the right choice to experience the “real Japan” by choosing this location and the Meiji staff helped making my stay pleasant throughout. The classes were fun and entertaining while the intensity and grammar practice were well balanced. One thing that stood out to me the most is the variety and detail to organizing superior events and cultural exchanges. The local Japanese students were also an enrichment for the community at school. Loved it!

Provider: LTL Language School

Program: LTL Language School || Learn Chinese in China

I had some chinese lessons when I was very young. Couldn't remember half of what I learned, and barely speak any mandarin. But within 2 months, I could finish the HSK 2 textbook, and half of the HSK 3, improving a lot of my speaking. The program is very well organized, from the scheduling of the classes, to the renting of the apartment/hostfamily and cultural activities.

Provider: The TEFL Academy

Program: Online Level 5 TEFL Course

I really liked the layout of the class and the help I got when I couldn't understand something. It was a great introduction to teaching English. I hope in the coming weeks to take the teaching online class and also the teaching kid's class. I expect to start my job search in the new year.

Provider: Cerca Abroad

Program: Drone Technology Internship in Greece

Hi, my name is Brendan. I am from Boston, Massachusetts, USA. I completed both my Bachelor’s and Master’s in cell and tissue Bioengineering from Northeastern University. I chose to do an internship in order to gain more hands-on lab experience outside of my theoretical coursework and also the prospect of Cerca Abroad has been really exciting to me. I was able to perform DNA extraction and purification, as well as PCR, PCR sample prep and also get to see some sampling and sequencing. I am very happy with the communication, well organized, and also our accommodation has been very nice in the city. I enjoyed it very much, personally, it’s a fun town and Greece at large is very beautiful.

Provider: That's Mandarin

Program: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin

I very much enjoyed my three week intensive language program at That’s Mandarin. My teachers were very engaging, the school provides good books and also use technology very well. All of these combined make the learning experience excellent. I would highly recommend!

Provider: That's Mandarin

Program: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin

This is a great Chinese school! My teacher is professional and helpful. She always corrects my pronunciation gently. Lessons are well planned and not boring. We practice listening, speaking and reading each class. I started from zero, and now I can communicate in simple Chinese. The staff are nice and quick to answer questions. There are interesting cultural activities too. I feel confident when using Chinese. If you want to learn practical Mandarin, this school is a wonderful choice.

Provider: MAXIMO NIVEL

Program: Medical Internships Abroad | Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru!

I loved my time at Maximo! We learned a lot about medical techniques and even got to do cooking classes. As a medical student, it was really worth my time. I would definitely recommend Maximo Nivel for an internship in Peru!

Provider: Putney Student Travel

Program: Greece & Italy Middle School: History, Islands & Culture

As parents of a kid who has always loved camp, we thought we knew what a great summer experience looked like. Then our son went on Putney Student Travel’s Italy & Greece middle school program this summer, and it changed our perspective entirely. He came home a different kid — more confident, independent, mature, and excited about the world around him. He loved the experience so much that he didn't want it to end, and to this day, he is still talking about the people he met and the connections he made. What makes Putney truly extraordinary is the people. The leaders were exceptional, and our son still keeps in close touch with them. He also stays connected with the friends he made on the trip, and I wouldn't be surprised if they organize their own reunion over spring break! The relationships that have continued long after the program ended speak volumes about the experience Putney creates. Every person at Putney, from the leaders to the directors, makes you feel that your child is genuinely known, cared for, and treated as if they were their own. As parents, there is no greater reassurance. Putney gave our son so much more than a life-changing trip to Italy and Greece. It gave him room to grow, lasting friendships, a newfound sense of independence and courage, a genuine drive to learn more about the world, and memories and connections that will stay with him for years to come. We have even noticed a difference in his excitement and engagement with learning at school this semester. We sent him hoping he would have a wonderful adventure; we watched him return with something far more meaningful. We honestly cannot imagine sending our children anywhere else. Our son is already planning to return for the next four years, and we cannot wait for our daughter to experience Putney when she reaches middle school age. The fact that we are already planning years ahead speaks for itself. Putney has earned our trust in a way very few organizations ever could, and we wholeheartedly recommend them to any family fortunate enough to experience the magic they create through their programs.

Provider: MAXIMO NIVEL

Program: Volunteer in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru

I had a really good time teaching English to the Ticos here. While I was teaching them English, they were also teaching me Spanish which I loved. I’d love to do it again one day if possible. I think many people should consider this if they want to be immersed in culture, give back, and learn.

Provider: International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

Program: Volunteer in Childcare in Kenya

My volunteering experience in Kenya was truly unforgettable\. It was an opportunity to discover a new country, connect with local families, experience a different culture, and understand the incredible value that simple acts of kindness can have in the lives of others\. I encountered fascinating places and, above all, beautiful people whose warmth, generosity, and kindness made this journey so meaningful\. Sharing moments with local communities allowed me to look beyond differences and recognise how much we all have in common\. Through conversations, shared experiences, and genuine human connection, I learned lessons that no guidebook could ever teach me\. This journey also became a personal challenge: an opportunity to test myself, strengthen my attitude towards service, and reflect on how I want to contribute to the world around me\. It taught me that volunteering is not simply about giving\. It is also about being willing to receive, to listen, to learn, to embrace different perspectives, and to allow others to become part of your own growth\. I believe our actions have the greatest value when they come from a genuine desire to connect with others\. Sometimes, a little time, a kind gesture, or an open heart can create moments that remain with someone long after we have left\. I returned from Kenya with memories I will treasure forever and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of cultural diversity and the power of service\. It was an enriching, humbling, and life\-changing experience that I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone looking for meaningful personal growth through international volunteering\

Provider: That's Mandarin

Program: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin

Studying here is such a nice experience! Teachers care about every student. They teach Chinese with real-life examples, so it is easy to understand. Class activities help us practice more. I used to think Chinese was very hard, but now I enjoy learning it. I can ask directions and order food in Chinese. The school environment is comfortable. I make steady progress every week. I’m happy I chose this school and I will keep studying here.

Provider: Turtle Conservation

Program: Loggerhead Turtle Nesting Season – Volunteer Program 2026

I wasn’t sure I can really visit this place when I started. But now I’m really glad I’ve done it. It’s so important part of nature which we can see very rarely and more rarely we can help it or to do something for it. But here you doing incredible things, sleeping in incredible places and see incredible animals with their babies. I have just good memories and feelings after this volunteering program. It was really interesting and now I added some great new items to my resume. Thank to all team of this project for nice time! I want to back again:)

Provider: MAXIMO NIVEL

Program: Teach English in Costa Rica! Volunteering Projects Abroad

The weather was unseasonably hot with rain almost every day for a few hours. The program was great an I enjoyed my students while teaching English. I stayed for 6 weeks which was too much for me, being from Wisconsin. I would only do 4 weeks for volunteering next time. Maybe 6 weeks if you are learning Spanish and want a lot of time for Emerson.

Provider: Turtle Conservation

Program: Loggerhead Turtle Nesting Season – Volunteer Program 2026

Hi, my name is Valery, I'm from Russia. In September 2026, I participated as a volunteer in a turtle conservation program on Cape Verde's Sal Island. I am very glad that I became a member of this program. We spent 3 weeks on night duty on the beaches of the island. During this time, I studied and practiced tracking and registering turtle nesting sites and learned a lot to preserve their population. I also had the opportunity to observe the process of small turtles hatching from eggs and releasing them into the ocean. It was a pleasure to meet the guys from all over the world who are united and interested in preserving turtle populations. Thanks to the organization “Project Biodiversity" for significant work.