Youth Development Volunteering in Georgia

I’ve been wanting to start traveling to places that many people in the United States haven’t heard of, and Georgia has been on the top of my list for a while, so when I found an opportunity to go there, I went for it. It was an incredible experience. Everyone on my crew was really nice, and helpful and everyone did their part. I feel like I received enough information to effectively conduct fieldwork because our leader spent a good amount of time thoroughly explaining how to use each tool effectively and safely, and they were always watching to make sure we were using them properly

I enjoyed discovering a beautiful mountainous area that was new to me, I also enjoyed time spent in Kutaisi and trips from Kutaisi to Zeskho and back. The work that I had to do also brought enjoyment to me, since I do not perform physical labour on a daily basis. But most of all I enjoyed a company of smart, interesting and diverse group of individuals who come from all walks of life. My biggest takeaway is that working in the mountains and aspects that come with living there can be more fulfilling than living "comfortably" in the city.

My three weeks in Georgia were amazing. I met awesome people, worked on new trail sections, and enjoyed the beautiful mountains and great food. The experience was friendly, safe, and unforgettable. I learned so much and made great memories along the way

I love the TCT, the trail, the people and wanted to give back Great experience with a good crew. Really enjoyed the mix of local and international people Maybe recommend brining fun snacks to share (s'mores etc) The crew leader did a great job, only feedback would be to have more supervision to allow more people to work at once especially on technical scope like steps

My biggest takeaways is "Shwarma in Kutaisi. It was a large pork one with fries. No, I'm joking, sorry. After two weeks with no internet I really started to appreciate the beauty of the mountains, the forest, the individual trees, the small habitats, the rocks and the streams in the landscape. This mainly on the hike to and from the worksite that took a proportion of each day." Continued to sustainably develop trail. Had largely good weather over the four weeks. Stayed safe, no injuries. Didn't feel as tired or fatigued as I expected after multiple weeks of trail work. Digging three toilets was not terrible. Crew leaders and all the other TCT staff are fantastic at welcoming, accommodating, teaching and sharing with the volunteers. All the crew leaders really do a great job at making the volunteers feel safe, comfortable and positive in this very remote environment.

Where I would have expected more was on the food (both in terms of quantity and organization) and the non-working hours, nice to have the freedom to do what we like, but I was expecting more social activities, interactions, games, short workshops/sessions, etc (maybe not mandatory but on a volunteer basis). Also, the price is not reflecting the experience, which is authentic and cost-efficient (in a positive way), while the price is more towards a “glamping” option, which wasn’t the case (that’s why I choose it). I know funds have been an issues, but this should not impact the volunteers experience in my opinion, or the provided experience should change to reflect the price. The small habits we had, everyone has his own tasks, the morning routine, it helps enjoying the camping life even more

Trail work was in line with expectations as were general conditions of living/camping. I enjoy the opportunity to feel I was making an actual difference that will hopefully develop hiking and tourism supporting it and local communities in Georgia Food was not always the best - appreciate it is hard to get food up a mountain, but for the price paid for the course there could have been more spent on protein sources such as tuna/tinned fish and less on empty carbs such as cookies, noodles etc. On many days I was low on energy because food felt insufficient in terms of nutrients.

I had wanted to visit Georgia for several years, and last year I discovered the volunteering program through the TCT. It immediately sounded like a great plan for the summer of 2025. Although it was hard to imagine beforehand what a week in Zeskho would be like, the experience met my expectations and was very professionally organized, which was the most important part. Contributing to such a meaningful project, learning how trails are built, meeting local people, and enjoying the calm of such a remote and beautiful place made the experience truly memorable

I enjoyed some of the activites , but not others. The rivre walk and the walk to the koppies was 10/10. No intrenet was challenging , so 7/10. Jane , Precious , Patrick and Lucas were 10/10. I woul recommend this project to anyone who needs a detox from Social media.

New culture, new people, New Life. When we exchange our perspectives, ideas and plans to make a world better place for everyone. It's good to go different places it helps me view life in many directions

Hice 5 años en haiti, me se su idioma, se toda su cultura, me gustaría volver y apoyarlos en todas las dificultades que tienen, ya que ameritan mucha ayuda de todos nosotros, para ellos poder sobrevivir

I would really like to volunteer. I am passionate about charity and showing kindness to the world. Please, give me a chance. Kindly provide Certificate of sponsorship too since I'm not able to provide for myself at the moment. Kindly put my request into consideration.

This an increasingly popular way for individuals to make a meaningful impact in communities around the world. With numerous organizations offering volunteer programs, it's essential to review and research these opportunities to ensure a safe and rewarding experience. *Pros:* 1. *Cultural Immersion*: Living and working with local communities provides an immersive cultural experience. 2. *Skill Development*: Volunteers can develop new skills and gain experience in areas such as teaching, conservation, and community development. 3. *Networking Opportunities*: Volunteers can connect with like-minded individuals from around the world. 4. *Personal Growth*: Volunteering abroad can be a transformative experience, fostering personal growth and self-awareness. *Cons:* 1. *Cost*: Many volunteer programs come with a hefty price tag, which can be a barrier for some. 2. *Safety Concerns*: Volunteers may face safety risks, such as health concerns or political instability, depending on the destination. 3. *Cultural Differences*: Adapting to local customs and way of life can be challenging for some volunteers. 4. *Quality of Programs*: Some volunteer programs may lack structure, support, or meaningful work, leading to a disappointing experience. *Recommendations:* 1. *Research Thoroughly*: Investigate the organization, program, and destination to ensure a safe and rewarding experience. 2. *Read Reviews*: Look for reviews from past volunteers to gain insight into the program's quality and challenges. 3. *Choose a Reputable Organization*: Select an organization with a proven track record, transparent policies, and adequate support for volunteers. 4. *Prepare Yourself*: Culturally, emotionally, and physically prepare yourself for the experience to ensure a smooth transition. By being aware of the pros and cons, doing thorough research, and choosing a reputable organization, volunteers can have a safe, rewarding, and life-changing experience abroad.

As a Social worker i often meet with clients to assess their needs, provide counseling, and develop individualized plans to address their challenges. This could involve sessions with individuals, families, or groups.

I probably had one of the best experiences of my life in Natuwa for a month, feeding the many animals that live there, taking care of them, discovering a different way of life than mine, more minimalist and peaceful. Rodolfo is an extremely understanding man who cares about the well-being of his voluntarios. We had the chance to do several extra activities outside the centre, such as snorkeling near to Isla Tortuga, or swimming at night with bioluminescent planktons, which were dazzling. The workteam is really friendly and allows you to feel integrated quickly and easily. However, you have to expect to work hard sometimes, for example planting trees, doing work to maintain the infrastructure, but this is only a part of the day. outside the centre

The time I spent in Dubai, Oman and Abdul Dhabi, I have a wonderful and experiential Joy with the people and I was able to showcased my skills and the people explore my knowledge to their satisfaction Little details of my experience Dubai Falcon Ballroom Hotel which was so great. Even more perfect was the fact that they had thought of everything in advance, I didn’t need to remind them I needed a fresh bed shread in the room (which I did have to do twice at the local hotel I stayed in my country, more on this later) as they had already taken care of that prior to our arrival. The bed, oh the bed! It was dreamy in every way, the most comfortable place I’ve ever laid in, and the most restful sleep I had had in years, and sometimes teary nighttime awakenings. some things can’t be helped…oh, the joys of travelling with flight Emirate is spectacular. A night between those bed-sheets really restores and rebalances you. I had excellent views directly facing the Mall of the Emirate and part of the pool below (if you stretched your neck). Everything in the room was spotlessly clean and looked brand new. The desk was comfortable for planning my daily routes on our my map.

August 8th, 2018, I went to Thailand for the highest skydiving constitution in Asian. At the time, when I put on heavy equipment, I was super nervous, so I paid hundreds percent concentration on training. All set down, I followed the coach to get on the helicopter and had a big swallow before taking off. On the way to five thousand inches high, my hand still stuck the edge of seat tightly. It's the real time when I hardly moved right to the open door, my foot suspended in the midair and smash wind make me hard to breathe. Without struggle, I was pushed to jump with closing eyes and opening mouth. Actually, I screamed loudly but heard nothing. The parachute opened in seconds successfully and everything went as well as training. When I stood steadily on the cloud, I touched the soft clouds, astonished by the beautiful view of Phuket Island---golden-green fields are surrounded by the sea blue, trail of the train intersect through the landscape, cars running on the roads are as tiny as ants moving foods. Swinging back to the ground, I was so proud of myself and at the same time, I was so excited about the astonishing views in the sky.

In my 30 years of experience as a professional nurse I have worked in comprehensive patient care and I know everything related to the area of ​​health. Now I am retired and my great desire is to help people in need.

Volunteer World gave me the opportunity to find a project that suited me. They have plenty of projects and there is something for everyone! You meet amazing people. You get to know the country and the culture through te locals. You connect immedeatly with the other volunteers and experience this amazing trip together. I'm already looking for my next experience with them.

Hey , I'm Amine , I would love top inform you that I have had a good experience in voluntary work that's why I want to share it with you by helping people in need . In fact , I have made great relations when I was teaching either children or adults , it was really a good time when dealing and socializing , I really learnt many thing from such experience and thus could cope with many problems and situations . I also learnt many things when curing my father for about 16 years , he is in special need and I have learnt numerous things and even got more open with wide heart when dealing with sick people , indeed , I'm that kind person by nature who loves to offer something to others