Recreation Volunteering in India

Had a great trip to Italy. I met a ton of people from all over the world and we worked together educating about issues around refugees. We worked during the day and had fun at night and on the weekends. I am still in touch with many of the people I volunteered with. Thanks

I joined the theater programm at the child care center in jaipur. From the beginning of my volunteer work i felt very well and good supported. My coordinator und driver picked me every day up from the guest house and brought me in the afternoon to the center. In the morning i prepared different activities for the children. My coordinator supported me in all my ideas and translated it in hindu. The work matched perfect between us. We prepared pantomime games, circle games, dance activities and other funny games, where the children could express themselves. The team in the center was so nice and helpful and welcomed me in such a kind and nice way. It was such an amazing, deeply touching experience with the children. I can absolutely recommend this programm for volunteers. " volunteeringwithindia" is the perfect organisation. I really appreciated the work of the team from " volunteeringwithindia". I will never ever forget this beautiful experience. India became my second home. I really loved to experienced this amazing culture.

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.

I'm extremely satisfied to have been part of this great program helping children, their future and the future of the country. Accommodation - I was very happy and comfortable in a clean and pleasant environment. Food was always delicious, transport was always good, and cleaning was perfect. Staff were very kind and friendly with very good support; I was always able to reach them. I enjoyed every experience. Thank you so much for everything.

I enjoyed being part of the teaching program very much. Teaching English to year 3&4 was challenging at times but also a lot of fun. Receiving an email 2 weeks before arriving regarding school, classes would have been good. Emphasising the need for a laptop for lesson planning would have helped. I was very satisfied with accommodation; beds and pillows were comfortable, though upgrading to aircon was needed. Having 2 people in hot climate was better than three. Food was excellent and fresh with a great selection of meals all prepared by lovely, helpful staff. Having the occasional chicken meal was welcomed. Enjoyed experiencing Kerala food. We didn't need transport and the room was cleaned once a week & bathroom a few times each week. No complaints. All the staff were incredibly helpful, answering many questions. Working with Reshma was great both in and out of the classroom. She was extermely supportive when doing lesson planning & her help in the classroom with translation & classroom management was fantastic. Staff knew where various yoga places were always willing to suggest places to visit. Great suggestion by Shamla for cooking lesson and Kathkali.

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.

We participated in the program for two weeks and the experience was unique and unforgettable. We felt super welcomed and comfortable all the time, both at the workplace and at the guest house where we stayed. We received all the necessary support from the program, both from the people in charge of coordinating and organizing, and from the people who accompanied us during classes, trips and transfers. We felt like family, very cared for and pampered. At the house we ate delicious food every day and we felt very well looked after by the family we shared with. As for the work in the workshop, it was a challenge for us since we had to propose the activities and carry them out with children who do not speak our language, but the result was always super positive. The children were really lovely, super participative and happy. We were never alone, always in the company of staff who helped us with the organization of the group and the translation. Jaipur is an incredible city with a lot to explore and see, full of history, culture, architecture and landscapes that are worth experiencing. I think it's important to clarify that we felt super safe all the time, both on the street and in the work or rest spaces. Visiting India and participating in the volunteer program was something super different and totally new for us, to the point of doubting whether or not we were prepared to do it. But the reality is that everything is set up so that the experience is friendly and we can contribute our grain of sand by helping those who really need it and give a different meaning to our trip. We are super grateful to the entire Volunteering Whit India team.

Volunteering With India responded to this reviewNovember 06, 2024

Thank you Emilio for the review. It was such a nice time with you in the program.

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 love helping the old people , and I love those who do this because it gives them a spirit of life and enhances their psychology for the better. I also love animals and playing with them gently and I hope that I will enjoy this volunteering because it will have a great impact on my psychological state

My experience with VFP way back in 2009 was remarkable. Living in Germany and building a labyrinth at a World Heritage Site as the only native English speaker in my group was a truly immersive experience. I didn't feel like I was coming into a place from the outside so much as I felt part of a community. Our group really bonded and while we had a primary task, many of the day to day decisions were made by the group, one of my first experiences with really being responsible for myself.

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

Traveling with Carpe Diem challenged the ideas I had formed about myself in high school. Never quite excelling in the classroom environment and not knowing how to take advantage of school resources, I thought I was just born a “bad student.” Approaching education from an experiential model made me realize, I just didn’t know myself and my own needs. Carpe Diem’s Educators are so compassionate and supportive and help their students excel in their own ways. The program is immersive and set up in a way that gives you a wide variety of experiences, so everyone can experience a range of challenges and strengths.

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

Like someone said below, I haven't reviewed my semester on here yet because how can you sum up 3 months of experiences in one post? I will say that not only were our groups leaders incredible, the opportunities we were given were very special and unique. While this program may not work for some students, it was beneficial for me in learning how to travel with a variety of personalities, and how to live in a country to vastly different from my own. I saw a review on here that was incredible negative, and I am saddened that India did not teach that individual as much as it taught me about bringing the best out of an experience, and doing so with compassion and patience. I met many people during my time in India, within my group and outside of, that challenged me to think about my own behavior as a person and as someone who participates in society and what my impact is. Traveling in itself does this, but CDE gave us time to reflect and discuss our own thought processes in ways in which traveling alone would not. CDE gave me the space to become more confident in my own traveling abilities, and open my eyes to the differences in the world around me. I am in college now, and I always tell my friends here that I am a better, calmer, more caring person after my semester with CDE. So, if I could, I would do a semester again just to see the ways in which I could continue to grow.

Go Beyond helped me to have the two best summers of my life. I have created life long friends all over the country. I plan on going back to Go Beyond BVI next year. I also think that the BVI GB is extra special because of how we travel with Action Quest. We get to meet so many more kids that seem to all have similarities. Go Beyond has allowed me to meet people that I would have never come in contact with in my life, if I had not come. I have crated so many friends that I know I will have for the rest of my life. The service opportunities we had, ranged from building swing sets to catching turtles on Anagada. Each day was a new adventure that gave me insight to the lifestyle of the Islands. The trip helped me to see that I love the boat life, too. The British Virgin Islands mean so much to me, after going to Go Beyond these past two years.

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.

Love Volunteers responded to this reviewMarch 24, 2019

Hi Rebeca,<br/>Thank-you so much for this enthusiastic review of our programs. We completely agree that volunteering is a fantastic way to connect with people and travel around the world doing humanitarian work.<br/>Thanks again for being a part of what we do here at Love Volunteers.<br/>The Team @ Love Volunteers

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.

Love Volunteers responded to this reviewMarch 28, 2019

Dear Rhys,<br/>Thank-you for this amazing review of our Animal Welfare program in Tirana, Albania. Your care for animals is so apparent in this account and your contribution on the program was highly valued by the local team.<br/>Reading reviews such as yours provides future volunteers an invaluable insight into volunteering and the crucial role that they can play in areas where help is so desperately needed.<br/>How amazing to be involved in such a rewarding project whilst staying in a city as historical and beautiful as Tirana! Great tips btw!<br/>Thanks again for your contribution to the program for being an amazing Love Volunteer!<br/>From all of us at The Team @ Love Volunteers