Summer Disaster Relief Volunteer Abroad Programs

I was looked after from the moment I arrived until the day I left, which was really reassuring, especially as it was my first time. The project was great, and we were truly valued and made to feel welcomed throughout our stay. I spent my time working within the women empowerment program and engaging with different community activities, which was a great opportunity to learn and contribute. The side trips were well organized and reasonably priced, making it easy to explore and enjoy the experience even more.

I count myself as one of the lucky people to have been born in the developed world, where systems work and many things are taken for granted. Volunteering in Kenya completely changed my perspective. It made me realize how much we have, and yet how often we still complain. This experience was not only meaningful but also deeply reflective for me. Working with the women in the program was truly special. They are humble, proud, and full of life despite the challenges they face. Even in situations where they are unsure about their next meal, they still carry genuine smiles and a strong sense of dignity. That level of resilience and positivity is something I will never forget. The organization provides a supportive environment for volunteers. The accommodation was comfortable, with reliable Wi-Fi and internet, and I always felt safe. There is also flexibility to explore the country, which made the experience even richer. I had the opportunity to travel to Maasai Mara and see the Big Five for the first time, which was unforgettable. This is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to experience a different way of life, learn from incredible people, and reflect on what truly matters. I continue to stay connected with the organization and support their work whenever I can.

This was my first international travel, my first long flight, my first time visiting a developing country, and my first volunteer experience abroad. Everything about this journey was new to me, and stepping out of my comfort zone turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made. Volunteering with the women at Kar Geno in Kenya opened my mind in ways I never expected. I learned so much about life, resilience, and the strength of community. The experience truly sharpened my thinking and gave me a deeper understanding of the world outside my home country. It was challenging at times, but also incredibly rewarding. I would encourage anyone to take such a step at least once in their life. My time volunteering with the women in Kisumu is something I will always remember as one of my best life experiences.

This is a truly wonderful organization, especially for anyone interested in learning more about women empowerment and the realities of HIV-affected communities. My time volunteering at Kar Geno was very meaningful, and I had a great experience working with the women in the program. The mothers in the project are strong, welcoming, and very determined to improve their lives, which makes the whole experience inspiring and emotional at the same time. The organization takes very good care of volunteers. Safety, health, and general wellbeing are clearly a priority, which made me feel comfortable throughout my stay. The accommodation was secure, the environment was friendly, and the internet connection was reliable, something many travelers worry about when coming to rural parts of Africa. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who wants a real, hands-on experience in community work, especially in areas related to women empowerment, HIV awareness, and grassroots development. It is not just volunteering — it is an experience that stays with you long after you leave.

I had a wonderful experience volunteering here. The environment is friendly and welcoming, and the women are very supportive and happy to have volunteers around. Communication can sometimes require patience since not everyone speaks fluent English, but it is still easy to connect and work together. The work itself is relaxed, so you have enough time to also explore the local area. During my stay I was able to visit places like Maasai Mara, Ndere Island, Kit Mikayi, and Kakamega Rainforest. The community treats you with a lot of respect and appreciation, and you truly feel valued. It was a meaningful and enjoyable experience that I would recommend to anyone looking for a cultural and volunteer opportunity.

One of the most beautiful things in this program is seeing women progress from nothing to becoming confident and skilled. Many of the women join the program after facing stigma and very difficult life situations, but step by step they learn, grow, and become experts in their work. Watching this journey is like seeing a child grow from not speaking to walking and talking. Their courage, patience, and determination are truly inspiring, and the smiles on their faces show how much the program changes their lives. My time in Kisumu was unforgettable. I experienced the real life of the community, including early morning boat rides with fishermen, watching the sunrise over the lake, visiting Dunga Beach and Dunga Hill Camp, and seeing the daily life of women buying fish from the lake. These are experiences you cannot get as a tourist alone. The accommodation was very comfortable. I stayed in a shared house but had my own private room. The place was clean, safe, and had very strong internet, which made it easy to stay in touch with family at home. I felt secure and well supported during my stay. This program is a wonderful opportunity to see real change in people’s lives, and it is an experience that stays in your heart even after you leave.

Volunteering with Kar Geno – Center for Hope was a very meaningful experience for me. I am Robert Cohen from Denver, Colorado, USA, an IT professional who has worked with IBM and HP. During my time in Kisumu, I worked with the women in the tailoring and entrepreneurship program, helping them learn basic computer skills and how to use online platforms like Facebook Marketplace to promote their products. The women were very welcoming, eager to learn, and highly motivated to improve their lives. Even though computer literacy is still limited, their determination to succeed is very inspiring. I also had the chance to explore Kisumu, including local neighborhoods, and I was impressed by how friendly and welcoming people are everywhere. The accommodation was comfortable, with a private room, modern kitchen, strong Wi-Fi, and good security. This experience gave me a deeper understanding of life in the community, and I highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to share skills while learning from others.

Volunteering with the women at Kar Geno – Center for Hope was an amazing experience. My name is Selah Eileen from Collingwood, Ontario, Canada, and I truly enjoyed every moment I spent with the group. I helped mostly with the children, doing artwork and keeping them engaged while their mothers were busy learning and working in the program. The women are incredibly strong and full of stories. Many of them are HIV-affected, and being with them felt like sharing hope and encouragement. The organization is very well organized, the environment is welcoming, and the communication was excellent. The accommodation had strong Wi-Fi, and everything was well arranged for volunteers. I also had the chance to visit several beautiful places around Kisumu, including Kakamega Rainforest, which was unforgettable. The women make beautiful African kitenga prints, and it was inspiring to see their creativity and determination. This experience was truly life-changing, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants meaningful travel combined with real community connection.

Volunteering with Kar Geno – Center for Hope has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I have been visiting the organization since 2008 and even served as a board president, and every time I return I feel like I am coming home. The women in the program are incredibly welcoming, always smiling, and they make sure you feel safe and comfortable at all times. They treat you like family, and I always feel like I have sisters, mentors, and siblings around me. The community is very organized and supportive, and there is always something meaningful to do, from helping with training to sharing skills like basic computer use. What makes the experience even more special is the culture. The traditional women dancers, the music, the local food, and the strong sense of togetherness make every visit unforgettable. You also get the chance to explore beautiful places, with the organization helping to arrange trips and local tours. For me, this is more than volunteering. It is a place where you feel appreciated, connected, and truly at home.

Volunteering with Kar Geno – Center for Hope in Kisumu was a truly memorable experience that combined community service with cultural exploration. I had the opportunity to support women in the empowerment and tailoring program by helping them with simple mathematics, basic arithmetic, calculating profits from their work, and discussing ideas such as marketing and selling products online. It was inspiring to see their enthusiasm and determination to build better livelihoods. Beyond volunteering, I had the chance to explore many incredible places around the region. I visited Maasai Mara, Kisumu Museum, and the beautiful Dunga Hill Camp where we enjoyed live music, great food, and stunning sunsets over Lake Victoria with a breathtaking view of Kisumu. I also traveled to Kit Mikayi Rock, Mfangano Island, and the ancestral village of former US President Barack Obama. Other memorable experiences included boat riding and fishing on Lake Victoria. The combination of meaningful volunteer work and exploring the rich culture and landscapes of the area made this experience truly unforgettable.

Volunteering with Kar Geno in Kisumu through the Women’s Empowerment Project was a meaningful and rewarding experience. I supported the women during their tailoring training by helping cut materials, assist with measurements, and support them at their workstations. Many of the women bring their children to the training, so I also helped keep the children engaged and entertained while their mothers focused on learning. The environment was welcoming, and the community was very friendly. The team ensured volunteers had the information and support needed throughout the stay. It was inspiring to see women gaining skills that can help them build independent livelihoods.

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.

I came to this project with the hope of giving something meaningful but what I received in return was beyond anything I could have imagined. From the very first day, I was embraced by a community that radiated strength, warmth, and resilience. Every moment spent alongside the incredible women in the tailoring program was filled with laughter, love, and learning. Watching them stitch not just fabric, but their futures with pride and determination; was deeply humbling and inspiring. The connection I felt went far beyond the work. It was in the gentle smiles shared over tea, the stories told in quiet moments, and the unspoken understanding that we were all there to grow together. There’s something so raw and beautiful about being part of a space where healing, empowerment, and hope intersect so naturally. Kisumu itself is a gem, alive with history, soul, and breathtaking beauty. From sunsets at Hippo Point to the peaceful embrace of Ndere Island, from wandering the Kisumu Museum to the rhythmic pulse of life at Dunga Beach and Hill Camp, every experience added a layer of richness to my journey. This wasn’t just volunteering; it was living fully, meaningfully, and deeply. I leave with more than memories; I leave with a renewed heart, a broadened mind, and gratitude that words can hardly express. If you're thinking of joining this program, don’t hesitate. Go. You’ll find a piece of yourself here that you never knew was missing.

From the very first day, this volunteering experience exceeded all my expectations. Trying the local street foods was a joy in itself, rich in flavor, incredibly affordable, and made even more special by sharing those moments with locals. Every meal felt like a celebration of culture and community, adding warmth and delight to each day. But beyond the food, it was the heart of the program that left the most profound impact. Supporting women as they reclaimed their confidence through tailoring and entrepreneurship was truly humbling. I witnessed firsthand how skills can empower lives, and how resilience can shine through even the hardest stories. Each day was filled with laughter, storytelling, and genuine connection. The women welcomed me not as a stranger, but as part of their extended family. Sitting around sewing machines, we shared not only techniques but life lessons, dreams, and encouragement. Their strength, hope, and determination taught me more than I ever imagined. This journey wasn’t just about volunteering; it was about mutual growth. It reshaped how I view community, courage, and purpose. I came to give, but I left carrying something far greater: lifelong memories and a deep, heartfelt gratitude for being part of something so real, so powerful, and so human.

This was absolutely the best internship I could have dreamt of! Robert made this journey unforgettable and offered me the best internship in a local IT company. I had a very intense two months that exposed me to so much learning and coding with Phyton, C++ and Java. THANK YOU for the great work you did!!!

Just finished my 6-Month internship in Tokyo and it was simply amazing. Great people, great food and the lifestyle is a rollercoaster of fun, excitement and adrenaline all the time. They say Tokyo never sleeps and I can approve that 100%! Meiji did a great job in placing me at a great IT startup that helped me developing their European business branch from zero. At the beginning I was like, "Hold on, you want what?" and then I ended up bringing in the first clients after 4 months which sounds like a long time but considering the whole marketing campaign I made together with their designer team it was actually quick. The highlight of my internship was the trading convention the boss took me together to Okinawa, which I will never forget. Now looking back after this great time it is time to get back to my business degree as these people decided to hire me after my studies are done! I can't thank everybody more than enough and I recommend anybody to consider the Meiji experience as it changed my life! Literally!!! I should mention with a grain of salt that we had in the same host company at least 4 other Meiji interns at my time and two of them didn't work well with the working culture and stress in Japan... so before you choose to come to Japan I do recommend to know what you want as Tokyo can become sometimes quite extreme. For me I loved every second and would do it anytime again! Arigatou to Yanagida-shacho for your kind and strict guidance throughout my journey. Can't wait to be back!

I don't know where to start but this IT internship for the past three months was a game-changer for me! I have made so many contacts, developed my Java Script and C++ coding skills to the next level while networking with the local entrepreneurial crowd filled with international IT geeks, locals business man and even a few angel investors, Fukuoka just blew my mind! The best thing about Meiji was how much of a grip and connection they have in Kyushu and really know the whole local companies pretty much. I have hung out with the staff and fellow interns for a couple of dinners and food gatherings and I cannot intensify how much it is important to get out of your comfort zone.

Personal limits I think the programme is very good because it helped me test and move some of my personal limits especially through trekking and bungy jump. I like the very social aspect of the group but I do not see our contribution to the local community unless we choose to do volunteering work.

I had joined in Nepal as a volunteer a few months ago for teaching and absolutely loved my experience. The local team is fantatic and I can not recommend this program enough. I would definately apply to Volunteering Journeys! Thank you Anish and team for a fantastic time..