Drama Volunteer Programs in South America

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.

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.

Fantastic experience if you want to challenge yourself, seek out new cultures and information whilst having a paternal support behind you. The Organisation provides you a great foundation from which to intiate a living abroad experience, with your liasing support person there to assist for all your queires. More so the organisations are forthcoming with educational experiences and allow you to immerse yourself into the work culture. Colombia itself is an amazing country to be explored and by doing an internship you are given plenty of time to do so. Cannot recommend enough!

The Intern Group responded to this reviewDecember 11, 2023

Thank you Jorja for sharing your experience! We are glad that you have had an enriching experience and we look forward to seeing where your career takes you.

I did my internship with The Intern Group in Colombia and I don’t have enough words to describe how amazing it was. The internship experience was beyond my expectations and the activities that were set up by the company were amazing. I cannot express how much this helped me in a professional matter. Also, our coordinator Maria was amazing and was always there for us. Please don’t think twice about doing your internship in Colombia! You will never regret being in such a beautiful country and with such beautiful people.

The Intern Group responded to this reviewDecember 11, 2023

Thank you Helena for sharing your experience! We are glad that you have had an enriching experience and we look forward to seeing where your career takes you.

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

My favourite part of the volunteer program was being able to explore not only the city but the country while making a positive difference. I feel a lot more confident in myself. It’s completely understandable to be hesitant about volunteering abroad as you're going to a new country with people you don’t know, but everyone is incredibly friendly and approachable and you end up making friends and experiences for life!

I did the Colombia Internship Programme as part of my Year Abroad at university. I saw this as a chance to both improve my Spanish and develop skills which would improve my employability further down the line. TIG delivered this and more! Living in Colombia for three months without knowing anyone there is a daunting prospect, but TIG set my mind at ease on so many levels: they found me a great internship; lovely accommodation in a great part of Medellín (El Poblado); and organised all the logistics of the taxi from the airport etc. During my internship I was afforded a great level of responsibility and independence, which really helped me develop my independence and organisation. I was supported by my team and enjoyed getting to know my colleagues. I also loved the social aspect of the programme. I met some great people and really enjoyed the excursions planned for us including trips to Guatapé and Comuna 13, and a tour of Medellín with a coffee tasting. All in all, I came out of Colombia with much more confidence in my Spanish, in myself and in my career. I won't forget my time there, and I'm really grateful to everyone at TIG for making it run so smoothly. I can't wait to go back to South America soon!

TIG gave me exactly what I was looking for. An opportunity to immerse myself in another culture and grow as a person while gaining valuable professional experience I can use in my career. I was mostly impressed by the organization provided for me by the TIG coordinators. This allowed me to leave my home country and arrive in a foreign land without having to worry about the logistics involved or my safety. The apartment I was provided allowed me to live in a safe neighborhood with all of the amenities I like to have. I was walking distance to work, a bus drive for groceries, and my building had a gym/sauna/steam room which I used almost everyday! As much as I was challenged in my working environment, I was so relaxed and happy normally while exploring my new city, speaking with the locals, and hanging out with the friends I made through TIG. This trip truly changed the way I think about my life and I've continued to apply the way of thinking to my life now. Being from Canada, I know what it's like to enjoy a high quality of life with live in a safe and secure community. However, with that being said I can't wait to get back to Latin America. I would love to end up in Medellin for part of my life! Such a beautiful city. I was really happy with the people assigned from TIG to work with me in organizing trips, deal with issues I experienced in my time there, and just plain hang out. I think the people involved with TIG were the best part of my experience in Medellin and they truly provided me a solid foundation that I could use to excel at work and while living in the city. I would recommend TIG for anyone looking to shake things up in their lives and challenge themselves to grow.

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

Studying in El Salvador, I had not found many opportunities in the sustainability/renewable energy sector, given that the sector is new and companies are rarely open to interns. The time I had at Hybrytec, a solar energy company in Colombia, was truly unforgettable and I got to learn about the way panels work and are installed, I got to see the roofs before and after installations, and many more operational aspects within the company. Being a native Spanish speaker, I did not have problems with the language barrier, which also made it easier for me to ask questions and talk to people around Colombia. I got to spend my birthday, Christmas, and new year in Colombia, although this made me nervous at first, it was lovely to spend it with the intern family. I met awesome people, interns, and coworkers, that I'm sure will be friends for life. The knowledge I acquired at Hybrytec is priceless and I am sure it will open many doors for me when I graduate later this year and search for a full-time job. Without hesitation, this program was one of the best decisions I have made for my personal and professional growth. It's an experience that truly changes you, from getting used to foreign public transport, being thousands of miles away from friends and family, meeting someone new every day, and so much more. The staff made sure we had everything we needed from the moment we arrive. The apartment was located in the safest neighborhood in Medellin, we had an orientation that was really helpful to know the details provided in advance. The people in Medellin are amazing and some of the friendliest I have ever met. I would do it again and recommend everyone seeking international opportunities/experience to do it!!

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

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.

It was a rewarding experience to work in Bamenda. It is not easy but worth it. Having worked in a few other charitable places, I found it much harder to work here. But the people still benefit from your help. Cameroon is a poor country when seen from a volunteer's point of view. I have traveled in many parts of the world, including Africa, Latin America and Asia but I was very sad to see the state of Cameroon in the 21st century. People are extremely lovely, especially the ones in English speaking part of Cameroon! It might have something to do with the fact that I don't speak French! Although there was a conflict going on in Bamenda at the time, it does not affect you as far as you stay away from the no-go regions. Be prepared for a little corruption (I had to pay a small bribe at the airport for bringing in my own local anaesthetic cartridges). There are no fast food chains or anything similar in Bamenda. I found one local restaurant in Douala which had similar standards as a standard western outlet. Otherwise most other eateries are not the cleanest. Home cooked food at my homestay was good. The project I worked on was well managed and organised. I had some help from the Cameroonian counterparts, but not a lot till I arrived there. Once I arrived and people realized how serious I was about helping and then things went smoothly. My host cooked some lovely meals for me every day. The meals are simple but delicious. don't expect sweets/ puddings everyday. Usually you will eat only twice a day. The homestay is very safe. The toilet and bathroom is basic but acceptable. Your host will have a means of transport (motor bike) and he will take you around anywhere you need to go. My host was extremely helpful and went out of his way to help me in achieving my goals. TIPS: 1) Don't be put off by the news. Your in-country organisers will take good care of you and make sure you are safe. 2) Be prepared for serious poverty, especially when it comes to resources, such as medical consumables, stationary etc. If possible, bring your own supplies. 3) The town of Bamenda has very few roads and thus it gets very dusty. Take wet wipes with you! 4) some of the standards of cross infection in the hospitals might not be up to scratch. Put your foot down and demand better standards (you might have to carry a few consumables yourself, such as gloves, masks and hand sprays).

Love Volunteers responded to this reviewJanuary 30, 2019

Dear Sagar,<br/><br/>We can't thank-you enough for your contribution as a qualified dentist on the medical program in Cameroon. As you yourself know well it's a challenge getting things done in Africa and it's a testament to your commitment that you were able to achieve so much during your time in Bamenda.<br/><br/>This review is hugely valuable in letting potential volunteers know about the difficulties and the rewards of volunteering in Cameroon and we appreciate the time you have taken to share your experiences and your continued support of upcoming volunteers.<br/><br/>Thanks again and we wish you all the very best for your dental career and hope to have you join us again in the future if you are able.<br/>The Team @ Love Volunteers