Street Children Volunteering in Vietnam

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.

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

We watched our outgoing, ambitious daughter fade to a mere shadow of herself during the pandemic. She spend her 16th year in her bedroom, staring at a screen. She lost a lust for learning which turned into a dread of going off to college right away. We began to look into other options. She wanted to go far away and, despite our anxieties, we wanted her to have the experience that would breathe purpose and life back into her. We could not be happier with her experience in Southeast Asia. She is thriving, and we have grown comfortable with the distance, knowing Pacific Discovery has done a great job with the preparation, planning, and communicating. We look forward to her return, but are also eager to see where she goes and what she does next.

I learned how to improve myself within a group setting and in one on one interactions. You’ll learn important skills like conflict resolution, city navigation, how to overcome language barriers, and so much more. The people on my program became such an important part of my life and I know I now have 12 new lifelong friends.

This semester gave me a new confidence and direction I would like to take in my life. I experienced and learned a lot on this trip, not only from the program core sessions, but mostly from meeting the locals and getting to know what they have done in their lives. I became very aware of myself and my actions and how they affect the world around me.

This experience has been exciting, challenging, and eye-opening. Traveling to Thailand has enabled me to step outside of my comfort zone and better myself regarding self-awareness and relationships. I return home a more traveled and motivated person.

I feel like I was able to find myself in a way I couldn’t have been capable of doing so back home. I feel like this program helped me especially at my age to mature and grow as the person I wish to become. If I would’ve been able to talk to me 10 weeks ago I would tell him to enjoy the people, because the experience is something I would’ve done either way but it is important to enjoy the people you are with. This program changed me in a way I like and in a way I hope will last. I’ve been able to grow and understand and see things that were blind to me before. I hope I can continue to be who I’m proposing to be and find self-enjoyment in life as I have on this trip.

Pacific Discovery is so amazing!!! My experience made me into a much more whole person and I changed in ways I couldn’t have predicted. I gained confidence in myself and my beliefs and learned about various things that I’m interested in, such as coral and forest restoration. I would absolutely recommend this program to others. I wish everyone could experience what I’ve experienced. I found lifelong friends and mentors and the memories will stay with me forever!

My son turned 20 years old during his time in Thailand, and like many in his cohort, had been uniquely crippled by the Covid pandemic. Every path normally available for the critically important growing, connecting, learning and changing that takes place during this time in young adulthood was blocked. During his time with Pacific Discovery, he gained innumerable interpersonal skills, as well as a deeper understanding of his strengths, challenges and his potential impact in a big, big world. The program has implemented past suggestions by both students and parents to create an intelligent, well-designed, communicative and supportive community that fosters maximum fun and growth in this age group. It made it easy, as a parent, to relax and let the time unfold as it was meant to; my kid, who in so many ways was lost, has come home found... and can't wait to get back out there!

Pacific Discovery was absolutely spectacular and I would recommend it to anyone wanting to take a gap year. I learned so much about myself and the world around me in ways I didn’t know I could. I had the best instructors and the best group members. So so so sad going home!

Pacific Discovery's Thailand program has been the shining part of a very challenging COVID pandemic year. PD did great in coordinating this program given all of the hoops and hurdles in meeting the Thai gov't requirements. While the 14-day quarantine was challenging, our son survived and is thriving. Thailand has much to offer and it has been great to see all of the pictures and to hear all of the stories about their experiences. Most definitely, the elephant preserve was the greatest! Rock climbing and getting scuba certified were also great. Experiencing the culture and Thai cuisine is awesome. Would definitely recommend the program to others!

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

Last year I went to Vietnam for my internship. The entire experience was incredible ! It was my first time traveling outside Europe so I remember being a bit nervous on the day of departure. But I had nothing to worry about ! Meiji Internships made sure to prepare everything for my arrival and they came to pick me up at the airport. The sharehouse was clean and located in a nice area, next to a supermarket. I lived there with three other students who quickly became my friends. My host company was really great. I worked with the marketing team and I had my own desk with a computer that they lent me. The atmosphere was nice and I really had a great time with my team. One year later, I am still in contact with two of my friends from the sharehouse and some of my colleagues. I even added my boss on Facebook !