2 testimonials about this trip

1. Reviewer: Greg Wright located in Australia

   I was so lucky to have chosen the Laos project as my first. The welcome, set up and experience as well as the privilege of working with Tricia Feeney convinced me I had done the right thing. But, getting off the plane, I did wonder what I was letting myself in for. I had no real idea and I worried that I wouldn’t be able to do what needed to be done. It was brand new for me and certainly one of those “putting yourself out there” situations but that was the exciting part and, ultimately, what I got out of it was finding that I could do it.

2. Reviewer: Patricia Bennett located in UK

   Spending an extended time in Luang Probang was a wonderful opportunity to get to know Laos and its people so much more than we would have done had we just been passing through. We were able to understand something of the history, culture, customs and values and to respect them. There was time to visit some beautiful and fascinating places and to reflect on what we saw. To work as closely as we did with members of the Buddhist community was a privilege and I have a much better understanding of that religion as a result.

   Working in a group of volunteers and sharing social activities with people of all ages and from many different countries was a privilege

3 testimonials about the provider, Global Vision International :

• Reviewer: Carolyn located in United States

  I've been to Guatemala 3 times now, with GVI--and I'll go back. I've tutored English, taught Fifth graders in Spanish, and built stoves. Each volunteer stint has been amazing. I entered in to worlds so different from mine at home. The children, the families, the host families, the other volunteers were all amazing each time I have gone. Everyone gives their all, works and plays together. I'm over 60 and though most of the volunteers are a lot younger, the sense of community was great. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a meaningful way to dig in deep and give, while gaining so much more than you give. Can't wait to go again and see the kids in the schools, the families, GVI staff, and meet a new group of volunteers.

• Reviewer: Haley located in United Kingdom

  I can't believe it's been a month since I returned from my 10 weeks in South Africa. I had the most incredible time working at the Ikhayalethemba Sanctuary and can't wait to go back! The children are incredible, and I can't even begin to explain how amazing the program was. I spent my entire year volunteering around the world. I was initially working with a different program which was very cheap and it showed. I didn't realize until I started with GVI how much I was missing in my other programs. While GVI does initially seem a little pricey, you really see where your money goes. I wouldn't have it spent any other way. I felt so safe, happy, and stress-free during my entire 10 months in Cape Town. Unfortunately, all volunteer programs don't have that luxury. So, I just want to thank GVI for asking for the money necessary to do the amazing things they are doing for our world and for the people who want to volunteer to make it better! I can't wait to be a part of it again very soon!
  

• Reviewer: Lisa located in United States

  Volunteering with GVI was definitely one of the most incredible experiences of my life! I spent 10 weeks doing the Wildlife and Community Expedition in Kenya, and loved every bit of it! Before I left, the staff were very helpful over the phone and by email, and were quick to reply to any questions or concerns I had. Once I arrived in Kenya, the staff there were also super friendly and knowledgable, and really played a big part in making this whole experience wonderful. We got great training and I always felt confident going into the field. It didn't take long before the small village of Shimoni felt like home, with the kids greeting you with "Jambo!" and high-fives every time you went by. From teaching english at the primary schools and singing songs with fifty kindergarteners to teaching chicken farming to ex-poachers in Tsavo, every bit of the work we did was rewarding. Snorkelling the beautiful reefs of the Kisite-Mpunguti marine park was absolutely incredible and seeing a pod of bottle nose dolphins was always exciting. Days in the forest could be tough, but no day was ever boring, and you could always feel like you accomplished a lot at the end of the day. I really feel that GVI is making a difference in Shimoni and Mkwiro, and would do the expedition again without hesitation. I definitely recommend this project for anyone looking for an adventure and an amazing experience!