I feel I gained much from my project and continually enjoy doing something different

I worked for one month with medical staff in the emergency, surgery, and internal medicine departments at Hospital de Especialidades Eugenio Espejo in Quito, Ecuador. I waived the option of spanish classes to allow myself more clinical experience time where I was not only able to refine my medical skills, but my conversational and medical Spanish as well. Overall, the experience was satisfactory. Strong points were the host family (Olga is an old pro and made my stay exceptionally enjoyable), and depth of experience gained from my in-hospital time. Areas for improvement are host country staff (Jose was constantly unorganized) and coordination with hospital staff, who seemed surprised at, and unexpecting of, my arrival, and threw in a couple of curveballs (I had to buy a textbook for the hospital library before I could complete my volunteer hours) during my stay.

Would you recommend Global Crossroad’s programs to others? Yes 
Would you mind serving as a reference for future volunteers? Yes 
(If yes, please write your email address): twplante@gmail.com

Timothy Plante
Volunteer Ecuador

My ultimate aim was purely to learn more of Ecuadorian culture, which I feel I did a little in my short month there. I expected there to be SOME English which there wasn’t on my project. This in itself limited me a little (unable to ask many questions) but there were other ways in which I communicated. There were many small practices that they did differently to myself at the project but I wasn’t there to teach them my culture, I was there to learn about theirs. This I feel I did and have brought back many more thoughts of appreciation since my return. However, I now feel I am a little more intolerant of my own people as we have so much to be thankful for in Australia and yet so many people constant complain!! Humbleness I repeatably feel in doing volunteer work, even in my own country. There is nothing like working with people who are far worse off than yourself to bring you back to base camp so to speak! Overall I feel I gained much from my project, I am 52 and wasn’t profoundly surprised by what I found but continually enjoy doing something different and meeting people that have so many different life experiences to my self. Another added bonus is the other volunteers you meet along the way. Also my host families complete a huge portion of my cultural learning, I think this is my favourite part of my time at volunteer work. This was my second volunteer project my first being in Africa 2006 which I also loved.

Would you recommend Global Crossroads programs to others? Yes 
Would you mind serving as a reference for future volunteers? Yes 
(If yes, please write your email address): boatharbour1957@hotmail.com

Kathy P
Volunteer Ecuador

                                                            

Volunteering with Global Crossroad in Puerto Rico

I volunteered at Santa Cecilia community in San Isidro de Heredia. I had the opportunity to participate in various forms of volunteer projects. During the week I worked at the Concepcion school helping the 3rd and 4th grade teacher. During the evenings I taught English to the kids of Santa Cecilia community. And during the weekends I either went to visit around, or just stayed home to help other ongoing community projects that were taking place such as the one to connect pipes to bring water to the community from the mountain river. My host family was all you can expect in a family. They even took me to the airport on my departure day. I drew many wonderful friends, and it is a must that I return next year. I encourage anyone considering volunteering in Costa Rica with Global Crossroad not to hesitate about it, you just wont be disappointed. Thanks to the people at Global Crossroad Partners, and Concepcion school for this wonderful experience.

San Juan
Volunteer Puerto Rico

                                                          

My wonderful and very memorable journey in China

Hi  

I have been occupied for quite a while before I can write you back. Here's my account of the wonderful and very memorable journey.

Giving reviews on volunteer abroad programs is a tougher task because volunteers basically opt volunteering to serve. Global Crossroad review is far easier in this context coz it was hugely fruitful and meaningful volunteering with them. Surely we enjoyed the trip to China very much including the giant panda conservation program. At the start of our travel, in the face of the worldwide H1N1 flu scare and surveillence measures particularly in Asian countries, there was indeed some inconvenience and uneasiness created for visitors from N America. However we arrived safely at Chengdu airport on Sunday May 31 to be greeted by Ada, the Global Crossroad local representative, a smiling and enthusiastic lady. Retrospectively, it would be more smooth for us if we knew beforehand the hotel name and address for completing the health declaration form and foreign visitor form at the Customs.

At the airport, Ada helpfully set the sim card for my cell phone to enable me to get connected at least with local calls and brought us to Home Inn conveniently located at city centre. She ensured our well being in the coming week before she flied back to Shangdong, like arranging a taxi to pick us up to and fro from panda base daily and ordering dinners for us at the Inn ( we requested not the hot spicy kind ! ) At later days I was able to solve the problem in getting IDD service by another way, ie simply buying an IP card from street stalls and started calling overseas from my cell phone.

On Mon Jun 1 sharp at 8:30, Ada introduced us to Ramona, the panda program coordinator who welcome us and walked us through beautiful and serene bamboo tree trails to arrive at our destinated enclosure where we found 4 pandas ( aged 1-2 years old ) already eating and playing outdoor and capturing many visitors' camera with their lovely playful poses. The jolly-looking Keeper immediatly showed us the cleaning duties indoor. We put on a blue gown, heavy gloves and boots ( thankfully we brought our own masks ) and started scooping up panda faeces for daily weighing, then sweeping the left behinds of bamboo shoots, pouring a bit of disinfectant before washing with a hose. After this we had the great opportunity of feeding the pandas by throwing plenty of young bamboo shoots to the playground. Of course we took many photos for ourselves. Ramona took us next to the cub panda enclosure where 8-10 cubs ( less than 1 year old ) are actively and vigorourly rolling. climbing and huggging each other ! We visited the little red pand zone and the panda theatre. The films were good with English commentation and beautiful music. We then had a rich and delicious lunch at 11:30 and long break till 2:30pm.

What awaited us in the afternoon was interesting. We prepared formula milk in dishes, crushed some medicine/supplement tablets to powder form to be added to the milk, drown up exactly 3ml medicine into syringes to be adminstered through mouth and cut up some apples. The 4 pandas were called by their names and obediently got ready indoor for their treats. We fed them at close distance and could pat their heads while they sucked the milk ! Afterwards they were cleaned up and bathed with a jet of shower. At the end of the day, Lesley and me enjoyed icecream and pancake at a cosy cafe by the lake. 

Tue and Wed 's schedules were similiar, but we could finish the cleaning duties faster. We fed the pandas outdoor this time by hanging out slices of apple and panda cake by a long stick, attracing them to stand up to catch them, sometimes stumbling over one another ! We had more free time and loved to explore other enclosures especially the cubs. Got to be there early enough, otherwise they would be carried indoor to A/C houses once the outside air became hotter than 26 C. During lunch breaks, we enjoyed relaxing with a cup of jasmine tea in front of the rose garden facing the swam lake where numerous big colourful fishes kept jumping up really jumping when you fed them. Or simply sat under the bamboo tress everywhere.

Thu was Kitchen day. We helped in moulding the panda cakes from dough made from powder of several organic grains which smelled good. Lesley also assisted in washing bags of yellow beans and kernels in a large sink and then placed them in large pans to be dried in a huge oven. We learned the different kinds of bamboo twigs and young shoots and how they were washed and delivered.

Fri Lesley was lucky to hug a little Red panda and took pictures at YMB 100. We visited the panda hospital but no chance to witness doctor's exam on a panda. In the afternoon, we had a lecture by the program manager. Her presentation was informative and helped to consolidate our knowledge on giant pandas.

Sat we did bird watching by the swam lake and successfully identified several kinds with use of binoculars. Time had come to say farewell to staff and the dear giant pandas. We must had encountered almost 25 of them in the week. Finally we were issued a certificate in recognition of our completion of the internship experience which will be remembered forever.

We moved onto our next tour of Chengdu city, Leshan Giant budda and Emei Shan. We enjoyed visiting the historic sites, parks, museums and buddish temples and learned a great deal about the Chinese culture, history and buddism, I liked the opportunity of meeting and talking to the young ladies and guys of present China, like Ada, Romona, cafe owner and our tour guide. Afterall the last time I visited China was over thirty years ago. And lastly I treasured the intimate moments travelling and experiencing together with mmy daughter Lesley.

All the best to everyone.

June

                                                          

Nepal is wonderful : Global Crossroad Review

Saturday afternoon here (May 19th) about 3pm and I've just left the Children's Home where I've been staying since Wednesday May 9th. It was in incredible 10 days, a "home" filled with love (along with 37 children) and it all starts from the top the woman who runs the home along with her daughter Pramila. Never before (in over 20 years of teaching) have I ever come across children so loved, so clean, so respectful, so religious and so helpful. Those are just some of the attributes I can use with the children I have been lucky enough to share a home with. Besides all the wonderful things that happen each and every day at the home, I've also been blessed with being able to teach at the Durga Bhawani Academy School , specfically with 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th grades. The students at the school (although older than the children at the home) were also incredible! I really enjoyed working with them and together we had a blast. I brough along with me my laptop and had premade powerpoint presentations along with video movies I made while in Tibet last fall. That blew their socks off and each day we both looked forward to school. Unfortunately, the schools went on strike afterWednesday, so we all missed out on the final two days of working with each other. Not to worry, we have exchanged email addresses and one student (a 10th grade girl) is moving to Massachusetts later in the year with her mother to join her father and brother. They will only be living minutes away from me and I look forward to seeing Dawa Sherpa again.

While at the Children's Home, I took many, many photographs and then began making a movie. It's just about completed and when I get to Tibet (with much faster Internet connection) I will upload the movie for you to see. It's really incrediblw and Prmila is really happy with it as we stayed up late last night putting the finsal touches on it and watching it over & over again :)

Nepal is wonderful:

Krazy Kathmandu Drivers - Krazy Kathmandu Wild Dogs -

Tuk Tuks - Krazy Traffic, English speaking people everywhere (that's always nice to run into), Beautiful children, fun-loving laughing adults, helpful and hopeful people all looking towards a brighter future here in Nepal.

I wish I had a month (or two) to stay in Nepal ...

I wish I could speak Nepali...

I wish I could stay...

But, Tibet awaits!

I hope Tensin is feeling better. I hope I have an opportunity to see her and I also hope she is feeling better. I am looking forward to working with Sonam at JCWSS and still have TONS of supplies (both school and play) for the kids in Lhasa . The children in Nepal , as well as their teachers, were overwhelmed by what I brought them! :)

I have met up with many volunteers...and have heard many stories.Knowing what some have had to work through, I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to work with Pramila and to have worked at the Durga Bhawani Academy . I really think my many years of teaching experience has come into use as many of the othewr "kids" here feel lost or afraid when they are in the classroom. Something to be said for age (and expereince) ;-)

Looking forward to Lhasa and being in Tibet with Global Crossroad...again.

Brian
Volunteer Nepal

                                                      

Global Crossroad Program?

Any info on trips arranged by Global  Crossroad? Any good or bad experiences?

My overall experience here has been great, the school is a nice environment to work in greatly due to the classroom assistants. The rest of the stuff are excellent and will …..to any problem you may have during your stay here.
Although the food may not be the best at times it is still edible, but that’s just personal preference.
Craig Annison,
Volunteer China




I want to start on saying how welcome I was by Jeff and his assistants. When I arrived I was taken to my apartment which was about 100 times better than what I had pictured it. I have access to many western commodities with close access to banks, stores and restaurants. If there is ever a proble with our apartment or just anything in general, we always have someone to count on top to help us out. My roommates are great and we get along very well. Overall the experience has been one I will remember for the rest of my life.
Brenton Wildman
Volunteer China

My 17 year old daughter volunteered with Global Crossroad in Ghana, which turned out to be the trip of her dreams. As a concerned mother, I did a lot of research and wanted to find a program in which Taylor would be safe throughout her stay. Once I chose Rustic, I was in constant contact with them for a month up to her departure. All of my questions and concerns were addressed in a timely fashion. I was even given the emails of other people who had used Rustic, which was a great way to find more out about the program. Franklin, the country coordinator of Ghana, was always available to talk with me during my daughter’s stay. I was informed as soon as my daughter touched down in Ghana. She was given a cell phone by Franklin, which made it even easier to make sure she was okay. Sadly, despite everyone’s efforts, she fell ill. We think it was because of her anti-malaria medicine. She was sick for the first 36 hours. Everyone at was extremely caring. Franklin and the staff took her to the local hospital, where she recuperated. Unfortunately she wasn’t able to get healthy enough to finish her trip and we had to cut it short. Global Crossroad was amazing throughout the entire process, so great that we plan on sending Taylor with them again next year, hopefully without getting sick.
Harris
Volunteer Ghana

                                                         

I am almost done with my three month stint of volunteering in Galle, Sri Lanka at Ruhunu Children’s Orphanage. I did a lot of research before choosing to go with Global Crossroad, and I’m definitely happy with the choice. They were great at communicating with me throughout the entire process, especially before I left. Deborah, a staff member in the US, was really helpful in comforting me before I left. She answered every question I had. I ended up staying at the home of Michael, the volunteer coordinator of Sri Lanka. It was great to become a part of the family. We ate local food three times a day and got to know many people in the neighborhood. I also appreciated the price of the whole trip, which was very reasonable. I had one roommate, who was also a volunteer. This was a great way to experience the country because we were able to immerse ourselves but we also had each other whenever we needed a break. All of our accommodations were adequate. Our culture orientation really helped us prepare to live in Sri Lanka. The staff at the orphanage where I worked ended up speaking very little English, so I was grateful for the language courses. It didn’t take long for me to feel comfortable in my roll as a volunteer, and I was soon given various responsibilities. I was able to help some of the kids learn English, which turned out to be a great way to bond with them. I worked each week, from Monday to Thursday, from 8 to 3. Michael would bring lunch to me on these days, all cooked by his wife, who is wonderful in the kitchen. Friday was only a half day. In the mornings I would be with the preschool children and in the afternoons I’d be with the babies. Working with babies was great, but it did get messy at times. I had to change diapers, which was quite a learning experience. I would recommend  volunteers and specifically Ruhunu Children's Orphanage here in Galle to anyone interested in learning about South Asia and serving abroad. Really the main responsibilities come down to giving some love and attention to the children. It’s not hard to do that here because they are so wonderful. I also got to do a little traveling and sightseeing while I was here. I’d recommend visiting the Dutch Fort, which is near Michael’s house, or Yala national park. Sri Lanka is a wonderful place, and there is no better way to experience it then through Global Crossroad.

Jessica 

Volunteer Sri Lanka

I learned so much Volunteering in Kenya, it was crazy

I set out on my volunteer trip to Kenya with the goal of improving my resume and seeing a country in a different way than just regular tourists. I have done a lot of traveling in the past, but nothing came close to my time in Kenya. I lived out in the middle of nowhere in a rural village, without electricity or running water. All food was cooked on firewood stoves and we would eat by sitting on the dirt floor. It was amazing how quickly this came to feel like home for me. I had never worked as a teacher, but I planned on volunteering at a local primary school. I was able to observe teachers and review students’ course work during the beginning of my trip. Then they wanted me to start teaching. To be honest, I was terrified. I had never been up in front of a class like that before, but to the students’ credit, they were extremely respectful and gave me the benefit of the doubt. I was completely entrusted with the classroom full of students. The first week was difficult as I fumbled my way through lesson plans and I worried that I was just wasting the students’ time. But by the second week, I was starting to fall into a routine. I was able to remember all of the students’ names and to actually deliver a few quality lectures. I even taught them some games, like capture the flag. By the third week, I realized that I wasn’t expected to save or fully-educate these students. I was just there to help out however I could. At this point I had become friends with many of the teachers and attached to many of the students. My fourth and final week came all too fast. I had really started to fall in love with the school and village, and I felt my lessons had vastly improved from two weeks earlier. Then I had to leave. It was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to do. But I think I will miss my host family the most. They had taken me in and shared what little they had with me as if I was family. After a couple of days of living with them, I soon forgot about the dirt floors and woodstove. I enjoyed becoming a part of the family dynamics. The youngest brother was very shy, but we got along great. The mother was, of course, incredible compassionate and caring, taking care of everything. The father wouldn’t let me do any work until I finally convinced him to show me how his farm operates. It was then I began to think about my own country and how I little I know about food production. And the two older brothers were always there to answer all of the questions I had about how Kenya operates. I learned so much in such a short amount of time, it was crazy. Eventually I was given the privilege of participating in the family chores, which I really enjoyed. This completely made me feel like I was a part of what was going on. By far the hardest part of the trip was getting to used to my host family’s religion. I’m not too religious, but we would go to church multiple times a week and pray before every meal. In the end it was okay though. I had the fortune of taking the boys to Mombasa one weekend. I didn’t think it was that big of a deal, but it ended up being huge. Most people from that area had never been to Nairobi, much less to the coast. I ended up having an amazing bonding time with my brothers. The mother told me they’ll always remember me because of that trip. Especially the part where we all waded into the ocean, which they had never seen, much less experienced. Leaving was incredibly painful, but now I know that I’ll always have a family in Kenya, no matter what. I hope to go back soon and definitely plan on staying for longer than a month. Thank you Global Crossroad

Sarah

Volunteer Kenya

A great experience and highly recommended Program

My time in Peru was awesome because of how well the Global Crossroad team ran our program. All of my questions were answered both before and during the trip. The Spanish language course was great because it gave me a jump start to being able to communicate with the people I’d be serving with. Accommodations were pretty good, and I loved staying with my host family. All of my meals were prepared for me, and I’m a vegetarian, so that wasn’t easy for my host family. I volunteered at a shelter, which wasn’t exactly what I expected, but it all turned out to be great. One negative was that my flight into Cusco was delayed, so no one was at the airport to pick me up. I ended up having to pay for a cab, and the driver way over charged me. It would be nice if Global Crossroad would have let me know that I’d have to pay my own transportation if the airport didn’t work out, but overall it was a great experience and I recommend them to anyone looking to volunteer in Peru.

Thomas
Volunteer, Peru