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Testimonials from United Planet Quest Volunteers

"Planning a trip to a foreign country where everything and everyone are essentially alien to you can be fairly stressful. With United Planet you can rest assured that your trip will be an experience filled with cultural exchange, exciting excursions, and photos that will awe your friends back home." Paolo Olanda, Short-Term Quest Volunteer, Romania 07, Japan 08

"My experience was a perfect balance of personal challenge along with enough support from UP to feel comfortable. After a period of adjustment, I felt part of the Nepali culture and found aspects of it that I wanted to bring home with me. The time with the children was wonderful and the country was beautiful." Serena Clardie, Short-Term Quest Volunteer, Nepal 09

"The experience was amazing! I worked at the orphanage teaching English and also taught English in the evenings in Siem Reap, Cambodia. I did most everything on my own and it went really well. This was my second quest with United Planet and it was even better than the first time. To be able to experience a new culture in such an up close and personal day is such an amazing life experience. " Brooke Ulrich, Short-Term Quest Volunteer, Tanzania and Cambodia 07

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Testimonials from UP Quest Volunteers: Africa

I often felt homesick, and paralyzed by my new surroundings.  New roads, new languages, new customs, new traditions! But there frequently are those moments when I  look around, sigh, and realize that coming to Kenya was the best decision I've ever made. Just yesterday I was on a matatu back to Nairobi from Naivasha, sitting next to a man with a pooing chicken on his lap, and looking out the window at the baboons sitting along the sides of the highway. It may seem strange, but it's those moments when I feel luckiest. Laura Dick, Long-Term Quest Volunteer, Kenya 08

"We were teachers of English at the local school. We taught primary in the morning, and secondary in the afternoon. I dont know how much we changed through our teaching, but by living there and being positive open-minded, flexible Americans I think they learned a lot from us." Amy McNair, Short-Term Quest Volunteer, Tanzania 07, Ghana 08

“Volunteering in Tanzania was the most rewarding experience I have ever had. I woke up every morning with a purpose and spent the day learning a valuable lesson about patience, love, acceptance and gratitude." Ella Crowe, Short-Term Quest Volunteer, Tanzania 09

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Testimonials from UP Quest Volunteers: Asia

"India will change your life. It is simply something that must be experienced to even begin understanding. Every day is some kind of adventure, be it trying some new food or taking a deeper look inside yourself and how you view yourself and the rest of the world. Without a doubt it is a change that will be with you forever.I recomend it to anyone and everyone who has the itch for a challenge." Kirsten Wimmer, Short-Term Quest Volunteer, India 08

"Volunteering abroad was probably the best decision I've ever made. While I'm only 18, I feel like I've gained a lifetime of knowledge and experience. I definitely have the "travel bug" and will continue to travel and volunteer in the future. Thank you United Planet for getting me started!!" Jennifer Hicks, Short-Term Quest Volunteer, Cambodia 09

"I enjoyed being totally immersed in the culture of Nepal. Living and working with a family gave me an outlook on Nepal that I'm sure few visitors get to experience. Having the opportunity to experience life in a completely different culture, and feeling like I've helped make a small difference, has been a life changing experience." Dan Howell, Short-Term Quest Volunteer, Nepal 08

"I had an amazing time volunteering in Tibet. The people were extremely warm, kind, and welcoming, always ensuring that I was content with my experience. I really felt like I was a Tibetan! I got to hang out with monks, ride motorcycles, cook Tibetan food, walk freely around the town, and even spoke a little Tibetan to local townspeople. It felt great to know that I was able to help a community in need and also have an experience that I will remember for the rest of my life." Ethan Barhydt, Short-Term Volunteer, Tibet 09

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Testimonials from UP Quest Volunteers: Europe

"Romania was a country I gave my summer to, without knowing anything about it, but I ended up falling in love with the people, the land and the culture. I was instantly thrown into the lifestyle of fast cars, horse carts, potatoes and bright eyed children. This experience was one of laughter and tears and hard work, but I plan on going back as soon as possible." Mary Kohrman, Short-Term Quest Volunteer, Romania 09

"The children in Romania were a gift to our family. The work we did for them in their village felt small compared to the what we received in return. There were tears on both sides when we departed. We hope to visit the children again." The Odenheimer Family, Short-Term Quest Volunteers, Romania 07

"This experience was absolutely incredible. Romania was the first European country I have ever been to, and the people were so friendly. They were always smiling everyday even if it wasn't a good day for them. Some of the older boys taught and even shared with me Romanian, their language. The country as a whole was absolutely gorgeous! I definitely plan on going back." Frances Skuja, Short-Term Quest Volunteer, Romania 08

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Testimonials from UP Quest Volunteers: Latin America

"I volunteered in Cusco, Peru for six weeks during the summer of 2008 and it was the kind of experience that I could not possibly obtain any other way. I worked at a rehabilitation centre for men with drug and alcohol addictions. Working with the psychologist, I had the opportunity to be a part of the rehabilitation process, helping conduct interviews, psychological assessments, and group meetings." Logan Nealis, Short-Term Quest Volunteer, Peru 08

"This was a great experience that allowed me to really become immersed in the Costa Rican culture. Not only did I teach in a real Costa Rica school, I also ate typical food, watched various Costa Rican t.v. programs, and did many other things that allowed me to feel as if I was really accepted there." Brian Leary, Short-Term Quest Volunteer, Costa Rica 09

"I couldn't have been more pleased with my experience in Ecuador. Wonderful host family, great program coordinator, and beautiful country. I truly felt that my work was appreciated and am eager to return to re-connect with the amazing people I met." Erin Harper, Short-Term Quest Volunteer, Ecuador 08

"If you want the highest high you will ever have, go VOLUNTEER!" Sally Narramore, Short-Term Quest Volunteer, Chile 09

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Testimonials from UP Quest Volunteers: Middle East

"I had a great experience with United Planet in Jordan. I enjoyed the volunteer work I was doing, but more than that I loved getting to know the people there. My coworkers, friends, and random acquaintances were all great hosts, eager to make me at home in their country. What's more, my host family was wonderful and really made me feel like a valuable part of their lives: I miss them already! Jordan is a beautiful country with a rich history to explore, but the personal relationships I formed were by far the best part of my experience." Daniel Foster, Short-Term Quest Volunteer, Jordan 09

"This really was a amazing experience. It was unlike anything or anywhere I have ever been. It is always a amazing feeling to know you made a impact, no matter how big or small, somewhere in the global community." Emilie Ansel, Short-Term Quest Volunteer, Jordan 08

 

Learn more about United Planet's Volunteer Abroad Programs in over 40 countries from 1-52 weeks