Testimonials from United Planet Quest Volunteers

Africa    |    Asia    |    Europe    |    Latin America    |    Middle East

Africa

“Living and working in the community of Putubiw truly broadened every idea and value that I hold in the most positive of ways. My nine weeks in Ghana changed my outlook of the world, and I believe that my presence there also enriched the lives of the people with whom I was able to meet. The experience was overwhelming and challenging at moments, which was exactly what allowed the cultural exchange that occurred to affect me in such a deep way.” 

--Margaret Adams, Ghana 2010

"My time in Tanzania was everything I hoped it would be. The people were amazing and the children and teachers I worked with are unforgettable. At first, I was overwhelmed by the language and hustle and bustle of the city. But after only a few days, and with the help of my phenomenal host family, I felt as though I belonged there. The only thing I didn't like about Tanzania was having to leave!"

--Kaitlin Durant, Tanzania 2011

“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, Tanzania 2009

“…The quiet time I spent with my host family, the accomplishing feeling of seeing my pupils make process, and the adventures I experienced while travelling around the whole country will never fade away from my memory”

--Ruoqing Huang, Ghana, 2010

"It was the people I met along the way that made my experience. The school staff was amazing, and our host family was very welcoming. I can't say enough about the people! I am a teacher by profession and it was great to see how another country's education system works. I have gained valuable experience that will help me in my teaching here in Canada. We also went on various weekend trips, which helped us relax after a long work week."

--Caitlin Dollimore, Tanzania, 2011

"We were teachers of English at the local school. We taught primary in the morning, and secondary in the afternoon. I don't 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, Tanzania 2007, Ghana 2008

"I cannot say enough good things about my experience in Ghana with United Planet. I loved working with UP because of their emphasis on cross-cultural understanding. I was told from the start that I was not in Ghana to impact change, but rather to experience a different culture and gain a greater understanding of my own culture and beliefs. My experience with UP was phenomenal. I learned just how important it is to take the time to understand the perspectives and backgrounds of others…"

--Shannon Coyne, Ghana 2010

Asia

"My experience in Nepal was more than I ever expected it could be. I met people who are now my best friends. Living in Nepal helped me to find myself and discover who I want to be back in America. My life has changed because of the students I met and the teachers I met.The students and the teachers treated me as family and made me feel like I was home." 

--Carrie Schramm, Nepal 2010

"My trip to Tibet was like a gift from God. It was magical, beautiful, raw, full of journey and discovery. I experienced the people's love for life, simplicity, and their unjaded curiosities for things beyond their experience and understanding. I experienced true human kindness and everyday I strove to be a better person because of it. I am forever grateful to United Planet for this opportunity and to the Tibet in-country hosts for their love and acceptance." 

--Vita Generalova, Tibet 2009

"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, Cambodia 2009

"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, Tibet 2009

“Tonight showed me how much of a difference that I and all the other guests and volunteers make… I wish I could bring a piece of everything that is good, happy & enjoyable home with me... This is really an experience that has to be personally experienced and lived for one to truly understand the magnitude of realization, appreciation and gratitude that it instills in someone. This has not, in the least, been a depressing experience. it has not been at all what I thought it would be but that is far from a bad thing, I’ve loved every minute of it… the cons are outweighed by the pros enormously.”

--Michelle Haywood, Cambodia 2010 (read more)

Europe

"If you want to partake in an experience that is much bigger than you, then a United Planet Quest is an amazing way to do so."

--Margarita Melikjanian, Romania 2010

“My experience in Romania was unbelievable… Every single person I met there has changed my life in some way.”

--Tushita Hariharan, Romania, 2010

"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.

"I lived in the UP house and made lifelong friendships with the volunteers, and we had dance parties, told stories and really bonded. During the day under the baking sun I worked hard, played with children who didn't speak my language and learned that connecting with someone without words is so much stronger." 

--Mary Kohrman, Romania 2009

"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, Romania 2008

Latin America

"During my 3 weeks in Cuzco, Peru, I was able to surround myself with the most heart warming host family. They made me part of the family and looked out for me as a son, always watchful of anything I needed. Volunteering in Casa Nuevo Amanecer, was a emotional and spiritual enlightening and maturing experience. These 23 men opened the doors of their Narcotics and Alocholic Anonymus institution to me, but most importantly they opened their hearts and gave me all the trust and confidence to their most inner emotions and secrets."

--Luis Elizondo, Peru 2011 (read more)

"My entire UP Quest experience in Ecuador was even better than anticipated. From the friendly staff at the UP offices, country coordinator and host family, to the volunteer placement and cultural activities, its only enhanced my desire to return to a Quest sooner than later." 

--Karen Berry, Ecuador 2010

"My host family in Cusco was just beyond amazing. They were welcoming and helpful and kind and Fabiola made amazing food. I would highly, highly recommend them for other volunteers. The volunteer work was satisfying. It was challenging, but that was what I wanted; to be challenged and to experience another culture while making a difference to someone in need. The Spanish School was great. There was never more than two other students in my class, and I felt I learned a lot. Concepts that went over my head in college classes were easily comprehensible in such a small class.
The excursions were unbelievable. Machu Picchu was the most beautiful place I have ever seen in my life. And I will never forget the thrill of white water rafting. I made some great friends and now love speaking Spanish. I would recommend this Quest to anyone"

--Alison Lynch, Peru 2011

"I had the most marvelous experience volunteering abroad in Guatemala with United Planet. My language skills improved tremendously and I made lasting bonds with my host family and other volunteers from around the world. My volunteer work was both challenging and rewarding. I hope to go on another longer quest soon." 

--Chase Jannson, Guatemala 2010

“My experience in Cusco will last me a lifetime. The children at the orphanage where we volunteered were so incredibly sweet, welcoming and genuinely appreciated the help… Due to the flexibility of the program, we were able to give so much more than we thought possible. It is great because the street children touched our lives as much as we were able to touch theirs.”

--Brittany Becker, Peru 2010 (read more)

"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, Costa Rica 2009 (read more)

"If you want the highest high you will ever have, go VOLUNTEER!"  

--Sally Narramore, Chile 2009

Middle East

"I had the most wonderful experience in Jordan. I stayed with the most kind and caring family anyone could hope for. I saw so much of Amman, and Jordan as a whole, that three weeks later I returned, and met my family for dinner. I fully intend of returning to visit them, and for them to visit me so I can return the favours. I believe I have a lifelong friend from this family, and I was just so pleased I did the Quest. The organisation was brilliant, the coordinator could not have been more helpful, and I really felt at home. Thank you so much the Jordan team!!"

--Emma Crawley, Jordan 2011

“I love United Planet! Everyone needs to join up and have a great experience like I did!”

--Laura Quisenberry, Jordan 2010

"Jordan was an amazing experience. The small country has a vast amount of beauty and 3 weeks was not even close enough to see all that it had to offer. The culture is amazing and most people were very interesting in what I was doing in Jordan. I can not wait to go back in the future!" 

--Joshua Walls, Jordan 2010

"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, Jordan 2009