Volunteer Voices

Our volunteers come from all walks of life, represent 99 countries, range in age from 7 to 77, and have countless different perspectives on what it means to volunteer abroad. Some volunteers may share your interests, giving you an idea of what the CCS Experience could mean for you, while volunteers who may differ greatly from you can give a broad view of what it means to be a CCS volunteer.

Here you can read the words of volunteers who represent the perspectives of students, 50-plusers, gappers, families, working professionals, groups and volunteers who have traveled during specific times, such as spring break, or to specific countries.

"A critical factor influencing the success of this experience was my [Program Site Specialist]. She provided me with resources to help me determine if I was prepared and personally ready for the experience, discussed pertinent logistical and country specific information prior to my departure, responded in a timely and sensitive manner to any issues and questions that I or my parents had, and maintained contact with me during and after my stay."

Tara Badali, Volunteer in Costa Rica

Intern Voices

"Every time I talk about my experience I always tell people they should do a CCS program. I tell them it was the best experience of my life and that, no matter how much I try, they will not know how great it was unless they do it themselves."

Lysette Perez, Intern Abroad, Costa Rica – Education

Insight Voices

"I never dreamt that one week would really allow me to focus in on my passion. The opportunity to witness the change in the students' development after merely 5 days is incredible. They did grow more aware of their surroundings, of different cultures, and of a world they really don't have a solid knowledge of. I feel that our presence opened their eyes up and made them aspire to want to work even harder to become successful and to change their status."

Zeina Saab, Costa Rica Volunteer

Student Voices

"I definitely feel a lasting impact from participating with CCS. I have a new, open mind in regards to the suffering of the world and the things I can do (small as they may be) to aid in those struggles. I feel like I am a more complete, educated individual, and it has helped me put in perspective what I want to do with my life and how I want to be portrayed."

Shannon Church, Brazil Volunteer, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

50-Plus Voices

"Part of the reason I went on this adventure, was that my mother had passed on last fall. I wanted to do something to honor her and working with the elderly could not have been a better way to do that. The warmth and acceptance from the staff and clients could not have been better. I was glad I could contribute with my massage and energy work. It was very rewarding to hear that a few of them had told her they felt better."

Valerie Robertshaw, Age 52, holistic therapist

Family Voices

"CCS was the highlight of our Costa Rica adventure BY FAR, although the country is, of course, very beautiful and full of treasures and surprises. We loved it!! Thumbs up to all of you who helped us and encouraged us to choose Costa Rica as our family volunteering destination. San Carlos was great!"

Richard Sandi, Costa Rica Volunteer

Teen Voices

"It was really cool to do a mural that was a unique project. I also liked meeting the kids at the school and getting to know my fellow volunteers. We basically did the whole project in three days and worked so well together! The photography project was also a perfect way for us to learn more about Puriscal and meet people of all ages living there. I learned a lot from that and by also talking to the staff about cultural norms and Costa Rican lifestyles."

Andrea, Age 15

Working Professional Voices

"Definitely volunteering with CCS is the way to visit a country. The in-country staff helps you make a smoother transition into the country. Having CCS as a Home-Base to come back to was a relief and always comforting. I felt free to roam in Thailand, but I knew the staff was quietly there watching out for me. This made Thailand feel like home even though I was in a strange land."

Neasha Evans, Age 28, Thailand Volunteer

Group Voices

"Both in NY and in Russia, the staff was the most wonderful, helpful, intelligent, interesting, amazing (I could go on and on but will spare you) group of people! We had added issues due to the "course" nature of our group (i.e. large group and grade involved) but the staff took this in stride and made every effort to help us and accommodate our special needs. From the pre-trip organization to the director to the translators to the drivers, everyone was professional and engaging."

Renee Falconer, Faculty Advisor, Chatham College, Russia

Gap Year Voices

"How can I even express how amazing it was in words? Since I got back, I was planning to go to Uni, but now I am trying to think of how I can carry on with the work that CCS does. I am now looking at things like studying Human Rights, [and I’m] hoping that it will take me back to Africa."

Ben Gerrish, Tanzania Volunteer

Alternative Spring Break Voices

"My experience was phenomenal; truly there are no words that give justice to what I had experienced and how it all changed me! I am sincerely grateful for having had the incredible opportunity to participate in the service projects. I had always wanted to become involved in service on another level, and working through CCS opened the doorway for me."

Amanda Derr, Peru Volunteer, Wilkes University