A critical factor influencing the success of this experience was my Program Manager. 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
CCS opened my eyes to what I could offer, how I could be my own woman. I found something in me that I didn't realize was there.
Kim Young, Peru
Even after reading all your great stories and receiving all the praise from previous volunteers, the experience still exceeded my expectations.
Corey Stilts, Russia
Everything about Costa Rica was a phenomenal adventure — the sights, the wildlife, the entire country. Even more amazing than that, however, were the times I spent with the children — Caesar, Jose, Hannah, they all brightened my day and made each day I was in Costa Rica special.
Jennifer, Volunteer in Costa Rica
From my first day I instantly felt comfortable with the abuelitos, and although my Spanish leaves a lot to be desired, somehow I communicated with everyone and they took an instant shine to me. They truly value the volunteers at the senior center and you are a part of the team from day one.
Komal Patel, Volunteer in Costa Rica
Ghana was amazing and I met too many wonderful people to not go back. I loved working in the hospital in Keta...it actually sparked an interest in public health, which I am now pursuing at university. I've also been giving presentations to schools about my experience and hope that others will start thinking about international volunteerism as a result of that.
Tracey, Ghana
Going to Brazil completely changed my life. It was my very first experience outside of the U.S. and I couldn't have asked for a better maiden voyage! I learned so much about life in general, not only from the kids I worked with, but from the people I lived with in the CCS house. I was constantly surrounded by exciting, happy, friendly people who helped me get out and experience everything Salvador had to offer. Salvador is so rich and alive you don't even want to sleep. And sometimes you don't! Working with the kids was exceptionally rewarding.
Amber, Volunteer in Brazil
I can't thank CCS enough for this fantastic experience. I'm leaving Xi'an a better informed citizen of the world, having glimpsed a bit of China. I'm leaving Xi'an knowing myself a bit better -- having learned some of my personal limitations and what I can personally draw on to exceed them. I'm leaving Xi'an hopefully as a better person having seen such open kindness, and really learning about accepting and respecting others' cultural heritage. I'm sad to say goodbye to China, but I know I'll be back, and I can't wait to plan my next CCS volunteer trip!
Veda, China
I feel that this experience has opened my eyes much wider than they were before. I feel I understand more of how the other half of the world lives.
Evangeline, China
I fell in love with the country. I was able to go on safari (Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater & the Serengeti) as well as spend a weekend on the island of Zanzibar. My favorite thing was just spending my free afternoons and evenings exploring the local village and town of Moshi- speaking with people, walking around, checking out stores, restaurants, markets, local non-profit organizations, etc. I will definitely go back to Tanzania- I still need to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro!
Corinne Marie LeBaron, Tanzania
I had started to wonder if I had made any impact on them at all, and then to see this tiny little 6 year old girl writing her A, B, Cs all by herself, it really felt like I had gotten through. As cheesy as it sounds, I really feel like I’ve found my calling!
Kathryn Hovey, Volunteer in Thailand
I had the most amazing experience of my life there. A new mother even named her baby after me. I think that this experience and what CCS has given to me has completely changed my life forever. I am going into the medical profession and I am going to be a midwife.
Michelle, Ghana
I learned a lot about myself and how to survive even when I don't speak the language. It taught me a lot about myself and how self-sufficient I really am, I've always wanted to work with foster children or orphans, and working in the orphanage gave me so much energy. I was tired physically, but so happy and content being there; this is what I'm supposed to do, this gave me energy and fulfillment and contentment; this is what I'm supposed to do for the rest of my life.
Trisha, Russia
I loved the traditional arts and dancing we watched, and how the CCS staff arranged speakers to talk to us about things such as gender issues, development, and the education system.
Nicole Wright, Tanzania
I quickly dispelled any thoughts of 'changing the world' and simply became satisfied with seeing one student’s face light up after understanding something that I showed them. ...we learned that we were providing just a few of the many small steps necessary to accomplish a much larger goal.
John T. Reaghart, Volunteer in Ghana
I spent 4 weeks working in a classroom of five-year-olds within an orphanage. It was the most amazing experience of my entire life. Because of that trip I came to realize how big the world is — how enriching it is to live among different cultures. Today, over a month after I returned, I think of my experiences, and especially the people I met there, constantly. I am a more aware, open person, and I have found not only things within myself, but my life calling and aspiration.
Sarah, Peru
I still think of my Peru experience daily, and I have felt even more connected to my friends in Ayacucho and Lima as I have been reading back through my journal from last summer. My 8 weeks in Peru still proves to be one of the most powerful experiences of my life, and I am forever grateful to CCS for giving me that opportunity. I have jumped at every chance to share my story and want you to continue putting people in touch with me.
Jake Antonio, Peru
I think that international volunteering allows us to think about others that are
outside our community, state, region, or country, which will allow us to be more
thoughtful about some of the policies or issues that plague global communities.
Ashley Cureton
Volunteer in South Africa
I think there's a kindred spirit in the sense that we all are here trying to give something of ourselves, and there's a real adventurous spirit. It's a great experience ... The main thing I learnt about travel was that you have to step off the beaten path, get to really know the local community, get to really know the country that you're going into.
Daniel Jones, Costa Rica
I think we managed to visit just about every ward in the hospital while we were there! Everything was mostly observational, but as nursing students it was a great experience.
Rachel Harris, Volunteer in Thailand
[I volunteered at] a computer school for physically disabled people, where I primarily assisted in the classrooms with teaching the different software packages, and also taught some English. I met some great people there, and they really made me feel at home. Soon after, it didn't feel like I was doing volunteer work, I was just helping out some friends.
Justin, Volunteer in Thailand
I was working alongside teacher Usha Varma. Each day was never the same as the one before. My workload depended on what Usha needed help with on a particular day. My tasks varied from documentation, page designing, editing news articles and assisting the teachers. There was no typical day but each day brought something new.
Louise Doyle, Volunteer in India
I will never forget when one of the girls from the orphanage called me "mama" in Portuguese. I was surprised because she had become so attached to me so quickly, but at the same time, it was very sad that she could so easily associate someone else to such a special role in her life. Every day was a new experience at CAASAH. Every day brought more smiles and taught me so much about myself as well as the children. Interacting with the nursing staff was a great experience as well. Although we never spoke the same language, it was clear to them as well as us volunteers that we shared a common love for the children.
Heide, Brazil
I, without a doubt, feel as though I had an impact at my work placement. The babies wanted our love, they just wanted to be held and have our attention. At the daycare, when one would sit on my lap, 10 more kids would rush over, because they wanted us to be with them, and love them too.
Megan Sheridan, Volunteer in Brazil
I worked in the school for deaf children as a teacher’s assistant for pre-school level children. I assisted the children with work and outside on the playground. I took two of the children on the slide for the first time and their smiles have just stuck in my head!
Adam Vogel, Volunteer in Costa Rica
I would encourage everyone to spend as long as they can as a volunteer, the rewards multiply with every week, and you make more lasting relationships. After my placement I traveled in Peru and Bolivia, which was amazing, but I couldn't help missing volunteering, often feeling a lack of something as just a casual tourist. Volunteering certainly allows you to penetrate well beyond the surface, and really makes you feel you have a purpose.
Jenni Manning, Peru
I would just like to commend the entire CCS organization. The work I did in Brazil was the first time in my life that I had accomplished something that I was truly proud of; and the most humbling part of it all, was that that the only thing I really had to do in order to make a difference was show up everyday. Just by being with the kids, I may have made their lives a little better. To what extent that's true may be something that I'll never get to hear, but everyday since I've been back I think about them and how they all made me realize how lucky I am to have so much here in the States. And I guess they'll never know either just how much better they made my life just by being in it.
Jillian, Brazil
If I could have stayed longer, I would have. I loved the staff and volunteers. The people were friendly, the house was gorgeous, and the food was good. I wanted to see something new and I loved it.
Kelly Rosen, Morocco Volunteer
I'm so grateful to have had this experience. The memories and relationships I made are so unforgettable and I feel like I've been reborn. I got to experience something that most people will never see. I feel like I was able to capture the true spirit of Christmas giving by being there and learning something new.
Victoria Ruth, Guatemala
I'm working on my resume. I'm trying to use this journey as career development. That would be the life-changing part. So far, I think it's been more like a refresher course, maybe a strengthener. But this is definitely a step in a new direction. Where it will lead, yo no se.
Amy Adams, Guatemala
In one word--overwhelming. India attacks your five senses--but in its own way it is delightful, and while I used the word overwhelming, the experience was a blessing as well.
Steven Crimaldi, India
It was a growing experience in a very supported environment. Everything was open to exploration and you decide your own pace and direction.
Rachel Ko, Thailand
It was a rich, exciting and fascinating experience, with the opportunity to meet many new people and share information about different cultures, with the staff and other people from India, as well as with other volunteers who were from all different parts of the world. The program did an excellent job of combining voluntary work, cultural exchange and free time for exploring, providing a safe and comfortable Home-Base from which to do all of this. The CCS staff were incredibly supportive and dedicated to keeping the volunteers satisfied and safe.
Shani Langdom, India
It was great to learn about the culture and language from the people there. I think the Kiswahali lessons were the most useful and it was great fun to practice using our new knowledge on our students.
Ashley Washburn, Tanzania
It's hard to put into words how to describe my experience. It was wonderful from beginning to end. I am indebted to many people in India, the in-country staff and the UK and US staff, who helped me along the way and made the journey so memorable. I had such a positive time in India, learning about the culture, the society, and the role of the NGO's but also aspects about myself that I hadn't realised before. It was a personal reflective journey that enabled me to gain another perspective, particularly within the realm of the caring field.
Louise Doyle, India
I've already been much more conscious about what is going on in the rest of the world, and I have paid particular attention to Guatemala and Central/South America in general. I want to volunteer more, and have already done this to some extent although not as much as I aim to. One reason I went on this trip was to try and figure out where I wanted my life to go, especially after graduation from college in the spring. This trip certainly helped me to do this. I want to go into public health nursing and hopefully have some more international experiences doing this.
Lee, Guatemala
I've recommended CCS to so many of my friends - people like me who are working or in business and looking for something a bit more - mainly because I have no reservations about you. From beginning to end, CCS was wonderful.
James, India
Maybe I will be able to sow some strong seeds that will reap protection and support for the children in need. I am learning that baby steps are extra important here, as well as realizing the value in the small deeds done with great love. As Mother Teresa stated, "We can not all do great things, but we can do small things with great love."
Amy, Ghana
My favorite activity was an impromptu trip to a sugar cane field with the staff. We went on a hike and I made it to the top of the mountain, no easy task I might say. Since I was the oldest, everyone was helping me and urging me on. It was great fun and I felt great! The views were incredible and we saw many interesting sights on the way.
Linda Cherrington, Costa Rica
My four-week stay in Russia was intense and enlightening. During the week, my days were full of challenging activities and cultural events which required me, above all, to try new things. The weekends allowed me to explore the country on my own. The experience was incredibly rewarding. Working with the children was great, and I got to learn more about Russia than I thought was possible in only four weeks.
Jonathan McLaughlin, Russia
My overall experience was fabulous. I thought the program was really well organized and well-run. I loved my placement and I was grateful for the opportunity to travel on the weekends. I thought it was the perfect combination of volunteer work, cultural immersion and exploring the country.
Sarah, Thailand
My overall experience was incredible. There were so many facets of the program that contributed to making it so worthwhile. Every single staff member (from the directors, to the housekeepers, cooks, drivers and night guard) impacted my experience with their kindness, hospitality and love for their country. I built countless friendships with the other volunteers and staff of the program.
Matt Granatstein, Costa Rica
My placement felt like a second home to me. The 'mamas' were very welcoming and helpful. Even with a language barrier I was still very comfortable.
Amber Kilpatrick, South Africa
My placement was a residential shelter and refuge for abused women and their children. My contribution came in the form of scrubbing beds, cabinets and floors, organizing clothing to give to new guests, and caring for the children. Although they may seem menial tasks, this work provides the women with a safe, comfortable living arrangement, and allows them to go to the doctor, look for a job, or attend counseling sessions. This work empowers the women and I felt humbled and privileged to do it.
Colleen Kerr, Volunteer in South Africa
My placement was amazing and unlike anything I had ever experienced before. The women who ran the facility were welcoming, engaging, and very appreciative of the help.
Leigh Sorkin, South Africa
One of the most memorable parts of volunteering for me was just how receptive everyone at the school was to me. They were all very interested in getting to know me, especially in the preschool. The students didn't even care that I didn't know much Spanish. They loved to try to tell me things and teach me games. The teachers and students were very understanding of the language barrier, and we all made up creative ways to communicate when we weren't understanding something.
Lisa Eugea, Costa Rica
Over the long term, the experience has enlightened me about the "sameness" of people in terms of exchanging love and friendship and help, regardless of the nature of our cultural circumstances. The children will remain strong in my memory forever, as will the bond formed with the other volunteers and Virginia and her staff.
Judy, Guatemala
Overall, my CCS experience was fantastic. Everything seemed to flow very well—the in-country staff was awesome, the other volunteers were great, and the placement was fun and interesting. The most amazing thing I did in China was to exchange ideas and culture with the students at my placement.
Joel Miller, China
Thailand has done more for me than I ever thought possible. The Cross-Cultural Solutions Trang program has allowed me to open my eyes to a world I never knew existed, and I am now a stronger person because of it, both inside and out. I have also decided what I'm going to do when I graduate.... I'm going to become a teacher.
Audra, Thailand
The biggest thing that I will forever cherish from this trip is the unconditional love and zest for life that the children at the HIV/AIDS home exuded. Regardless of their prognosis, these children run, laugh, play and cry just like any other child.
Heidi Westblade, Volunteer in Brazil
The In-Country staff was wonderful! They were all so friendly and helpful, and truly went above and beyond in all aspects. They made every point in making sure we were comfortable in our work placements, our living situations, etc., and openly welcomed suggestions and ideas. I think the staff, both in New York and in Ghana, was the foundation of what made my stay so amazing and memorable.
Eunie, Volunteer in Ghana
The people at my placement were AMAZING. They really took care of me and told me that they viewed me as a relative. Every day I came in they had a small thoughtful gift for me! The night before I left, they insisted on taking me out to dinner. I couldn't believe that they were so nice and they didn't expect anything in return. In the end, I definitely felt I was part of a family. It was the first time I went to China, but it certainly won't be my last.
Gina, China
The program is perfectly balanced to let us gain an understanding and respect for the culture and community where we are working, letting us explore on our own, and giving us the opportunity to feel like we're making a difference. I think that if I had gone over just as a volunteer something would have been lost!
Ann Lynn, China
This experience completely exceeded all my expectations. I was amazed at how friendly and welcoming the people of Tanzania were to us. They were happy to see us and share stories with us and interested to learn about our culture, too. The other volunteers were also great. It was valuable as a cultural, professional and personal experience. It has opened my eyes to new possibilities and opened my mind to new cultures. I will never forget Tanzania or the people there and I can't wait to do another CCS program.
Sarah, Tanzania
This experience has already started to affect my life. I now work with children in Canada, and seeing the way children live in Africa really made me realize how lucky we are to have so many resources and learning tools. I have also learned a lot of new skills, especially when working with children from different backgrounds. This is helpful since our country is becoming so multi-cultural.
Almira Ramji, Tanzania
This is a fantastic programme, and a good starting point for someone who wants to go out and volunteer in a safe and secure way, but still with their own freedom. I would highly recommend CCS to anyone and everyone!
Jocelyn, Brazil
This is an amazing experience! Every aspect of it, the volunteer work, the cultural immersion, the traveling, extracurricular activities, and the personal sense of satisfaction that it all brings is overwhelming.
Simon, Peru
This was a life changing experience! It has opened my eyes up to the reality of a new culture, it has given me the courage to face challenges alone, and it has also secured in my mind the desire to work in the voluntary sector. My work in the Anganwadi and special needs school has inspired me to go into the field of education, which, this experience has shown me, has such a profound impact on the course of so many people's lives, providing a passport to autonomy.
Elizabeth Simpson, India
To start off my story, I am an investment adviser and a volunteer. I always thought that nothing could compare to making that sale until I saw their eyes: the children's eyes, so expressive with pure life (pura vida). Costa Rica allowed me to put down my preconceived notions of what I could do and what I valued, and simply live. Working with those children is something that I will never forget. Before I went to Costa Rica I would never have imagined that making macaroni necklaces with children would make me smile like it did and still does. I love Costa Rica, the country, the people, and especially those children. Pura Vida!
Ryan, Costa Rica
Traveling to Salvador, Brazil was a life changing experience. I was consumed by the rich culture, and history that Salvador represents. It was one of the most profound and defining moments in my life. I was able to make a difference in my placement. I worked in CAASAH a center/residence for people who have HIV/AIDS. I helped with the babies, adults, and toddlers as well. I would recommend Brazil to any volunteer. The people are so incredibly sweet, and as an American I truly learned the meaning of living life to its fullest from these wonderful people.
Shaneah, Brazil
Whether it was climbing part of Kilimanjaro, flying to Zanzibar, or just hanging out in the village, I found it amazing to meet new people, have new experiences, and get to know the country as a more than a tourist.
Rachel, Tanzania
