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
It surpassed my expectations, and 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 five 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. I'm so happy because we were given the opportunity to interact directly with the students, and at the same time, we were involved in tangible, direct change in terms of refurbishing the school. The UCSD volunteers I went with have become people I can talk to and trust in times of need. We bonded and became so close. We started out as strangers, but by the end, I had gained 10 close friends. It's a great opportunity to volunteer side-by-side others who feel a desire to make a difference in the world. It offers so much motivation.
Zeina Saab, University of California San Diego, Alternative Spring Break Group, Cartago - Costa Rica
It was amazing! I was exposed to so much in the clinics, learned a lot about health care in different countries. I witnessed a delivery and they ended up naming the baby girl, Sheetal! I really enjoyed the CCS staff and the other volunteers, the excursion in the Andes Mountains (llama trek) was planned really well, the staff was very very friendly, accommodating and helpful. The experience exceeded my expectations. You have the opportunity to make a difference and really help out as well as gaining a lot for yourself. I highly recommend it.
Sheetal Joshipura, Pre-Med student, U of Washington in St. Louis, Ayacucho - Peru
It was the best experience of my life in so many ways-- it changed my perspective on the world, it changed the way I will live my life, and it changed my goals as a person and global citizen.
Lael Adams, Philosophy Dept., Mary Baldwin College, India
Overall I felt the experience was incredible, this includes the interactions with the coordinators prior to leaving. I felt very well prepared when I left. Even though I was prepared as far as what to bring, what my itinerary was and what I would be doing, I was not prepared for how wonderful the country as well as all the people I met would be. Everyone there was extremely courteous and helpful and the experience and the placements were terrific. I was at the hospital for children. Placement time was my favorite part of the entire trip. Thinking of things to do with the kids and seeing how they enjoyed doing them was very gratifying.
Corey Stilts, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Group Leader, Chatham College, Russia
