China was a great program and I don't know what I would have done with my summer if I didn't take this amazing opportunity to volunteer.
Haley, Age 16
I had the greatest time ever in Guatemala. Thank you so much for everything that you did. The staff was incredible as well as everything else. I will never forget this because of what we did and how much fun I had doing it. I made lots of friends, both American and Guatemalans. Everything exceeded my expectations and I had a blast.
I would give this organization and my experience a 10/10 easily. I learned so much and I am so happy that I chose to travel with your world-class organization.
Ty, Age 15
I loved my experience overall. It opened my eyes to a whole new culture and point of view. What really stood out for me was the people. I loved the kids from the school and getting to know them. Everyone we met was kind and friendly. I also loved getting to know my fellow volunteers. I think the group was the perfect size so that there were enough of us to get the job done and have a mix of different backgrounds while also able to get to know one another.
I definitely feel like I have changed. I have a broader outlook on the world. I like Costa Rican culture a lot and that has affected my life. I also learned a lot from my fellow volunteers. They taught me things about other parts of the US and UK, and they taught me about myself. The volunteer work was also a very powerful experience. In a way this trip helped me understand myself better.
Deborah, Age 16
I want to do some volunteer work in my community. I want to do more Spanish in school. It definitely has changed my career path. Hopefully I will minor in Spanish in college so I can do the Peace Corps.
Sinead, Age 17
I worked at a school for persons with disabilities. Fellow CCS volunteers and I spackled cinderblock walls of the school's new music room. We were preparing the walls so fun, colorful murals could be painted on them. In addition, I played with the children on their playground, and even played soccer with some of the adults as well. Being around such individuals as those who attended the school gave me a new perspective on my own situation in life, and gave me an opportunity to spend time with these kids who seem to love life unconditionally.
I had never spent that much time with a group of mentally disabled children, let alone those that do not speak English. I was worried that my basic (middle and high school) Spanish skills would prevent me from truly communicating with the students. However, I also saw this placement as a great opportunity. I feel that since I was able to comfortably interact with mentally disabled children and adults, in spite of a language barrier and behavioral differences, I can truly say that I am able to see people for who they are beneath the surface. It is a testament to understanding, equality, and compassion.
Melissa, Age 17
Instead of us going in there and showing them something about confidence and dedication, they showed us how to be determined and what it means to really want something. We have all these opportunities placed in front of us in America and take them for granted everyday. I have eight college applications sitting on my desk right now and am having a hard time deciding which school I want to attend; these young men would give anything to just have the opportunity to go to college. They were so incredible and our group connected so amazingly well. It was an experience unlike anything else I've ever been a part of before and something I wouldn't trade for the world!
My whole outlook on life has completely been altered. I also feel like my volunteer experience has inspired me to volunteer at least part time for the rest of my life! It has given me the fire to change the world, not necessarily the whole world but at least a part of it.
Danika, Age 18
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
It was the best thing I've done yet. Everything that could go well went well; I got to travel a bit around China, the other volunteers were fun and the staff members were wonderful.
Elizabeth, Age 17
My experience was incredible. I had no idea that in one week I could fall in love with a place and the people there. I learned so much about the world and myself.
Ryan, Age 18
We would strongly recommend this experience. Not only do you see how other people live, but in the process you feel as though you have done something worthwhile while feeling you have benefited equally from the experience. We would advise our friends to be open to new things, interact as much as possible with the locals, and always have a smile on your face.
Chris and Nicholas, Age 16
What really stood out for me was how different everything was from the United States, whether it was the people, the language, or the culture. I found that even though Xi'an was huge, it still felt a little bit like a small neighborhood because everyone was so friendly. I also loved how colorful the older buildings were like the Bell/Drum Tower and the temples, and I loved being surrounded by all that history.
I'm definitely looking at things differently now that I'm home. I've finally realized that there's a whole other world outside of my regular house and my regular school with my regular friends, and I have just begun to explore that new world.
Katie, Age 16
