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
Each of us (from the Clark family) got something different from the program, and it was a really positive experience for all of us. My children (Sean and Michaela) had their eyes opened to all sorts of new possibilities, opportunities for their own futures, an appreciation for what they already have, the rewards of working with people, and the fun of learning about another culture. My stepdaughter Bex, gained self-confidence by overcoming obstacles, and I had the privilege of seeing my family blossom as well as having my hope and faith in people refreshed.
Shannon Clark, Costa Rica Volunteer
I selected the Ayacucho programme as I have been waiting until my children (boys, 13 and 14) were old enough to participate in a meaningful volunteer programme abroad. This suited perfectly. They worked in a local boy’s orphanage (and were the youngest volunteers ever to do so). They were responsible and reliable and they had a wonderful time doing it. There were 52 boys ("like having 52 brothers Mom") and they helped with teaching English, Maths, Art and that international game of football - lots of that!
Jeri Russell, Peru Volunteer
I wanted to let you know what a fabulous experience we had in Lima. Our placements were perfect, the staff was fantastic and the trip to Ayacucho was great too! We had a remarkable and rewarding 2 weeks, and the girls are asking about where we are going with CCS next year!
Kim Young, Peru Volunteer
Our experience more than matched our expectations. We wanted to get to understand the culture and meet people on a daily basis, not just view temples and hotels (although temples are great!) This experience gave us that and much more. One unexpected bonus was that after our three weeks with CCS we were much more comfortable touring independently. We understood all the little daily living activities so much better. My Chinese improved during CCS and allowed me to be able to carry on simple conversations with people I met in other cities. We would not have been nearly as comfortable out on our own, in trains, taxi cabs, shopping (thank goodness CCS taught me how to bargain!!), etc. without the experiences we gained at CCS China.
Mary and Alan MacNair, China Volunteers
Our family's experience in Guatemala was more than we ever expected it to be. Our assignments were challenging and gratifying. It was the most memorable and unique family experience we have shared.
Vicki Inouye, Guatemala Volunteer
The CCS staff in Tanzania are very professional, sensitive, knowledgeable and friendly at the same time. They care about CCS and the commitment to the community by each volunteer and it shows in their dealings with the volunteers. I have great respect for their individual roles in their communities as they work as change agents and role models for change that will help Tanzanians.
Carole Leomporra, Tanzania Volunteer
Unabashedly, I can say that we had a great time. The trip to Costa Rica was everything that we expected and more. I even believe that it has had a positive impact on my spoiled children. My wife is telling anyone who will listen that it is the best vacation that she ever had. I agree. I think this volunteer vacation was so positive because of how you and your staff handled the experience. Everyone associated with CCS in Cartago, was warm, pleasant, friendly, and went out of their way to be accommodating.
Bernie Silver, Costa Rica Volunteer
We often think back to our time with CCS in Thailand and how much we enjoyed the experience. The work was very rewarding, but what the cultural exchange program prepared us for was especially enjoyable. In the short time we were there, we saw parts of Bangkok and aspects of Thai life which the average tourist would never have experienced.
Esther & David Howard, Thailand Volunteers
[What was memorable was] getting to give love and attention to the kids in the orphanage and learning a lot from that experience, getting to stay in one place and absorb the culture more than traditional travel, attending a professional soccer game, getting to know the volunteers who were from about seven different countries, living together with so many people, meeting the other child in the program, who my son is e-mailing and we intend to visit in New York, traveling to Cachoera to see an annual festival, going to the island on the weekend, the great food, going on the cultural excursions, like the market, visiting the many churches, spending time in a new environment with my son...to name a few!
Anne McMullin, Brazil Volunteer
