What did you like the most on the program? Living with and spending time with so many Thai people.  Don’t get me wrong – I enjoyed my luxury stay at the hotel after I left Suan Kaew – but without getting to know the Thai people, it’s like coming to American and only going to Disneyland. That’s nice, but it’s not a true experience of the country and the people.  This program gave me a chance to teach and touch the Thai people directly.

Pat Edwards

We returned to the south school this morning to drop off small gifts and English books to the children. They quickly assembled in the classroom and were talking and giggling before we arrived. The moment we entered the room and greeted them with “Sabaii dee” (Good Morning), they all stood up as if at attention and put their hands together in prayer pose. The faces of the children lit up when we gave them gifts and we taught them to sing “Happy Birthday”. Their smiles were precious and I was having a hard time keeping my composure as I noticed their uniforms were torn in multiple places and brown with dirt. I wondered when the last time was that any of their pants or shirts had been washed. I wondered when any of the children had bathed last. Their arms and faces were dirty with dust and their fingernails black with dirt underneath.

What was being used as a classroom was pitiful. No lights, no fans to circulate air – This was because there was no electricity. The doors, tables, and benches made of wood were so old they would probably crumble or break if someone kicked them. Despite these poor conditions the children were

Kay Chitale

To be in such a remote village, close to the top of the world, and know that we contributed to the lives of the people there by painting a few houses, building two stoves, and teaching English, was a completely meaningful experience and I look forward to doing more of the same in my life.

Though the accommodations and lack of variety in the food were a little tough to bear at times, I was always reminded of the context that they were in. They were a luxury compared to the homes in the village, and that made it easier to cope with. It also reinforced how fortunate we are in the US. I will never take anything for granted again.

I volunteered on the Road Less Traveled program in Peru. I have a business, a retail gift shop, in New York that I travel back and forth to every month from my home in Miami- I’ve been doing this for the past three and a half years, after losing my fiance and business partner on 9-11. What helped me get through the difficult and painful journey through grief was travel- since 9-11 I’ve been to Ireland, South Africa, Italy, Spain, and several US cities. The Globe Aware program was by far the most fulfilling, and upon my return
home, the morning after in fact, I got engaged again to another wonderful man- we are eloping to Hawaii in May.

Tanya Villenuva

Instead of talking about the specific things we experienced in Cuzco, I thought I’d reflect on the volunteer experience in general. I know many of the other volunteers can speak more eloquently about what we experienced and accomplished in Cuzco.

Why would one volunteer for a trip like this? For me, it was a combination of adventure travel and doing something positive. It is kind of a payback for the luck of where and when I was born. Five years ago, I decided I wanted to start volunteering instead of just contributing monetarily to the causes that I felt were important. So when I heard about the chance to volunteer in Cuzco, Peru, I was excited about the prospect. I love to travel, so coupling travel with volunteering was a very appealing opportunity.

As with any volunteer venture, one feels much better about himself as a result. It is a feeling that may surprise you with respect to its intensity and effect on your life. Of course, the principal result of your volunteering is that you are helping someone. Aside from the specific assistance you are providing, I believe North Americans need to get out in the world, not only to experience other people and cultures, but also to have them experience you.

Was this particular volunteer vacation difficult? It was hard and it was easy. There were challenging moments and not everything went well, but overall it was a wonderful life-changing event for me. Traveling to developing countries provides a perspective on how you live as well as how others live. Learning about another culture, not as a tourist, but as an active participant is a wonderful experience. Most people who return from volunteering in developing countries will talk about how they will have a greater sense of appreciation for the lives they lead. While I wholeheartedly agree with this, the thing that stands out to me is that people can be happy without many of the materialistic things we deem as necessary in North America.

I think everyone should help the community in which they live, but volunteer vacations in other countries can be a unique and amazing addition to your life.

Bob Link

Costa Rica is a rough, steep, green country and is very cool “Pur Vida” as the ticos say. I thought not speaking Spanish was going to be a problem, but it wasn’t. I learned a few say words and was able to use motion. Probably not far off from cave people, bit it worked.
I expected the rainforest to be much more dangerous. I saw no boas hanging from trees, but I did see a “Jesus Christ Lizard” running over the water. I did see one good size non-poisonous snake, macaws, parrots, and butterflies.
The people here were great. They really seem genuine and sincere. I felt really welcomed in each home. The food was delicious. Practice up on your soccor skills- they kicked my butt and almost blew out my legs for the duration of the trip.
Our leader was great, Sarah made it a lot of fun and handled everything with ease and a smile. Thank You!

Scott Krontilik, New York

When we first arrived our fearless leader asked us what we had expected our trip to be like and to have some goals. Before I arrived in Costa Rica, I had no clue what to expect. My daughter, Amanda, had researched it on the Internet and decided it was time mom got out more and Amanda is very persuasive. I liked the idea of a new place, new people, helping people, and seeing the rain forest because I love nature and being outside but had no idea of what was to come.

First of all when you arrive the countryside is incredibly beautiful. Everything so rugged and green, really amazing. Our cabinas were cozy and less rustic than I expected. Cold water is always a bit of a shack each day though. After being here almost a week, what is best of all is the wonderful people you meet. The ones from the group from all over and all different stages (me being the eldest of the bunch!) to the Pueblo. They are the warmest group of people I had ever came across. They were very helpful with my Spanish. One of my goals had been to get more comfortable speaking and I did because they never made you to feel silly but helped. All of our mixed were mixed up with English and Spanish lessons going on or simultaneously. I thoroughly enjoyed meal times and getting to know the families. Each one welcomed you into their homes with great hospitality and sincerity.
If you asked me before my trip what I would be doing I would have maybe thought teaching English or computers, but would never have thought I would say I helped build a bridge! It was a great experience and I am so glad that I let Amanda persuade me to try this adventure. I will always remember my newfound friends and the various experiences I had. It was also great to share this with my son and daughter.

Geraldine Krontilik