Written on: 19/05/2013 by Ianmak1
On the 20th of April, I arrived in Sri Lanka and was picked up by the assigned driver, Douglas. The communication between the local coordinator/ host was extremely good as he gave me an update as to when Douglas would arrive. The drive was about 3 hours dependent on traffic to the volunteer house, beautiful seaside city. The whole family I stayed with were all genuinely nice people and the volunteers were so welcoming, I definitely felt like I was able to join in very quickly with everyone.... (read more)
Written on: 17/05/2013 by Anna.G (1 review written)
I spent 5 amazing weeks working with children aged 5-15 at a small slum school located in Faridabad, which is about an hour from the centre of Delhi. The projects are incredibly flexible, and you are really in control of how much you contribute during your stay. The work you do differs every day- you could spend one day taking a large class of complete beginners, the next day working one-to-one with an older student, the following day not teaching at all, but helping in some much-needed... (read more)
Written on: 17/05/2013 by Hannah.Wilkinson
Before I came to Ghana I expected everywhere in Ghana to be very poor and rural and I was surprised to see how built up some of the main towns like Accra and Kumasi. The orientation week I felt helped learn the basics and made my stay habit easier. As soon as we met our host family we were welcomed as part of the family and were made to feel very comfortable. We went to church with them to experience a big part of their lifestyle. Seeing how much responsibility and work is put on young... (read more)
Written on: 08/05/2013
I just got back from Nepal where I spent a productive month helping out at a monastery school. As a lone, middle aged woman, it could have been daunting, but the PMGY and partner organisation made it smooth for me. From pick up at the airport to drop off at the end, there were no big glitches. As well as Nepali lessons (the teacher must have despaired at my dull mindedness!) there were sightseeing visits before the start of the placement, so I felt acclimatised before immersing in the task... (read more)
Written on: 04/05/2013 by sarahj_123 (1 review written)
I have spent 5 weeks so far in India living with the Bandhu family who have been very hospitable throughout my time here. I have benefitted enormously from teaching in the slum school, largely due to the amount of input I was allowed to suggest with reference to the general running of the school. The projects are to say the least what you make of them, it’s more about using your initiative to help others whether that be in a hospital or school environment, than being given a strict... (read more)
Written on: 02/05/2013 by Grace_Hunt (1 review written)
India – the land of colour, contrast and conviviality. Volunteering in India has given me everything I could possibly ask for and more. Not only has it been unduly rewarding haven been given the privilege of teaching for 8 weeks in a slum school; I have also been hugely immersed in the culture with great thanks to Faridabad and the immensely caring and welcoming Bandhu family I have lived with. Living in the volunteer house, in the heart of Faridabad you are thrown into real life in India... (read more)
Written on: 01/05/2013 by niandsaz
From our first meeting with a Plan My Gap Year representative, our experience was nothing but pleasant. We were given in detail advice about settings that may have suited our criteria and left our first meeting, having gone in with no ideas at all; with a solid plan of where we wanted to go and what we wanted to do. Throughout the booking process, lead up to departure, time in South Africa and return home, PMGY were in constant contact with us in order to make sure that we were satisfied at... (read more)
Written on: 29/04/2013 by Ian.Mak. (1 review written)
I arrived in India (Dehli) on the 6th of April, my programme was for two weeks and I definitely think I should have stayed for another few weeks. So I arrived in the morning and the communication between the co-ordinators and it was superb and I was picked up without any hassle. The volunteer house is also based in Faridabad (outskirt of Dehli) and it has easy access to other well known places such as Agra (Taj Mahal). I started my actual programme, which was the medical one, on the Monday... (read more)
Written on: 27/04/2013 by Beth_Richardson
I volunteered with in India from the 17th of February until the 17th of April and thoroughly enjoyed our experience. I set out to volunteer at the orphanage however this didn't take up as much time in the day as I thought and the children are pretty independant, so I began teaching English to the children at big school which I completely adored. The kids are inspiring, always wanting to learn and are so smiley! The principle of the school has created such an amazing community and is... (read more)
Written on: 26/04/2013 by A.Shrestha
I am Aakriti Shrestha and right now I am doing a medical volunteering programme in India. It has already been 2 weeks since I have been here and I just have a week left. But it feels like I don’t want to go from here because I love it. I arrived on the 14th of April. Before I came here, the welcome email I was sent from the coordinators here were very helpful but still I was abit scared because I was going to a different country. As I landed here, it was very easy for me to find them... (read more)
Written on: 22/04/2013
I recently visited a Cambodian orphanage for three weeks, which was an amazing experience teaching English, and a real eye-opener. At first we had a few issues, but Plan My Gap Year were very friendly and considerate allowing us to change projects and countries, giving us the option to stay in the Guest House or at the project itself. The handbook provided was also a good insight into the country, but going with an open mind and no expectations is key. The support received in the country... (read more)
Written on: 21/04/2013 by emmathompson21
Plan My Gap Year was such an amazing experience and made our time in the country just perfect. As it was my first time away from home alone I couldn't have asked for any better. I loved the accommodation and everyone there was so friendly and on the same wave length. What I did not find so great was the money situation, we had to pay it all very suddenly which was a bit of a shock to the bank account but other than that I could not fault Plan My Gap Year. I look forward to using them again... (read more)
Written on: 17/04/2013 by Beth.Richardson (1 review written)
I volunteered with in India from the 17th of February until the 17th of April and thoroughly enjoyed our experience. I set out to volunteer at the orphanage however this didn't take up as much time in the day as I thought and the children are pretty independant, so I began teaching English to the children at big school which I completely adored. The kids are inspiring, always wanting to learn and are so smiley! The principle of the school has created such an amazing community and is... (read more)
Written on: 14/04/2013
I spent three weeks volunteering teaching English at a school in Hanoi, organised through Plan My Gap Year. I booked this fairly late, only about 5 weeks in advance of going, and PMGY were really helpful and efficient. Answered all my emails quickly, even those sent late on a Saturday night. The Volunteer Handbook they sent me was really detailed, useful and easy to read. It gave me a good idea of what to expect. Once I got there everything went really smoothly. PMGY is basically recruiting... (read more)
Written on: 10/04/2013 by MBChB2015
I'm a medical student, who's just about to go into my 4th yr. Plan my gap year in India is a really good chance to see just how different medical systems are in different countries such as India. You stay with a lovely host family, who live just outside Delhi. They take you to their local hospital, where you get a chance to watch surgeries, attend the dermatology clinic as well as the labor ward. It has been such a valuable experience as health care in India is so different to health care... (read more)
Written on: 08/04/2013 by hrharkin (1 review written)
I cannot thank Plan My Gap Year enough for offering me the chance to volunteer my time in Sri Lanka, where I worked with orphanages, street children, special needs girls and the elderly (to name just a few projects!). The team at PMGY are hardworking and passionate about what they do and this reflects directly in the quality of their services; from my first inquiry into my trip they have been consistently helpful and supportive, ensuring the smoothest transition and trip possible. As for my... (read more)
Written on: 05/04/2013
Having returned from my 3 week stay in Ghana earlier this week, I wanted to say thank you for helping me organise such a fantastic experience, one that will stay with me for the rest of my life. It certainly opened my eyes and my mind and made me realise how fortunate we are here in the UK, with the countless opportunities and 'luxuries' available that so many take for granted daily. And I easily managed without the internet for 3 whole weeks! I had all the basics and managed to survive... (read more)
Written on: 04/04/2013 by AsaJNewsome
I went to volunteer in an orphanage in Tanzania through plan my gap year and had just had 3 weeks doing other things by myself so I was very nervous about going there with other people. I was made to feel at home straight away by leader and people volunteering also. I have made some great friends that I'm staying in touch with and this experience has only wetted my appetite to further to travel again. The only criticism's I would have don't reflect on plan my gap year at all. When speaking... (read more)
Written on: 04/04/2013 by jackiedewar (1 review written)
I went to Nepal for 6 weeks through Plan My Gap Year and had the most amazing experience. We had a few days at the beginning staying in a host house learning all the in and outs of Nepal, and quickly learnt that even though our days were fantastically organised, there is such thing as 'Nepali Time'. Different organisations have their volunteers stay at Asim's House (the Nepal Coordinator for PMGY), which I found a great way to make friends that I then continued to meet up with my whole trip,... (read more)
Written on: 03/04/2013 by Bohemian_Arcade
The best part was the price! Compared to other companies ('RealGap' as an example) this was by far the cheapest on the market - other companies will really try and rip you off for your money in 'administation fees' which is just a bunch of bs to be honest - in contrast, PlanMyGapYear's whole philosophy seemed to be giving Gap Year students proper value for money and that is something to be really commended. So basically choose these guys instead! They'll always be there on hand for advice... (read more)
Written on: 02/04/2013
I found that Plan My Gap Year itself were incredibly helpful - they always replied efficiently and quickly, answering all my questions and provided me with the most information they could. It was also the cheapest gap year package that I could find on the internet - it blew some of the other sites out of the water. They also outlined to me fully (when I questioned) where the money goes exactly in the program, just so you can be sure. The program I decided to do was not at all what I... (read more)
Written on: 02/04/2013 by PaulaGoodson (1 review written)
PMGY wee great from the very start of planning our trip,many questioned answered. Both [names removed] were very approachable and answered things quickly and thoroughly. plenty of written info given.. Much cheaper than other companies but this is certainly no reflected in the service I got. Well organised, with nothing overlooked. Once in Galle Sri Lanka we were welcomed by Janaka and his family as one of their own. Janaka is very friendly and helpful and gave lots of advice and info... (read more)
Written on: 06/04/2013
Oops new technology,not yet familiar with so apologies for the spelling and grammar!!
Written on: 31/03/2013 by jackie456
The organisation was very good and was certainly professional. Our daughter has greatly benefitted from the experiences she gained from her 17 day trip. Plenty of contact numbers were provided in the event that we had any concerns but these were simply not needed. The opportunity for our daughter to see how others live in a more challenging environment/country has certainly opened her eyes. We would certainly recommend this organisation and individuals involved together with those behind the... (read more)
Written on: 23/03/2013 by Char.Nic
Guys at Plan My Gap Year were so incredibly great! From the moment I decided i wanted to do volunteering and found out about PMGY, there was no turning back. All the possible information I wanted/needed available whenever i needed it. Everything about the volunteer program was clearly set out and explained to me in great detail. The guys were friendly, polite, helpful and chatty and helped me with a lot more than just organising my volunteering. I decided to travel after my volunteering and... (read more)
Written on: 20/03/2013 by 123laura123
Wow! where do I start? I have had such an amazing and astounding experience in the two and half weeks I was in Sri Lanka! I must admit I was really apprehensive when I got on the plane, as it was my first time flying on my own and out of Europe. I found the first couple of days very overwhelming and surreal because it was a pure culture shock! It was just completely different to home back in the UK and to anything I have experienced before. But I can honestly say I will never regret my... (read more)
Written on: 01/03/2013
I used Plan My Gap Year for the second time in December 2012 following my great first experience. They didn't disappoint !! South Africa was brilliant. Value for money is exceptional and the customer service from Philip was outstanding !! Would recommend without hesitation, I did consider other organisations offering volunteering experiences but after careful consideration I went with Plan My Gap Year. (read more)
Written on: 27/02/2013 by ellestott
I chose to go to South Africa with PMGY and have not regretted it for one minute. I'm staying in Cape Town in the volunteer house at the moment with 30 other people from all over the world - even just living in the house is such an interesting experience, so much fun and so great meeting so many different people. I also lived with a host family at the start of my stay which was a good experience, it's much quieter with a host family but gives you a chance to really get stuck in with the... (read more)
Written on: 05/03/2013
These reviews sound great. I would really love to chat to you as I am so wary of the different companies and there seem to be very few companies with such positive reviews. If at all possible could I have your email address?
Written on: 22/02/2013 by -L-X-
I lived for 4 1/2 month in Capetown. The area where we lived was called Seapoint. It´s a great area to live. It´s close to the city center and close to several beaches. You can go easily to the Lions Head, Table mountain and Signal Hill. The city is safe and all people are friendly and open-minded. There are a lot of things to do for example Bungee Jumping , Shark Cage diving and great safaris. Capetown is a multicultural city. You can meet people from everywhere around the world. I met... (read more)
Written on: 22/02/2013
I lived in Cape Town for 6 1/2 month together with a lot of other volunteers from all over the world. The area where we lived was save and really close to the city center, signal hill, lion's head and several beaches. I worked there at a school in Green Point witch was a great experience for me. The different people and the culture are amazing. The whole city showed me a lot of new things and experiences. I can defenitly recommend the programm to people who are interestet in a new culture,... (read more)
Written on: 21/02/2013 by sunitaoneill
Really enjoyed my time at VSL. The host Janaka went out of his way to connect me with a program that fitted my skills and interests. We were able to provide much needed medical assistance for the children at orphanage. Janaka arranged other volunteers and nursing students through school of nursing to assist in a 3 day assignment at the orphanage. The school of nursing project is a fantastic program. The students are so eager to participate. The principal and English teacher are very... (read more)
Written on: 21/02/2013 by adelecarla (1 review written)
So having never done any kind of volunteering work before or stayed alone in my own country, never mind travelling off myself to a foreign country i knew little about, it was safe to say that despite the great guidance and reassurance from the PMGY team beforehand, i was very scared and apprehensive about going! However as soon as i was greeted by Joe and the nice Kenyan heat in Naorobi, i knew i had made the right decision. I was placed in an Orphanage in Kikuyu and had the most incredible... (read more)
Written on: 21/04/2013
Hello, I'm also looking at volunteering in Kenya with Plan my gap year. Would ou be willing to discuss your experience further? Sadie x
Written on: 11/02/2013 by kate.chg
I volunteered in Ghana with Plan My Gap Year and had the most incredible four months of my life. They took all of the fear out of travelling for the first time and I got to see life living with an African family. The kids that I worked with were great and the work was certainly never dull. (read more)
Written on: 09/02/2013 by hannah1993
The six weeks I spent in Sri Lanka have been the most fulfilling weeks of my life. Never before have I felt like I made such a difference in other people’s lives. I feel so lucky that I found this project and that I was able to meet and make a friend in Janaka, along with feeling very close to his family. I always knew I wanted to volunteer in Sri Lanka, as after a family holiday to the country in 2003, I felt instantly attached. I arrived on September 1st, 2012, and, as this was my first... (read more)
Written on: 03/04/2013
Hi Hannah, I wonder if you can help me, I've applied to do the same project and I was accepted today to start on 20/04/13!!! So I don't have much time.. Could you tell me which level of crb/DBS check you had to use?? and what visa it is you needed?? I'd really appreciate your help! Thank you, Vicki x
Written on: 25/01/2013 by Katieh81 (1 review written)
After looking at a few organisations who offer volunteering assignments in Cape Town, PMGY initially caught my eye because of the much more reasonable price that they were offering. I did some research to ensure I was getting the same experience and found that they were a new company, created for that very reason: that lots of other companies charge much higher prices without real reason to do so. This appealed to me immediately. The fees were not only much easier on the bank balance (about... (read more)
Written on: 24/01/2013
Friendly and very helpful staff. It was great that they had actually been to where I was going. Great value for money. Great choice of locations and start dates. Great pre departure help. (read more)
Written on: 23/01/2013 by Cassie1994 (1 review written)
The program as a whole was a great experience, loads of freedom and well structured. However, your school placements are up to the company in Vietnam and often you are placed into a school that does not need a volunteer as they are able to pay a western teacher because they are a well off school. The food provided is good, you have weekends free and I suggest doing tours or exploring museums and the sites. The people you will meet are great, and from around the world. Often there are paid... (read more)
Written on: 18/01/2013
As I was taking a year out of study to volunteer, I naturally did a lot of research into companies that offer volunteering abroad placements. I was constantly disappointed by every company I looked at, they all had so many flaws, the main one being the exploitation of a volunteers goodwill by massively over charging, until I met Gad and Phillip at the active travel show, who run Plan My Gap Year. Every question I asked they had an honest answer to, which I never seemed to receive from the... (read more)
Written on: 14/01/2013 by Benj152 (1 review written)
It's really difficult to know where to start because volunteering in Sri Lanka is the best thing I have ever done. Right from the start Plan My Gap Year were so helpful and supportive and made the whole experience easy. This was the first time I'd done anything like this and the advice and support PMGY gave me was brilliant! Gad and Philip answered all my questions really quickly and thoroughly, it really made me feel more relaxed about traveling by myself for the first time. Once I booked... (read more)
Written on: 14/01/2013 by joannahepburn
I had originally planned to volunteer for an organisation in Africa Uganda but circumstances at that the time meant it would not be safe. I began researching different organisations on the internet and came accross plan my gap year. I contacted plan my gap year for more information and was impressed with the quick response. I had my trip rediverted to vietnam and booked within a week. Philip at plan my gap year was very helpful and answered promptly to any questions I had. I volunteered in... (read more)
Written on: 08/01/2013
PMGY are an excellent organisation to book your gap year or volunteering abroad projects with. I called them up 2 weeks before I was due to leave and booked it all last minute which the staff members were completely helpful with. Also, the cost of the project was very low compared to other organisations I had looked into yet the experience was fantastic. Overall I would recommend PMGY to anyone wishing to volunteer abroad. (read more)
Written on: 05/01/2013 by adurbacz
Firstly the trip was amazing and thank you for organising it for us. The orphanage was well run and made us feel at home instantly. They encouraged us to do a variety of activities with the children, this includes playing football, helping with chores but mainly teaching. I think the teaching element is the part that the staff most appreciated. I would recommend to future volunteers taking different equipment then we did - we took some paper, pencils and bouncy balls, but the orphanage... (read more)
Written on: 06/01/2013
Hi, I'm thinking of doing the Tanzania trip this summer, would it be ok to ask you some questions about it? :)
Written on: 03/01/2013 by Lararose
Volunteering in Sri Lanka has been the best thing I have ever done. Out of all the countries I have been to, Sri Lanka is definitely the best. Such a naturally beautiful island from the palm tree lined beaches to the exciting wildlife to the breathtaking views in the highlands. The Sri Lankan people are also the most beautiful, welcoming, friendly people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. The volunteer project is so vast. I helped the elderly, I changed, washed, fed orphaned babies,... (read more)
Written on: 24/12/2012
I went to volunteer in Sri Lanka and had an amazing time in all the projects. The PMGY team was amazing at sharing info about their own experience and how to make the most of my stay. I found the volunteer handbook so helpful !! Truly recommend the experience and will definitely sign up for more adventure ! (read more)
Written on: 21/12/2012 by Sam.tkd (1 review written)
I had the best time in Cambodia, teaching English to children in Phnom Penh. Great country, amazing host family and wonderful children, who I miss already! Challenging at first but so worthwhile and as they don't speak English it makes you teach in a different way, using facial expressions and body language more and bringing your character to the teaching. I really enjoyed this and the lack of rules compared to the UK! 3 weeks is not long enough, 3 months would have been better! My host... (read more)
Written on: 20/12/2012 by lwilkie87 (1 review written)
This is a trip of a lifetime. It's definitely something I would do again. Firstly, there is no boundaries to the programme. You can mix and match from your chosen programme and spend a bit of time doing everything. The host family, Dr Bandhu and his wife and family are brilliant. They like to feed you and they are happy to help you out with anything you want, from recommending hotels in other areas to the best places to buy anything you want. They know everything you will need to know and... (read more)
Written on: 11/12/2012 by Charlie_dude (1 review written)
I travelled to Sri Lanka for a month in August having never been travelling alone before. It was such a fantastic experience and I would recommend to anyone. The projects are so well thought out and you get the opportunity to really make a difference. It was so easy to apply and the team are very efficient and helpful with all your enquiries pre-departure. They give a highly detailed brochure about the country and the projects with key info. As much as you can read beforehand will never... (read more)
Written on: 10/12/2012 by SamHarris84 (1 review written)
I have not long returned from volunteering in Galle, Sri Lanka, where I stayed for 2 weeks through PMGY. We stayed with a wonderful host family and had our own room with en-suite (rooms are shared with 2-3 volunteers per room) We didn't know what to expect at first and were expecting a hostel type scenario. But the accommodation was lovely and so were the other volunteers. There were about 10 - 15 of us in total over the time we were there, it was so nice to meet like-minded people who... (read more)
Written on: 05/12/2012 by xStacyJanex (1 review written)
I have just returned from volunteering in Sri Lanka, where I stayed with Janika and his family, which proved to be one of the most incredibly overwhelming, eye-opening and amazing experiences of my life to date. ... I cannot thank Plan My Gap Year enough for making it all possible. From the moment I initially spoke with Philip at Plan My Gap Year in July 2012 to the call I received a couple of days ago on my return to the UK, making sure everything went smoothly – the advice, support and... (read more)
Written on: 03/12/2012
I've now been volunteering in Faridabad just outside New Delhi for 4 weeks and have 3 more to go. When I first arrived everything felt confusing but fascinating - the insane traffic, the noise, the pollution, the non-westernness. I live together with 10-15 other volunteers from all over the world with a lovely host family, who also organizes the projects, consisting of Dr Bandhu, his wife Kranti and their two children. We get well fed and the accommodation is good. I've had the chance to try... (read more)
Written on: 22/11/2012
My 18 year old daughter did a 3 week placement in India in September and naturally as a parent, I was concerned that everything was going to be well organised and go smoothly for her. Initially I had no contact with PMGY but did look at the website and was impressed with what I read. At this stage my daughter was pleased with the information she received both by email and by phone. She was given a very clear and informative booklet, which itemised extremely well all the documents and... (read more)
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Tobyf's Comment
Written on: 17/04/2013
Which programme did you do in India and why wasn't it what you'd expected? Thanks!