Projects Abroad www.projects-abroad.co.uk Reviews
Latest Reviews
★★★★★
“Projects Abroad Thailand”
Written on: 23/04/2013
Projects abroad were fantastic. Before I left I had lots of contact with the office at home and in Thailand, they always emailed me informally which was nice, it made me feel like friends already. When I arrived in Thailand I was greeted with a big hug and smile from the woman I had been emailing, and they drove me to my host family. The whole time I was on my project I felt very comfortable; my host family were lovely, they provided the most wonderful food, the staff at work always looked... (read more)
★★★★☆
“Great for First Time Travellers”
Written on: 01/03/2013
Projects Abroad were really helpful for me especially as it was my first time travelling without any explicit organising from either my parents or previous schools. What I found especially helpful was all the help that you receive from Projects Abroad, not just in the country itself but in the run up to your trip. In my case, I was travelling to India and as previously said had only ever travelled this afar with my school whom gave us all the information we needed from what to pack to... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Go with someone else!”
Written on: 19/02/2013
I had decided in my gap year in 2009 I would spend 2 weeks in Romania working on archaeology sites before starting university. When I arrived in Romania noone was there to meet me, my luggage had been lost and very few people speak English in Romania and none of the signs are in English so I was stuck in a quandry. Luckily, a genetleman approached me near the luggage carosel and asked if I had lost my luggage as he had lost his too, he spoke English and Romanian and took me to the lost... (read more)
★★★★★
“Projects Abroad Medicine 2 Week Special Nepal”
Written on: 07/02/2013 by sophiekm
When I first researched Projects Abroad, I was wary because it seemed too good to be true. I was sure that I was going to arrive in Nepal to find that there was nobody there and I had been scammed. However, it was even better than I had expected. The placements in the hospitals were wonderful because the doctors and pateients in Nepal are so helpful. I got the chance to see many things that I never would have been able to see in England, from little things such as consultations to big things... (read more)
★★★★★
“PURA VIDA! Conservation and Care in Costa Rica”
Written on: 06/02/2013 by catrionaa1 (1 review written)
I travelled to Costa Rica with Projects Abroad in the summer of 2011. Travelling to Costa Rica was the first time I'd ever flown alone, saying I was slightly nervous was an understatement, but Projects abroad were excellent at keeping me informed with pre-departure information and support. They even put me in contact with another volunteer who was going to be on my flight and project! Arriving in San Jose after the 10 hour flight, we were met and picked up at the airport by an extremely... (read more)
★★★★★
“An amazing African adventure!”
Written on: 29/01/2013 by Laura.Deeprose1 (1 review written)
My experience with Projects Abroad was amazing! In 2010 I went on their Southern Africa conservation project and it was fantastic. The company was friendly and supportive with constant advice before and during the trip. I was met on arrival and transported safely to my destination which is always good after a 13 hour flight! Once arriving on the project the fun began! Activities involved hide building, fence removal, tree wrapping etc so there was lots of hands on experience. There were also... (read more)
★★★★★
“Care in Sri Lanka and Journalism in India!”
Written on: 22/01/2013
I went to Sri Lanka in the summer of 2010 for one month to do the care placement with Projects Abroad and I strongly recommend this company if anyone is looking to do something similar! Projects Abroad delivered on all their promises. I was given a host of email addresses and numbers in the months before I left so I could have any questions answered and I had my own 'website' space which covered everything from a kit list, to details about my host family to hints and tips about the country's... (read more)
★★★★★
“Animal Care and Turtle Conservation in Mexico! ”
Written on: 22/01/2013 by StacyBarr
I have spent the past 3 Summers in Mexico with Projects Abroad, and each time they have been an organised, friendly and helpful company. The staff at home and overseas are hardworking and caring, providing excellent service and stability. With regards to the projects, they were the best thing I have ever done in my life. For the conservation project I lived on a beach in Colima and fell asleep to the sound of the crashing waves of the pacific ocean and woke to the sunrise across the... (read more)
★★★★★
“Volunteering in Peru”
Written on: 20/01/2013 by EmmaSS22
I went to Peru with Projects Abroad in 2011 for a month to volunteer in a kindergarden with 3-5 year olds. My experience was both enriching and inspiring, with thanks to Projects Abroad. I lived with a family which was organised by the organisation and I can honestly say the family were some of the kindest people I've met and treated me as their own daughter. The office was open 24/7 and I was always able to contact someone for help if I needed it. In my second week on my placement I was... (read more)
★★★★★
“Traveling to Nepal - the greatest expirence in my life ”
Written on: 16/01/2013
At first travelling over 50,000 miles away to a country so far from home seemed quite taunting. However as a whole my two weeks in Nepal was honestly one of the best experiences of my life and something I will always treasure. Throughout my time I grew many fond memories, met so many new people and in the end became a stronger person. Together with three of my best friends from school we took the leap of faith with project abroad and made our way to Nepal in the summer of 2012. One of the... (read more)
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Showing 1 - 10 of 35 Reviews
★★★★☆
“Teaching in Ghana”
Written on: 15/01/2013
Last summer I went on a two month teaching placement in Ghana. It was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life! I was thoroughly prepared by Projects Abroad about my host family and project before I arrived and their help with sorting out a visa was invaluable. Upon my arrival I was given a tour of the local town, had a mobile phone sorted for the rest of my trip and helped to get some cedis (Ghanaian currency). I was shown how to do the journey to my placement... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Worst Company Ever”
Written on: 19/12/2012
I went to teach in Peru with projects abroad in July 2011. When we arrived there was no one to great us and the contact numbers they gave us were un-responded, when they finally arrived to collects us, we received no help to our with lost baggage situation. We were driven to our host family and left with no indication of what would be happening and when we would start work, and again the phone numbers were not in use! I was placed in an all-boys school (which I later found out by a local to... (read more)
★★★★★
“Medical Placements in India”
Written on: 01/12/2012
My Medical placements in India were amazing! Not only did I get a great exposure to medicine, observing surgeries and clinical practice but I also had a great opportunity to experience a totally different culture from the locals and my colleagues from across the world! I've been on two placements with Projects Abroad so far, I'm just trying to find time to go for a third!! Fantastic experiences that I would HIGHLY recommend!! (read more)
★★★★★
“Peru - Taricaya Conservation”
Written on: 28/11/2012 by KimSmith1995 (1 review written)
I chose to do a conservation project in Peru this summer, and it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I made friends from all sorts of other countries, and have remained in close contact with many of them. All of the information I was given prior to leaving England prepared me exactly for what was to follow! The project itself was incredible, from daily jobs such as animal feeding, to camping on turtle beach with 3 close friends. I was able to do things that I never... (read more)
★★★★★
“Sun Sea and Scuba!”
Written on: 28/09/2012 by Calumdd (1 review written)
My first impressions when I arrived at the project was 'whoaw!'. The small rustic paths with sand and the small huts make the experience feel so real. The staff and volunteers at the project on arrival were fantastic. They made you feel welcome from the start. The work was hard going, working in the middday sun made it feel never ending but after a hard days work, you did feel it was worth it. The dive days were out of this world. The dive instructors were fantastic. They made you feel safe... (read more)
Shonamc123's Response to Calumdd's Review
Written on: 17/01/2013
where was this?
Reply to this comment
★★★★☆
“Teaching in India”
Written on: 11/07/2012
When I went to India it was the first time I had been away from my family and friends for such a long period of time, which is part of the reason I chose to go through a volunteer organisation. The second reason was the fact that I had chosen to visit India, a country that I had always thought of as vast and daunting if not hugely intriguing. At 18 years old I had no idea how to organise a teaching placement in such a foreign country and it was the promise of such support that made me choose... (read more)
★★★★★
“Abroad in Ghana”
Written on: 09/07/2012 by liabastos
I spent two weeks in Accra, Ghana with Projects Abroad in the beginning of the year. I was very nervous because it was my first time going to Africa, and all by myself! But it was the best decision I ever made. I worked in a school during my first week, and met the most amazing kids. And it was so special to get near the school and see all those beautiful children running towards you yelling 'madam, madam!' and trying to hold your hand, just trying to be close. Sweetest kids I ever met. The... (read more)
★★★★★
“Medicine in India summer 2011 !”
Written on: 03/05/2012 by ruthlouisesimpson (1 review written)
Last summer I travelled to India on a 2 week special project with Projects abroad. I chose a Medicine project because i have always been extremely interested in Medicine and am hoping to become a doctor in the future. When it came to choosing my destination however, things got a bit more difficult. That was because projects abroad offered so many amazing locations, all of which i have never had the opportunity to travel to before! I settled of the destination of India, and at first i was a... (read more)
★★★☆☆
“Veterinary in India”
Written on: 25/04/2012
I completed a Veterinary placement in India and I whilst it was an incredible and worthwhile experience, it was not thanks to Projects Abroad. At first the placements were very quiet, which isn't their fault, but when we started to experience rudeness from the staff and we were not allowed to help wth anything, we asked to change. They were most reluctant to help, despite having several vets in the area that they paid off. To make matters worse, volunteers on externships for university were... (read more)
Pippajacks's Comment
Written on: 07/04/2013
Hi there, I'm a journalist looking into the overseas volunteering sector and I'd be really interested to chat to you some more about your experience in India. Would you have a minute to email me on pjacks@ttgdigital.com so I can contact you? I'm Pippa and work at TTG Magazine. Many thanks.
Reply to this comment
★★★★☆
“Journalism placement in Ghana”
Written on: 13/04/2012
Projects Abroad were really good in preparing me for my 2 months in Ghana, they provided loads of info on the country, gave me contact numbers in the country, information for my host family, listed what to take with me and gave advice regarding jabs etc. Once I was out there I felt totally safe, and supported by the Projects Abroad team as representatives regularly checked up on me throughout my stay. The community of volunteers meant that it was easy to settle in and make friends, and the... (read more)
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Showing 11 - 20 of 35 Reviews
★★★★★
“Ethiopia, Amazing!”
Written on: 10/02/2012 by jessica1234 (1 review written)
Even though we experienced some heartbreaking sites, this is what made my time in Ethiopia so interesting and enjoyable as i knew somewhere within this amazing country i was helping someone become that wee bit more happy! Without the leaders of projects abroad, our trip to Ethiopia definitely would have been a lot harder as they made it that wee bit easier to get through the day without crying. Also whenever someone was sick or was feeling down, they were always there to help and make us... (read more)
★★★★★
“Learning French in Togo”
Written on: 27/01/2012 by jsbeech (1 review written)
After undertaking a month with the Projects Abroad Human Rights Office in Accra, I decided to explore Ghana’s next door neighbour Togo and embark on a four week intensive French language course in Lomé. Bright and early at 7:00 am I was greeted at the Accra Office of Projects Abroad by the beaming smile of Sam, one of the staff members of the Togo office, who from there guided me on a three hour bus ride to the Togolese border. After being issued with a visa by the immigration office, I... (read more)
★★★★★
“Photography in Romania - 2 week special”
Written on: 21/01/2012 by Lisaanneb (1 review written)
In July 2010, I traveled to Romania with Project's Abroad to furter my hobby in Photography. The two week special was a fantastic way to experience a new culure, volunteer abroad and further hobbies; being independant. This was the first time I'd been abroad without family or friends so was a daunting process but Project's Abroad made the whole experience amazing; met new friends, a new culture and got to develop my confidence and personal skills which will then help me in later life.... (read more)
★★★★★
“Law Placement in Shanghai, China”
Written on: 19/01/2012 by kochacze (1 review written)
In July 2011 I went to China for one month to volunteer in Law company in Shanghai. Honestly, I can say that it was the best month of my life. I had no clue what to expect, nevertheless it appeared to be much much fun. I lived on the 14th floor in really big flat with two bathrooms and an amazing view. My first day at work was great- I have met all my workmates and my boss- William. Without a doubt he was an amazing boss,because he took care of me and he did everything to make me feel like... (read more)
★★★★★
“Medicine in Jamaica”
Written on: 13/01/2012
If I was to sum up my experience in Jamaica with Projects Abroad in one word it would simply be WOW! After not getting through my interviews to study graduate medicine first time, I decided to apply again but needed something special for my applications, so I thought what better way than to go and get some experience abroad. So, after a search through a few volunteering websites, I decided on Projects Abroad, as they seemed to offer the best medical-based opportunities. It may seem fairly... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Projects Abroad Jamaica - Child Care”
Written on: 12/01/2012
I spent two months in Mandeville at a Children's home in Mandeville. I was really excited to work with children, the greater was my disappointment when I realized what work was gonna be like! The staff members at the placement (except one of them) were not interested in working togehter with the volunteers. One lady was very agressive and yelled at volunteers for a lot of things no one ever told us not to do. There was no structure at all but that was not the problem, all of us had a very... (read more)
Gregthomson's Comment
Written on: 19/01/2012
At Projects Abroad we take complaints about our placements very seriously and I am very concerned to read about this incident of abuse you refer to in your post. We have very good relationships with our partner placements and we always vet all our placements thoroughly before sending volunteers to work at them.
However if there is a rouge member of staff at a particular orphanage allegedly abusing children we will thoroughly investigate this and if proven to be true we will without hesitation report the offending person to the relevant authorities.
We place our volunteers in orphanages that really need them. Sometimes the environment is difficult to work in but although it can be difficult, the love, attention and education that our volunteers give the children is vital for their development. Saying that, we will never condone violence towards children or our volunteers and if your claims are proven to be correct we will stop working with the children’s home.
So we can properly act on your complaints can you please write to me directly telling me the name of the centre you worked at, the name of the staff member at the centre you believe was abusing children, and more details about the cases of alleged abuse. If you write to me directly, as Head of Operations for Projects Abroad, I will ensure I deal with this personally. Please email me at gregthomson@projects-abroad.co.uk
Thank you.
Greg Thomson
Operations Director
Projects Abroad
Reply to this comment
★★★★★
“Ghanaian Medical Volunteer with Projects Abroad, (3...”
Written on: 14/09/2011 by HarrietGeorgina (1 review written)
I have recently returned from a 3 month adventure volunteering in Cape Coast, Ghana, through Projects Abroad and can honestly say that I loved every second of it! From the very beginning Projects Abroad were there to support me through every step of the application process and trip preparation and once I reached my destination nothing changed, Projects Abroad had their very own specialised team working in Cape Coast to guide me through daily life and be there in the background to step up and... (read more)
★★★☆☆
“Think before booking ”
Written on: 27/06/2011 by ruthbreznay (1 review written)
I would advise everybody considering to volunteer with Projects Abroad not to book more than one month in advance, as you will NOT GET ANY REFUND if you return early. I paid for 8 weeks in Mongolia but left after 3 weeks, as I felt very lonely and isolated, but I didn't get any money back. I felt a bit like on a conveyor belt rushed through their system,although they did try and accommodate my needs. I wouldn't do it again. It's very expensive and i could have done a three week trip through... (read more)
★★★★☆
“Without Projects Abroad, I do not think that I would...”
Written on: 17/05/2011 by ChelseaH1 (1 review written)
Without Projects Abroad, I do not think that I would have been able to have such a successful trip to Morocco. Sure, I could have planned my own trip, but I would not have been able to locate a family in the beautiful old part of Rabat, the nation's capital, on my own, and I would not have been able to find such a qualified French tutor without their assistance either. Furthermore, being part of Projects Abroad gave me the opportunity to network with other ex-pats during our weekly... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“I am very disappointed with this organization. ”
Written on: 12/05/2011
I am very disappointed with this organization.
This is definitely no value for money. It is extremely expensive, considering the fact that there are similar programmes who charge way less money, like Youth in Action (which even is free) of the EU, or United Nations volunteer, or SCI long-term volunteering.
I was shocked about the fact how little of the money actually went to the hosting organization and family abroad. Not surprising though, since this is a profit company with many offices...
(read more)
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Showing 21 - 30 of 35 Reviews
★★★★★
“I volunteered in Thailand with Projects Abroad for 3...”
Written on: 15/02/2011
I volunteered in Thailand with Projects Abroad for 3 months from January to April, 2008... I had an amazing time. Everything that I wanted to know before I went away was described clearly, making things much easier and less stressful. I was really well looked after by both the staff and especially my host family; trips were organised at the weekends and advice was given on the best places to visit. Everyone was very helpful and I made some great friends. I did a care project working in a... (read more)
★★★★★
“I recommended this company!”
Written on: 08/02/2011 by nishma2006 (1 review written)
I recommended this company! (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“I spent 1 month in Argentina with Projects Abroad and...”
Written on: 23/12/2010
I spent 1 month in Argentina with Projects Abroad and it was awful. I was there approaching Christmas trying to do a teaching project. Turns out it is the Summer Holidays so no kids turned up. The care project is also interrupted as is the sports project. This was known before I arrived yet I wasn't informed. Also Argentina is a country for under 21's - not older people. Lots of parties and little project work. Staff are often unhelpful and it is badly organised. They suggest that you travel... (read more)
★★★★☆
“i spent 3 months in Senegal with projects abroad and...”
Written on: 20/04/2010
i spent 3 months in Senegal with projects abroad and really enjoyed my time there. the staff are really helpful and make sure you have all the information you need before you leave and then go and pick you up at the airport, introduce you to your host family and other volunteers and give you an induction of the city on your second day, and show you where your work place is. They are also on call 24/7 if you have any problems. They organised weekely quizes, meals and weekend trips to places... (read more)
★★★★★
“Volunteering in Sri lanka with Projects Abroad in a...”
Written on: 29/10/2009
Volunteering in Sri lanka with Projects Abroad in a local hospital was great. I learned a lot and observed a lot of surgeries. I was able to help the needy. Living with a host family exposes into the culture of the country. Weekend trips were also great to explore beautiful sights of Sri Lanka. Staff was helpful and approachable whenever I needed something. (read more)
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Pippajacks's Comment
Written on: 07/04/2013
Hi there, I'm a journalist looking into the overseas volunteering sector and I'd be really interested to chat to you some more about your experience in Peru. Would you have a minute to email me on pjacks@ttgdigital.com so I can contact you? I'm Pippa and work at TTG Magazine. Many thanks.