Volunteer Logs
Check out our Volunteer Blog at blog.goeco.org to read experiences
written by GoEco volunteers from all over the world!
Volunteer in Israel
Volunteer Israel - Ecological & humanitarian Projects
Check out our Volunteer Blog at blog.goeco.org to read experiences written by GoEco volunteers from all over the world!
I went to Nepal to teach English at a Buddhist school in Pharping. The project was well-run, and even though there were not many teachers attending the classes, they told myself and the other volunteers that we could teach whatever we wanted, (we didn't have to follow any program or curriculum.) They said that anything that we did will help the kids with the language and that's what we tried to do - make it interesting and useful at the same time.
The school has a very nice library with many books and materials that helped in our classes our classes. At first I was thinking to do some teaching at the public school as well, but I liked the monastery too much and I spent all my time there. We ended helping with many of the other classes as there was a lack of teachers in many other subjects too. I would definitely recommend it to others.
For me it was a once in a life time experience. The difficulties I met In Nepal were more from cultural shock and the quite harsh impressions that the extreme poverty has made on me. In this respect it was nice that from the the very first day I had an organized language/cultural immersion course with a very sweet girl (who was also my guide for the first few days) so I had some company when I most needed it. What I liked most it was probably the whole atmosphere at the monastery, with all the boys that accepted us. The people there are so pure and genuine in their relationships, it is something we could learn from them too.
Volunteer in Nepal - Teaching in Buddhist Monasteries
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written by GoEco volunteers from all over the world!
I really enjoyed the stay in Nazareth. The people at the Fauzi Azar Inn - the other volunteers, staff, Maoz, Suraida, the guests - were lovely. I felt like home just a few days after arriving. Also, Nazareth is a beautiful city with very nice and open-minded people.
Karen - Germany, GoEco Volunteer, 2010
It was a great time for me to work in Fauzi Azar Inn.I have opportunity and time to visit interesting places in Israeland also I could experience Israel from the "backdoor".
Janek - Poland, GoEco Volunteer, 2010
My trip can be summed up in 3 dimensions that met on the same experience: visiting of the county of Israel, getting to know the culture differences and meeting people.
My volunteering was a good opportunity to visit deeply the Galilee Region as it is really easy to go somewhere with the bus in Israel and of course have a deep insight in the city of Nazareth. Moreover, I have been able to take days off to go to different places in Israel (Dead Sea, Jerusalem,...) and see how diverse the country was. This experience has enabled me to travel in a really easy and convenient way. If I should give a piece of advice, volunteers should keep some days at the end of their stay to travel around as it takes a lot of time to see all the spots of high interest. This proves how rich, interesting and beautiful the region is.
My experience was also about getting to know the cultural differences better. Indeed, Israel is full of people from different religions and different cultural backgrounds. This volunteering has enabled me to understand the cultural diversity of Israel. I have been able to talk to different people thanks to my stay in the Fauzi and try to understand what Israel is made of. Even if I came back with many uncertainties about the country, I know more and better about the people composing this puzzling region. Moreover, Nazareth is an Arabic city. You can then experience a different side of Israel that is off the beaten track. Indeed, the media often induce us to believe that Israel is only Jewish and the occupied territories are only Arabic. Nazareth proves the media wrong and makes you experience how much Israel is more complex than just 2 territories fighting.
Finally, my experience was also about meeting people. First, I met local people. Secondly, I met other international volunteers and tourists. I can say now that some have become friends. I met new people every day which is also a highlight of my trip. I tend to think that the people you meet on a trip are what make it unforgettable
To put it in a nutshell, I would say that this month and a half in Israel has been really fulfilling. It has also been a great opportunity to change my prejudice about the country and discover a land I want to go back to.
Thomas - France, GoEco Volunteer, 2009
David Foskett -Biblical Zoo Volunteer
Volunteering at the zoo has enabled me to come into contact with so many different animals, many of which I am fascinated by. Additionally my observations of the zoo as a neutral place where all Jerusalemites can come and visit has made me feel proud to have worked in such an environment where discrimination is non-existent.
My experience has been safe, enlightening, and very enjoyable.
Check out our Volunteer Blog at blog.goeco.org to read experiences
written by GoEco volunteers from all over the world!
Israel - Desert Eco Lodge Volunteer Testimonials
Laura Barlow, volunteering with Bedouin youth video - June 2010
Liz Texeira - Volunteer Experience February 2010.
This is how scary movies start. That was my first thought upon arriving at the Desert Shade Eco Lodge on that cold, black night in early February. We seemed to be in the middle of nowhere, Ziv, our program manager, was monosyllabic after a long day of driving and meetings, and when we went into our combined room with approximately 25V lighting, things looked dark. I had no idea that the next three weeks would challenge me physically, intellectually, and emotionally comfortable and cozy., or that I would leave with a sense of contentment; feeling a deep connection to the desert, the Spectors, and Israel itself.
We started doling out blankets-they weren't kidding when they said it gets cold in the desert-and I had a moment to look around. Our mud hut reminded me strongly of a tent with its sloping walls, open doorways, and feeling of semi-permanence, but it also had a glorious shower filled with hot water, a kitchenette, and a bathroom ensuite, making it decidedly more comfortable and cozy. Burrowed in sleeping bags and warmed by little space heaters I fell into an incredibly deep sleep, one that I will forever associate with the silence of the desert. The next morning we woke up and stepped out of our chadrologue to one of the most glorious panoramas I have ever seen. The Desert Shade Eco Lodge overlooks Ramon Crater, the world's largest crater created by erosion processes, and it is truly spectacular. The sunrises were magnificent and blinding masterpieces that seemed to take over the sky, (A site that three weeks later would still take my breath away as I turned to take a last photo the morning of my departure).
As we settled in for our orientation meeting with Ziv, our leader and a sort of seen-it-all-done-it-all version of Crocodile Dundee, Israeli style, we met his lovely family. Beautiful Maya, an Amazon Queen of the Negev, and someone I would eventually come to think of as my family away from home. Filled with blunt opinions, but always kind words and armed with a carrot cake recipe that made even children ask for the vegetable flavored concoction Maya was a font of information about life in the desert, at the Lodge, and in Israel and our conversations would oftentimes last long into the night. Their adorable daughter Omer (age 3) was singlehandedly teaching me the few words of Hebrew that I would remember long after I left the Negev. They lived on the premises in a desert bungalow and would oftentimes invite us over for tea and delicious dinners. Ziv explained that when we weren't eating with the Spector's we would have our very own kitchen at our disposal and a supermarket in the town of Mitzpe Ramon, a ten minute walk away. Despite numerous failed attempts at culinary basics (including one memorable afternoon in which I had smoke billowing out of the small kitchen's windows after setting a pan full of olive oil on fire) I feel proud to have mastered a few basic dishes, mainly through helping out at the Lodge's Friday dinners! In addition to the local supermarket there was a bank, a little clothing store, a few restaurants (including a shawarma stand), a Western Union office, a weekly fruit and vegetable market and a 24/7 gas station with attached convenience store (the only thing open in town on Shabbat).
Once we had the basics covered, food and lodging, we learned about some of the tasks that we would be doing to help out at the Lodge. Ranging from administrative work to physical labor our tasks ran the gamut and sure enough, over the next three weeks my tasks alternated from the mundane (dishes, dishes, and more dishes) to the gross (cleaning bathrooms) to the backbreaking (moving wheelbarrows of clay) to the intellectually stimulating (helping develop tourism materials and a website) to downright fun (playing games with Bedouin youth). One of the most meaningful days I had at the Lodge was the day that Ziv invited me to come along and work the Bedouin as part of the Desert Generation program, a social start-up for cross cultural youth dialogue. Here I played with Bedouin children and learned about a lifestyle completely different than my own- yet realized through our language-complicated discussions, that people are people wherever they are and everyone has hope for the future. I spent a lot of my time working in some capacity at the restaurant they had at the Lodge, from kitchen prep work (learning how to cook my own bread!) to setting up the guest dining room, to waitressing and then finally as part of the clean up team. I also spent a few days working on the Desert Shade Groups organic wine vineyard where in between meditative sessions with my grape shears and during water breaks I began to learn about the nuances of wine production.
Whatever my daily tasks, I never doubted for a second that the work I was doing directly benefited the Desert Shade Eco Lodge. There is something viscerally satisfying in volunteering with a small business, you know that everything you do makes daily life easier, and working within a desert lifestyle, a difficult lifestyle, the work is that much more satisfying. Being in the Negev, and having the opportunity to completely immerse myself in the culture of the desert with the support of the Spectors, was an experience that made my time in Israel. Physically demanding at times, intellectually satisfying at others, my time at the Desert Shade Eco Lodge is something that I will never forget and always appreciate.
Check out our Volunteer Blog at blog.goeco.org to read experiences
written by GoEco volunteers from all over the world!
South Africa - Orphaned Children program volunteer experience by Viv Malone 2010
I can honestly say that I loved being a part of this fabulous project which is why i have returned 4 times since for 3 months at a time. I have become part of the family and made a really good friend, Ellanie.
What did you do? At the school I did a number of things depending on my confidence and what needed doing at the time. Ellanie (the program manager) usually likes to know what you like doing and whether you have any particular skills. As I work with small children I helped out with the pre school children. I conducted singing lessons with them, read them stories and generally just played. In the other classrooms I helped mark the children's books, assist the teachers with what they are doing. The children love having new people at the school and are very affectionate with you. The teachers too are great,they are so grateful of all the help they get .A Monday morning assembly is the best. All the school (children 2 - 12) come together in the hall and sing. Its fantastic because they get so carried away and dance as well.
How was the lodging? The farm in which you stay is about 40 minutes drive away from the school and you drive in the morning with Ellanie herself at about 7am and return about 3pm. You stay in an apartment where there is a TV and DVD player. Ellanie has just recently got married and is in the process of renovating a big house for the volunteers which is opposite the house they are going to live in on a new farm. I have been there on lots of occasions and its really big. There are showers as well as baths so its very musch like a home away from home. All the food is provided by Ellanie. You help yourself to breakfast and lunch at the school. This can be anything from cereal, toast, fruit, sandwiches, soup or noodles. Then the evening meal is prepared at home and bought over to the house. On Sundays you prepare your own food at home or eat out if you are on an excursion.
What about free time? At the weekends and sometimes during the week you can go various excursions. These include the Kruger National Park where you can camp or stay in a chalet. Whilst there you can go on night drives etc. Tskudu is a private game reserve where you can stroke cheetahs and maybe walk with a lion cub. This is my favourite place because you can get so close to the animals. The 3 cheetahs completely fend for themselves but go back to camp for some company at times. The panorama tour is where you drive to the most amazing views, Blyde river canyon, potholes and many more.I like this tour because the views are in the tourist books you buy when visiting South Africa. The Eiland is a holiday resort about 15 minutes from the farm. It has outdoor swimming pools,entertainment,shop and restaurant. A lovely way of relaxing on a Sunday afternoon.
The project has become a very big part of my life and i try my best to raise funds for the children over here. Ellanie is a great person with an amazing passion. She loves what she does so much and takes great care of all the people who visit. She welcomes them into her home and treats them like family.Nothing is ever too difficult for her.
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written by GoEco volunteers from all over the world!
The story of a Kibbutz Lotan Go-Eco Volunteer Family
My wife Amy (40) and I Arron (43) made a decision to pull our family out of the day-to-day suburban world in Australia and venture on 5 month world trip. We wanted an experience that would expose our family of 5 to new cultures, languages, foods and most importantly different ways in which other families and societies co-exist in a less consumption-oriented way.
But was this possible? One month at Kibbutz Lotan in the Arava Desert in Israel ticked all the boxes and - as we were to discover - many more. Firstly we requested time away from school for our daughters 9 and 5. The school was very accommodating and recommended home schooling text books. Our plan was to home school an hour a day focusing on areas that we felt the kids needed to improve. Our goal was to have the kids remain or even advance their overall academic status on return. We rented out our house, requested leave without pay from our jobs and packed our bags. Once we decided to do it, it is was easy and nearly everyone around us commented about how jealous they were: we were taking control of our own lives.
What is this place? Kibbutz Lotan is a special place 40km north of Eilat bordering the magnificent Jordan mountains. Approximately 1.5 km long and 1 km wide it is a working Kibbutz that produces milk, dates, goat yogurt and cheeses. It's 50 members work and live towards a vision of "Jewish Renewal; Equality; Economic Cooperation; Community and Repairing the world". Kibbutz Lotan operates as a team with its members, long-term volunteers and short-term Go-Eco Volunteers (paying student/workers). There are also a group of paying 'Green Apprenticeship' students studying various aspects of permaculture who also work part of the time. Ultimately all these groups work, eat and play together as part of one community.
Family volunteering? Quickly our days on Lotan fell into a pattern. It gets hot in the desert so the working day starts early. One parent would rise early and start work. The rest of the family would soon follow. Work duties varied and were carefully selected so as to be child safe and friendly. On different days we might construct mud walls and houses, compost or harvest in the organic garden, or paint the children's eco-playground. Work finished late morning, which was when we did some schooling before lunch. The afternoons were filled with walks, reading books, playing and swimming in the beautiful shaded pool. Twice a week we were invited to lectures on the principles of 'Permaculture' or 'Sustainable Agriculture'.
What about free time? There really is something for everyone in the family here. We were all astounded by the free time created by having three healthy meals a day provided in the communal dining room. It was also a great social outlet. Not having to buy or prepare food left us more time to play with the kids, and watch and help our 11 month old crawl and talk. I loved the work and lectures, and the kids picked up more knowledge than we would have expected. I'll be composting everything when I return and putting in a solar oven; honest the food tastes better. The kids loved all the games in Hebrew with their new friends. As Lotan is an enclosed area with virtually no cars, kids on their bikes run this place. Amy enjoyed spending time to understand life on a kibbutz through conversations with members and volunteers. Hanging with the 20's set was great fun. The entire experience is a good change from the school drop off/corporate slog/rushed meal/bed routine.
What did you do on the weekends? On weekends when we weren't playing in the sand dunes or hiking up to mountain outlooks, we would catch a bus South to Eilat to do some snorkelling in the Red Sea. This was the only time we used cash in the whole month. Consider that when looking at the charges as it will include all food, all activities and all learning experiences. All in all a great experience where we felt like part of the community. We did it easily with a 1, 5 and 9 year old and discovered many simple ways of living without wasting resources and precious time. It has helped us prioritize what's really important.
See related video:
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Australia - Conservation Volunteer Experiences
I loved playing cards at night, kangaroo and possum searches, darts tournaments with locals, good food, learning some Korean from fellow volunteers, seeing aboriginal paintings... oh yeah, getting muddy too! I'm now a pro puller of black willows - weeds!" Emily, Nottingham
I spent 2 weeks in Guyra helping with tree planting and wildlife survey projects - really good team and team leader - had a brilliant laugh! Then spent a week on beach restoration at Waigete - beautiful area and a picnic lunch on the beach every day! It's a good way to see unusual parts of Oz and make a difference while you're there." Steve, Liverpool
I loved the satisfaction of helping to build something - a stile and a boardwalk - that is going to be used by people many times over... it gives the opportunity to get off the backpacker trail and see remote places."
Linda, Bath
One project involved working with local school children to plant trees, and being involved in environmental education activities - fun and rewarding. It was also great to see parts of the surrounding area - beautiful - and have a barbecue at Lake Eacham!" Helen, London
it was great - building fences around rain forest near Malanda, north Queensland, to protect tree kangaroo habitat - wonderful animals, and we met some lovely local people who made us feel so welcome. Excellent fun, great way to meet people and see parts of Australia you wouldn't otherwise, and to top it all, it is very beneficial to the environment!"
Chris, Edinburgh
Check out these related videos
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written by GoEco volunteers about their experiences in Costa Rica and elsewhere!
Here's an excerpt of Bailey's experience:
"Our mornings were spent clearing the beach of drift wood to make the turtles’ journey on to the beach to lay eggs easier and our nights were spent wandering the beach in search of turtles and/or egg poachers. Costa Rican afternoons are much too hot for physical labour, so this allowed for relaxation and travel. Overall, it was an absolutely crazy and unforgettable experience!"
Read the rest of her story, and others, on the GoEco blog!
"I spent 6 weeks at Camaronal Wildlife Refuge, and enjoyed every minute of it! It was the most rewarding experience and I have made some long lasting friendships, despite only getting to know people for such a short time. The rangers were helpful and friendly, which made the time there all the more enjoyable.... Camaronal was a fantastic experience and I look forward to returning one day in the near future! Pura Vida and Yay Costa Rica! :)" - Alice, GoEco Volunteer 2011, New Zealand
For More Information visit the blog of Margy, another GoEco volunteer: http://margysaur.wordpress.com/2010/11/07/turtle-power/
"My volunteer trip to Costa Rica has been great. I am well adjusted to the climate in Costa Rica now and really enjoy the experience of living on the Camoranal turtle reserve. I have seen hundreds of little turtle eggs and have learned a lot more about their species and ways of preserving them. The reserve is very peaceful and the view of the mountains is amazing." - Jonathan GoEco Volunteer 2011, United States
"I absolutely loved going on this project, I would have stayed for longer if I didn't have to go home. It was so different being able to work with people from around the world and so many different animals that I never thought I would be able to handle or really do anything with." - Mara, June 2011
"It was one of the most important, life-changing experiences I have ever had." - Cindy, April 2011
"Costa Rica is the farthest south I have traveled and was the first time being there. I enjoyed the culture I experienced. I enjoy meeting new people. I felt we were making a contribution without greatly disturbing the natural balance of the circle of life. Human interference is a big problem when it comes to poaching, so I feel we as conservationists should be allowed to interfere just as much in order to correct our fellow man."- Nicholas, February 2011
"I spent 6 weeks at the Costa Rica Sea Turtle project, and enjoyed every minute of it! It was the most rewarding experience and have made some long lasting friendships, despite only getting to know people for such a short time :) The rangers were helpful and friendly, which made the time there all the more enjoyable." -Sherry, December 2010
Check out our Volunteer Blog at blog.goeco.org to read an experience written by a GoEco volunteer who worked at the Panda center!
"Working very closely with the panda's and learning information from the keepers about the panda's life and how difficult it is for them to breed and have babies was the best part of the project. The best moment was when we found out one of the 3 panda's I'd been working closely with was pregnant. "- Ceri, GoEco Volunteer 2010, UK
Check out our Volunteer Blog at blog.goeco.org to read experiences
written by GoEco volunteers from all over the world!
A day in the life of a volunteer
Our arrival at the Lion Park commenced the best two weeks of our lives. The staff let each of the volunteers become familiar with the routine at their own pace, and they led by example rather than assigning tasks without supervision. Their patience and genuine love for the animals inspired the volunteers to become a part of their world and touched us on a very personal level. They quietly and quickly assessed each of our strengths and preferences and put us to work in a capacity that took these into account, resulting in happy, more productive volunteers.
Each day we woke up to a beautiful sunrise and a walk through the zebra-and-ostrich-filled tent camp to the kitchen and a quick community breakfast. Then to work. To my wife's delight there were several days-old lion cubs in the nursery requiring constant attention from the staff and volunteers. Each morning she helped prepare their formula. My job was to cut meat for the older cubs, rake the public area, and clean the enclosures of the older animals. This provided me with a level of contact with the animals that I had never envisioned. When our other duties were complete, we could usually be found acting as human shields between the young lions practicing their hunting skills and an unsuspecting public. We left a lot of our blood on African soil...and loved every minute of it.
(written by a past volunteer)
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My trip to the Rehabilitation Centre was incredible. Since this was the first time I was traveling abroad alone, this was the perfect trip for me. The volunteer program is very well established and the coordinators are very welcoming and accommodating.
Daily duties start early in the morning with the cleaning of enclosures and feeding of the animals. A delicious breakfast is then served at a nearby lodge- just a short bushwalk away. Afterwards, more cleaning takes place. In the afternoon, there is typically a break where volunteers may spend time with the animals, relax, or go on various scheduled trips to nearby attractions. Volunteers typically feed their assigned animals later on during afternoon rounds. In the evening, volunteers go to dinner at the same lodge as breakfast and relax in the common room afterwards.
Nothing is certain from day to day. I had the opportunity to go on a "hippo run" to feed the wild animals on the property, take a baby black rhino for a walk, watch a pack of wild dogs feed, bury one of the centers beloved lions, see the rare "king cheetah," and much more. Friends of mine who stayed at the center for a longer period of time also had the opportunity to help capture a wild leopard, cut up a donated elephant carcass, and sleep under the stars with wild animals nearby.
It was the trip of a lifetime! If you can, go for at least a month!!! It is completely worth it- you will see and learn so much!
-Jessica T., GoEco Volunteer in South Africa, 2010
Check out our Volunteer Blog at blog.goeco.org to read Shimon's
incredible experience with the lions!
"Volunteering at the park has been one of the best experiences of my life, which is why I've returned so often! Not only is it incredibly interesting to learn how to care for the animals and their behaviour, but also lions and tigers give the best hugs! Every day is enjoyable and you can't help falling in love with each and every cub. I have also been blessed to work with such lovely staff and fellow volunteers; I have made friends for life. I simply cannot wait to get back out to the park."
Chloe, United Kingdom, Past Tiger and Lion Park Volunteer
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written by GoEco volunteers from all over the world!
"From my first day the gallery staff, and the people of Umm-el Fahem, in general, have made me feel very welcome - there is a real family atmosphere there and I have had the pleasure to meet some truly inspirational people. The thing I value most about the gallery is how open they are to new ideas and how they support every project I'm involved with. The main thing is my Special Ed art classes. They let me put together a programme from scratch to invite 4 local special-education schools to attend my classes at the gallery and they are really pushing for funding so that they can get a qualified teacher to carry it on when I leave. I am so proud of this." - Anne, United Kingdom, GoEco Volunteer
Check out our Volunteer Blog at blog.goeco.org to read an experience
written by a GoEco volunteer from the animal reserve!
"I had the most amazing time on this placement. I could never have asked for friendlier more easy going people to work with, and they made me feel welcome from the moment that I started there. Staying on the nature reserve was beautiful and waking up every morning to the most beautiful views never got boring and I was so envious of the people who live there.
Working with animals that I have only ever seen on telly was fascinating. I will take so much from this experience, I took part in a range of different activities from cleaning and feeding the animals to more hands on activities such as washing Birds of prey (that had ben injured) then getting them rehabilitated to the wild. I also improved and helped design some enclosures. This experience was all I could have asked for. "
Philipa- UK, 2011
"Working next to the animals every day... seeing that each one of them had an individual personality was breathtaking. The leopards were fierce, sleek and playful, the wolves invincible and totally dependent on each other all at once, and the tortoises - they will never finish last in my mind."
Lena - Australia, 2010
"I chose the wildlife preserve project because it was something different. I have been to Israel many times before and the last thing I wanted was a beech holiday, I wanted to experience the real and unique part of Israel. The project was indeed an incredible and unique experience. The people at the preserve made me and my fellow volunteers feel so welcomed. They treated us as one of their own (colleagues) and that was very important to me. Because I study architecture, they had me designing and building the new cat sanctuaries which was a great honor and experience for me. I felt that the work I was doing was actually contributing to the preserve. I really did have an amazing 3 weeks, so much so that I stayed on for an extra few days before my flight home. If I have the opportunity I would love to go back to Yotvata".
Jodie - USA, 2009
"Being in this terrific place in the desert, far away from the city, doing physical work together with other people, sharing experiences, doing things I have never done before in my life, the smiling and open faces of the staff of the reserve- they were always open for our questions, gave us many opportunities to get to know new things, explained how they live in the desert and about the animals etc. - they were great personalities and always ready to show us what they do and participate in it!. And my favorite activity was cutting the meat! It was also nice to help in the kitchen preparing food for animals and the other volunteers, cleaning cages and feeding, seeing the open area, cleaning the places in and around hai bar- this was very nice! It was also great that we could enter the other sites in Israel of the Natural Reserves (En Gedi, Coral Reef etc.) for free- this made us really feel a part of the whole and we were proud to be volunteers!"
Agnieszka - Poland, 2009
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written by GoEco volunteers from all over the world!
"I had the opportunity to do this amazing project and have no regrets, only sadness that it had to end. I will be going back in the future...hopefully with new volunteers!
Waking up every morning to catch the sunrise as we walked along side of lions was just surreal! Helping to prepare the meat, although not very pleasant, was rewarding in the end - being able to witness a pride of male lions bolt from their enclosure to get to that meat, to hear their growls and see them defend their food like in the wild was purely mesmerizing! Walking along side the elephants in the open fields was just as amazing!
Even a non nature enthusiast would fall in love with Zimbabwe and it's gorgeous landscapes it has to offer - unspoiled by mass human habitation and it serene wilderness. Truly Africa!!!" - Fern, GoEco Volunteer, 2010
Check out our Volunteer Blog at blog.goeco.org to read experiences
written by GoEco volunteers from all over the world!
"The community looked after us extremely well and we were there just for 2 weeks. Somebody pointed out to us that just our presence as westerners can have a big impact in the community and increase the credibility of the hospital. I would never have thought of this." - Sharon, GoEco Volunteer, 2010, Canada
Check out a great post by Dagmar about volunteering at the eco-lodge on our Volunteer Blog at blog.goeco.org, there are also some amazing pictures!
Check out our Volunteer Blog at blog.goeco.org to read experiences
written by GoEco volunteers from all over the world!
"I worked in the orphanage and a school where I had great experiences. I only wish I had more time there. The center is a place that becomes home."- Michelle, USA, GoEco Goa Volunteer 2011
"The food was delicious, and the accommodation was lovely. Everything went perfectly smoothly. Every morning at around 7:30 after breakfast we went to the orphanage to play with children, many of whom were disabled. I also traveled to different beaches around Goa on weekends." - Sally, UK, GoEco Goa Volunteer, 2011
Check out our Volunteer Blog at blog.goeco.org to read experiences
written by GoEco volunteers from all over the world!
"My favorite part of the project was meeting the Israelis who live in the village, the yummy vegan food, working with the mud, and living in the desert." Sarah, USA, GoEco Tzukim Volunteer 2011
"I absolutely loved the project. I wish I could have stayed longer ... The people that I worked with were amazing, and RInat and Yair, who run the project, are amazingly funny, warm and wonderful people. I want to go back." Kyra, USA, GoEco Tzukim Volunteer, 2011
"I enjoyed everything about it. The work, the scenery and the people were wonderful." Harry, USA, GoEco Tzukim Volunteer, 2011
Check out our Volunteer Blog at blog.goeco.org to read experiences
written by GoEco volunteers from all over the world!
"Our visit to Desert-Days in Tzukim was an absolute highlight of our travels. (An “11” on a scale from 1-10) My family is on an eight month tour and our days with Rinat, the owner, and her family were easily some of the very best! This is an amazing place full of beauty, tranquility, spirit and love. It is “off the beaten” track and a hidden destination that most people don’t know about. At the same time, it is less than five minutes off the main road that goes from Jerusalem to Eilat so it is extremely convenient to stay here for a night or two while traveling between the north and south of Israel.
Rinat is incredibly welcoming and she will help you create the kind of stay that works best for you. A one or two night visit to enjoy the stars and chance to stay in a mud hut (which is actually nicer than most of the hotels we stayed in) and enjoy hikes and your own private fire pit is very easy to do. Visiting with a group of friends or for a conference would be fun, too. There was actually a yoga group arriving the day we left. You can bring your own food or she will cook for you. Her cooking is fresh, delicious and plentiful and I highly, highly recommend it!
In our case, we went there to make a mud hut. It was so much fun and we learned so much about land, earth and the building process. We felt such satisfaction for completing our project and our kids were beaming. Working with mud is totally different than anything else and, combined with the beauty of Tzukim and kindness of Rinat and her family, we felt we had an absolutely unique experience and one that you can’t find just anywhere. Our kids (3, 8 and 10) thoroughly loved it (understatement!) as did my husband and I. We can’t wait to return for a visit. " - Liz Pola, GoEco Volunteer 2011, USA
Check out our Volunteer Blog at blog.goeco.org to read a great experience complete with pictures written by Lindsey, a GoEco volunteer who went to Sagol.
"My experience at Sagol was a very good one. I was there for two weeks. I learned so many amazing things while I was there. Most importantly, I learned how to construct mud structures. What I enjoyed most about being at Sagol, is the spirit of community that everyone shares. We all ate together and worked together. Everyone tries to support one another. I felt very welcomed and valued the whole time I was there."- Nicholas Breznick, GoEco Volunteer, 2011
Check out our Volunteer Blog at blog.goeco.org to read experiences
written by GoEco volunteers from all over the world!
"This program is a real conservation and community program. Both targets equally reached. You help identifying the cats, tracking them, counting the other animals... you're fully involved in all steps and you come very close to the cats. So many exciting moments! You share your experience and culture with the Masai students and spend some time with the women's goup. You are fully immersed in the mara and its bush life. You are reminded of how valuable water is. You get back to your roots, living in complete harmony with nature. An experience I will keep in my heart forever.. and I hope to be able to come back very soon." - Sonia Rehm, France, Volunteer October 2010
"This project is amazing. I loved how it was diverse, with conservation work, teaching young children and also students around my age, and the opportunity to see outreach work. There was still a good balance and we were not stretched too thin across these different activities. I have learned so much about wildlife and the struggles that accompany conservation in the Maasai Mara ecosystem, and so much about Maasai culture and their way of life. Especially important is the interest I’ve developed for these topics. And, of course, the friendships made are extremely rewarding and valuable to me." - Kyla Tempest, Canadian, Volunteer July 2010
It was really special to be able to see lions that haven't been exposed to much human contact and to be able to help photograph and identify the individuals in the prides was very rewarding. It was also special to be able to visit the local Masai primary school and promote the wildlife and conservation efforts hopefully will make a real difference in the future of the Masai Mara. - Carla Young, Australia, Volunteer June 2011
Check out our Volunteer Blog at blog.goeco.org to read experiences
written by GoEco volunteers from all over the world!
Living at the Volunteer House in Buenos Aires was the best way to start my travelling experience in South America. This student residence not only gives you a bunch of new friends to share your experiences with, but it also houses you in one of the most ideal locations in Buenos Aires. As for the staff at R2A, they couldn't have been more helpful setting me up with my placements as well as regular social events, be it pizza and drinks on the roof or a city tour. I worked 2 days a week at a private school assisting the English teachers, and 3 days volunteering in the slums of BA. Being about to take part in both these placements meant each week I had the most incredible, contrasting experiences which I shall never forget.
Vanessa Lea - Teaching English & Volunteering, 2010
Coming to Buenos Aires to volunteer was one of the better decisions of my life. I had never really lived away from home, at least not in a foreign country and to be honest I was scared about going to Argentina on my own. But when I was transported from the airport in a taxi designated for me, greeted at the Road House with a prompt tour of the residence, and quickly shown the ropes by my roommates I knew that I was in pretty good hands. I would recommend staying at the student residence because it gave me the chance to meet and build lasting friendships with so many lovely people who I would not have had the chance to meet had I not decided to take on this experience. Buenos Aires is a big city with a lot to do, and volunteering gave me the best opportunity to work hard and play hard too. I had the opportunity to work at an NGO and take care of a group of two-year-olds. I worked and stayed in Buenos Aires for 8 weeks, but have memories that will last a lifetime. Stop thinking about it, just do it, and I promise you that you won't regret it
Heather Williamson - Volunteering, 2010
Check out our Volunteer Blog at blog.goeco.org to read experiences
written by GoEco volunteers from all over the world!
"This project was absolutely amazing! Everyone was so welcoming, helpful and friendly. I definitely look at life differently now that I've come back a much better and happier person. I met some amazing and cheerful children and adults. Everybody wanted to learn and listen as well which is very rare in the UK. It is a truly amazing experience and I would recommend this to anyone. If you're looking at doing it don't think twice about it, just do it!" - Jade, Volunteer in Mozambique, UK
"Africa is an amazing place – I absolutely loved the program. It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had – traveling to Africa, and falling in love with the people and the culture. The local people are incredible and welcoming. I enjoyed being able to experience the country by working closely with both children and adults. It’s really rewarding to see the positive impact the program has within the community and to be a part of that. I cannot wait to return to Africa to explore and learn more about the culture of the whole continent! It’s definitely a place you go to, fall in love with, and want to get back to as quickly as possible."- Ellen, Volunteer in Mozambique, USA, 2010
Check out our Volunteer Blog at blog.goeco.org to read experiences
written by GoEco volunteers from all over the world!
"I had a wonderful time at this program. I most liked there the variety of activities that we had. Every day we had a different activity with the lions and even sometimes with other wild animals in Zimbabwe (like game drive and elephants). The people at the program are very kind and caring to the volunteers. I sincerely recommend this experience and I will come back with out a doubt to volunteer there again."- Shir, GoEco Volunteer 2010, Israel
Check out our Volunteer Blog at blog.goeco.org to read experiences
written by GoEco volunteers from all over the world!
" I will never forget the wonderful memories shared as we worked with staff and children at Limuru Children's Centre, The Nest, Half-Way House, and also helped with Community Outreach. It was an unforgettable, eye-opening, and heart-warming lifetime experience! Kenya is a truly beauitful country filled with vibrant, lively, and amazing people. It was a trip of a lifetime!" Aparna, Volunteer, Canada
Check out our Volunteer Blog at blog.goeco.org to read experiences
written by GoEco volunteers from all over the world!
"I feel I have achieved a lot on a personal level. This is mainly because I had never travelled to this part of the world or lived in this kind of environment before. I have learnt a lot about photography, a new culture and country. They have also allowed me to challenge myself and I shall leave feeling a little more self-confident and happy I achieved many new happenings in such a short space of time; safe in the knowledge that I can have an incredible time and hopefully give something back to a situation, despite initially feeling very nervous and apprehensive about what lies before me."- Kirsty, Photography and Conservation Volunteer, UK
Check out our Volunteer Blog at blog.goeco.org to read experiences
written by GoEco volunteers from all over the world!
"I have been back from Israel for a few days after taking part in this project in Jerusalem. The experience was great, and the people were great to be around. At all time there was a positive working and cooperative environement."- Cristina, GoEco Volunteer 2011, Spain
Check out our Volunteer Blog at blog.goeco.org to read experiences
written by GoEco volunteers from all over the world!
"One highlight of many for me was helping with a vaccination campaign at the clinic. This meant I got to do more to help the children and the community. I found many aspects of my experiences both on the medical and community projects heart warming, as the staff and children are so friendly and happy, but have so many struggles too... it has made me consider my career and helped focus me for completing my studies at home."- Jennifer Stone, UK
Check out our Volunteer Blog at blog.goeco.org to read experiences
written by GoEco volunteers from all over the world!
"During our time volunteering at the ophanage, we mostly became playmates and baby sitters. We did read and draw with the kids, but most of what we did was hike, play games, and watch movies. They were unbelievably excited when we first arrived and started calling us brother and sister immediately. Even the youngest children came running and weren’t shy at all...One widowed woman runs the orphanage, and she is truly a loving and generous person. She gave us tea and breakfast every morning and has been managing to care for all the children on her own. You can see the love and devotion the kids have for her and her in their eyes. The kids were quite upset when our volunteering was done and begged us to stay longer. They are avid learners and good listeners and really just enjoy your company, I miss them all!"- Jessica Z., GoEco Katmandu Volunteer, 2010
Check out our Volunteer Blog at blog.goeco.org to read an experience written by Masha, a GoEco volunteer, who worked on the Eilat reef - great pics too!
"The staff at the reef were the most wonderful, welcoming group of people that I met while in Israel. So kind and so incredibly welcoming. They each went out of their way to make my experience the best that it could possibly be. Their enthusiasm for the reef was contagious, and I left wishing I could stay forever. Loved it!!!" Kelly, United States, GoEco volunteer, Eilat, 2011
Check out our Volunteer Blog at blog.goeco.org to read experiences
written by GoEco volunteers from all over the world!
Tel Aviv Women's Shelter
Interview with volunteer, Heather Surls
Q. What are your daily chores and/or activities in a typical day here?
*A. We are really here to help the women. So when women come in to the shelter, we are here to console them if they are upset or feed them if they are hungry. We also help with dressing the women. Because they tend to be homeless, they have nowhere to wash their clothes. We help women pick out an outfit from the Shelter's closet and afterwards, take the clothes they were wearing and wash them. It is nice for the women to have possessions. It's not much; but even just a nice little purse with a matching wallet, even though she has no money to put in it, makes her feel a bit more human and adds a little joy to her day.
Other than that, we clean the facilities, wash dishes, cook meals, serve food, and help the women shower. When a woman comes in who is in a bad really condition, we seek medical help. We don't have anyone behind us; no government funding or a big rich guy sponsoring us, asking us what we need. We are a field hospital but we have almost no supplies. As far as health care goes, we do what we can for the ladies but we often cannot help and have to send them to a clinic or hospital.
Q. What has been your most rewarding experience during this volunteer project?
*A. Just being able to show the girls that someone loves them; being able to give them a hug means the world because they don't get that on the street. On the street they are used by others, not loved.
Q. What has been the most challenging aspect of volunteer here?
*A. Waking the girls up at the end of the day. We do not have enough funding or volunteers to stay open throughout the night, so at the end of the day we have to wake up the women who are sleeping and send them out of the shelter. It is hard enough to wake someone up in general; but to have to wake these women up and then put them out on the street where horrible things happen is a terrible feeling. We desire so much to provide a place for them to be all the time, but unfortunately we just don't have the means to do so at this time.
It is really hard to see them [the women] so broken; not just mentally and emotionally, but physically as well.
After my first few days of volunteering, I left with the feeling you have when leaving Yad Vashem or something: wondering how what I see is possible. And it's different here, because the girls aren't pictures and videos, but people I'm seeing and helping.
Q. Any other comments about your experience?
*A. [Volunteering at the Tel Aviv Women's Shelter] has really been a growing experience for me, learning to trust God.
*Please note that these are not Heather's words verbatim, rather a summary of her answers.
Check out our Volunteer Blog at blog.goeco.org to read experiences
written by GoEco volunteers from all over the world!
It was a great experience to live with the locals as it helped us to view their traditions and way of life more clearly. Everyone in the town was really nice and working in the parc was an interesting experience! It is really nice and with all the volunteers helping out, it has evolved really nicely and is looking very complete and sustainable! The evenings in the library were great to meet new people from the community and helping them with their homework and teaching them English in a fun and friendly environment was great.
Juilette, Canada, May-June 2011, Guatemala - Education & Development , Volunteer
Check out our Volunteer Blog at blog.goeco.org to read experiences
written by GoEco volunteers from all over the world!
"I had a kitchen garden to weed and seed. I asked innumerable questions on what this family does to grow vegetables without having to use a lot of chemical fertilizers and insecticides. I did get help in learning how to transplant very young, tender seedlings. I picked fresh cherries from the orchards and enjoyed eating them daily. The hikes to the nearby villages was fantastic for exercise and views. I met Arab Drews and Israeli jews and learned a lot about peaceful coexistence and the warm hospitality of this northern mountain community." Vasudha, Israel, 2011
"Overall, the trip was absolutely amazing and I wish I was still in Israel on the program. GoEco was a breeze to sign up with, and unlike other international volunteer organizations, they do not make you feel like you are being ripped off, scammed, or getting yourself involved in a dangerous experience. The program I chose, the Mountain Eco Lodge, was absolutely amazing! The family we lived with was beyond welcoming, caring, understanding, and just amazing people who love having a good time. The work was tough sometimes but knowing you are doing something good for the earth and yourself makes every bit worth it. Lifting your chin up and seeing the breathtaking views at all angles is by far the best part. It was a dream to live on top of a mountain for a few weeks working with the land. A great experience that I would recommend to the world. " Jesse, GoEco Volunteer, Canada 2011
Here's an excerpt from Anca's experience at the summer camp in 2011:
"At the end of it all, despite the various hurdles we had to learn to tackle, I felt exhilarated about my experience and astonished and proud for the children when I got up on the stage with them during the closing ceremony to show the parents two of the many songs my teaching partner, Sarah, and I had taught them—“Five Little Monkeys” and “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes”. I felt like they had gotten out of the experience way more than I had anticipated (in fact I didn’t know what to expect as the whole time we were all constantly going through the program not knowing what would come next)—as they looked at me with their smiles and wide excited eyes in anticipation of what song we were going to display for the parents next, I felt reassured that this was one of the most positive experiences I have ever had."
Head over to our GoEco Blog to read her full post and other experiences from participants in the summer camp!
Check out our Volunteer Blog at blog.goeco.org to read experiences written by GoEco volunteers from all over the world!
"I enjoyed going to the Ayurvedic Hospital and Medical School. Itwas really interesting to learn about a different system of medicine. I will definitely recommend this to students from my college. This was a great way to help out, learn about other forms of medicine, and travel to another part of the world"
-Shoji Samson, USA