Well organised, really helpful and welcoming staff. It was a huge eye opener and I would do it again in a heartbeat! I met a fab group of people and they made the trip even better! Remember when you were a teen and had to tell the folks where you were going and what time you would return before theyd lend you the car? Avoid staying on the ground floor if possible. Travel insurance is essential. In fact there were 11 people in the house in Wanchaq on the outskirts of Cusco. It could have been either..or even read more a break from the husband! Amazing! accidents and emergency medical treatment. What an amazing experience! During my first trip, I met with a wide variety of lovely volunteers from all over the world, some of whom I am still in touch with today. Whenever there was an event going on, they always made me feel included. Everything was well organised from day one and any special requirements were met with ease. Criminals may pick on tourists and travellers that are unfamiliar with the local culture, laws and customs. Learn more. From the moment I landed in Siem Reap, the local Globalteer helped me to settle in, and remained available as a support network, as well as my fellow volunteers. I am a School Librarian, and I was able to start a lending library with books that had been donated by students at my school in New York. I began volunteering with Globalteer on the Clean Water project in Cambodia for 2 weeks. UK police cannot investigate a crime that has taken place abroad or ask that an alleged crime be investigated. - everything was well organised from day one and any special requirements were met with ease. She also serves as Editor-in-Chief ofClassrooms.com, where you can read more of her work. Cusco is around 3400m above the sea level which can present a problem because the human body starts to react at around 2500m. I also got to enjoy the weekly quiz nights with staff from globalteer. I would highly recommend Picaflor to future volunteers :) read less -2/28/2018, Could not fault the hard work these people put in to support people less fortunate than myself. read less -7/26/2018, The most eye-opening and inspiring experiences I have had. They had nothing but were always smiling and wanting to hold your hand. And theyre going to make your travels a whole lot easier! details of the nearest British Embassy or Consulate. Thanks guys. The projects they have really immerse you into Cambodian culture as you're working with locals so you get the opportunity to really see how the Khmer live. Your personal security whilst traveling is paramount! If possible, seek out a class like IMPACT, where instructors wear thick pads to let you experience the sensation of punching and kicking with all your might. I think my teaching job out there in the country couldn't have given me a better insight into the life of this young country. Regular catch-up nights meant that a shared social life was available. Ive had a couple of dodgy situations with dogs not being as friendly as I am. The whole experience was fantastic from start to finish. Here are six tips to protect yourself when traveling abroad. They're great read more in every way. Its wise to store your financial institutions phone numbers and the last four digits of each card somewhere safe in case of wallet loss or theft so that you can quickly alert the right parties. read less -6/30/2017, All the Globalteer staff I have worked with have become friends and I value their support and encouragement. The passion for the animals in the care of this rescue sanctuary is genuine and heartfelt. I would really recommend them to anyone local people and animals. Free time during the evenings and weekends allowed me to explore and enjoy what Siem Reap has to offer. In addition, on my first much longer trip, I was able to take the odd day off, enabling me to take in the local art and culture by visiting places of interest further afield. read less -11/05/2017, Anyone wanting to volunteer I would 100 percent recommend Globalteer!!!! Check them out. Thieves are going to have to work really hard to get into this; hence it being a serious deterrant. if possible, avoid driving in areas you do not know. incredible sanctuary in August 2018. They are so happy, so pure, and so cute. I would most definitely recommend Globalteer to anyone who's interested in volunteering. After my two weeks of volunteering I managed to get a job with globalteer running the sports project yes that is how much I fell in love with Cambodia, the people, the culture and their way of thinking! The children at Picaflor are extremely lively (expect more noise, and less formal seated activity than in your average British school), but on both trips we particularly enjoyed the sporting days (as did the children!) The accommodation was in a family homestay as we wanted to embrace and immerse ourselves in the culture and be part of a Peruvian family and also to practice the little Spanish I had learnt. Mid-life adventure? The school itself was really well run and the kids were brilliant to work with. Late last year I was able to spend a month read more in Peru to volunteer at two of the Globalteer programs- The Dog Shelter in Cusco and The Amazon Wildlife Sanctuary in Puerto Maldonado. Candice and Globalteer were there every read more step of the way to help facilitate everything. I feel very much connected with the teachers and especially these fantastic kids that I met and since my return I have been following all their projects very closely. I have worked with them twice and I am counting down the days until I return next. I really really appreciate everything they've done for the kids, and what I have learned from them. They delighted in playing the simplest of games such as Piggy In The Middle which started off with 3 and then everyone wanted to participate! Peru in 2014, as a solo traveller, staying in Cusco for two months. The whole experience was fantastic from start to finish. Learn 6 easy self defense moves in 6 days with my *FREE* email course. The Best Ever Personal Security Devices and Products For Travel, Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket Garments for ninjas, A money belt and bra stash for savvy travelers, Have essential access to personal 24/7 WIFI, Wear a Vigilant Personal Alarm with a safety whistle in your pocket. If youre considering getting involved, just do it! I would really recommend them to anyone who wants to volunteer or intern abroad! My time spent volunteering in Siem Reap, Cambodia, with Globalteer read more was one of the most eye-opening and inspiring experiences I've had. Working hours flexible for a passionate explorer like myself read less -2/13/2018, I think it speaks volumes for the quality and impact of the experience, that I returned for a second trip! Could not fault the hard work these people put in to support people less fortunate than myself. Trust your instincts and leave a situation if you feel threatened or uncomfortable. *Shock horror*. This was for a month under Globalteer. However, this allowed us to sample a broad range of experience at the project, and the opportunity to take more responsibility - we got to run two days worth of Art lessons which was great fun, and a real eye-opener, especially for my husband, who had no previous classroom experience. the whole one-drink-per-day recommendation, out the window. Being a young girl in a country like Peru, my family and friends were quite worried at first, as was I, however, I felt safe the entire time. Pack a big, lightweight scarf. Anyone wanting to volunteer I would 100 percent recommend Globalteer!!!! Its therefore my pleasure to highly recommend Globalteer projects to future volunteers. If confronted, it may be safer not to resist and just give up valuables. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Teacake Travels is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. I genuinely had an incredible time with so many life lessons and learning experiences taught throughout the trip. Volunteering at Piclafor House has taught me to never take things for granted and to realise how we can manage with far less than we think we need I have a wardrobe of clothes so why do I think I need more? Its therefore my pleasure to highly recommend Globalteer projects to future volunteers. Thanks guys read less -6/30/2017, Each morning I woke up excited and full of energy to meet the other amazing volunteers and start our work! Thanks much for this great experience read less -1/10/2019, I met a fab group of people and they made the trip even better! The school itself was really well run and the kids were brilliant to work with. The ongoing project focuses on the young and vulnerable to assist them in finding a way out of the trap of poverty and is aimed at keeping the children in a secure environment off the streets, and providing them with a safe place to learn and enjoy being children. Pacsafes Bra Stash does just the trick! being brought back to the UK for medical treatment (this is called medical evacuation and repatriation). Project in Siem Reap, a perfect school placement was found, which allowed me to gain one of my most memorable life experiences to date. Consider alternating one non-alcoholic drink for each spiked beverage you consume to keep your wits and judgment intact, as well as protect yourself. After my two weeks of volunteering I managed to get a job with globalteer running the sports project yes that is how much I fell in love with Cambodia, the people, the culture and their way of thinking! It was a huge eye opener and I would do it again in a heartbeat! We were prepared well in advance - I particularly needed this reassurance on my first trip alone, and even though on my second trip, I knew where everything was, we were confident that we could still access any extra help if needed. All of the stages were important and I felt like I was really making a real difference. The Globalteer read more staff was extremely friendly, helpful, and made me feel right at home. I also celebrated my birthday whilst out there and I gave the children a small bag of Haribo sweets as a treat. It is incredible to see the elephants before you turn in for the night and then watch them get bathed in the morning as you eat your breakfast. Each week consisted of 3 days of building the water filters and 2 days going to the different villages and giving the water filters to those who needed them. Globalteer was different to the other organisations, they are a registered charity so I felt straight away that I had some trust in them. I used it throughout the whole of my Mongol Rally trip (I drove all the way from the UK to Mongolia in a really crap car and back!). On one of our weekends off we visited Machu Picchu an incomparable wonder and despite having seen so many pictures nothing prepares you for the first time you see the Inca citadel rising high above a bend in the river. The trip has changed my outlook on life and I believe that this is only the start of my volunteering career! Consider storing each item on a USB thumb drive and please use a strong password. Ive found that wearing a fake wedding ring saves me a lot of hassle. read less -5/31/2018, Globalteer were there every step of the way to help facilitate everything. Picaflor House is a really valuable resource for Oropesa. Consider how you are going to get home and only use licenced taxis; if in doubt, ask at your accommodation or a restaurant for a local taxi number. I would recommend volunteering with Globalteer to anyone who wants to have a memorable life experience. Globalteer were there every step of the way to help facilitate everything. The staff went out of there way to make me feel welcome. Each morning I woke up excited and full of energy to meet the other amazing volunteers and start our work for the day! You can read more about the guest author of this blog at the end of the post. Try not to draw attention to the fact you are a visitor; dress modestly and wear clothing that is culturally appropriate. Use magic codeTEACAKETRAVELS at checkout. Having a combination lock means youll never have to worry about losing the key to your most prized possessions. Loved the interactions with the monkeys, deer, and birds and building the monkey house for the howlers, I hope they enjoy it for many years to come. If you find yourself in a dangerous situation where youre too traumatized to shout for help, a personal safety alarm is going to do it for you: like a total boss. All the staff and volunteers I worked with were very friendly and supportive. I have read and agree to Globalteer's Privacy Policy. My local M&S were very supportive and donated underwear and socks. Great program, great volunteer opportunities, would recommend to anyone. Dont leave your belongings unattended unless stored securely. So did my Mum when she travelled the States in her 20s), there is a solution. I would recommend volunteering with Globalteer to anyone who wants to have a memorable life experience. read less -11/13/2017, If you go there, you would definitely love it. However, its also wise to look into safety and security while researching accommodation options. Looking for an alternative emergency alarm? Everyting worked out perfectly - all my questions were answered promptly before my stay, I felt very much taken care of during the project and I met amazing people who worked on other Globalteer projects and they have all become an important part of my life. read less -1/12/2018, It was organised so well and I felt so comfortable throughout the whole process. I stayed in Picaflor House for like one month and read more a half. that this program was the best for me. Loved the interactions with the monkeys, deer, and birds and building the monkey house for the howlers, I hope they enjoy it for many years to come. This trip was very well organized by Globalteer. Globalteer was different to the other organisations, they are a registered charity so I felt straight away that I had some trust in them. If you are driving, there is a risk of vehicle hijacking: Avoid travelling alone and at night if possible, stick to well lit, busy areas. Check prices for master lock padlocks here. It was a life-changing experience for me, one that I will never forget. When youre a stranger in a strange land, protecting your identity and personal security reign supreme among safety specialists. I have had nothing but positive experiences and will always follow the amazing things they do daily! I met a fab group of people and they made the trip even better! Once our applications had been accepted and the relevant checks completed I embarked on a fundraising campaign. I worked on two projects, building waterfilters and the women's empowerment program, where we made intricate products with the locals from plastic bags! Seek help from a counsellor and/or support group. You never want. Simply put your belongings into this stainless-steel net and secure it with a padlock. There are also travel scarves available with hidden pockets in them. I worked at Helping Hands School in a rural village outside of Siem Reap--very different from my native New York City. A wonderful organisation that's truly dedicated to helping the communities read more they work with. The Globalteer staff are all so helpful and welcoming, and the little things like being picked up from the airport and being shown around the local area made my trip so much easier, and meant I settled in straight away. The staff working there dedicated but also good fun. I began volunteering with Globalteer on the Clean Water project in Cambodia for 2 weeks. Picaflor House is a really valuable resource for Oropesa. I had an AMAZING experience volunteering on two different projects read more with Globalteer. I left a case of clothes and toiletries for a lady I met and she actually filled with tears when she saw the bottle of shampoo I had donated. The great news is that amazing self-protection, personal security devices and products are out there for you. It was a life-changing experience for me, one that I will never forget. Clever Travel Companion help you hide your valuables such as your passport, cards and cash right in their garments. I had the pleasure of volunteering with Globalteer at Picaflor read more House. When you walk to new destinations, appear confident, even if you feel a little lost. As a volunteer of the Cambodia Community Project for 4 weeks where I worked as a teacher in the rural Helping Hands Cambodia School outside of Siem Reap, I can only say that I had made the best choice. When I was attacked in India, I was just as worried about protecting my valuables as I was my own self. Each week consisted of 3 days of building the water filters and 2 days going to the different villages and giving the water filters to those who needed them. Meals are filling and delicious and I highly recommend staying for a few nights. Should you want to know more about my volunteering experience with Globalteer, you can visit my blog, which you find if you google for: evaoff4abit.wordpress. read less -1/12/2018, The Globalteer staff was extremely friendly, helpful, and made me feel right at home. The work that Globalteer does will go on to benefit Cambodia and Cambodians for many years to come. Stayed with the best read more children and teachers and always felt so welcome. read less -1/14/2018, The trip has changed my outlook on life and I believe that this is only the start of my volunteering career! This trip was very well organized by Globalteer. (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':
When you book your accommodation, your top priorities might include factors like price and available amenities. The project and kids are just amazing! I would most definitely recommend Globalteer to anyone who is interested in volunteering. read less -9/22/2018, It was a huge eye opener and I would do it again in a heartbeat! staff was extremely friendly, helpful, and made me feel right at home. All the Globalteer staff made me feel really welcome and were always on hand to answer any questions. One of the best experiences I've ever had! read less -12/26/2019, 100% recommend to volunteer with them Globalteer is a great charity that will help you every read more step of the way to live the experience of a lifetime! I think it speaks volumes for the quality and impact of the experience, that I returned for a second trip at the end of last year - this time for just two weeks, but with my husband, as part of a wider trip through South America. If you are unfortunate to be the victim of a crime, report the incident to the local police as soon as you can. Once our applications had been accepted and the relevant checks completed I embarked on a fundraising campaign. I also celebrated my birthday whilst out there and I gave the children a small bag of Haribo sweets as a treat. Every member of the team there were so hospitable and friendly, that it made it feel like a home from home. It is my home away from home. You can participate in feedings and sit in bungalows out in the jungle and just watch these magnificent creatures. I had an amazing time at picaflor house. I have volunteered with the Globalteer Cambodia Community Project in read more 2014 and twice in 2017 and will be returning this year, 2018. The family were very friendly and welcoming but you soon began to appreciate what you had left behind and not to take anything for granted.