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Volunteer Reviews
A Life Changing Experience
Volunteering in South Africa was a life-changing experience that I believe will really support my future studies and career progression. During my placement, I facilitated educational workshops, organised awareness campaigns, wrote reports recommending operational improvements, and designed promotional materials for children’s events.
I loved exploring South Africa too, we went hiking, on safari, and visited nature reserves and Johannesburg on weekends. I always felt safe and supported, the local team helped a lot. One highlight was the emotional connections I made, especially with the children I worked with. I would encourage future volunteers to ask questions, get involved, and embrace new experiences. South Africa’s culture and beauty are unforgettable, I learned and grew so much.
I loved exploring South Africa too, we went hiking, on safari, and visited nature reserves and Johannesburg on weekends. I always felt safe and supported, the local team helped a lot. One highlight was the emotional connections I made, especially with the children I worked with. I would encourage future volunteers to ask questions, get involved, and embrace new experiences. South Africa’s culture and beauty are unforgettable, I learned and grew so much.
Tara Hoenscheid
Penn State University
September 2024
I Felt Lucky to Have the Opportunity to Work so Closely With Doctors
My experience volunteering in India was incredibly rewarding, both professionally and personally. The medical team followed a very strict diagnostic system, and I spent a lot of time learning the clinical reasoning behind each diagnosis. It was fascinating to see mental health care from a doctor’s perspective, and I felt lucky to have the opportunity to work so closely with doctors, something we rarely get to do at home.
During the placement, I developed my clinical skills, completed assessments, and spent time directly with patients. It was intense and challenging at times, but the learning was invaluable. Outside of work, I explored Jaipur, visited Agra and Delhi, and even travelled down to Cochin, making the most of my weekends.
This experience pushed me to learn quickly and work hard, but in the best possible way. I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to grow personally and professionally in mental health care.
During the placement, I developed my clinical skills, completed assessments, and spent time directly with patients. It was intense and challenging at times, but the learning was invaluable. Outside of work, I explored Jaipur, visited Agra and Delhi, and even travelled down to Cochin, making the most of my weekends.
This experience pushed me to learn quickly and work hard, but in the best possible way. I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to grow personally and professionally in mental health care.
Holly Hylands
Brighton University
September 2024
It Strengthened My Passion For Humanitarian Work
Taking part in this placement was truly life-changing. Every day brought a new opportunity to learn, connect, and make a difference. From facilitating discussions to spending time with children and supporting young people facing challenges, the experience opened my eyes to the strength and resilience within the community. Even during observational work, being trusted to listen, share feedback, and simply be present made me feel part of something much bigger. It pushed me to think more critically, strengthened my passion for humanitarian work, and gave me invaluable insights that I’ll carry into my future career.
Outside of volunteering, the adventure continued, weekends were filled with safaris, museum visits, hiking, and exploring the vibrant energy of the city. The friendships built along the way, and the sense of welcome from everyone I met, made it an experience I’ll always treasure. I left feeling more independent, inspired, and hopeful.
Outside of volunteering, the adventure continued, weekends were filled with safaris, museum visits, hiking, and exploring the vibrant energy of the city. The friendships built along the way, and the sense of welcome from everyone I met, made it an experience I’ll always treasure. I left feeling more independent, inspired, and hopeful.
Nadzhie Katanani
University of Southampton
September 2024
This Programme Truly Exceeded My Expectations
Travelling to Ghana alone for the first time was a little daunting, but I felt instantly reassured by the warm welcome at the airport. The accommodation was lovely, clean, spacious, and a perfect base for the experience ahead. Working at the hospital in Senya gave me hands-on opportunities to develop my clinical skills, including assisting with cannulas, administering IV medication, and speaking directly with doctors, nurses, and surgeons about healthcare in Ghana.
The experience was incredibly eye-opening and made me even more grateful for the healthcare system we have at home. It also taught me how to adapt quickly and confidently to new environments, skills that will be invaluable in my nursing career. Outside of work, I loved exploring Ghana’s stunning national parks, castles, and beaches.
This programme truly exceeded my expectations. I would absolutely encourage anyone to go with an open mind and embrace everything this amazing opportunity offers.
The experience was incredibly eye-opening and made me even more grateful for the healthcare system we have at home. It also taught me how to adapt quickly and confidently to new environments, skills that will be invaluable in my nursing career. Outside of work, I loved exploring Ghana’s stunning national parks, castles, and beaches.
This programme truly exceeded my expectations. I would absolutely encourage anyone to go with an open mind and embrace everything this amazing opportunity offers.
Jessica Kuffour
University of Birmingham
August 2024
Preparing Young People For Court Left a Lasting Impression
My time in South Africa was one of the best experiences I’ve had, full of warmth, smiles, and unforgettable moments. The support from the staff and the incredible spirit of the local community made every day meaningful.
Volunteering included court preparation work with children and families, supporting small groups at a local school, and attending special events like Women’s Day celebrations. Preparing young people for court and hearing their stories left a lasting impression, it was both the most educational and the most life-changing part of the experience. I also had the opportunity to talk to forensic investigators and review real case studies, gaining a powerful insight into the legal process.
This journey taught me to stay open, flexible, and deeply grateful. It pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best ways, and it’s an experience I’ll always carry with me.
Volunteering included court preparation work with children and families, supporting small groups at a local school, and attending special events like Women’s Day celebrations. Preparing young people for court and hearing their stories left a lasting impression, it was both the most educational and the most life-changing part of the experience. I also had the opportunity to talk to forensic investigators and review real case studies, gaining a powerful insight into the legal process.
This journey taught me to stay open, flexible, and deeply grateful. It pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best ways, and it’s an experience I’ll always carry with me.
Anvika Ramachandran
Baylor University
August 2024
This Journey Shaped Me Both Personally and Professionally
Arriving for my first solo trip, I had no idea what to expect, but looking back, I’m so glad I took the leap. Those first few days were a real adjustment, but the kindness of the people, the vibrant atmosphere, and the simple joy of shared dinners quickly made it feel like home.
Volunteering was incredibly meaningful, I had the chance to work on life-changing legal cases and see firsthand the resilience and strength of so many people. Every day brought something new, whether it was helping someone with asylum paperwork or hiking to breathtaking waterfalls.
The experience wasn’t just about the work, it was about building friendships, discovering a new city, and learning how capable I really am. It’s hard to put into words how much this journey shaped me, both personally and professionally. I’ll always treasure the memories and the people who made it so special.
Volunteering was incredibly meaningful, I had the chance to work on life-changing legal cases and see firsthand the resilience and strength of so many people. Every day brought something new, whether it was helping someone with asylum paperwork or hiking to breathtaking waterfalls.
The experience wasn’t just about the work, it was about building friendships, discovering a new city, and learning how capable I really am. It’s hard to put into words how much this journey shaped me, both personally and professionally. I’ll always treasure the memories and the people who made it so special.
Callum Morgan
Bournemouth University
June 2024
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