IFRE Volunteers

My time in Kathmandu within the photojournalism volunteer placement was a fulfilling experience. My instructor, Ram, had detailed knowledge of photography and the city's culture. All coordinators were accommodating and helpful making for a great support group. I highly recommend for those looking to embark on international experience as Nepal is an exciting and welcoming country for tourists. There are other volunteer options available which I'm sure are just as impactful, however, I'm partial to the photojournalism placement as it allows for travel access to city's main attractions and newly equipped photography skills for which to store lasting memories!

Pros
New skills and experience
Accommodations and 3 meals/day
Building relationships and learning of culture

Cons
Accommodations are very basic.

I volunteered in Guatemala February 2020. It was an amazing experience. I signed up at the last minute and the organizers at IFRE were very accommodating despite the rush. The contact person in Guatemala picked me up at the airport even though my flight landed at 12am! I was very appreciative. The host at the house where I stayed was amazing. She was always trying to make sure that I was happy. The home stay provides 3 meals a day which can help with your in country expenses. I do suggest that if you are going to a country where they don't speak English, you should take lessons before or during your stay. I spent a lot of time researching volunteer opportunities abroad and IFRE was by far the least expensive! Everyone that I have come in contact within the organization has been very helpful and professional. I plan to use them again next year when I volunteer abroad.

It's great to hear that you had a positive experience exploring Buddhism and basic living, and that you found the experience to be eye-opening and rewarding. The lack of luxury and basic hygiene may have been challenging, but it seems like it allowed you to appreciate the small things in life and gain a new perspective.

It's important to keep in mind that cultural experiences can be very different from what we are used to, and it's important to be open-minded and respectful of local customs and traditions. In some cases, this may mean adjusting our expectations and being prepared for different levels of comfort and amenities than we are used to.

Pros
Different world, different views
Very cheap
Breathtaking sceneries

Cons
Poor hygiene
No luxury

IFREVolunteers a non-profit organization had organized volunteer abroad programs in my school & I had also participated in it. There I enjoyed too much even through their volunteer & humanitarian trips abroad, I enable to spread love and compassion to poor children & improving the lives of destitute children. They offered me a great opportunity to explore new countries get to know about different shades of nature. I am so thankful to IFREVolunteers who has given me this grand opportunity.

Staying these past two weeks with Michael and his family has been absolutely wonderful! This was my first time in Sri Lanka and he made it feel at home. He would always ask how we were and if we needed anything. He also always made sure we were feeling safe while we were here, and he would always check up on us. His hospitality was great. They would make home made traditional meals for us which were delicious! His home was beautiful and right by the coast. It was also in walking distance from the town so it made it very easy to be able to do things. Michael took us on so many different and fun tours around Sri Lanka, while teaching us about history and culture. The volunteering part was also amazing. I loved being able to work with the kids. I really enjoyed Sri Lanka, and it would have been a totally different experience if it wasn't for Michael.

They are just asking for the money, its so bad, if you got lucky you will do the program but if you have a problem no one is there to help you.
For I stoped them when a girl asked me to sent 1100$ via western union in the same day, rushing me all the time to pay, pay and pay, but may placement was in June.
They are crap very bad company and no proffesionls at all.
Now I am no getting may money back, no one reply to my mails.
But I am going to review in every single page I can.

I'm really happy I selected this program for my volunteer project. It was a wonderful opportunity for my personal development. Everyone I've met has been so kind and helpful, and I'm so grateful for the help and support they've given me. I definitely recommend this program to those who are willing to change the life of disadvantaged while also experiencing a new culture from a different point of view than that of a tourist. Although we had an awesome time in Costa Rica, we would be more happy if our project locations were a bit better.

We enjoyed our time in Costa Rica and had good experiences, but we felt that the coordination of our volunteer sites was a bit lacking. It seemed as if the site was not 100% prepared to have us there to help, and we ran out of tasks to help with on all of our volunteer days. It also would have been nice to have a more set schedule for our volunteering hours with more of a description of what we would be doing before we left. While we absolutely appreciate our time in Costa Rica and made the best of it, we felt that the money we paid to participate in the experience was a bit too much for what we really received.

It was a wonderful experience. Helping people and being exposed to a different culture is so valuable. I wish that our tasks as volunteers in the volunteering site were more specific and clear, and more related to our educational background (pharmacy), so we can be more helpful and involved.

The best way to experience Nepal's distinctive culture, a sense of true family, and a glimpse into daily living is to volunteer to uplift the lives of disadvantaged children. It was indeed my greatest experience being around with amazing children. I love them and yes, this is my home away from home and they are my second family. I had a great time with them by playing around, doing homework, cleaning, and washing clothes. I miss their happiness and smiles when I was around, and I am already planning to come back Nepal, again. Instead of calling me by my name, they called me brother. It saddens me to hear their sad life-tales and I feel great sense of achievement that my little effort helped them lead a happy life. I was traveling after finishing my program and project staff often contacted me to see how I was doing and if I was safe.

I, one hundred percent recommend you join IFRE's childcare program in Kathmandu if you are looking for a way to volunteer travel Nepal. The staff were great, the food was amazing, I have no complaints. My experience with the IFRE program had been fantastic. U.S. Based operations and Nepalese field personnel were professional on their work. The Country Coordinator and The Field both responded quickly and efficiently! They were great that to make sure the volunteers had everything they needed for the program.

I miss beautiful Nepal and its children. Had a great journey.

Suggestion
Be in touch with the coordinator before your arrival, so that you can manage perfectly for the program.

My volunteer experience in Sri Lanka was an amazing adventure and challenge. Nothing could have adequately prepared me for the culture and lifestyle differences between 1st and 3rd world countries. Honestly, my initial response once I arrived in Sri Lanka was "What have I gotten myself into?"

However, after I recovered from the initial cultural shock, I was able to appreciate the warm hearts of those who made my stay in Sri Lanka an experience I will never forget.

During my volunteering, My host family accepted me and made me feel a part of their wonderful family. They taught me the most about Sri Lankan culture, customs, religions and the Sinhalese language. Although the children and staff at the orphanage were absolutely amazing, I know I will never forget the kindness, laughter, love, and happiness that I experienced at the orphanage. I will forever remember each and every child who opened their arms and heart to me. It was heartbreaking to leave the children, but I hope to return in the future.

I am grateful for everyone who assisted me during my Sri Lanka experience. I don't know what I would have done without them.