I was traveling and helping this incredible organization carry out a volunteer trip through Guatemala. There were 7 people who did a great job at a local school, they painted, and helped arrange the move of this school to another location. I am very happy to have been part of this journey, I learned a lot. I thank Bright Light for the social impact it has made in Guatemala.
Bright Light Volunteers is an incredible organization which allows volunteers to develop themselves while making an impact on the community! I had a chance to work with Bright Light Volunteers on a consulting project and was highly inspired by the team’s dedication and genuine passion for their mission. I would highly recommend students in high school and college to take a part in this life changing opportunity!
What a wonderful organization brightlight is. My team and I worked with them for a consulting project. helping them work towards some goals and initiatives they had for themselves. Throughout this process, we realized how dedicated of a team and organization brightlight is. Each and every individual volunteer works extremely hard to help support brightlight, and their passion for the orgs mission is evident in the work they do. Furthermore, brightlight is a very organized and well run non-profit. Their organizational conductivity is top tier, and you can trust any volunteer there to guide you through any process. Lastly, brightlight serves a true mission statement of moral ethics and working towards improvement.
It was super fun to be a part of and knowing how I can impact so many lives with just a little thing like helping build a school. Every kid was happy we were here and willing to help us because they’re excited as well.
With this nonprofit, a group of students including me, went from the school that I go to to Guatemala to help build a bottle school with the program “Hug It Forward”. We helped to pour the concrete in the rooms of the school. While at the school we got the opportunity to connect with the students, and even though we did not speak the same language, we still made memories that I will never forget.
Bright Light Volunteers has provided quality service programs time and time again. BLV has run several successful programs for my students in Cuba, Guatemala, Ecuador, Peru and Greece. I have watched my students’ lives be transformed through service. Through immersive cultural experiences and sustainable service projects, students make significant strides to become global citizens, leaders, and change agents to make the world a brighter place.
This was an amazing opportunity! I experienced many great activities and had many eyeopening moments that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
I had the most amazing time ever! Such an amazing opportunity to connect people from all over the world and from my community
This has been such an amazing experience! It has been so heartwarming to volunteer and help in this way. Not to mention engaging with the culture and community. I hope to go on many more in the future!
Amazing organization, helping countries in Latin America, spreading love and empowering communities, I worked with them in Guatemala supporting education for rural villages, I recommend them big time!
Volunteering in Guatemala was an incredibly enriching experience that left a lasting impression on me. From the moment we arrived, we where greeted with warmth and hospitality by the local community. Their resilience and positive spirit despite facing various challenges were truly inspiring.
The community members welcomed us with open arms and were eager to work together on various projects aimed at improving their quality of life. Whether it was building homes, or participating in community outreach programs, every moment spent with them was filled with meaningful interactions and shared experiences. Overall, my volunteer trip to Guatemala was a life-changing experience that taught me the importance of empathy, collaboration, and resilience. Thank you bright light.
I had a great experience with Bright Light! All of the staff were so friendly and willing to help with anything. I will definitely consider volunteering abroad again.
I had the opportunity to join Bright Light on a service trip to Guatemala to finish a school in a rural community. The impact we made on the kids there was amazing and the work
was so fulfilling!
Mi nombre es Lorenzo Sipac miembro de la Asociación Brillo de Sol Guatemala. Fue un placer hora nosotros tener la visita de BLV. Nos ayudaron ellos proyectos de electricidad, compost para el huerto, limpieza y pintura del centro y compartimos experiencia sobre la cultura de nuestros Países. Muchas gracias a cada uno por su ayuda y visita.
Realmente espectacular la visita.
Gracias por el apoyo que nos brindaron, gracias por dejar la mesa de electricidad, por ayudarnos con el abono de lombrices, por la pintura en la escuela.
Buena experiencia con los voluntarios, que nos ayudaron a tener una mesa de electricidad, ayudar a tener mejor abono para el huerto, pintar la nueva a escuela fue de gran apoyo y ayuda
Hola soy letty, la fundadora de Asociación Brillo de Sol en Guatemala. La experiencia de recibir a Brightlight volunteers fue extraordinaria. Tuvimos mucha ayuda para nuestra escuela, en el huerto, con pintura, en tecnología. Todos fueron muy amables y serviciales. Estamos totalmente agradecidos.
I joined a Bright Light on a program to Guatemala and I am so glad I did. Not only did we get to immerse ourselves in the culture of Antigua Guatemala, but we got to partner with an amazing local school that supports special needs students. Everyone we met was so welcoming and friendly. Our week there made my life brighter and fuller, so much so that I cannot wait to go again!!
I had a wonderful experience in Guatemala with BLV! Participating in authentic cultural activities really gives you an appreciation for the culture, the people, and the land. I am so thankful for the opportunity to learn, to make a meaningful difference volunteering with a local school doing amazing work in the community for students, and I’m thankful for the lifelong friends that were made.
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Bright Light Volunteers is passionate about their mission to provide students who attend Title 1 designated schools with access to global service learning initiatives. These opportunities allow students to develop an understanding of economic, cultural, political and environmental influences in order to 'compete' in an every-changing world and job market. I have been fortunate to collaborate with such a passionate organization toward a common goal of developing global leaders through education and service for a more peaceful and sustainable and equitable world.
This is my second trip with Bright Light and it was just as exceptional as the first. I’m immersed in the culture, learning about the area, adventuring and helping others in ways I never knew I could. Guatamala and Cuba were places I wouldn’t have gone on my own but with this group & guide I felt safe & it was easy. Plus meeting new like minded people that become life long friends. I can’t wait for my next trip with Bright Light!
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My friends and I volunteered with Brite Light in Cuba this year and it was a rewarding experience. Staying within the actual families in the community and sharing stories gave us a real connection. Giving back throughout the trip from Havana to Vinnales was rewarding & to grow those relationships was just a bonus.
Catherine and her extraordinary crew are everything a person could hope for when volunteering. Her calm demeanor and planning was exceptional even when we were faced with a Guatemalan Revolution with road closures and cancelled excursions. I cannot say enough good things about Brightlight and her passion for helping humans less fortunate.
Had a great experience with a service program in Guatemala. We helped a school for kids with special needs and got to participate in many culturally immersive side activities.
Hola, mi nombre es Maria Elena Miqueli Noda, tengo el placer de trabajar hace ya varios años con el programa de BLV en la Habana Cuba,donde les organizo a Bienvenida cuando arriba a nuestro pais por el Casco Historico de La Habana Vieja. Nuestras experiencias han sido maravillosas, pues muchos de los profesionales y jovenes que nos han visitado han experimentado cambios en sus vidas, al conocer nuestra cultura, nuestros bailes, nuestra musica, el vivir del cubano dia a dia y su espiritud luchador, perseverante. La directiva de esta ONG es muy profesional, con un gran sentido de responsabiidad para la satisfaccion de sus miembros. Muchos años nos quedan por delante para seguir con esta experiencia tan maravillosa. Tambien nosotros hemos aprendido mucho con ellos, sobre todo con su directora Catherine Greemberg por su espiritud de sacrificio y dedicacion, su perfecta direccion y coordinacion.Esperamos pronto tenerlos por Cuba.Es un placer enorme para mi ser miembro de la brigada.
Hola mi nombre es Maybelis, soy médico cirujano, vivo en la Habana Cuba, he tenido la oportunidad de trabajar directamente con BLV, compartir experiencias, cultura, hacer amigos. Sus directivos son personas espectaculares, con una calidad humana inmensa . Ya van a hacer 2 años que por motivos de la COVIT no los tenemos por acá y los extraño muchísimo. La labor de esta organización es digna de admirar. Ojala se sumen muchos a ella y los tengamos pronto por nuestra Cuba
My name is Drew, I went on a service trip with Bright light to Cambodia in high school back in 2014. 2014 sounds like such a long time ago now, but so many memories from this trip feel fresh because it was such a unique and joyful experience in my life. There are memories that stand out for sure, but looking back, there wasn’t a dull moment on the entire trip. Some highlights for me are : helping build a well in a small village (I enjoy labor) seeing Angkor Watt was incredible, and the celebration we had at the temple where we helped teach kids English was so fun and it was a cool experience to be kids from two different cultures celebrating each other and being together. What impressed me the most about bright light was how immersive the trip was and a good example of that is the fact that my highlights didn’t include the scavenger hunt we did when we got there, the floating village boat tour, or the countryside quad tour. I Highly recommend this well rounded program to anyone.
Soy músico y guia local en el parque nacional Viñales,tuve la posibilidad de conocer personalmente todo este equipo de brillantes personas, increíblemente!!!!, compartir ensenazas , hablar de las culturas de nuestros países, intercambiar sobre agricultura orgánica y obtener aprendizajes sobre el desarrollo de la vida en nuestros países es verdaderamente encantador,estos últimos 2 años no hemos tenido visitantes ya que este terrible virus no alejó de el resto del mundo.extraño mucho volver a esperar los grupos de amigos que está maravillosa organización traía a nuestras tierras!!!! .espero poder ver a los organizadores, profesores y guías con los que compartimos experiencias inolvidables!!!
Bright light volunteers is an amazing non profit and I’ve been on multiple programs that where absolutely amazing. You get to do a deep dive into the culture and learn about how other people live around the world. I would suggest anyone to go on at least one of the programs and experience what it has to offer.
Mi nombre es Yaniel Luis y hace varios años trabajó como program partner con BLV en Viñales, Cuba. Trabajar con BLV ha sido una experiencia única, educativa, interesante y me ha ayudado a crecer profesionalmente, no sólo a mi, sino a todos los involucrados en este programa. Esperamos con ansias la reanudación de los programas en Cuba que han debido ser interrumpidos debido a la Covid 19. Ayudar a un equipo tan maravilloso con el de BLV a hacer del mundo un lugar más brillante ha sido un honor para mí. Los extraño mucho pero estoy seguro que nos volveremos a ver pronto.
With being an intern at Bright Light Volunteers, I couldn't have found a better way to spend my summer. Ms. Greenberg is an incredibly wonderful person who truly cares about the cause her non-profit is pursuing. I was able to get a first-time look at how a real internship is like at an amazing non-profit organization; an experience I will remember for the rest of my life.
Hey My name is Sandra, I worked as an Intern with bright light volunteers and it really changed my point of view in life; how it’s not about
Competition but about lifting each other up. It taught me to to think about the bigger world we live in than the small imaginary world I have in mind! Ms. Greenberg was amazing and kind in every way I am so thankful I used my summer in a living life lesson. I came from a very poor country myself and bright light had really impacted me to help out from what I have now and the future, the money I receive from bright light is going to help some family from my country and save some for school! Thank you
The Bright Light team was a pleasure to work with. As a volunteer, I’ve learned a ton in my 5 months there. I’d definitely recommend anyone who wants volunteer experience to come to Bright Light first.
I volunteered for Bright Light Volunteers between the start of the pandemic and today. I was given the role of creating graphic designs and putting together videos, as well as, other virtual tasks, all of which I did not know I could do. My experience volunteering for this organization helped me learn new things about myself and helped me reach my goals with regards to volunteer work. I have also come to learn more about Bright Light Volunteers and their mission, one that I admire. They aspire to empower BOTH the volunteers and the community through education and service.
Worked for this organization during the summer 2020.
1. Great supervisor who gives constructive feedbacks.
2. Convenient schedule to work.
3. Enjoyed working as a Google Ad Grant Specialist.
4. Glad to put my class knowledge into a real life scenario
I volunteered in Maras, Peru, where we worked with the local community to build a kitchen and covered dining area on their school campus.
One of the challenges facing the community is child malnutrition. The school had access to government-provided food for their students but limited facilities to prepare and serve meals. Our service project ensured the school can offer students lunch during the school day, which for some students may be their only meal.
The community of Maras could not have been more welcoming, and I am proud of the group of student volunteers for the positive attitude they brought to the program and their persistence in overcoming travel disruptions to make it a reality.
The photos show the progress from the initial construction work to our group sharing the first meal with the community.
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I’ve had the opportunity to take part in service programs with Bright Light Volunteers, and one of the most rewarding aspects is hearing from volunteers and their loved ones about how their experience volunteering abroad has had a lasting impact on their lives. My life has been similarly changed, and I am grateful for the experiences I’ve shared and the friendships I’ve made as part of programs around the globe.
Hi,
I’m Elijah and I’ve been on two programs to Cuba and both times I had an amazing time diving into an amazing culture. One of the best parts of the program for me was living with the normal citizens in casas. They treat you as their own family and feed you amazing food.
What Bright Light Volunteers International is doing is genuinely impressive and inspiring. We hear so much about a global economy and the world becoming smaller due to technology. But Bright Light Volunteers International is actively connecting people from all over the world and making us one tribe and one community. They are changing the narrative through service and leading inspirational change through personal example.
During my undergraduate years, I had the opportunity to serve and serve with various community groups and nonprofit organizations that do excellent work in the world and their communities. It was a joy and a wonderful experience to be part of them. But It has been a privilege and an honor to serve and work with Bright Light Volunteers International. They are an exemplary organization with selfless and giving leaders, and anyone who has the opportunity to work with or alongside them will find that their life is better for it.
I have taken 6 groups on programs with Bright Light Volunteers. I have personally watched lives and communities be forever changed. My students have received an education beyond anything they could learn in a classroom and have developed into true global citizens and leaders. We have made significant, sustainable differences everywhere we have traveled. Thank you Bright alight Volunteers for your mission and passion to make the world a better place!
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Bright Light Volunteers has organized incredible service learning trips for my high school students to Cambodia, Peru, Greece, Ecuador and the Galapagos. We’ve taught English to monks, built shelters for animals, provided supplies to refugees, improved school infrastructures, constructed a waterwell, and contributed significantly to reforestation efforts to name just a few projects. I’ve watched my students’ lives literally be transformed from these programs. They become true global citizens who are committed to make the world a brighter place. Forever grateful to BLV.
I went to Cambodia with Bright Light volunteers and to this day (6 years later) it is still one of the highlights of my life. I was introduced to caring, wonderful leaders who really cared about other people, no matter what country or culture they were from. They were welcoming, intelligent, open, and fun. They really sparked an interest in international travel and culture and opened my eyes to how much their organization can help people both in our own country and abroad. Whether you’re a student, adult, or just wanting to expand your horizon and mind I would recommend reaching out to BLV and seeing where you can go and bring some light!!
I've loved Bright Lights response towards the pandemic. Despite these extraordinary conditions and the limited ability for international travel, Bright Light has continued on with their mission to create strong global leaders. I was able to get a remote internship with Bright Light and use my time home from college to volunteer my time remotely by creating social media promotion for this nonprofit and the communities who they help abroad.
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This program allowed me to gain a whole new perspective when I traveled to Ghana. Through Bright Light I learned to stop thinking of Africa as a collective and to view the many countries on this wide continent as beautiful and diverse. I came to Ghana with stereotypes already in place, all of which were blown away by the beautiful people I met , the delicious food, and the rich culture. Now, whenever someone states a generalized and obtuse statement about Africa, I will use my experiences I gained through Bright Light Volunteers to open their eyes as well.
I have worked with Bright Light Volunteers, as an educator, on multiple programs since 2016. The idea that learning and service, at home and abroad, can result in the development of invaluable leadership skills is not necessarily unique - but the BLV approach certainly is. Each program includes an online course designed to deepen students' understanding of the place they will volunteer and the people they will serve. In addition to learning the history and culture of the country, they are trained on the UN Sustainable Goals so it's clear how their individual/local service project is supportive of larger, global goals. On the ground, the projects BLV participants undertake are meaningful and sustainable. All are community-driven and led. I love that students and teachers have the opportunity to work WITH others on BLV programs. This organization has truly set up a win/win/win global service-learning and citizenship experience - my individual students benefit, the host community benefits and the world becomes brighter with each program. Highly recommend!
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I have been partnering with Bright Light Volunteers to facilitate Global Service Learning programs for my high school and college students since 2015. The organization delivers meaningful, sustainable, thoughtful experiences which are designed to facilitate the development of global citizens and leaders. I have not been disappointed! Also, my 100 plus student participants have reported a very high level of satisfaction with the quality of their BLV experiences. Highly recommend!
Bright Light Volunteers has given me the tremendous opportunity to gain practical experience while giving back. This is also true for many students and professionals who participate in their programs. The work that they do in underserved communities around the world is truly incredible. What a great organization to be part of!
I Interned with Bright Light Volunteers over the summer of 2020, and my experienced went great. Catherine, is so kind and helpful when i neede help with any of my assignments. I respect her and Bright Light so much and everything it resprents and trying to make the world a brighter place. Ive learned so much in the internship that will benefit me the future and would never forget my time with the program.
I initially participated on a program that Bright Light put on and was so moved and connected to how I felt after their program that I ended up becoming involved more and now have become a Board member and serve on the Board as Vice-Chair! Our organization is the best at taking both student groups and corporate groups and putting them through a life altering global service program. Can't say enough about how much Bright Light has shaped and unlocked my life. Love being part of providing that same value for others!
My name is Alex. I got exposed to Bright Light through a great friend that I look up to and once I went on my first program I was hooked! Every program I have been part of has left me feeling filled up as a person that there are organizations like Bright Light that are doing powerful work and truly serving in our world. I can't wait to bring my family on more programs and expose my daughter to the global learning and true service through Bright Light.
I had the great pleasure of cooperating with BLV while they were over here in Trinidad,Cuba.According I could witness their influence in the participants of their program is absolutely a positive one, I mean to say not only in the volunteers but also in the families that they assisted.
Per example, while others see obstacles they see opportunities to show solidarity, while others build walls they build bridges...
So,will be a great pleasure to say: welcome back to Trinidad BLV
Three of my five children have taken part in these trips. All three have come back home with a new prospective on life and the desire to continue to help others. The youngest of the five is about to embark on her chance to do this and I am sure there will be more than one trip for her. The work these groups do is a life changing experience for the ones going and the ones receiving the help. This organization is changing lives every day, how many can actually say that they have made such an impact? Wonderful organization.
I traveled to Trebisht, Albania with Bright Light almost a year ago to the day. We rebuilt an elementary school that had been destroyed by fire. We were able to work alongside local masons, and participate in all aspects of the build itself, as well as spend time with some of the locals. We had a group of 12 adults. We all had such an amazing, and fulfilling experience. The way things were setup, we ate all meals together, and did group activities so that we all left feeling more like a family then friends, or in some cases a group of strangers coming together for a common cause. I worked alongside Catherine, the founder of Bright Light, and she was lovely. She was constantly coming up with ideas, and really helped guide us when it came to fundraising strategies, especially when things were proving more difficult on our end then initially anticipated. Our guides were fantastic women who were constant support throughout the trip. My entire group came back from the trip with a deeper sense of meaning, and appreciation, and we have them to thank! I cannot wait to work with Bright Light again!
Bright Light Volunteers is an extraordinary opportunity for all ages to broaden their understanding of the world and other cultures. The programs are engaging, hands-on, eye opening, educating, thrilling, fulfilling in many ways, and very well thought out and pre-planned by an excellent group of board members. Becoming a part of the organization has been the best benefit thus far. You gain so many new friends and make numerous connections from all over the world. Being a global citizens is very rewarding.
My name is Alexis Soria and Bright Light Volunteers has truly changed my perspective on volunteer service. Last summer I got the chance to volunteer in Peru with school children and create everlasting memories and friendships. Working in Peru taught me that there is more to value in life such as family and traditions which was truly an eye opening experience.
Visiting a new place can be nerve racking! The first time I joined BrightLight was the summer of 2018 in Costa Rica. I then rejoined them this summer (2019) again in Costa Rica. Through this organization, I found the happiest country in the world. Through this organization, I found something that I truly love; helping others. BrightLight Volunteers helped me realize that there is more to the world than the small town you live in, or even the big city. In Costa Rica, we learned all about permaculture, we learned how to treat animals in a rescue center, and most of all, we learned how to adapt in a new environment! This year we stayed in Atenas, which was absolutely gorgeous! We visited Manuel Antonio National Park one day. This was such a great experience! It’s not everyday you get to see monkeys on the beach! Throughout the week, we helped in the local elementary school with an after school program. The kids were so energetic and excited that we were there to play with them! Looking back at my time in Atenas, Costa Rica, i know we were there doing great things and helping the community! BrightLight Volunteers has helped me understand the meaning of actually helping others through travel! I will always be grateful for this organization!
Bright Light Volunteers has been an extraordinarily beautiful program since the day that it popped into my life here at Bethel University. I have travelled with BLV to some absolutely breathtaking places, like Cuba, Colombia, and most recently Costa Rica. Each opportunity holds so many lessons about life, allows the students to gain cultural competence and awareness, introduces a foreign language, teaches independence and courage, provides experience for future schools and/or jobs, and overall gives the students a better sense of themselves. I highly recommend this program to anyone interested in travelling and studying abroad because you are sure to leave with much more knowledge and experience of the world than when you came.
This organization has allowed me to not only intimately experience places that most people can only dream of seeing, but it has also repeatedly provided me unique opportunities for global citizenship education and global service via didactic hands-on cultural immersion. From building cafeterias at an orphanage in the highlands of Peru to facilitating the rehabilitation of exotic animals at a shelter in Costa Rica and doing English learning workshops with grade school children in both locations, some of my most rewarding experiences are a product of the BLV's dynamic approach to service and learning abroad. They are truely passionate about and dedicated to making the world a brighter place!
Had the incredible opportunity to serve with Bright Light Volunteers in Atenas, Costa Rica. It was truly a one of a kind experience that will stay with me for a lifetime!
Art is an expression of one’s self. The projects we introduced to the kids at the two schools in Peru were magical to both volunteers and students. Making backpacks from t-shirts, decorating picture frames and having a professional chef teach a cooking class were some of the highlights of this trip.
However, the smiles and joyfulness of all the children was a life changing experience for me. I know our visit impacted the students but the interaction certainly worked both ways.
My most memorable moments were being offered a beautiful rose, upon enter the school yard, next watching a performance of dance and seeing the welcome sign with all the volunteers names on it.
Culturally, I observed a preparation of a meal being cooked in the ground, over hot rocks. Vegetables, fruits, chicken and guinea pig were thrown into the pit. This provided lunch for all the children at the school. They ate out of the new, metal bowls that Bright Light Volunteers bought for the students.
I truly felt like my mission of being a global citizen was accomplished.
I have traveled and volunteered with BLV to Peru in 2017 and was extremely pleased with the entire experience! I was able to interact and teach local children while also helping with construction of a kitchen for their school. I highly recommend BLV to anyone who is looking to make a difference, and have an amazing time while doing it.
Hi! My name is Katie. I traveled with Bright Light Volunteers to Costa Rica in June, 2018. Prior to travel, I enrolled in a course (for 3 hours of college credit) through Bethel University where I learned about the history and culture of Costa Rica, as well as the issue of plastic pollution. Then, in Santa Teresa, I had the opportunity to take action. For example, one of our service projects involved a beach clean up where we collected bags and bags of single-use plastics, which we turned into art! I am currently working on a proposal for my principal requesting that our school eliminate the use of plastic straws in our lunchroom. Through my BLV program, I was educated, immersed, and involved. I believe this program helped me develop global leadership and citizenship skills necessary to make the world a brighter place! Highly recommend!
BLV has helped me, as a teacher, connect with students on a deeper and more personal level. Among the obvious lessons and skills learned through the service projects with BLV, students are able to make a connection between body, mind, and soul like never before.
I recently completed my third service program with Bright Light Volunteers. Our group went to Costa Rica. We learned a lot about our need to conserve and reduce our use of plastic. We cleaned up beaches of microplastics and implemented permaculture farming at a local high school. This organization puts together the BEST global service learning programs! I highly recommend Bright Light Volunteers!
Visiting two schools in Peru was a life changing experience. Bright Light Volunteers had it completely organized. The trip also included some sightseeing, great traditional meals and meeting new people to share this journey with. There is always a mission with BLV. This time, we helped with a filtration system at one of the schools so that there would be clean, fresh water. Additionally, we bought tin bowls so that eating lunch for the children, would be more sanitary versus plastic plates, that could harbor germs.
The children at the schools enjoyed learning new skills, doing crafts with us, a hygiene lesson when we supplied toothpaste and new brushes and a host of other interactive activities. We brought sports equipment, games, clothing and other essential items for the children.
We experienced a very warm welcome at the school with a performance on their playground. The children's smiles were priceless, precious and plentiful.
Bright Light Volunteers makes a different in the world in a huge way. I highly recommend this way to experience a humanitarian trip. It is a heartwarming adventure and does the soul a lot of good. Making a difference in people's lives is the goal that BLV always accomplishes.
Kudos to the founder, Catherine Greenberg, for all that she does plus allows us volunteers to be global citizens.
I can not express how amazing this organization is!!!! They allowed me to be apart of an adventure that I thought would never be possible in my life. their support and love for helping others bring aid and services around the world are beyond measure. Thank you Bright Light and keep shining your light of hope to generations to come! Thanks for the life changing experience.
I went to Santa Teresa, Costa Rica and I absolutely loved it! I loved getting to know more about another culture and to help them with some of the projects that they were working on!
I volunteered in Cuba last October with Bright Light Volunteers! The program was a great way to get to see a part of the world that I normally wouldn't have. The guides hired by BLV were top-notch. The work we did was meaningful. I would highly recommend BLV if you want to travel abroad and volunteer!
I joined Bright Light Volunteers on a service learning program to Costa Rica this summer. Getting to travel to Costa Rica, meeting the genuinely nice people there, enjoying the food, surfing, and zip-lining through the jungle were all great experiences. But the best part of it was the work that we did!
Me and 12 other high school students cleaned the beaches of harmful plastics, while learning from a local guide what changes we can make to stop the use of single-use plastics. We also planted and composted at the local school's community permaculture garden.
Prior to our program, we all were enrolled in a dual-enrollment Global Studies online college course that taught us about the history and culture of Costa Rica and how the country is leading the world in ecotourism and conservation.
Since returning from Costa Rica, I have put some of the things I learned to use. I no longer use plastic straws, and I try to limit my use of other plastics as well. Also, my family and I have started our own compost pile and began the process of creating a permaculture garden for next year.
With Bright Light Volunteers, students get a unique experience to travel the world, volunteer, and earn valuable college credit. They are committed to their cause. They are passionate about making the world a brighter place and influencing young people to become the global leaders of tomorrow!
Bright Light Volunteers is an amazing organization that is doing fantastic things for communities around the world as well as trip participants. I co-led a group of high school students on a service project to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Every detail was very thoroughly researched and planned to ensure a safe and fun adventure for all. Catherine spends the time to find out what the greatest local needs are and develops ways in which Bright Light can give back in the best way possible. The service projects are well organized with all the necessary supplies. She makes sure that the project is meaningful and those funds can be spread as far as possible to have a positive impact locally. While the core of the trip is service, there was also so much opportunity for cultural exploration. The students experienced traditional tourist things as well as local communities and cuisine to really get a feel for the country. The most rewarding part was letting the students take control of and own their projects to gain maximum personal fulfillment at the end when they had achieved their goal. I could see their emotions and perspectives changing when they interacted with the children who have far less than them, but also the personal satisfaction they received from completing their projects to help those children. I think students get more out of volunteering when they can see the faces of the people whose lives they touched. This was a wonderful experience for the students and the leaders and I highly recommend using Bright Light Volunteers!
My experience working with Bright Light Volunteers and Adanu during our
Ghana Project metamorphosed the way I will live my life. The exceptional accommodation
and hospitality from each ground member in Ghana gave the group the opportunity to
experience a new country absolutely no travel discrepancies. Every part of the trip ran
smoothly and never failed to entertain us.
Our accommodations were ideal for the experience that The country of Ghana is one of the most hospitable places on the planet. Our encounters and experiences with the Ghanaian people fostered international friendships that will last forever. We entered as naïve Americans wanting to help, and left as family members to each and every village member. Our impact will help their future for education, but their impact will change they way we live our lives in our country.
I took a group of students to Cuba this summer with Bright Light Volunteers. We had such a great time working on an organic farm in Vinales. There was a great blend of volunteering and cultural activities for our group. Our local guide, Eduardo, made this trip extra special. He was so warm, open, patient, intelligent and he told the best "yokes"! I plan to travel again with Bright Light to Peru next summer as well. Their prices are very affordable and everything was included.
Bright Light Volunteers is truly an amazing program. My students and I wanted a trip that made us feel part of the Cuban culture and this wonderful non-profit helped us do that. My students had the best experience of their life and are still in contact with their host families in Cuba. The Bright Light team is efficient, hardworking, honest, flexible, caring, and truly made everything easier for me as I planned this trip.
There aren’t enough words to explain this wonderful organization. I am just thankful that we were able to be a part of it.
Framary Delacruz
Teacher of Spanish in New Jersey
I co-lead high school Cuban educational programs for Bright Light Volunteers. I am a lifetime volunteer of youth programs. Bright Light Volunteers is by far the most satisfying nonprofit organization for whom to volunteer. One can see the profound, positive impact it makes on a young mind. Students stretching themselves beyond their comfort zone is life changing. They return home seeing the world differently. Bright Light Volunteers is a 5-Star program.
Many educators, like myself, seek ways to inspire our students to explore the world and reach out beyond the walls of the classroom. My recent journey to Ghana Africa with 8 high school students was an exciting and rewarding service experience for everyone. BLV provided us with this unique opportunity to immerse ourselves into the lives and hearts of community members in a rural village. We worked side by side with villagers to build a much needed sanitation station and elementary school. My students shared in the daily lives of the village children, playing games, teaching school, cooking with families and learning to weave traditional Kente cloth. Unlike some other organizations BLV staff work diligently to create the travel program that WE WANTED rather than a predetermined set itinerary. Global peace building begins with personal connections and cooperative efforts. BLV shares my passion and vision of making student dreams of international travel and service a reality.
Bright Light Volunteers is a great way to learn about the world. The trip leaders are amazing, and each program is tailored to the interests of the participants and the needs of the local community.
Travelling abroad is something I have always had lust for, and through Bright Light I was able to achieve that and take on several journeys that have changed my life forever. Such as two trips to Cuba and a week in Peru. Bright Light is a company that represents the service we all should be doing. They provide students with the opportunity for college credit as well as many resume building experiences. Not only do they appeal to an academic side, but it also widens the eye to other cultures in order to become more competent. Great company, and great leadership.
Great group trips to Cuba. Wonderful food, lodging with the people, and service projects. All in-country guides were wonderful. All in-country costs were included. Everything was well planned.
My daughter had the opportunity to go to Cuba with Bright Light with a group of classmates. My husband and I decided to go as a family and we joined her along with our son on this amazing trip! This experience was one of the best for us. We met the beautiful people of Cuba and enjoyed their great food and conversations with them. We were also able to give back by working on an organic farm. Bright Light Volunteers made everything so easy for us. All we had to do was enjoy the Cuban culture and people. All travel arrangements and activities were well planned and communicated. We always felt safe and well taken care of. We will always remember this trip and look forward to another opportunity to join Bright Light Volunteers on another adventure.
bright light volunteers is an incredible organization with the mission of creating upcoming world leaders by exposing children to other cultures across the globe...i volunteered with bright light in cuba and the experience was life altering... we were able to be of service to others, but more importantly, we engaged with the beautiful people of cuba. they welcomed us with open arms and made us feel like part of their families. this is what's unique about bright light, our volunteers receive just as much as they give.. this is what begins the ripple effect of awareness and appreciation for other cultures which in turn creates compassion in our volunteers, laying the groundwork for them to become strong, influential leaders. petri b.
I traveled with Bright Light to Cuba and this experience changed the way Inwill forever travel. It was a culturally impressive experience that really allowed me to connect with local people, understand their culture, and give back! It was a very rewarding, educational and fun experience. Because of this experience I now look for volunteer opportunities every time I travel.
Bright Light Volunteers changed my life! I have volunteered abroad with this organization twice so far. Volunteering abroad really puts poverty into perspective. Global poverty is plaguing our world, and Bright Light Volunteers are helping, one program at a time. During my time volunteering with this organization, my team and I helped farm for local communities, taught English and art to children, donated supplies, and acted as United States Ambassadors, strengthening relationships and bridging cultural divides. I believe all high school students should be given the opportunity to serve abroad so they come back with a greater understanding of their place in the world. Bright Light Volunteers understands that the youth of today will be the leaders of tomorrow, and with some background knowledge in global service learning, they will be well-informed on how to lead us into the future!
Bright Light Volunteers takes care of everything with a minimal program donation. Program participants have no surprise expenses or expectations. They provide safe, comfortable accommodations in local home stays, giving their volunteers a chance to immerse themselves in the culture of the host families. The food is authentic and plentiful. Cultural excursions are relevant to the learning experience. And the staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating.
I've researched others, and Bright Light Volunteers is THE best service learning, volunteer abroad organization out there!