Cross-Cultural Solutions

They stopped being a non profit in 2018. Did not tell the volunteers til after they already paid and discovered issues and were on site in the country volunteer site. No longer tax deductible. I do not believe they are in business. I was injured due to them in 2018 and won the court case in 2021 but received nothing because they disappeared

I went to Guatemala when I was about 16 years old. Six years later at 22 I’m realizing how poorly organized and scary it was. Long story short, I got a virus and needed medical attention, the program directors refused to get me care. I told them I needed to leave as I was getting sicker. The program director, Juan Carlos I think his name was? Kicked everybody out of the dorm and intimidated me, a 16 year old, by myself on a flight of stairs. He told me I could not leave. My dad had to contact their emergency help line, they told him I was fine and not to get me. I had to BEG to leave. They tried to limit communication with our parents. Horrifying traumatizing and still haunts me to this day. Do not send your children with this program

I just finished volunteering for CCS, for 3 weeks, in Morocco. The program was so amazing and I highly recommend this organization. I am going into my senior year of college and wanted to travel this summer, while also making an impact and learning about a new culture. CCS provided an insight into the culture of Morocco with their Arabic lesson, Islam lesson, cooking classes, and tours around Rabat. I loved my placements for volunteering - a children's hospital and an orphanage - but also felt that there was plenty of free time for exploring and traveling ourselves. The program director was amazing; he answered all my questions about Morocco and helped me with planning weekend trips, all while making me feel right at home!

I was definitely nervous about traveling alone for the first time, but my time in Morocco is a trip I will cherish for my lifetime!

1. Pre planning consultant was good and always offered assistance on time.
2. At the time of getting close to date of trip, it was not very clear my work assignment. I had to insist to get a meeting over the phone in order to get a brief about it. It would be better to assign the tasks at glance, a list 2 weeks before the trip so anybody can prepare. And exchange expectations and questions. Because experienced volunteers would like to use at list every weekday to use our professional skills.
3. It would be very helpful, to update or train the local coordinator, about how these days in America we are volunteering. Some people might travel just to spend time, but some other like me, we invest our time and money in order to be very productive during the trip of volunteering and comeback home fulfilled.
4. About the condition of the home-base: Since Delhi is a city with high pollution, so is not a city to walk or spend time in a park, or streets, it would be helpful, to have the apartment (home-base) with some windows so daylight can be seen inside. This means when is early in the morning you can meditate or after a day of work you can relax with a book or writing your journal.
5. The office of the local staff should be separate from the room or home-base. This gives a bit of privacy on hours or days that there is no work to do. Specially if a woman is the only volunteer and the rest of the local staff are just "man".
6. Special thanks to: preparation and assistance provided from "vicky" was very remarkable. (The local personal from CCS Delhi). He was going with me everyday to the schools were I was doing "Dental screenings", he also taught me very useful words in Hindu, show me the cultural aspects of the city. and very interesting temples.

Although I was the only person during my week of volunteering in Delhi, I was able to meet my expectations 100%, about applying my professional skills as a dentist and experienced volunteer.

I volunteered with Cross Cultural Solutions in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania in June of 2015 and completely fell in love. This program absolutely exceeded my expectations and the in country director and staff is amazing. I truly feel like I now have a family in Tanzania. I felt that it was a well balanced program with volunteering and cultural activities. The guest speakers really gave me a deeper insight into the culture. I think the program fee was completely worth the experience I gained and I could never have gained this experience just as a tourist on my own. The food was exceptional and I felt totally taken care of throughout the entire program. This is a great organization and they were very organized through the entire process of my volunteer experience from start to finish. Even when I returned a really friendly women reached out to me to stay in touch!

I highly recommend this organization.

I just finished up with a cross cultural assignment in Guatemala. It was spectactular. The cross cultural team at the home base (Guatemala City) were so incredible and it was because of them that made my volunteer experience so meaningful. As in the last review, they ensured the safety of each volunteer, fed us the most amazing meals and took care of us as if we were their own family.

My assignment was working in a pediatric clinic and not only did I learn a little bit about how the health care system works in Guatemala but developed close relationships with the staff. The families were kind, grateful and so caring.

This being my first experience as a volunteer really motivated me to be more involved with local volunteering, but I am also looking into my next Cross Cultural volunteer trip since it was such an impactful experience.

If you are considering a volunteer program, cross cultural is the one to do and Guatemala is beyong life changing! You won't be sorry to have participated in such a great program!

I recently volunteered in Guatemala. This was my first experience with cross-cultural solutions and I cannot imagined how other sites could match the amazing staff and the great cultural experienced here. The staff offered a level of protection, food preparation and care that you would expect from your family, hence it was hard to leave both staff and your fellow volunteers because they create a sense of family at the host home. The first day after work I realized that someone kept making my bed and I was shocked that they go as far as to ensure your bed is comfortable each night. The pride the staff takes in making sure you eat, get to know each other, and ensure you make your trips and work assignments is excellent. I would recommend that the if you go to Guatemala, spend time in the kitchen with the staff to learn Spanish. Also, the internet works a few hours throughout the evening although this was different for many Americans it taught us to spend time in conversation and deplug, so embrace it. My work assignment was at a school in zona three you really learn a lot about how to teach in Spanish as well as how to become accepting and loving of other to point of giving and receiving a tangible hug and besos despite the conditions of the child or environment. You also learn how to find joy in the midst of lack and how to become resourceful! This place if full of beauty and lessons that you may want to see and learn in this life time. Thank you Guatemala staff! Love- JenniJessica lol

I recently volunteered at the CCS Guatemala location for 2 weeks. The Country Director, Virginia, was AWESOME and helped make the experience worthwhile and truly enjoyable. The staff at the homebase was welcoming and very friendly. My placement site was with elderly women in a hospital/institution. I had such a wonderful time and have amazing memories that will last a lifetime! I would return to Guatemala in the future and I highly recommend CCS and the Guatemala location!

Very fun and a great learning experience. Staff was very kind and I enjoyed the volunteer experience.

Just returned from an amazing 5 week journey to Ghana. I can honestly say it was the best 5 weeks of my life. The local staff were kind, trustworthy, helpful, and made me feel safe 100% of the time. CCS could not have done a better job choosing their local staff. The home base felt like home and was always clean and surrounded by children. The food was absolutely delicious-shout out to Joe! Ghana is breathtaking and all of the cultural activities that we got to experience are something that I will hold with me forever. Makafui, the program director was a great leader and made my experience unforgettable as a whole. And Atsu was always very helpful and informative and our safety was always his top priority. Very thankful that I was able to do this. I HIGHLY recommend Cross Cultural Solutions.

I really didn't know what to expect when i signed u[ for 3 weeks in peru, but when i got there, from the minute i got there, it was a whole other world that made me realize what life was really about and made me realize what I've been missing out on. I wanted to stay longer and i honestly couldn't asked for a better group of people and children to volunteer with it felt like home and i absolutely loved it. the little children i volunteered with stole my heart and i know that a part of me will always be left behind with them and the other volunteers and peru because i have taken a whole lot of peru and the volunteers and the children with me. it was absolutely the best experience of my life. i plan on doing another country next year, maybe one where the language barrier won't be so bad? :p)

I had the incredible opportunity to spend 3 week in Hohoe, Ghana with CCS in their teen program. Needless to say, my experience was life changing. I tried to go into the trip with an open-mind and learn once I got there learn everything. And for me this was perfect, from the minute I landed in Ghana, I was learning. Everything was already planned out with group leaders. Being an 17 year old girl, I was not worried about anything but my mom on the other hand had every worry in the world. I can honestly say that I never once felt unsafe and having everything planned was more than perfect. I would pick up and leave today to go live in Ghana through the CCS program if I didnt have to finish high school and my mom would let me!

What a unique way to experience another country! I volunteered in Costa Rica for four weeks. I could not have asked for a more welcoming group of staff. Everything was always taken care of. The staff always answered any questions and always were willing to talk about what we were experiencing. This is the perfect balance of touring a country and making an impact through volunteer work. I was truly able to learn about the culture through the native staff, food, and living in the city. I highly recommend CCS to anyone!

I no longer want to travel as a tourist per se. Through its volunteer program CCS offers a combination of activities that allow you to interact with the people, gain a clearer understanding of daily life and at the same time allow for opportunities to experience cultural activities and local landmarks. Although my schedule does not allow time for it now, this trip has made me aware that in the future I would like to volunteer in my area. As a college student, many years ago, I thought of joining the Peace Corps. I realized this was my mini Peace Corps experience. I do hope to return to Guatemala and also participate in other CCS programs. The home base was truly a home away from home. The meals were delicious and the accommodations were good. The staff went out of their way to ensure that our needs were being met.

I can't express how much I loved my experience. I got on the plane to Guatemala not knowing what to expect. Honestly, it exceeded my expectations. I went for 3 weeks and not knowing any spanish it was AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!! Money very well spent. Worth EVERY SINGLE PENNY! It is really an all inclusive program. God truly blessed me with the most amazing trip!

The people at my placement were absolutely amazing and, oh, don't get me started on the staff here in Guatemala. I worked in a pediatric clinic. It helped me realize this was the career path for me. Also, the staff were so friendly and extremely helpful, especially taking extra time to help us plan weekend trips or a night out on the town. Also, the food was superb. literally drooling thinking about it!

You should definitely consider Guatemala if you are thinking about volunteering with CCS. I made great friends who I hope to keep in touch with. The city itself was beautiful and had a lot of character. I was with a very very big group, about 24 people. Honestly, I am 23 and was one of the older people there. Some of the younger people did cause some drama. That was the only thing that took away from my experience. Please don't let this sway you to not volunteer with CCS. I felt like I had true family there aside from the drama. We all took a 10 hour red eye bus ride to Tikal and it was wonderful. We made some very interesting/lasting/fantastic memories. Some were adventurous, while others were just silly. One night, I stayed in with one of the girls I became close with and we just sat in the common area for a few hours goofing around with on another. Like, sending the ugliest faces through snap chat. I could write a huge dissertation if I had the time.

Where ever you go, your experience will be different from everyone! Just go with your mind and heart open to just take everything in. Don't let yourself get in the way of immersing yourself in the culture. STAY POSITIVE!!!! Be open with the people at your placement. Follow CCS rules. Most of all just enjoy the ride, be patient, and embrace everything with a smile :)

I am definitely considering going back to Guatemala with CCS. It was very hard to leave. But, I can see myself using CCS again for sure!!! :)

Praise God for programs like this!

I volunteered in Dharamshala, India for 2 weeks on a Global Health Project. It was a very different and pleasant experience as far as placement, staff, food, and cultural exposure was concerned. I went to 2 other Global Brigade trips before this but the experience which I gained through this organization was very unique. Not only because of the experience of working with children as opposed to adults or varied ages of patients but also because of the experience that I was able to get while examining those kids and spending time with them after the examination was done. The food is great and the staff is ever ready to help. I knew the local language so that helped me a lot in multiple ways however, the local staff is very cooperative so language barrier would not be an issue for the volunteers who do not speak the local language.

I worked as a high school volunteer in Lima, Peru. The staff were so helpful and knowledgeable, the other volunteers were so nice, and it was so great working with the kids.

I knew that volunteering abroad would be life changing but I think I underestimated the depths. Helping in the special needs orphanage, creating new relationships/experiences with the other volunteers, soaking in all of the beauty of the country, and ultimately falling so deep in love with the Moroccan people. I merely can’t find the words to describe it…but my life is forever changed. A million thanks to you Morocco…until we meet again, Insha’Allah

I just returned home from volunteering with the CCS teen program in Tecpan, Guatemala for one month. It was the greatest experience of my entire life! Not only was I able to connect with and love the children at the school, but I was able to take cultural excursions that allowed me to learn so much about the Mayan culture. I chose Guatemala as my destination because I knew nothing about its history beforehand, and I left feeling a strong connection with the country because I knew almost as much about it as I did about my own country. I would definitely pack my bags for another CCS trip!

CCS is the best volunteer program. It has a perfect mix of volunteering, cultural activities, and free time. The staff is wonderful and will help you plan any activities you want to do. The home base is beautiful and clean and always has a security guard working. The food they provide was great, too! It was a very valuable experience that I loved very much!!

I had an amazing time with CCS and it was definitely an experience I would recommend to others. I went to Cartage, Costa Rica and I had the best time getting to know the people there, their culture, and being able to impact the lives of many all at the same time. I met some people there that I will hopefully continue to be friends with. The feeling I got from helping so many people is beyond words and has to be experienced!

I have said many times that I was following a call in my heart, and by volunteering in Kilimanjaro all the pieces came together: The experience was rich and deep, humbling and difficult, and yet intensely personal and spiritual. In part, the choice of two weeks of work was good, not because [and in spite] that I found so much to do and to be done and left undone!, but because I fell for those African kids and for Africa in general, and detachment was hard enough for the time shared! Africa will receive anything you have to give with extreme gratitude and humility.
The staff at the home base was incredibly friendly and personable [and yet those seem to be traits of most Tanzanians]; certain tolerance and acceptance are necessary to share different resources and goals with colleagues, but generally speaking, I have spent one of the most intense times of my life.

I loved my volunteering experience with CCS. I was moved by the children I was working with on a day to day bases, and felt privileged to also take part in day to day excursions and hindi lessons with the staff. If you are someone who is looking to volunteer this is the perfect organization to go with

I LOVED my experience with Cross Cultural Solutions. It is well worth the money as every afternoon we had the opportunity to participate in cultural lessons and/or excursions. I felt very safe and comfortable. The staff took excellent care of the volunteers and were extremely helpful in practicing our Swahili.

On five different occasions I have travelled with CCS, 4 times to Rabat, Morocco and once to Moshi, Tanzania. I would give anything to go back to both. I had the most incredible experience in both locations, so much so that I ended up changing my career path and going back to school to become a teacher. I have been fortunate to return to the Rabat, Morocco Program several times. I absolutely love the staff there, they are so nurturing and supportive, and help you through the experiences you go through at your placements. I fell in love with the children at both the orphanage in Rabat and the school in Moshi. They taught me so much about life and put things into perspective with their resilience, positivity and beautiful smiles. I also made some wonderful friendships with the staff I worked with and still stay in touch. The CCS program is great as it takes care of all the logistics for you, for example all your delicious meals, your transport to and from the airport and to and from your volunteer placement. This really puts you at ease and allows you to focus on the work you're doing. I also loved all the cultural activities that CCS organized: traditional dancing, cooking, art (batik), music and amazing day trips. The way the schedule is made you also have lots of time to explore independently in the afternoons and on weekends. Some of my most memorable experiences were during this time; trekking through the Sahara Desert, visiting the ancient ruins, going on safari in the Serengeti, and visiting the island of Zanzibar. Even the accommodations are lovely and comfortable. I would highly recommend Cross-Cultural Solutions to anyone interested in volunteering abroad.

I just got back from an incredible two week CCS experience in Salvador, Brazil! The people, culture and volunteer assignment will always be a part of me. Furthermore, I continued to be impressed with the CCS program from start to finish. I am proud to be a CCS alumni and look forward to the next adventure!

This past summer I traveled to Thailand, on my third volunteer trip with CCS. This organization is filled with the most accommodating and genuine individuals, who are dedicated to your experience - both in and out of volunteer work. Through the program, I worked in a public elementary school in Bangkok, teaching English and visiting Wats (Temples) with the most marvelous children. Outside of volunteering, the in-country staff provided numerous cultural activities that vastly molded my experience in experiencing a new culture - touring lotus ponds, Muay Thai classes, cooking classes, visiting monuments and speaking with renowned Buddhist monks (my favorite). I would highly recommend this program!

My visit to Guatemala was more than wonderful. The people were kind, the experiences unique, and the food delicious. As a pre-med student, working in the National Hospital's pediatric unit was unique and memorable, especially speaking with both the children and their mothers. The mothers needed the help too, since they stay there day and night. The CCS staff are welcoming to volunteers, knowledgeable of Guatemala City, and fun to talk to. I highly recommend CCS Guatemala to those that want to practice Spanish as well.

June 2015 took me to Tanzania...a trip of a lifetime! The experience exceeded my expectations. When asked "did you have a good time?" my response is always..."If I could get on a plane right now and return to the same place...reunite with my new-found friends and family...I would do it in a heartbeat". Thank you CCS!!

This was my first time volunteering with CCS, and it was amazing! I was working with children from ages 1-3 in a local convent in Brazil for 2 weeks. I enjoyed every minute working with the sisters, children, and other CCS members! They did a great job of making me feel like I was apart of a family and always checking in with me about how I was doing. The organization allows for a lot of independence which I was really looking for. I also felt like I was very involved with the community so that's a plus. Overall, the entire experience was great and something that I will never forget.

I spent two weeks in Lima, Peru with CCS and it was one of the best experiences of my life. I loved the in country staff and made friends that I am still in touch with today. The community benefited a lot from our help and I think the children we worked with enjoyed our company. I would definitely do it again!

I can't say enough good things about ccs! I volunteered in Lima Peru this summer and although we were working in a range of areas I felt completely safe at all times. I didn't have to worry about food, transportation or where I was staying and if I had questions I could ask any of the staff there. Having all of these worries out of the way allowed me to put myself fully into the volunteer work and get the most out of this opportunity. I would strongly encourage anyone and everyone to travel and volunteer with ccs whether it be as a single person, a school, or a family and become part of the ccs family!

My time with CCS was unforgettable. I traveled to Lima, Peru where I worked at a facility with elderly men and disabled children. The in home and on site staff were exceptional and made us feel welcomed, safe, and loved. A perfect trip for those that may need a reminder of just how beautiful this world is and how lucky we are to be in it.

This was my first trip with CCS and the program far exceeded my expectations. I volunteered in Bangkok, Thailand, teaching English in an elementary school in a northern district of the city. The program had a good relationship with the school and the teachers that I worked with. The teachers and students were extremely welcoming and worked with me every step of the way to make sure I got the best volunteer experience possible.

The accommodations were also fantastic. The program house is in a clean and safe northern Bangkok suburb, which allowed the other volunteers and I to be immersed in the culture from day one. The staff provided excellent Thai food for each meal and helped us explore the city when we weren't volunteering. The program staff understands that the volunteers yearn to experience the culture while on the volunteer trip and they deliver!

Would recommend to anyone looking for an adventure!

This was my 2nd trip with CCS. Brazil 2 years ago and Costa Rica this June. During my solo trip to Brazil I decided that my teenage kids might benefit from the experience so I took my 16 year old daughter to CCS Costa Rica. Given that teenage girls aren't looking for ways to spend MORE time with Dad I wouldn't trade that special week with her for anything in the world. Memories that will be remembered for a lifetime... 3 things impact one's CCS experience : 1) the volunteer assignment 2) the home base and the CCS employees there and 3) fellow volunteers. CCS gets a 10 out of 10 in all three categories. I can't emphasize enough what a joy it was getting to know the local CCS employees. They were absolutely outstanding. Jose and crew - be proud of the great work that you do! I can't wait for my next CCS trip with my son!

I recently went to Costa Rica with a party from my college system and was assigned to an elementary school. As a professor, being an extra pair of hands in a school staffed by committed, welcoming teachers was a humbling and rewarding experience. They reminded me of how much we owe to those to whom we commit our youngest children. While the school lacked the resources we expect in US schools, the enthusiasm and dedication of the teachers was inspiring. The youngest children were already learning to read and write English - most impressive.

My CCS trip was in Costa Rica and I was placed in the HIV clinic. At first, I was a little worried about working there because everyone was telling me that it wasn't a safe place. Once I got there, I understood how incorrect everyone was about it. The people in the clinic were quite healthy individuals and they were so kind and curious about us volunteers. I felt like I made a positive impact on on the people I helped there, and they made a positive impact on me. The CCS staff was amazing, they were very welcoming, patient, kind, and fun to be around! They were always willing to help us out with any issues we had during our stay, and it was truly amazing getting to know each and every one of them. They all had amazing back-stories and they all made an impact on me. I am so glad I participated in this trip, because I will never forget the memories/friendships I made there. I would definitely recommend this program for anyone interested in making an impact in the world, having a lot of fun, and experiencing new cultures!

I volunteered at the Costa Rica site along with a group of co-workers from my consulting company. I had an absolutely incredible experience, and was surprised by how much we were able to do in just one short week. The CCS staff is very organized, and did a great job scoping our volunteer project and making sure that we were always working hard in the mornings. Our group volunteered a a local nursing home, and formed some great relationships with the residents while there. The cultural activities were great every evening, and I felt like I learned a lot about the local culture. I was able to practice my Spanish as well. Overall, the CCS staff and the experience was great!
I would definitely recommend this program for somebody looking for a fun, engaging, well-organized, and meaningful international volunteer experience.

WOW!!!... where does one begin..upon arrival you knew instantly you were in another place, maybe even in another time... for Costa Rica is truly paradise from the culture to the people everywhere we went, the people made you right at home. My assignment was the Pueblito Orphanage, on my first day I notice that the children's playground equipment was in horrible shape from swings hanging from one chain to the see saws with no seats for the children to sit on.. so I used my 5 days in repairing 6 swings, 4 see saws and put in 3 new tire swings as well. The most inspirational part was on Friday, when a little girl was swinging on the very tire swings I had just put up hours prior. That moment was what this trip was all about for me. Thank you CCS for giving me the opportunity to display my talents as a carpenter, and to bring smiles to children's faces for months to come...Also the Home base was great, Jose Hernandez and the rest of the CCS staff were very welcoming, inspirational and dedicated to their work. I will miss them all... Pura Vida!!!!

The week that I spent in Guatemala City this summer was by far the best week I've had in years. This program gives you the opportunity to do something good for yourself by using your time to help others, learn an incredible amount about something important, have a good time, meet other people with similar interests, and relax. Going to another country can be scary, you know the things you want to do or see but you might not be sure how to go about it. The CCS staff helps you do whatever it is you desire. You also have the chance to make a difference in the lives of others.

I have often said that if i could change anything about the trip I would have wanted to stay longer. I will continue to volunteer through CCS; they have exceeded my expectations.

I would recommend the Guatemala City location to anyone. The in-country staff there is fantastico!

-Shelbi

Words can't describe the incredible journey that I had in Dharamsala, India. I knew that it would be life-changing, but I had no idea exactly how much it would be. It was the experience of a lifetime. The staff, fellow volunteers, locals, and everyone else I came in contact with were such amazing and inspiring people. If you're looking to have an awesome volunteer experience, look no further than CCS!

If offered full time employment at the orphanage I was assigned to volunteer at, and if not for the grandchildren I cherish at home, I’d still be in Guatemala. I’ve never been so profoundly moved and have never gathered as much knowledge in the short 7 days I spent with CCS. I learned about cultural differences, tradition, history, and politics, and most importantly I learned things about myself. The preconceptions I had about extreme poverty and the people that live in it led me to believe I had to be on guard at all times from fear of being robbed or cheated. Example; I’d watched a man sprint an entire city block just to return a shopping bag accidentally left at his store by one of my classmates. This was my "a-ha moment". All my life I’ve taken pride in my ability to instantly sum up any situation and a person’s character with a glance. I was wrong. I don’t have or have never had this ability and when I realized it my eyes were open to a world I never knew existed. I can’t wait to work with CCS again.
Thank you, Matt Biaso, Guatemala, 5/15

I spent 3 amazing weeks in Cartago, Costa Rica during May 2015. No words can truly describe how completely spectacular this experience was. The relationships I made in the short 3 weeks are now everlasting friendships. My assignment that I requested was at the HIV home, and I am so glad to have been placed there. Everyone was so grateful even if it was the smallest thing. Saying goodbye was the hardest thing I've had to do, and I cried during each one. The in-country staff was so outstanding that I consider these people more of family than I consider staff. They make you feel so at home and are there for you no matter what you need. So compassionate, so caring, and such amazing individuals. Adjusting back to my life in the States has been a complete struggle, but that's only because this organization is so outstanding. I would go through CCS again and again for years to come.

It's hard to believe that only a week ago I was in Rabat, Morocco, ending a week of service with Cross Cultural Solutions. I am a faculty member at Valencia College in Orlando, Florida and I was with a group of faculty and students from Hillsborough Community College in Tampa.

Although we were well-prepared by CCS staff prior to actually getting to Morocco, it was the in-country staff that brought the experience to life. Mohamed Mhmmoudi, CCS Morocco Director, and his staff made us feel at home and helped us connect to Moroccan culture. Our service locations were a Women's Center for adults to learn and practice English, a Children's Hospital, and an orphanage where we worked with children with special needs. Each service location welcomed our assistance and made us feel valued. CCS staff also led Moroccan cultural experiences on cooking, language, and religion as well as opportunities to visit key sites and experiences in Rabat such as ancient Roman/Moroccan ruins, the medina, and the casbah. Our home base was, indeed, our home away from home. Meals literally provided us with literal "tastes" of Moroccan cuisine. The home base was well-maintained, comfortable, safe and secure. I am convinced that being a part of CCS was the ideal way to experience Morocco.

In one word to sum up my experience: Amazing
In one word to sum up what I experienced: Growth
In one word to sum up what I felt in India: Gratitude
Volunteering in Dharamsala India with my 17 year old daughter was an experience of a lifetime. I am blessed to have found such a wonderful organization who made the process simple. I am a life coach and learned more about myself during the two weeks in India, then I learned in a year of career training. I would recommend anyone who is looking for an amazing opportunity to travel, learn, immerse and grow to take the leap and use CCS as your guide through the process. The staff was amazing, knowledgeable, fun, and truly wanted us to have the best experience possible....mission accomplished! I plan to take groups of women over for my business to have the same experience....CCS will be my partner Organization!

If Casablanca and a sunset camel ride into the desert doesn't get you - volunteer with CCS in Rabat, Morocco . While those images are great - the smiles you get from the special needs children at the orphanage, where I was stationed, will last forever. The opportunities for educational travel are great - but can not hold a candle to the staff and educational experiences right at your home base -they will carry you for however long you stay!

I volunteered in Thailand with CCS and it honestly changed my life! I couldn't find any family or friends to go with me which was a bummer, so I was thrilled when I came across CCS and their home-base model. It was comforting to know that I would be with other volunteers and in-country staff throughout the program. I had traveled a lot before, but this was my first big solo international trip and once enrolled, my Program Specialist made sure I was totally prepared before I went which eased my mind and my parents! She was always available to answer questions about what to pack or expect.

The program itself was incredible. I was really able to learn so much about the Thai culture through the activities in the afternoon. We visited pretty much all of the temples, met with monks and even learned to cook Pad Thai. Pimsuda and her team are the best! What really made the program though was the work I assisted with in a school for children with disabilities. Though their amenities were nicer than I expected, it was easy to see they were a bit short staffed! I helped teach swimming for OT/PT therapy and worked in the classrooms to assist in teaching English! I knew I was making an impact not only because of the relationships I was building with kids and teachers, but because I was also continuing an English project were another recent volunteer left off. It was cool to see the kids progressing in the 4 weeks I was there. The teachers also took me in as one of their own, despite any language barrier and invited me to lunch breaks, after work gatherings etc! It was the best way to take in the culture. I met a lot of tourists during my weekend travel to the beaches or Chang Mai and they had no where near the cultural insight or appreciation for Thailand that myself and other CCS volunteers had. I now know that volunteering is the best type of travel and will be returning for another CCS program soon!

I had an AMAZING experience with CCS! It really allowed me to travel independently as a women and completely immerse myself in a new culture. I volunteered in Ghana, India, and Peru and I felt that CCS does a great job of balancing volunteering with cultural learning or immersion and free time to experience the culture. I volunteered in an orphanage in Ghana, a women's group teaching English in India, and in an elderly center in Lima, Peru. The volunteering challenged me and I felt that the local community greatly benefited from my volunteering. I would recommend this program to all my family and friends! It's such a great and meaningful experience and has changed my view of the world.

I just returned from my second trip with Cross-Cultural Solutions in Rabat, Morocco. Each trip was absolutely wonderful and without a single complaint. The staff is amazingly wonderful from the van driver who delivers us and picks us up from our volunteer placements, the guard who always greets us at the gate with a smile, the cook who prepares fantastic Moroccan dishes and will definitely accommodate particular needs in diets, the house manager who keeps things organized and also provides some of our afternoon lectures, and the country director who makes sure our placements are suited to us, is our afternoon lecturer on many topics, and serves as the person to go to with any assistance we might need. He always made time and treated each question with equal importance. My volunteer placement during this 4 week trip was at an orphanage for children with extreme special needs. We had about 25 children, ages 3 to 30ish. Our jobs were to help feed the children breakfast, which could take up to 45 minutes, and then play with them, stroll them in their wheel chairs, hold the small ones, help with crafts, or listen to music accompanied by shaking some noise makers. In spite of extreme disabilities, these children stole my heart quickly. The staff was wonderful in helping us to become helpful. They were patient and very appreciative. In a few days we were able to be somewhat independent, knowing what was required of us. The staff spoke some, but limited, English. If we didn't understand, we could always follow by example. It would have been beneficial to speak French since it was the staff's strong second language, however, I speak no French and felt fine with creative communication. Other placements were teaching English as a Second Language or playing with children in a general hospital who were undergoing long term care, using crafts and music, Since it is 'cross cultural' part of the mission is for the volunteers to learn and understand the local culture. In the afternoons we had a class in cooking, Islam, women in Morocco, language, or script, for examples. The depth of the staff's knowledge was absolutely amazing. Their willingness to answer any questions made the afternoon sessions feel more like conversational learning. Our home base was very nice and comfortable. Our sleeping was dorm style with bunk beds. The neighborhood felt quite safe. I am a runner and, as a woman, was very comfortable running alone before breakfast. There are restaurants and coffee shops very nearby, plus other shops, if needed. Local extra-curricular travel by taxi was never a problem. If we wanted to go somewhere and doubted that we could make ourselves understood the staff would write it out in Arabic. As far as week-end travel, there are many enchanting places to go including the desert, Marrakesh, Fez, Chefchouaen, and beach locations. We traveled by bus and train. Again, without any problems. While traveling if there were questions it seemed there was always someone around who could answer our questions in English or French. Before each trip to Morocco I was asked many times by friends, "Is it safe?" I can only say that my experience from the moment I arrived at the airport in Rabat was a sense of absolute friendliness, being comfortable, and a feeling of being safe. I will definitely be making a third trip there.

I volunteered in lima, peru. I enjoyed my experience, and the staff members were all kind and accommodating of my special dietary needs, which I really appreciated. The senior citizen center where I volunteered was well staffed and over staffed with volunteers. I think that I expected that my service would be needed, and it wasn't, though I was glad to be able to help in the community by rebuilding portions of a house for the cutest little women I've met to date! Getting to know the people and the history of the community was rewarding, and I'm glad I went, I just found myself searching for purpose in my travel and expense as I was clearly not needed. I did find purpose and joy in the little bit of service that I was able to participate in, I just expected the service aspect to be more valuable to the people then it was. My experience led me to the realization that ccs is a vacation organization with a little bit of service instead of the other way around. As long as you understand that, and understand that you are paying 2500$+ for transportation to and from the airport and to and from your volunteer placement, a place to sleep and food to eat, and nothing else, you'll likely really enjoy it. The money wasn't an issue with me, so i really don't resent it, but if I had been saving for a long time, I probably would have. I could have stayed in a 5 star hotel with 5 star meals and gotten my own transportation and traveled around a bit for that price, but, the fact that I was traveling alone for the first time, staying with other volunteers made my trip more enjoyable. I really did enjoy getting to know the other volunteers. I would say that if this is your first time traveling abroad, and you feel nervous about it, ccs is a comfortable way to go, if you can afford the upfront expense and all the expenses of your travels in country. The "cultural immersion" activities were really more of a bother then an enjoyable part of the program, though I did enjoy learning about the history of the community. Now that I've been to Lima and seen how comfortable I am in that city, I would not return their with ccs. I, personally, would have a more meaningful experience with something more authentic and service oriented, as the service was more of a motivating factor for me then the vacation was, and I found myself with a significant amount of time to kill, and really didn't have the extra cash to do any significant traveling in country.
I did have one other motive in going and that was to see if ccs would be a good program for my high school age niece to participate in on her own, for the service and the culture. During my stay, there were three 18 year old kids, one still in high school, who liked to stay out past curfew and drink and party all weekend. Though there were technically rules in place about those issues, they were not enforced, and the kids were left to wander the city on there own at night, drunk. Though there was someone to open the door for them at any hour, and the night guard did call the director, he did not enforce the rules. This would have been an uncomfortable living arrangement for my niece, and a lonely one, with very little support, so it isn't likely that I will send her out with ccs either.
I am giving 2 stars because I enjoyed my trip and I was grateful to not be bothered with finding vegetarian meals. I'm not giving more because I felt that ccs did not manage my money (there were 11 staff members half of whom I didn't know what their job was) my time or my service well, they did not live up to their clearly written rules on safety as displayed on their website (the seat belts in the vans didn't work, they didn't enforce curfew or drinking rules, etc.) and the cultural immersion was almost entirely self-directed and a further expense to myself.

CCS was absolutely AMAZING!!! This was my first time traveling abroad and I was VERY nervous... My anxiety was immediately relieved when I met Mohamed at the airport in Morocco!!! Everyone at the home base made me feel right at home! The accommodations were up to par and we were very well fed with very yummy Moroccan dishes! CCS provides many great opportunities to learn about the culture and immerse yourself completely! The volunteer placements are well researched and meaningful! I worked at the orphanage with the special needs kids and it was so rewarding and all of the staff was very nice! Most importantly, I felt safe!! This experience was life changing!!!

I just completed two weeks of volunteer work in Cartago, Costa Rica. I have done volunteer work in several other countries around the world (Guatemala, Trinidad, Kenya, Jamaica), but the CCS experience has been the best. The work that I did was rewarding itself (helping a teacher and a cafeteria worker at a local school) . Above and beyond that, however, the CCS staff made the in-country experience comprehensive. We had optional classes to help us learn and understand the local language (taught by a top-notch instructor). Other options were visits to local areas of historical and cultural interest. These optional classes/trips helped me to gain a deeper appreciation for the host country and its people. We had instruction on how to do the local dances (i.e. mambo, salsa, etc); and we had three amazing meals at the "homebase" everyday.
It's possible to become so absorbed in doing "the volunteer work" in a country that one can totally miss the "bigger picture" of the country. CCS is interested in making sure that its volunteers have a "Total Experience" because that gives the volunteers a greater "connection" with the country's people.
Although I would love to return to Cartago, there are other countries where CCS is based; I plan to explore some of these. Also, I plan to share my knowledge of CCS with high school students and others who may be looking for a top quality mission/volunteer experience.

Absolutely Amazing. I was able to serve in Cartago, Costa Rica over my Spring Break. CCS allows you to see the real culture, people and cuisine of the country you are in. There are many concerns about "Charity Tourism" and its problems. CCS; however, has a constant presence in their community and the work they do is badly needed. While the trip was a little more expensive than other volunteering trips, they amount of activities we did and the difference we made up for any and all expenses. My week with CCS Costa Rica has been the best day of my life.

I had the privilege of volunteering through the CCS in India program in March 2015 and I cannot overemphasize what an incredible, transformative experience it was. The staff genuinely cared about our group's experiences there and did everything to ensure our comfort, safety and learning about Indian culture. The flats were very comfortable and the food was incredible. They were also very responsive to requests of all kinds as well as ensuring that we had fun in our off time. I loved it so much that I hope to go back.

I was a part of CCS India in March 2015 and it was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I felt safe and comfortable during my stay and the CCS staff was amazing. I would love to volunteer at other CCS locations in the future and encourage everyone to look into their programs.

CCS is an organization where the magic of the program happens "in-country"! The local staffs provide a great experience that combines volunteering in the mornings with cultural immersion programs in the afternoons. And of course there is time to explore on your own, which I would highly recommend doing. Traveling on the weekends is a highlight for any abroad trip. It's a great way to meet others.

While the program fee is a bit expensive, I think that overall the program meets expectations. You could go with someone else, but you definitely won't have the same level of support. Moreover, I encourage anyone to ask questions before signing up; what does an average day looks like, how much of my day is spent volunteering, where is my money going when I pay the program fee, review the financials of an organization, and most importantly to evaluate the impact that you will have (at the community level as a volunteer and you as an individual in what you will learn).

Good luck in your search and keep an open mind when it comes to learning about new cultures!

I was fortunate enough to experience Lima, Peru for 3 weeks with Cross-Cultural Solutions. The team and the volunteers at the placement were so welcoming and frankly all amazing people. I worked at both the school and the senior center. Both experiences were amazing and left me with memories I will carry forever. I learned so much from the short time I was there from the people I met, the rich culture and the beautiful surroundings. Lima is now my new favorite place in this world and I plan on returning as soon as possible. Thanks CCS! I highly reccomend this company for anyone who is interested in international volunteering.

I volunteered at CCS India Dharamsala this summer during the month of July. Every portion of the volunteer experience, from my placement to the cultural events planned were extremely well executed. As a special education teacher, although a position was not promised, the crew in Dharamsala worked hard to make sure that my volunteer experience would align with my training. I hope to be able to volunteer with CCS again, as many of the volunteers who I worked with this summer were on their second or third trip and it seems that all the locations are as well run as India.

I volunteered in New Delhi, India for 2 weeks and absolutely loved it. My placement was eye-opening and inspiring all at the same time. The social workers and teachers at the placement were supportive and so pleasant to work with. But most of all, it was the children that grabbed my heart and will remain unforgettable. I learned so much in such a short period of time , that no text-book or course can ever provide. Hands on experience, meeting and engaging with the people and the culture, is truly the greatest way of growing , learning, and expanding as a person. The change within you will only be felt and noticed once you return home to your routine life . It'll hit you and wow you simultaneously. No other travel experience has enriched me as the one I completed with cross-cultural solutions. I am still glowing from my adventure 3 weeks later...... !! :)

I volunteered in Lima, Peru for 2 weeks. I met some amazing people and sharing a house with them was always eventful! It was a great experience, the food was delicious every meal and we were allowed the independence I expected to wander off on our own during free time to explore. I was at Inabif working with the children, (I definitely recommend the older kids) they were so appreciative and excited to learn from us, especially listen to our English. The language barrier was difficult but I managed fine with my high school experience! Kique, our house manager was awesome. I'm definitely looking into other locations for the future. Thanks!!

My husband and I just completed a 2 week volunteer assignment with CCS at San Rafael Adult Day Care and Nursing Home. What an incredible opportunity. Sandra and Lorena provide an amazing opportunity for the people coming to the center.
The CCS crew at the CCS Home Base were amazing. They provided us with help, activities, learning opportunities, etc. What an amazing, fun, caring staff. They made us feel so at home.
The adults that we got to work with at the Day Care were so appreciative as was the staff at the placement. It was so exciting to see their eyes light up every morning when we arrived. I will not forget these special people.
I plan to volunteer in Cartago again.
I would recommend this opportunity to everyone. It changed how I look at volunteering and being immersed in a different culture.

I WENT TO CAPE TOWN SOUTH AFRICA FOR 2 WEEKS IN AUGUST. THIS WAS MY FIRST EXPERIENCE OUT OF THE COUNTRY. AND LET ME SAY IT WAS ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE. I'D DO IT AGAIN. EVERYONE WITHIN THE PROGRAM, FROM THE STAFF IN THE US TO THE STAFF IN COUNTRY. IT WAS AMAZING. THEY COMPLETELY MET ALL MY NEEDS. CCS IS NOT ONLY THERE TO HELP YOU VOLUNTEER, BUT TRULY GET TO KNOW THE COUNTRY YOUR VOLUNTEERING IN. THEY IMMERSE YOU IN THE CULTURE. THE LOVE I FELT FROM EACH AND EVERYONE OF THE STAFF MADE ME FEEL RIGHT AT HOME. THE OTHER VOLUNTEERS WERE THE BEST. IT WAS TRULY LIKE A FAMILY. I AM CURRENTLY TRYING TO BECOME AN AMBASSADOR FOR CCS. ALSO I AM PLANNING ANOTHER TRIP TO VOLUNTEER IN THAILAND!!

I volunteered in Lima, Peru for three weeks and I have to say it was the best three weeks Ive ever experienced. The signing up through CCS was sketchy at first, BUT my coordinator kept me updated with all of my paperwork and payments. This program is perfect for a first time traveler. I 100% reccommend this to anyone who wants a great volunteer experience and a taste of a new country. CCS is worth every penny and the memories will last a lifetime.

I volunteered in Costa Rica with Cross Cultural Solutions and it changed my life. When I signed up, I was nervous because I had never gone on a service trip before, or had been to Central America. I signed up not knowing really what to expect but when I got there, it immediately felt like home. Cartago was so amazing and the people were so friendly, especially the CCS crew! I will never forget my volunteer placement. The children that I got to work with will forever hold a place in my heart. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life and I never expected it would have such an affect on me. I would recommend volunteering in Cartago with CCS to ANYONE! It was incredible and I plan to go back someday.

I just returned from 3 weeks in Lima Peru. My trip was incredible and so rewarding. The CCS Lima staff was amazing and they all took such good care of me. I volunteered in a daycare program for underprivileged children called INIBIF and I could not have asked for a better placement. I also spent a day at Los Martincitos, a similar program for the elderly, and It was a wonderful experience as well. The people in Peru are so welcoming and thankful and all of the placements desperately need more volunteers. I would recommend CCS Lima to anybody and they really need your help! I hope to go back soon!

I went for 2 weeks to Tanzania to volunteer and now I wish I had gone for longer. I had the most experience ever! In the 2 weeks I was there working at Best Hope Learning Centre, I was able to get my own class of 45 teenagers in the morning and teach them math. During the break, I would play with the kids and teach them new games like Red Rover or Duck Duck Goose. After break, I had a class of 30 kiddies (ages 3 to 6) and taught them English, Math, Art and how to read Swahili. Those kids were so kind, happy and it was truly a humbling experience. The program was great because the staff were so helpful and were always around if you needed something. The program was also set up so that every day there was an education experience of some sort to help you acclimate to the culture. The list included Swahili Classes, a doctor giving a health talk, batiking lessons, non-profit educating us on Female Genital Mutilation, making our own coffee, learning about the Chagga caves and the history behind it, visiting a local dance and acrobatic school, and visiting an orphanage. Keep in mind that even though school ends at 1 in Tanzania, your days are still long. I woke up around 5:30, got ready, ate breakfast, walked to work and then taught from 8 to 1. Then I walked back, ate lunch and did the cultural activities until 6, ate dinner and then graded homework, prepared assignments and worked on ARTS and Crafts for the kids to do the next day. Before you know it, its 10PM at night. The real scoring I would give is 4.5 but since I couldn't give half a start I did 4. My only recommendation would be to have more snacks or less time apart from meals. 6 hours apart for each meal was the hardest part for me but again, 1st world problem that you can get past. I hope this review helps. I would definitely go back because it was definitely a two way learning environment. I am forever grateful for my experience.

I spent 2 weeks in Peru with my daughter . We both had an amazing time. The staff was very helpful and courteous and the food was delicious. We felt safe and It was fun to learn the culture and meet new people. We worked with small children at INABIF, they were always so happy too see us. I miss them.

The week spent in Costa Rica was completely rewarding. The CCS team made the week efficient and impactful. They took care of everything which allowed us to maximize our time with the kids and helping with repairs.
The attention the kids received by our group at the Pueblito orphanage was appreciated by them. You could see the excitement of our arrival and the hardest part was saying goodbye. The CCS staff helped us understand the local culture and history and they are truly an incredible staff.

I just returned from volunteering 3 weeks with CCS in Morocco. I am a very well-traveled individual with more than 80 countries that have been checked off of my list that I have been fortunate enough to visit. I do not put much faith in the media, and their ability to report fairly and accurately the situations that are happening abroad in each individual country, as I find them always to be extremely embellished and happening in a very localized area and not in the countries as a whole. But even I was hesitant to travel to Morocco with the bombardment of information from the media and internet regarding Africa and in particular, Northern Africa. As always, I am so thankful and happy I dismissed all information and wanted to rely more on my personal experience and gathering of information from Morocco itself! Morocco was nothing like I expected, I must say. The people of Morocco are very giving, loving and most of all, appreciative! The country itself is beautiful in every way and the Sahara, it is absolutely breathtaking and a trip that should be on everyone's bucket list. Honestly, 3 weeks was not enough to see and experience everything Morocco has to offer. And safety, well, I can honestly say I never felt safer in a foreign country. Mohamed and the staff are completely dedicated to your security and ensuring that you get the most out of your experience in Morocco with CCS in every way. The home base is in Rabat, the capital; however, it is so quiet, you would never know you are in a capital city and the neighborhood in particular is a part of the diplomatic area. You can walk to practically any kind of business you can imagine that would be catering to every foreign diplomat and their families. Definitely not Third World. Most importantly, the placements are incredibly rewarding and are so much more than I expected. I even had a request while I was there to be able to experience a couple of placements and Mohamed made sure that happened. The people of Morocco are so appreciative for the work you are doing. I definitely came away feeling that what I gained from my placement was far greater than what I felt I contributed. Morocco and the CCS staff far exceeded my expectations! Mohamed and his staff at the CCS home base in Morocco supply all the tools for you to gain knowledge about the language, people and culture of Morocco; however, it is like anything, it is up to you to do something with those tools! You may visit my blog at: www.myquestforimperfection.com to see a picturesque documentary of my time in Morocco and also a little short side trip to Cairo, Egypt, on my journey back to the United States.

I spent a week this October volunteering at the El Pueblito Orphanage in Costa Rica. What an amazing journey it was! The staff were particularly accommodating and warm, not to mention a wealth of in depth knowledge about their country, it's politics, religion, attitudes, and so much more. At the orphanage we were again met with sincere welcomes by the lovely and dedicated 'Mama's' that ran each house on the premises that housed 8-12 children per house. It was clean, organized and most of all showed a common sense of respect throughout their community. The children were especially endearing as even though life had not handed them a good hand, they could smile, laugh, play, show love and accept love with us foreigners even though our Spanish was generally poor or virtually non-existent. It's amazing what body language and gestures can communicate. We also were able to paint the outside of two of the houses that needed a bit of a face lift. Some of the children came and helped us with the it and you could see their sense of accomplishment and more pride they could take in their home. One boy was amazingly meticulous for his age and did not spill a drop as he painted carefully and evenly the whole front door with me. It was as if to say, "I can help make our home better - you don't have to do it all for me!" Yeah for him and the rest of the children we got to work and play with.

The quote we left with our hand prints on the ceiling at the CCS Homebase is, "Doing nothing for others is the undoing of ourselves." - Horace Mann I like to think of it more as, "Doing good for others is the true fulfillment of our souls."

It wasn't all about giving at the orphanage. The CCS staff also handed us a hefty dose of Costa Rica culture, food, language, coffee plantations and their beautiful natural sites. I could not fight back the tears as we all said goodbye, not knowing if or when I might see them or those kids again. It was a trip of a lifetime!

I spent one week volunteering in El Pueblito orphanage in Cartago, Costa Rica. This was a life changing experience for me. Volunteering at El Pueblito was very rewarding as the children there appreciated the time they had with the volunteers and loved the extra attention and activities that we provided. I learned a lot about the resiliency of children and that all they want is to be cared for and loved. Cross Cultural Solutions provided a safe and comfortable home base with incredible food. The staff at CCS was helpful and warm. The cultural activities and Spanish lessons provided were enriching. This experience was a wonderful combination of giving back to society and gaining a better understanding of the Costa Rican culture and people. This is something that my family is planning to do in the future as something that will shape how my children see the world and the impact one person can have with the right attitude and motivation.

I recently spent a week in Peru working with the elderly at Los Martincitos. It was an amazing experience. The seniors who came to the center were in great need and they certainly received lots of love and attention from the staff at Los Martincitos. I was also deeply moved by how much the seniors cared about and for each other. It was a great honor to be incredibly kind and helpful and very organized.

My Bangkok Thailand volunteer experience was life-changing. The staff was great. It was the overall awesome experience. I love the way we did extracurricular things but also stay focused volunteering. The accommodations at the house were awesome. It was more like a neighborhood feel versus staying at a hotel. I would definitely do it again.

I recently completed a week in New Delhi, India. I abolutely loved it and I regret that I only had one week there. I assisted with teaching English in a small school in the slums and it was very eye-opening and very rewarding. The home base had everything I needed and the food was delicious. The staff was kind and took their time explaining the culture and any questions I had. I would definitely reccommend this experience, and I would love to go back one day.

I just spent a week volunteering in Peru working with the elderly. It was truly an eye-opening experience that has changed my perspective in many ways. Going to Peru in this capacity is different than anything I have ever done before but I am so glad that I did it! You really get the opportunity for “cultural emersion” and have the chance to get to know the country and people in a much more intimate and meaningful way than you would as a tourist. As a tourist I would never tell the taxi to take me to the poorest area but as a CCS volunteer, you do get to experience something that you would not be exposed to as a tourist. Don’t get me wrong, you get to do the fun cultural activities as well! The program is excellent. Everyone that works for CCS is absolutely wonderful. Additionally, there is never a time that I felt unsafe. Serving the elderly people in Peru was truly an honor. I left feeling very humbled by the experience and through serving the people in Peru, I felt like I gained so much.

I was in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania for 4 weeks.
I have read a few one-star reviews who have been addressing where the money CCS makes is going (which admittedly I know nothing about) and about the "lack of" volunteer work. On this last point, I just have to say that I completely disagree.
I was located at the Magereza Nursery School in Moshi, and that is what I will always remember most about my time is Tanzania. I fell in love with the children and with teaching. Yes, it is true that you spend only 4 hours a day teaching (that's also how long their school day is...it is unreasonable to expect to be volunteering 10 hours a day at a school that only runs for 4 hours). BUT in those 4 hours, at least at my placement, you are teaching and interacting with these kids. I don't know why or how some people are saying that they feel they are not helping at all; the teachers at the school told us that having volunteers spikes school attendance by a ton, because the kids like the volunteers. The teachers don't speak very much English, or at least aren't very confident in their abilities, so having actual English-speakers helps a ton. You are given your own class, and come up with your own lessons. Even if you feel you are not teaching the kids anything, or they aren't grasping it, it makes A WORLD of a difference for you to just make them feel special and play with them and gain confidence. You get out of it what you put into it. But when you are playing with those kids, and making them smile. I don't know how in the world you could think you are not helping.
The school was a little understaffed my last week there, so not only did I feel I was helping the children, I felt extremely useful in helping with the cooking and cleaning as well.
I LOVED my time in Tanzania, and would recommend it to anyone and everyone. At CCS, the staff, meals, accommodations, transportation, etc. are all wonderful, but you can read others reviews about that. What really stands out to me is where I worked, and all of the kids there.

Our family of four just completed 2 weeks in New Delhi with CCS. What an amazing experience for us all. The staff is exceptional in all ways. The food at the home base is outstanding as well as the accommodations. My daughter & I volunteered at the Vidya Creches preschool, My husband & other daughter volunteered at Mother Teresa Nirmal Hriday. We all had a fabulous experience and are glad that we made the decision to come. We also enjoyed all the cultural programs that went along with being here. It was a great way to learn more about the country & people.

My CCS adventure was in Lima, Peru for 3 weeks. I spent my time helping at a program for the elderly, where we danced, prepared meals and served them, did arts and crafts, harvested vegetables from the garden, visited them at their homes, and in general just spent time with them. Bonds were quickly made, and their welcoming, positive attitudes were contagious! No matter their situation, they are such a grateful group and always expressed their appreciation. During our weekends we had visited Ica/Huacachina for sand-boarding, Cuzco and Puno for Machu Picchu, and Lake Titikaka and the floating islands. CCS is a fantastic program that provides safety, security, special volunteer opportunities, classes and tours, and free time to immerse yourself in the culture.

Our family of four, including 13- and 17-year old daughters, just returned from 2 weeks in Hohoe, Ghana. We had a fantastic time. The staff made us feel completely welcome and safe. Mother and daughters spent mornings teaching at a local school, while the father (a physician) went on rounds at the municipal hospital. In the afternoon we climbed several mountains, swam in waterfalls, visited a witch doctor, and immersed ourselves in the thriving commerce of our neighborhood and surrounding areas. Though we were worried about tropical illnesses, all of us stayed entirely well. One of our daughters has celiac disease and the cook at our home base, with only one brief mention about the issue, always took care to provide gluten-free options at every meal.
We had many amazing experiences and we all hope to return again someday.

I spent 5 weeks volunteering with CCS in Dharamsala and having nothing but good things to say about the program and country! CCS not only offers endless opportunities to volunteer and offer your efforts to a culture who needs your help, but also creates a well rounded experience with numerous cultural lectures and outings and plenty of free time to travel and adventure on your own. I would highly recommend this program regardless of where you're looking to travel, what your previous experiences and qualifications are, or your age. Our house was home to volunteers ranging in age from 15 to 82, each one finding a purpose and motivation while they were there.

I just returned from 5 weeks in Dharamsala, India. CCS truly allowed for me to have the life changing experience that I had. My volunteer work was at a daycare for children roughly 2-7, and I feel my work was very impactful. The staff were so great, the food was absolutely incredible, and the activities they had planned for the volunteers were spectacular. We had free time to venture to other places on the weekends and do our own exploring, and having an understanding of the culture from the program really allowed us to immerse ourselves. Incredible experience, recommend CCS to anyone!

I spent four weeks in Dharamsala, India- what a colorful and inspiring culture. I've never felt so in touch with the environment and the people surrounding me. From the high peaks of the Himalayas to the small family I became part of at home base, I was in awe of how happy and at peace I felt in India. A memory I will treasure will be of the beautiful drive to Manali passing back and forth across rivers and winding narrow roads high up above the valley. It was breathtaking and a truly spiritual experience. Mama Earth, how spectacular you are! My work was volunteering in a daycare for children ages 2-10. For my first time with kids, I learned much about our basic human nature watching them play together and doing arts and language activities together. Kids are kids! They ask only for your love and to do the Hokey Pokey.

I just returned from spending two weeks in Rabat, Morocco. The experience was life changing! I volunteered at a Children's Hospital playing with sick kids mostly through arts and crafts. The hospital really depends on volunteers to help with entertaining the kids and to help them forget about being sick for a few hours. The house staff in Morocco were simply amazing and really tried to make sure each volunteer was comfortable. Mohamed, the CCS country director, is such a caring, warm person and really is concerned for the safety and well being of all volunteers. The home base is located in an extremely safe neighborhood of Rabat with cafes and parks all within walking distance. The cultural activities organized by the CCS staff were very informative and educational. If anyone is thinking about volunteering abroad and does not have the ability to commit over two years to the Peace Corps, I would wholeheartedly recommend giving back through CCS. It will certainly be an experience you will not forget!

I was in Bangkok for three weeks. The CCS staff was local, well-informed, and totally awesome. They consistently went out of their way to make the experience for the volunteers as rich as possible. I still can't believe all the activities we participated in, and even better was the volunteering part. I loved teaching at the school (even though I am not a teacher), and I want to go back and do some more!

I spent 1 week in Ghana, and I had such an amazing time. The activities were really amazing. The school i worked at was amazing as well. I met so many interesting people. The staff at the home base was really helpful, loving, and caring. I felt really safe at the home base as well. I definitely recommend Cross Cultural Solutions to anyone who is interested in volunteering abroad. Such a wonderful opportunity.

I spent 1 week in CCS Costa Rica with my teen daughter and niece. I chose this program based on a personal recommendation from a friend who has done 4-5 CCS trips (both on her own and with her teenage children) so I was physically and mentally well-prepared for the trip. The actual experience so exceeded our expectations that we all three wished we had selected a 2 or 3-week program instead of the 1-week one. Everything from the pre-trip support, the in-country staff (extraordinary!), the placement and the impact we made there to the cultural activities, the food, and the fellow volunteers was a 5-star experience. Even the dorm-style accommodations and limited restrooms were clean and cared for with pride. I did find my earplugs very useful for sleeping in the evening.

I just spent 3 weeks in Morocco with CCS Rabat, and I had a great experience!!! The program was well balanced with volunteering (I taught English) in the morning and cultural activities in the afternoon. The food at the house was incredible - I've never had more delicious and well-balanced meals that consecutively. There was also plenty of time to explore on your own. The staff were super friendly and helpful, as were the other volunteers staying at the house. Overall, I had a great experience and would recommend it to anyone wanting to get to know Morocco!!

I just graduated from James Madison University in May. I was planning on taking the summer to travel and spend time with family. My older sister had volunteered in Thailand and Brazil with Cross Cultural Solutions, so I decided to look into their programs. I had never done a volunteer trip like this before, but did spend a semester abroad in Florence, Italy and consider myself a “well traveled” woman.
Despite the apprehension that my family and friends had that I was going to a predominately Muslim country during a time of war and unrest in the Middle East, I spent two weeks in Rabat, Morocco! I too had a lot of anxiety before departing, mostly concerning my safety. It was also going to be a bit of a unique experience, because I visited during Ramadan, one of the most religious times of the year. However, these feelings were quickly quelled when I was greeted at the airport by our program director Mohamed Mhmmoudi , and when I arrived at our home base in Rabat.
Our home base was clean, comfortable, and in a very safe neighborhood. We had a guard 24 hours, and were quickly informed about how to stay safe in the city. We were told what taxis to use, Arabic and French phrases that would be of help to us, and the general location of all things. During our orientation, the staff was extremely helpful and knowledgeable about where to eat, how to act, and our placements. They were open and honest with us about everything! Within the first twenty-five minutes they asked us who wanted to go to the Eastern Sahara for the weekend and ride a camel. All of us shot our hands up, and Mohamed organized a trip for us with transportation, accommodations and a tour guide all taken care of! It was easy, and is one of my favorite memories from the two week time spent in Morocco. On the way to the Sahara we stopped to see monkeys on the road and met Nomads. I truly felt like it was something out of a National Geographic article and an experience I will never forget! Orientation was thorough and helpful. The staff made me feel right at home, along with the other volunteers.
The food was delicious and no one during my stay there got sick. The water was all filtered and everything was clean, which is something that is not a given in some countries. We were served three meals a day with lunch being the biggest. There were plenty of options and a variety of different dishes to choose from. They also catered to dietary restrictions such as gluten free, vegetarian, or vegan. There was a grocery store right down the road from our home base, where we could shop for snacks as well. The home base had a separate refrigerator for volunteers, if we wanted to keep some of our own snacks. This worked very well, and no one ever took others food etc. we all respected one another’s stuff. Personally, I can tend to be a picky health nut when it comes to food. I am going to miss the delicious fresh cuisine they served us, especially couscous Fridays and all of the fresh fruit! I did get a few of the recipes, so I will be able to recreate them in the states! We also had two cooking classes while I was there, which were great. We got a very good understanding of how much passion and emphasis they put on meals. In addition, I visited during Ramadan, so it was fun to learn all about the traditional food they serve when they break fast.
The home base was incredibly clean, safe and gorgeous! Our rooms were cleaned everyday, and we got clean towels whenever we asked for them. I had two other roommates and they were very respectful of my belongings. The home base also had locks and safe places to keep any valuables such as a computer, and passports. However, I never felt the need to lock anything up. I often had my laptop sitting on a table while I left to volunteer for a few hours. I am a huge runner, and was nervous I would not be able to exercise while I was there because of security issues. Luckily, I found a running buddy the first day (a fellow volunteer) and there was a super safe park that we ran to and around every morning. We ran down a street inhabited by embassies and royal families. I felt safe and secure. However, we did make sure we were respectful of their culture and wore long running pants and a long sleeved shirt.
I loved my placement, and did feel like I was making a difference. For the first week I was put in a children’s hospital. I played with the kids and family members while they were waiting for treatment etc. The children were incredibly affectionate and loved to do crafts. I could tell the mothers also appreciated someone else occupying their children (giving them a bit of a break). The second week, I taught English and was thoroughly impressed with the ability of the children to soak up all the information I handed to them. The kids ranged from ages 6-15. At times, it was challenging because there were a lot of different levels from beginners to more advanced students. However, I learned how to adjust to this. I had never had any teaching experience prior to this, but the staff helped and supported me along the way. Abdellah (CCS Staff in charge of our placements) was constantly checking in with us making sure we were happy with our placement and if we weren’t what he could do to change that.
I believe the CCS program in Rabat, Morocco was absolutely incredible. I had a bit of apprehension going to a predominately Muslim country, when it came to my safety. However, I soon learned that the CCS staff and fellow volunteers were there to make me feel as safe and comfortable as possible. I learned an immense amount about Morocco, and about the Muslim culture. I also felt like I was truly able to extend myself to others in my volunteer placement and hopefully teach them a bit more about my culture and the English Language. As an American Citizen I can proudly say that we need more programs like this in Muslim countries! We need now more than ever to educate ourselves on Islamic beliefs and values. We also need now more than ever to immerse ourselves in Muslim countries, to understand them, and simply build relationships with others! People are people!
A HUGE THANK YOU TO CCS for giving me the opportunity to explore Morocco, learn, and give back to another culture!

I volunteered with Cross Cultural Solutions South Africa in the summer of 2014. It was my first time out of the country and I absolutely loved it. Not only did I learn about the history and culture of South Africa, but I did it all with a wonderful group of people. The CCS staff was more than wonderful. They made sure everything went smoothly and from the time I met them at the airport I felt right at home!!! They do a wonderful job at making the experience truly an experience of a lifetime!!!! I didn't expect to gain another family after this trip, but I truly did. CCS is beyond amazing. You learn, you help and you grow from the experience. I'm so glad I did it!!!! Amazing!!!!!

I volunteered with Cross Cultural Solutions in Morocco this July (2014). It was a great experience! It is a very well balanced program. All volunteers were exposed to an understanding of the Arabic language, Islam, women's rights and Arabic writing. We learned about the Moroccan culture by participating in cooking classes and taking various field trips to points of interest in Rabat. Almost all volunteers taught English two hours a day at various centers and schools around Rabat. The staff is extremely knowledgeable, kind and committed to the program. I would definitely consider returning to Morocco with CCS as well as participating in other programs.

I have volunteered with CCS in Cartago, Costa Rica twice now and absolutely loved it!! My first time I volunteered for four weeks and the second time for three weeks. The staff is so kind and when I came back for three weeks they made me feel just as welcome as the first time. The people in Costa Rica are so welcoming and happy, and I was glad to be there again. The activities they plan for us are so much fun and being there twice has really helped me learn more about the culture in Costa Rica. The staff is very hardworking and makes sure we are safe and comfortable at the HomeBase and at our site. I love volunteering with CCS and cannot wait to do it again! Thank you for another incredible learning experience, and for the ability to volunteer and help in a new situation.

I volunteered through Cross Cultural Solutions, in Ghana for two weeks. I would highly suggest this program to anyone. CCS went above and beyond to make sure our safety and concerns were taken care of. The entire staff was extremely welcoming and hard workers. It felt like home :)

I spent three weeks in India with CCS. India itself was so amazing, and the people are so compassionate. The CCS staff had far better service than my expectations. They do a great job of making sure that volunteers respect the local community. Also they really do make sure you need for nothing while you are there.

I traveled to Lima, Peru with CCS for two weeks. It was the most amazing and eye-opening experience of my life. As a sixteen year old girl, getting onto a plane and traveling eight hours away from home can seem very daunting. Once I arrived in Peru, I felt welcome and safe. The in country staff were so welcoming and responsive. Our group of nine volunteers quickly became good friends and we all got fully immersed into the new culture. The school we volunteered with was for children five years old and younger. It was easy to communicate with the children even with a language barrier. My favorite part of every day was definitely attending the school and working with the children! After we volunteered, we had cultural learning activities. I loved hearing about Peru's history and learning about the devastating Shining Path. Spanish lessons were my favorite activity, but dance lessons were a big hit. Also, we went to a huge Incan market where you could find alpaca blankets, hats, socks, jackets, teddy bears, and everything else alpaca. We toured downtown Lima and visited exciting attractions like the Palacio de Gobierno. I've never learned so much about one country! The two weeks flew by too fast and it was very hard to say goodbye. I would go back in a heart beat and I definitely plan to volunteer with CCS in the future.

I spent three weeks in Morocco with the CCS program and it was an amazing experience. The staff are extremely friendly and helpful making staying at the home base very comfortable. The home base is beautiful and in an excellent location in Rabat. Morocco is definitely a country with loads to see on weekend excursions and is absolutely gorgeous!

I spent 5 weeks in Bangkok, Thailand with CCS and it was an unbelievable experience. I loved every minute of being there. Right when I arrived to the home base, I immediately felt at home. My volunteer placement was exceptional and everyone was so welcoming and nice. The environment in Thailand and with the CCS organization was amazing. My experience was above and beyond my expectations. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat.

I spent 4 weeks in Cartago, Costa Rica. It was probably the coolest and most rewarding thing I have ever done. The staff in Cartago were very helpful and very friendly--they always made sure I was comfortable at my placements and at the home base. I felt very safe at the home base and they could not have paired me with better placements. I feel it was the perfect way to be able to volunteer and experience the culture that Costa Rica has to offer.

Had a very rewarding week in Guatemala with two of my young-adult grandchildren. Serving with them in a residence for handicapped orphans (many now in their teens and early 20s) taught me a lot about them and myself.

The CCS folks in Guatemala were warm and welcoming, home-base was very comfortable, the food was really good and the cultural outings and discussions with the Country Director were informative and enjoyable. I would recommend a week or two there to anyone.

The Experience of a Lifetime (for the BUCKET LIST)!
Upon arriving in Rabat, Morocco, my experience of a lifetime began. We received a warm greeting from the Cross-Cultural Solutions (CCS) Moroccan Team as soon as we walked into the Rabat Airport. They knew exactly who we were and we knew exactly who to look for because of all of the great pre-planning and communication that CCS facilitates prior to departure. I felt safe and secure from the moment I arrived and throughout my stay in Morocco.
When we arrived at the Home Base, we met all of the other volunteers. They included families, single professionals, seniors, teenagers and college students – wow what a diverse group of volunteers to get to know and work with over the next two weeks!
The CCS Country Director and his team provided a very comprehensive orientation session, covering topics ranging from how to hail a taxi to sharing insight into the history of the Moroccan people and culture. After a great discussion about our volunteer assignments, we were off to explore – wow the people are so friendly and patient as I practice my French and Arabic!
I volunteered at both the Women’s Center where I taught English as well as the Children’s Hospital where I was privileged to interact with Moms, Dads and of course the beautiful children – what an amazing and fulfilling experience!
The volunteer program is serious. The staff and children are dependent upon your being there every day. I truly felt like I was making a difference each and every day.
In addition to volunteering, each day we experienced a new and different part of Moroccan culture – cooking lessons, dance, the Medina, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, Chellah, and the Royal Palace. Such a rich history to learn about – lots to see and learn about in Rabat! Every day we also had free, vacation time and there was a great deal to explore in Rabat. I went to the Riad and experienced a Moroccan Hammam, which is similar to a Turkish bath – what a treat!
We also had the opportunity to travel on the weekends to other cities and places throughout the country of Morocco. Marrakesh, Casablanca, Fez and my favorite, Merzouga where we rode camels and slept in Berber tents in the middle of the desert.
The CCS team was highly professional and knowledgeable. They taught us so much about their country, created an environment of fun and teamwork, and ensured that our needs were met. The food was simply delicious. We had amazing cooks for breakfast, lunch and dinner each and every day!
The CCS experience provides you with a unique opportunity to volunteer and make a real difference. It creates a unique opportunity for you to grow as a person and discover new talents! The CCS model provides you with an amazing opportunity to also vacation, learn and see so much of the country.
It was truly an experience of a lifetime and should be on everyone's "bucket" list!

Going to Peru this summer with CCS was definitely one of the best decisions I've made. Preparing for the trip was made easy witht the help of staff who are very involved. Flying to a different country is a big deal but CCS helped and made it simple. I packed all the right things and the airport was seamless. The kindergarten we worked in was filled with happy kids who we fell in love with immediately. Helping them learn and grow is an experience I'll never forget. I learned a lot from them as well. This was a trip of a lifetime that I will never forget. I learned so much about the culture of Peru and the country's history. Everyday was a new exciting experience. I am so glad I spent 2 weeks of my summer working with these kids. This is a trip that everyone should experience!!!

My trip to Costa Rica through Cross Cultural Solutions was my second ever service trip abroad, and first experience with Cross Cultural Solutions. My experience was extremely positive from the moment I walked out of the airport to be greeted by the very friendly staff. My volunteer placement was at an elementary school assisting the teachers in English classes and also doing some maintenance work around the school. I do believe that my experience was a little more beneficial than some of the other volunteers because I am able to speak Spanish and communicate more easily with the students. However, CCS enables you to make the program as much work as you want to put into it. The early morning through early afternoon was spent volunteering. While it may not seem very long, the time spent was beneficial and pretty exhausting by the end of it. The rest of your time was yours to take small excursions, prepare for your next day volunteering, and spending time with the staff and other volunteers.
The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. I always felt safe and my questions were always quickly answered. It is clear that they are there to enhance your experience as much as possible. For someone who is looking for a rewarding experience or who may be traveling abroad for the first time, Cross-Cultural Solutions Costa Rica is the perfect program to choose. My trip abroad has made a lasting impact on my life and has inspired me to make even greater contributions in my years to come.

My experience in Tanzania directly affected my decision to partake in my biggest, and most life changing adventure yet: The Peace Corps. I am currently 7 months into my service in The Gambia, West Africa as a rural health volunteer living and learning in a small village. While Peace Corps is the most intense, challenging, rewarding and inspiring experience I have had to date, I have to say that I don't think I would have been prepared or even courageous enough to go had it not been for my experience in Tanzania. The structure of training here was reminiscent of my time in Tanzania and I spent the first 2 months here so comfortable because I knew, just like my time in Tanzania, it would be wonderful.
CCS is a wonderful way for people to give back to the world, and to learn their potential as well as the potential of those around them. I absolutely believe in Cross cultural solutions, and I am forever grateful for my experience and the future it has given me.

I absolutely loved working in Ghana with Cross-Cultural Solutions. It was life-changing. I have traveled to over 25 countries, and lived abroad and I got an experience in Ghana that I would never have been able to facilitate for myself. I had a meaningful experience working in a primary school. My main personal focus was the empowerment and education of the girl's in the school. We talked so much about how important school is, future goals and professional aspirations, and their desires to travel abroad. It was enlightening for both of us, I think. This organization is professional, and organized. I would definitely recommend using Cross-Cultural Solutions. I felt safe, ate amazing food at the comfortable home-base and learned more about the local community than I ever thought possible in a short 3 weeks.

My purpose in writing this review is to help those researching a service-based trip and hopefully keep others from ending up in my situation. I was meant to be departing tomorrow to participate in a program with CCS in Bagamoyo, Tanzania. After a few things that seemed “off” towards the end of the process with them, I started doing some more in-depth research and what I found was truly upsetting. My goal is to share what I learned, consolidating several sources of information to make it easier for others. Read the below, do your own research and then make whatever decision is best for you. For my part, in the end there was no way I could be affiliated with this organization. Thankfully, I have found another program that I am quite pleased with. I am hoping to get my money back, but even if I cannot, I know I will rest easier for not having been a part of a program like this.

In my initial research I came across plenty of good reviews. It was only when I went back and reexamined them did it became clear that the positive and negative reviews addressed very different items. The good reviews were all about housing, food, transportation, free time, and the excitement of being in a new country. Occasionally, you’d find mention of the work, but only as it pertained to the volunteer enjoying it and not about the impact that was being made. The negative reviews are all about the work (or lack thereof). Many of their former volunteers describe how there was little to no plan or guidance for them and that the work they did was useless. Most disturbingly, that some actually felt they were doing more harm. There are also numerous complaints about the few hours spent working, no plan to build on previous volunteer’s work and a general feeling of being not needed. CCS seems much more oriented towards creating an experience to make people who participate feel good as opposed to identifying a community’s needs and addressing them in a meaningful way. I highly recommend reading OrenRose’s thoughtful review on page 15 on Abroad Reviews. Also recommended is Jeremy’s review, “exercise caution”.

As you do your research, you will find that most reputable programs do not allow participation for less than 4 weeks when working with children. This is to protect the kids and keep their needs at the forefront. The tale of a non-native English speaker being told to teach children English and teaching them to spell incorrectly is horrifying. Further proof that CCS is not actively looking to place people in appropriate settings to address a need. There is a great blog by a CCS volunteer who for her part really enjoyed her end of the experience. However, in describing the impact she had, she details a detrimental involvement for the children she was meant to help. Her assessment was, “The negative emotional and educational impact on the children from the turnover is enormous and very difficult for me to swallow.” Her very enlightening blog can be found here: https://carynlevyonline.wordpress.com/tag/cross-cultural-solutions/

I also learned that I would only work 42-56 hours over the course of 3 weeks. I inquired about volunteering more and was told that it would not be possible during week one, but at the discretion of the in country staff they might find me something for the remainder of my time. My feeling was they had no need or plan and would likely find some busy work for me. Also, it seemed clear that I could not go out on my own and find other opportunities, as they seemed to be in control of where and how I spent my time. My impression from other volunteers is that the program caters to those that may not have had much (if any) international travel experience, offering them a way to do so in a bubble. Those that had traveled before and/or volunteered before really seemed to be at odds with this program.

This was also my introduction to the fact that the afternoon activities are mandatory. While immersing oneself in the local culture is important, it is ridiculous that grown adults are not in charge of their own time. Feedback on these activities ranges from fantastic to terrible. (One volunteer’s experience of “learning” Swahili was being handed a list of verbs by someone who worked in the house.) Again, this only matters because you are forced to attend. Several people have complained about being treated as children in this way. The curfew also precludes attending certain events and festivals in town as well. It would seem the only local culture that CCS finds to be of note is that which they provide.

As the process went on, it became clear where CCS’ true focus was. During the orientation call that lasted an hour, about 8 minutes were spent on volunteering. The rest was about shopping, leisure time, etc. I also learned that our on-site orientation would involve local tour operators coming to sell participants safaris, etc. Their priorities became more and more clear. Their time and money is spent on everything except what should be the main reason you are there. (Part of the money you pay goes to have someone make your bed for you!) Bagamoyo is also only a summer program. This means not only is CCS not engaged in sustained long term work there, but there is also a home that has to be maintained for the rest of the year.

As I took a closer look at their financial operations, I learned that their Executive Director is a voting member of the board. This is generally frowned upon in the non-profit world as it is seen as a conflict of interest. I inquired directly if he votes on budget/compensation and got a vague reply that did not directly address this concern. Their ED also makes about 3x that others in similar positions do.

On Abroad Reviews you will see reviews by 3 people that were kicked out of the Costa Rica program on their first day. The story is very odd, but one thing that was consistent was that no one from CCS bothered to speak to them, they were simply presented with letters telling them to leave. I have no reason to believe their word over CCS, except that CCS' response on this public forum was to call the woman a liar and not address any of her actual concerns. Nor those of the others. They did this with another negative review as well. Rather then address the issues and present their POV, CCS responded unprofessionally. If you take a look at better-rated organizations such as IVHQ, you will see appropriate responses to criticisms. This one thing speaks volumes about an organization.

Letting all this go and just focusing on the work, the odds of my doing anything useful seemed slim to none. This was my main reason to not participate. The best-case scenario I could have hoped for would have been for me not do any harm, to have a neutral effect. The likelihood that I would have a negative impact was far too great. And in the end, are we not going to try and do some good? Is that not the point of this whole thing? I just could not be a part of a program that seems to be a vehicle to parade foreigners through an area in need as some sort of show and tell/cultural sight seeing tour to make them feel good about themselves. As one reviewer writes, this is a cultural vacation. Or volunteer vacation. But if you are expecting, as I was, an opportunity to work hard and make a difference, this is not the program for you.

The more I learned about effective volunteerism, it became clear that if you are going for a shorter period of time (let’s face it, we don’t all have the ability to go for longer trips) that a different type of project with specific objectives is more impactful. Habitat International builds for example, programs that have more immediate goals for short-term participation.

In the end, the most important thing I learned was to ask questions. If using an agency, apply to a specific program as opposed to a generalized location. What are the organizations long-term goals? Short-term goals? How do they use volunteers? What kind of constructive criticism have they received? Or better still, go direct. There are plenty of opportunities where there is no cost to volunteer, you just pay your room and board. You can be sure then that your resources are being used wisely. Perhaps most importantly, reach out to past volunteers – this has been the most useful.

In 2011, I did 5-weeks in Moshi Tanzania. At that time they had 2 home-bases in Moshi. Why? I don't know. I've been staying in Moshi for almost 2 years now and have met many Cross Cultural Solutions (CCS) volunteers and have heard about their experiences. Currently, CCS charges 2-week volunteers $235 a day. Shockingly experience for Moshi. One can easily and safely live and volunteer in Moshi for less than half the CCS amount. Not a single penny of the volunteer's fee goes to supporting the local NGO that volunteers are at. CCS has very strict rules - volunteers are not allowed to make any kind of donation to their NGO placement or give gifts to the NGOs or to CCS staff - even life saving medicine. But CCS staff have no problem accepting gifts (Ipads) from young rich volunteers who want to break CCS and stay out past curfew. They say that their contribution to the local NGOs is the volunteers they provide - unskilled volunteers.

I worked at Las Martinitas to take care of the elderly. I felt it was a good experience, but did find it challenging at times to understand how to help. I use to cook in restaurants, so I naturally gravitated to the kitchen and helped prep food for their meals. Once I got into rhythm, I felt useful and enjoyed being a part of contributing to a good, home cooked meal for those in need.

I also did some home visits and quickly realized how important this organization is. I often wondered how and when they would have their next meal and what they were doing to be a part of society. I felt that CCS offered them actives, food, and a clear understanding that they are not forgotten.

On a more positive note, I went to the market to buy food. Great time! Very different from United States grocery stores.

Lastly, the staff was great and hospitable. I miss the food that was provided and always had seconds. The accommodations were comfortable and to expect anything more would take away from the purpose of volunteering to those who need it.

One other point I want to make. I enjoy being very busy and am able to handle a lot. I wanted to walk away feeling like a made a lasting impact, and maybe I did…..but I know that I could have done more to help. Determining the balance between creative work and structured work with an actual "to do" list needs to be thought through. I suppose you get back what you put into it….right? Anyway, just a thought, not necessarily a criticism.

I would rejoin CCS for another trip in the future. Thanks!

I have not actually conducted business with Cross-Cultural Solutions but judging by some of the comments here about CCS, it doesn't look like I EVER will conduct business with them.
I personally have done calculations and the fees they are charging are INSANE!! This is India were talking about folks, not HAWAII! $9395 for 12 weeks? They're smoking something funny! That's just INSANE!! Are people actually paying that to go volunteer??
What ever happened to the NGO picking up the tab for everything and in return you volunteer with no salary? I find most of the NGOs's to be a bit of scam. They are just making WAY TOO MUCH money in fees for what is supposed to be a truly non-profit organization.

I'm glad I found out before I laid my money down!

Not a sucker this time around.....

I will never forget my experience working at a nursery school in Tanzania. The children were eager to learn and so loving. Everyone was so helpful and willing to help you in any way they could. The other volunteers are very friendly and I learned much from them. This was a once in a lifetime experience.

I was in Cartago, Costa Rica from October 6 - October 19, 2013. I was placed in a mini day care center with average age of the children from 2 to 8 years old. We probably averaged about 8-10 children a day. Some were just learning how to communicate and others were well passes that. My Spanish was not very good so I tried my best to figure out how to communicate with not only the children but also the "Tia" or house mother. It was an experience that far exceeded any expectations that I had prior to going there. The children were so special and came from broken homes with not much. The inspiration for me was how these children showed up everyday with a smile on their adorable little faces. The CCS staff was truly amazing! They are so professional and love what they do. What an unbelievable experience that will bring a smile to my face every single time I think of those children and my experience with CCS!

I loved the people at cross cultural solutions and my assignment! Everyone was so helpful and kind, and I was so impressed with the organization and how it was run. Every detail from security to cleanliness was top notch! I did not have a single bad experience during my two week stay in Guatemala City..all exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend CCS to all my friends who want to volunteer internationally.

I was placed at the Karanga Catholic Nursery in Moshi, Tanzania in October 2013. When I stepped off the van all the kids ran up to me and gave me hugs. There were two girls, each one of them came up and held my hand and wouldn't let go. They wouldn't let any of the other kids hold my hand either. I looked down at these girls and saw sparkles in their eyes and I knew, at that moment, that I loved them and loved being in Tanzania. The staff was absolutely wonderful. They are very supportive and helpful. It was the greatest experience of my life and one that I will never forget.

Cartago, Costa Rica; October 2013. I was placed at San Rafael de Oreamuno Day Center for the elderly by the CCS staff. It was an incredible experience to be able to share time with these seniors. My last day at the center, tears were shed by some of the residents as well as by me. I will carry these memories with me the rest of my life.
Kudos to the CCS staff in Costa Rica as well as those in the US. They did an incredible job preparing us for the volunteer experience in Costa Rica. I plan to stay in touch with some of my new "Ticos" friends. I would highly recommend the adventure to anyone even slightly interested in international volunteer work.
CCS is making an impact within the communities where they operate and on the volunteers who participate in the program. As they would say in Costa Rica, PURA VIDA!!!

October 2013 Wonderful experience in Cartago, Costa Rica. Both CCS staff and site personnel were welcoming, with open arms. CCS staff were accommodating and made every effort to immerse volunteers into the culture. The vounteer site I was assigned to was a day care, and the Tia or "house mother" wanted nothing more than for us to love the children. This touched me the deepest. A simple setting and wanting nothing more than for love to be shared. This experience has made an impression and will stay with me for a life time and I hope others will consider this opportunity. CCS is an awesome organization doing wonderful things for those in need. Would highly recommend the adventure.

In July of 2013, I returned from the best volunteer experience of my life! I traveled to Cartago, Costa Rica with Cross Cultural Solutions. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by two CCS staff members who welcomed me with open arms. Not only did they spot me out of a crowd of people, they even helped me take my luggage to the van. Tired and hungry from traveling all day, when I arrived at the home-base, dinner was awaiting. I felt so grateful for the hospitality I received on my very first day, I knew from that point on that these next four weeks were going to be tremendous.

Indeed, the next four weeks turned out as I hoped. I received fantastic support from all the CCS Staff members. At my work placement, not only did I feel safe and secure, but I met so many wonderful people. The locals were so nice and caring. They took the time to remember my name and always greeted me when I saw them. The cultural activities were loads of fun. Every day, with the exception of Monday's and Tuesday's, we traveled around the surrounding towns with the CCS Staff members as our guides. They explained everything to us in such a patient manner. Workable, flexible, and simply caring, they took care of all our needs. By the end of the four weeks, I felt like I was with family. It was so hard for me to leave. I feel like I need to go back simply due to the fact that I know that I have a home to go to.

Just returned from a 2 week volunteer experience with CCS in Hohoe Ghana. Had a wonderful time helping in the Hohoe community hopsital and learning about Ghana culture. CCS staff are very knowledgeable, resourceful and welcoming. The home base was exceptional and there was a good balance of volunteer work visiting places and speakers all geared towards increasing our awareness of the culture and understanding of the wonderful people in Ghana.
This experience definitely brought a different perspective for me and CCS did a great job at ensuring we got the most of it. Looking forward to do this again sometime in the near future!

I volunteered withh CCS and was stationed at the hospital in Hohoe, Ghana. The program was a valuable learning experience for me and as a group we made the hospital experience a bit better for many patients while we were there however, as expected, we had little if any long term impact on health care in Ghana. CCS does a fantastic job of scheduling and provided a very welcoming and secure experience at the home base. The cultural experiences were exceptional.

My fiancé, Josh, and I participated in CCS's Kilimanjaro, Tanzania program this past September.

The home base was great. Meals were provided, beds where made, laundry was done (at a fair price), and the staff made sure concerns were addressed and support was provided. Cultural excursions and education sessions were sprinkled in. Above all, the safety level, Wi-Fi, electricity, and running water were a blessing.

The placement was life changing. Josh and I volunteered at a women run HIV/AIDS children education & support center for two weeks. In that time, we focused on providing guidance through an organizational restructure, and laid the foundation for a sustainable organization. In the brief two weeks, I learned the meaning of the phrase, "I have hope for a brighter future." The three women organization leaders graciously donate their own time to the organization and do their best to provide primary school level education, home visits, and life skills for children affected by HIV/AIDS. They say - and it shows - that they do what they do because they have hope for the children's future.

I absolutely recommend partaking in a CCS program.

If you are looking to do good in the world, learn about a different culture, and grow personally, CCS is perfect for you.

I have now volunteered twice with CCS - once in Costa Rica and also in Peru. I thoroughly enjoyed both of my volunteer experiences and would volunteer with CCS again. CCS does a great job of assisting you in integrating with the local culture and helping you to do your best to make an impact at your volunteer placement. The ability to live in a house with other volunteers also facilitates great friendships!

CCS focuses their program on both service and cultural immersion. This experience was unbelievable on both fronts. However, I have to say while the servcie component was excellent, the cultural immersion what really exceeded expectations. My trip was to Guatemala, and because of the cultural immersion components of the program, I now have a much better understanding and empathy for Guatemala that could not have been achieved any other way short of living in the country for a period of time. Truly a uniqye experience that will impact my perspective forever.

Great program! Highly recommend to college students looking to polish their volunteering and interning experiences. However, I've seen everyone enjoy the Cross Cultural Solutions program and it seemed like a great idea for families as well. Unlike many other programs, Cross Cultural Solutions offers everything from room and board at the home base, food, afternoon tours, weekend trips, language classes and transportation. If you want a program that makes you feel safe and welcomed, this is the way to go. Trust me, my college friend and I researched many programs in our second year of college when we went. The staff was amazing, always welcoming, willing to take time out of there leisure hours to help you and made you feel safe at all times. I interned and volunteered in Ayacucho, Peru in a hospital, lab and mental disability school. On our first day of work in the hospital, the first task was to help in delivering a new life into the world, doesn't get much sweeter than that! Also, when working in the mental disability school, I will never forget a girl name Cassandra, who physically could not use her arms, instead only her feet to write, draw and even erase. No matter how tough it was she kept through it and even changed colors when using her coloring book! If you want a program that offers many aspects surrounding the volunteering itself, Cross Cultural Solutions is the program to chose making you feel rewarded everyday and helping in making lifelong friends across the globe!

I just returned from a 2 week program in Tanzania with my family ( husband and 3 teenagers) run by Cross Cultural Solutions. Every aspect of the program exceeded our expectations and my children now say that they don't want to take any more vacations unless they involve some sort of volunteering. The home base was very comfortable and the staff was warm and welcoming at all times. Our work assignments were all very positive and we were so happy to be able to experience Tanzania without feeling like complete tourists. We were definitely shown a different side of things than if we had stayed at a luxury hotel and met only other tourists. The lectures and trips that we experienced were all relevant and very interesting , and I'm sure my family will never forget this trip!

I always felt people exaggerated when saying this experience changes your life. Now I know it really does! Sometimes, you just start feeling it once you are back from your trip. It changes the way you think, your priorities, your perception of others, and most importantly of yourself. I volunteered in Cartago, Costa Rica for 2 weeks in May 2013. On my first day, I felt jet lagged, home sick and very uncomfortable in a cold house far away from home. However, as days went by and just like magic, this cold house became my home, the volunteers became my friends and I became a mother of 15 children. It was heartbreaking to leave them knowing that I might not have the chance to see them again. That’s why I’m really hope that more and more people will volunteer so that we can maintain what was already done with theses children and make sure they grow up to be smart, knowledgeable, successful and most importantly happy people. My job as a volunteering was to take care of children at a day care called Los Patitos or Little Ducks. The children were amazing and so eager to learn, play, laugh and dance!! You become really creative in finding out different ways to teach them in the most amusing way possible while overcoming the language barrier. If I want to summarize my trip, I’d say it was a short one that would impact me for the rest of my life and I know I will do my best to hop on another volunteering trip as soon as possible!! Thank you CCS for being at the top of professionalism and for helping me make the best out of this experience!

I had an amazing and overwhelming time with CCS in Hohoe, Ghana. For me this was the very first trip to a developing country in Africa so I tried to gather as much information as I could before leaving. CCS was outstandingly helpful as well in getting me prepared for my trip. Still, knowing and having read about things is not the same as really experiencing and FEELING reality.... I will never forget these kids at school, how open and cheerful and friendly they were! After a few days only, they told me already that they would be missing me when I am gone back home.... And this is what I feel now, I truly miss them, see their faces, remember the good times we had, the dancing and playing.... Helping one another is so much more complex than donating money and gifts! One thing I have learned here is that you really need to talk to people, find out how they live, what they need, why things are the way they are.... and then help using these insights, strengthening local economy rather than bringing gifts from abroad, even if sometimes you might get impatient acknowledge that imposing things will not have a long-lasting effect even if done in the very best intentions. CCS has really helped me in getting insights into many aspects of Ghanaian life and I am very grateful for that!!! The team at the home base in Hohoe has been amazing in making sure we get as many insights as possible as well as making us feel welcome, at home, and safe at any time!!!

I had a very memorable and wonderful experience in Russia, spending the month in Yaroslavl, spending time each day with children in an orphanage, and working through Cross Cultural Solutions. CCS through the director and translators took care of whatever I needed, providing just enough structure and flexibility. The children were unforgettable, I can still see some of them in my minds eye as I write this 10 years after being there with them. They were appreciative, good humored, curious, loving, intelligent and just a pleasure to be around most of the time. Seeing a bit of Russia was a trip to a distinct, fascinating place. The citizens I met there were soulful, warm, welcoming and curious. To this day I still have contacts and friends I met there. Extremely worthwhile trip.

This organization is a great one to travel with. They far exceed my expectations for my time that I spent volunteering in South Africa. I did not want to leave when it was time to go home. The time that I spent in South Africa would not have been the same had I not been with CCS. They did a great job of showing us all of the different aspects of the culture and community that South Africa has to offer. Also, the volunteer placement that they gave me was exactly what I was looking for. It was absolutely perfect for my personality and experiences, so they did a great job of finding a place that was well suited for me to work. The staff at the home base was always friendly and helpful. They were very accommodating and were willing to do whatever they possibly could to help make our time with them even better. CCS is a great program to travel with because they give you all of the support and guidance that you need, yet if you want your free time to go and explore your travel destination you can do that as well. I really liked being overseas with CCS because I got to explore the city around me on my own at some points, but they also had many activities and tours set up that they provided us with. I will definitely go on another trip with CCS, because it has definitely been a great experience that far exceeded my expectations.

My experience with Cross Cultural solutions in Cartago, Costa Rica completely exceeded my expectations. I wasn't sure how well I would fit considering this was my first time volunteering abroad and I knew I would be considerably older than most of the volunteers. My Spanish was less than ideal, I had only been studying for about 5 months.
In spite of my uncertainty, everyone from the staff to the other volunteers and people at my placement made me feel comfortable and accepted from the first day. I had the best time I've had in recent memory.
The home base was well organized and comfortable, the food was great, everyone works very hard to make the experience as simple and enjoyable as possible. From the moment we were met at the airport to departure, it seemed that the staff had everything in control.
I was unsure how my skills would apply at placement,and once again found that my concern was unnecessary. The staff and residents, while being entertained with my linguistic abilities, made me feel welcome and found good use for my time. My only regret regarding this entire experience is that my stay was too brief. Everyone at my placement was really easy to work with, we overcame the language barrier and became very freindly.
My fellow volunteers were absolutely great! I haven't had the pleasure of meeting so many good-hearted people in one place for many years. We had a great time wandering around Cartago, talking at Homebase, and several of us travelled to La Fortuna for an excellent weekend. I consider these people good freinds now, and am grateful for the opportunity to meet them.
When I started out on this adventure I wasn't sure how any of it would work out. I can honestly say that everything was exceptional.

I loved my time at Cross-Cultural Solutions in Bangkok, Thailand. I was sad to come home. I was so impressed with the staff, the cleanliness of the home base, the food at the home base and the cultural activities. I felt immersed in the culture in Thailand. I was a lot older than the majority of the folks in the program, but it was all good. My work assignment was a little rough the first week because of the lack of organization at the school, but in the end I felt I was able to make a difference there. This was one of the greatest experiences of my life.

I am very satisfied with my experience in Tanzania with CCS. The staff at the Home Base truly care that you are thoroughly enjoying your volunteer experience. The staff was readily available to speak with you and made any accommodations necessary to make sure you were satisfied with your volunteer experience. CCS provides you with all the tools you need to succeed as an international volunteer. I felt like i was really immersed in the culture. The people in Tanzania made me feel so welcomed, no matter where I was I always felt comfortable. Its amazing how i was living in a whole different culture than my own ,and felt more comfortable there than I do in my own country at times.

My project exceeded my every expectation - this was without a doubt the single greatest experience of my twenty-somethings!

The Home-Base and staff me feel so at home from the moment I got there. They are such an incredible group of people - and it was remarkable getting to know them. Plus, the food was to die for!

My volunteer placement was working at a home for children - very similar to what we might associate as an orphanage. It was run by nuns who did a remarkable job keeping things together but it really have the time to really dive into playtime and really work one-on-one with the kids. That were my group stepped in. I was only there for a week (wish I could have stayed longer) but even within that time we painted, made a mosaic, played games, made necklaces, and made a connection. Plus we in the mid-afternoons sowed pillows to leave once we were gone.

I went to Guatemala during the time of Day of the Dead; they do this huge festival were everyone comes into the cemetery and repaints and fly kites. The concept is that the kites build a colorful border to keep the evil spirits out. The staff took us the night before to a man within the community to see how he makes his kites which opened my eyes to how much this celebration is all connected to their history and cultural identification. I would have never seen this side of the celebration if it wasn't for CCS.

I have traveled with them before to Costa Rica and I plan to with them again soon.

DO it. If you want to change your life and the lives of the people you meet, cross cultural is for you. I find myself daily looking back through pictures at was the best month I ever had. I recommend everyone does this once in their lives.

I've been looking for volunteer programs for my 8-yr old son and myself and came across CCS because they aggressively advertise family opportunities.

The question I have according to the attached 2011 Financial statements: Executive Director, Steven Rosenthal, made almost 400K in direct compensation in 2011. The statements also document that he owns the property CCS works on - and made an additional $718,413 in rent from CCS in 2011. Same in 2010, 2009, etc.

I hate to be cynical but it does sound a bit suspicous. The ED is making over 1 million dollars a year on CCS. Possibley a travel agency disguised as a non-profit?!

I completely agree with swine09. Definetely not worth the money, thank god I only signed up for one month. But still it was $3,700 dollars that I could have spent towards a more worthwhile experience in volunteerism. I was in India in the fall of 2012 with CCS in the Dehli program. It is a very dishonest company that is full of promises but falls very short of delivering. Alex Brandt the coordinator of the program in NY lied when he said I would be volunteering at least 4 hours a day, I was lucky if I volunteered one hour a day. When I wasn't volunteering there was a lot of downtime and a few scheduled cultural activities a week. Activities such as taking us to some temples, or monuments with printed handouts for us to read over. They provided a schedule for a few of the cultural buildings in town offering dance productions. I felt that the cultural activities would be rewarding to do with local guidance but most of the time they just dropped us off with a printed page on the history or told us how much to pay for a rickshaw to take us to the dances. The staff over there I felt were just going through the motions, I did not leave feeling close to any of them. Almost like we were foreigners they had to tolerate and put on fake smiles for, there was no warmth and they did play favorites. Another thing is that they exert a lot of control over you and assign curfews the whole time. I understand the importance of safety over there but they are over the top with thier rules. I still can't figure out how rooming in a 3 bedroom apartment, three meals a day, pick up and drop off 5 days a week to your NGO, and cultural activities they provide that cost barely any money to do adds up 3,700 dollars. I would completely reccomend working directly through an NGO while over there.

Beware of the nepotistic and selfish India program. I don't understand why an organization with such a fantastic premise could have strayed so far. While the staff pays lip service to how the volunteers become family, they couldn't care less about the volunteering work itself-- some volunteers spent less than 2 hours a day at their placements. Also, the placements were restricted to two options in the three months I was there. The organization has control problems: they feel the need to dictate how clients spend their weekends while traveling in India, how much time they spend volunteering (despite the school day ending at 3, the driver would only pick us up at 1, leaving the students without teachers for a significant part of the day), and clients' activity during the week. At the beginning they seem wonderful, helping you adjust to India, but their help soon reveals itself to be counterproductive and sometimes lies. They are disconnected from the real India you are coming to see, and they recommend horrible restaurants and tailors simply because they are family or friends' businesses-- even if the service is poor and shamelessly attempts to rip the foreigners off. The Hindi lessons promised are just basic phrasing unless you are doing the internship program. However, the 'teacher' is just one of the regular staff, a guy who, while well-meaning, is impatient and is just a regular Hindi speaker who doesn't have grasp of the grammar. The people learning mostly learned from books on their own. I was treated disrespectfully by several staff members, and was blown off when I brought up my concerns. Furthermore, the rudeness did not abate. A clique problem arose, but the staff turned a blind eye because of a special relationship with one of the clique members, and instead criticized the excluded volunteers (anyone not a 20 something girl, mostly older women.) I felt constantly disrespected and controlled, and was very relieved to be free of the program. They charge an exorbitant amount, and it's a mystery where the money goes in the supposed "non profit." It is very easy to contact NGOs in Delhi once you get there, and living there is easy for much cheaper in a similar gated community like CCS uses as an office-- or better yet, live like the middle class Indians and integrate into a community. Indians (other than CCS) are generous and friendly to foreigners, and the NGO I was involved in, called the Earth Saviours Foundation, embraced me like family in a way that I had hoped that CCS would have. I completely recommend traveling to Delhi independently and finding NGOs like TESF, that would happily help you find a place to live and with anything else you needed for free, as a genuine grass roots non profit charity, or even spending your money on any other organization. An alternative if you are looking to volunteer or have an internship is http://www.aiesec.org/; I met many of their volunteers at my NGO and they found the organization invaluable. I worked at www.savearth.in, which I would highly recommend as well (though I don't mean to advertise at all.)

I volunteered in Salvador, Bahia Brazil in 2005 and I carry the experience with me always because of the warm and extroverted Bahian culture, the supportive and friendly staff, the variety of places to volunteer based on your specific interests/passions. It's a wonderful way to have everything set up for you to simply arrive, you don';t have to think about logistics which gives you time to learn tremendously about yourself and the interconnectedness of all things. Lots of opportunities for cultural experiences and language immersion and Bahia is an inspiring place. Ultimately, you take from the experience what you put in, but the program is solid.

CCS did a fantastic job. I didnt really know what to expect, but they made the entire process smooth and educational. It was great to have such a planned and comfortable schedule and accomodations. And I thought they did a great job matching volunteers to the activities/charities that best fit each person's skill set. It made my trip to Peru and really touched me.

My husband and I told our Granddaughter that we would take her on a trip for her 16th birthday. She chose a CCS trip to Karanga, Moshi, Tanzania. The 3 of us fell in love with TZ. We had perfect placements, we loved our cultural activities and our free time safaris. We loved visiting the Rolina orphanage and helping with construction of another orphanage. Our batik class was so much fun and Swahili lessons were helpful and sometimes frustrating to my older brain. The meals were excellent, our food restrictions were accommodated. The support staff in NY and the entire TZ staff were helpful, kind, patient and very knowledgeable. We found the Tanzanian people very open and friendly and had quite a few conversations with people we met while out walking. I'm quite sure we will do another trip - maybe back to TZ and maybe on to a new country.

I have volunteered with Cross Cultural Solutions twice-both times in India! There's a reason why I chose CCS over other programs. Their commitment to quality and an authentic experience are unparalled. If you've never volunteered before they will help you every step of the way-if you're a seasoned traveller the country staff encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and experience new things. The country staff are what makes the program! They have their own lives and families, yet I always felt like their first priority. Everyone on staff was friendly and really listened to me. The placements are thoughtful and the staff went out of their way to make sure they fit our needs. The flats were clean and well stocked and of course the food provided every day was absolutely delicious! CCS is worth every penny-you won't regret it, it'll be the experience of a lifetime.

I have volunteered with Cross-Cultural Solutions twice - the first was in Xela, Guatemala in 2008 and most recently I spent July 2012 in Bagamoyo, Tanzania. CCS is organized, they have great standing and great relationships in the community, and they take care of the volunteers who are living at home base. The food is awesome, the water is safe to drink, and the home base is kept very clean. The first two weeks are pretty intense - besides placement the afternoons are filled with cultural immersion type activities that you probably wouldn't be able to experience if you'd just gone to Bagamoyo on your own. I would do another trip with CCS in a heartbeat! I have been blogging in more detail over at http://girlandherbackpack.com/, and I've put some more info / pictures up at https://www.facebook.com/girlandherbackpack. It's still a work in progress since I've been blogging my daily journal entries, but if you're interested in going or wondering what "daily life" is like this would be a good resource so you'd know what to expect.

As a three-time volunteer with Cross-Cultural Solutions, I've been shocked by how different, yet how similar each of my experiences has been. On one hand, each region adds a unique flavor found nowhere else, but on the other hand, CCS has a way of executing its mission in a way that gets you in the best position to make a positive, evident impact in the community, every time. That unforgettable feeling of contribution is something that never changed across my three experiences.

In my most recent trip to Brazil in July 2012, I worked primarily with Missionaries for Charity, a daycare located on the outside of Salvador, Brazil's third-largest city. Nuns who have devoted their lives to this organization run the center and care for the ~30 children here every day, completing a considerable amount of work in the process. These nuns are some of the most inspiring people I've ever met, and getting to know them over the course of my volunteering was one of the highlights of what I got from the program. I was happy to contribute by organizing games and arts/crafts for the children, finishing projects around the center, and preparing food and feeding lunch to a group of 30–40 more underprivileged children from the community at lunch time. Many of the kids were quite young, between 3–4, and required a lot of attention and care, so we also cleaned and helped put them to a nap in the late morning after our activities. The older kids who came for lunch loved having us there, and we had such a great time. I'll never forget the time we spent playing soccer and doing Capoeira, Brazil's famous form of martial arts, with the kids during the week.

The home site couldn't have been better. The staff was knowledgeable and friendly. The lodging was more than adequate, and the food was spectacular. Further, I can't imagine a group of fellow volunteers who melded together better, yet who came from so many different backgrounds and personalities. We did everything together, from the 14-year-old high school Freshman and his family to 50+ working professionals, and everyone in between.

I love CCS's vision: "a world in which people value cultures different from their own, are aware of global issues, and are empowered to effect positive change." I also identify strongly with all of its objectives in the volunteer experience: 1) directly impacting communities through volunteer work, 2) fostering cultural exchange and understanding and breakdown of stereotypes (two-way, both locals and volunteers), and 3) to spread knowledge of this experience (through reflection and sharing after volunteering). All three of these aspects are so important to my experiences to date. In the end, you feel so fortunate to make a positive change in the community, but the impact it makes on you ends up moving you even more.

I'm proud to be a three-time volunteer and future four-time volunteer!

This was my first international experience and it was nothing short of perfect! My placement was in my professional field and I enjoyed going to work everyday and had many meaningful interactions. I was there for only a week but I feel like the program was packed full of volunteer, and cultural experiences. There were trips almost everyday after work that allowed me to see beautiful sites and meet local people.
The staff members were truly helpful, informative, passionate, and caring. I appreciated feeling like I was able to talk to them about any concerns, and I felt no pressure to do anything that I may not have wanted to do. We were provided with fantastic meals, and accommodations that were basic, but comfortable. They were a much needed support system and made Ghana feel like a home away from home.
Overall wonderful experience that I would recommend to anyone. It was worth more than the cost! A volunteer experience that felt like I received more than I gave : )

- Zee

I have volunteered with CCS three times, in Morocco, India (Palampur), and Russia. All three experiences, while each incredibly different from the others, were incredibly positive experiences and I would highly recommend any of them! You are immersed in the culture while serving others and are allowed time on your own to explore. I can't say enough good things about CCS. I will definitely return for a fourth time!

This is the third CCS program that I have participated in. I leave China today after a month (which I thought might be too long), and I am so sad to leave. I could not be happier with the in-country staff and with the work that I did here. I worked with an organization that works in partnership with an orphanage to care for special needs infants and toddlers post surgery, to help ready them for adoption. I fell in love with every single child I worked with, and I know how much a little love and TLC can do for a child's development. I felt extremely well prepared for the program in China, and I knew that if I needed anything, the CCS New York staff was a phonecall or email away. Once I was here, I knew the in-country staff offered the same accessability. Even for my weekend trips, they helped me make arrangements, find accomodations etc. I would highly recommend the CCS China trip to anyone interested in not only volunteering, but gaining a real understanding of local culture. During my time here, the volunteers ranged in age from 14 (there was a teen group during my stay) to 60, and eveyone was valued and treated the same. We had many opportunities for cultural activities, including Mandarin lessons, a visit to the Terracotta Warriors, a shadow puppet show, a visit from a calligrapher and a Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor... I could not have asked for more (except maybe more time here!).

CCS's programs are an excellent way to be immersed in a culture and help others at the same time. I am about to make my 4th trip to Salvador de Bahia, Brazil where I'll spend a month helping out at two placement sites, working with elderly women. The comprehensiveness of CCS's programs allows me to feel like I can make a difference in others' lives, helps me to learn and love the culture more every year, and allows me to form lasting friendships with a new group of volunteers each year. The house and program staff makes living there comfortable, fun, and exciting. I'll keep going back as long as I am able.

I spent 12 weeks working with Cross Cultural Solutions in Brazil, Salvador and also 6 weeks in the South Africa,Cape Town program. Both program were excellent, but my favorite was definately the Brazil program.


Initially, i was looking for a break in my life, and researched all the volunteer programs. Cross Cultural caught my eye; i also met a past volunteer from CCS who lives in San Francisco, who gave me more information on the program. What stood out to me was the cultural immersion aspect that Cross Cultural offers. The staff in Brazil have built relationships with the local community, and truly want the best experience for the volunteer as well as the placement. Its a two way street.The management at CCS Brazil are extremely professional, kind, caring and above all honest. Quite simply, they became my family for 12 weeks - from the housekeeper Lulu and cook Maria(like my second mothers!); Vini and Vivi management; security guards Nando and Jo; driver Ivan - the list is really endless.


I worked in an HIV/AIDS center for 3 months, and also taught English. I was struggling at first with my HIV placement because i did not know how to cope ; it was a very intense placement especially when you do not speak Portuguese, plus you are not sure how you can help. But after a while i grew comfortable, and CCS staff really helped and supported me by listening . Ultimately and ironically, i really feel that even though i was volunteer - the people that i have met and was helping really were helping me the whole time. It is a great feeling.

I literally flew back from South Africa CCS yesterday night, but felt it was important to write this review on Brazil CCS because i feel so strongly about this program. I have the utmost respect for my Brazil family and know that they have made an impact on my life. I could not have been luckier to have chosen this specific program.

Being a volunteer with Cross Cultural Solutions is one of the best things I have ever done with my life. I spent ten weeks in Salvador, Brazil from October through December 2011. During my time in Brazil, I was able to assist in a day care for a few weeks and work with underprivileged children. I also taught English at two different schools to people who only spoke Portuguese. Considering that my Portuguese was not that great, it was challenging at times. However, it was also a lot of fun. The people that CCS works with in Brazil are great. They know that all of the CCS folks are there to volunteer their time and talents to help make their lives a little better.

In addition to keeping busy as a volunteer in Brazil, I had the pleasure of getting to know and love the CCS staff in Brazil. Vini, Grace, Vivi, Maria, Lulu, and everyone else do their best to make you feel welcome and comfortable. CCS also plans great activities for volunteers such as planned field trips to see more of Salvador, Capoeira lessons, Portuguese lessons, and lessons on the culture and history of Brazil. There is always something to do and the people that CCS bring in to assist with these activities are all wonderful.

Even though volunteering and planned activities take much of your time, there is still plenty of free time to explore Salvador on your own. The people in Salvador are great and I made many friends while I was there. No matter where I wandered in the city, I always seemed to find someone willing to talk or help out. I wish the United States would adopt a bit of the Brazilians ability to be warm, caring, and affectionate with everyone they meet. You never feel like you are a stranger in a different country.

Even though I am home in the U.S., I still wish I was in Brazil. Life there is somehow simpler and much more meaningful. The beach, the people, volunteering, and CCS...it is a great combination and a very rewarding experience. I would encourage anyone who is considering a volunteer abroad experience to strongly consider CCS and volunteering in Brazil!

Brian H.

My time at Cross Cultural Solution was amazing. It was my first time out of the country, doing anything like this so I was apprehensive on how everything would work. But the people at CCS made it easy and fun. Everyone did different jobs based on questionnaires we had answered before coming, but everyone agreed the work was fulfilling. But with CCS its not all work. CCS is all about cultural exchange whether you're volunteering or not. In the afternoons we had all sorts of cultural activities: dancing, cooking, language lessons, and field trips to a rain forest, coffee farm, and a volcano. With CCS you also get weekends off, which is great for seeing the rest of the country you're in. Traveling is expected and encourage. So over all I got so much more than I expected and it was great. Thank you CCS!

CCS is the truly the leader in international volunteering! I have volunteered with the orgaization twice and couldn't ask for a more amazing experience. The cost may be high, but the expense go towards ensuring that you are having the greatest long term impact and one that is sustainable for the community! I greatly appreciate the time and effort the staff in the U.S. and the even more amazing staff in-country are!

Experiencing empty nest syndrome I decided to contact CCS to volunteer in whatever capacity and wherever I could be used. I went to Ghana and taught English, loved it so much I went back a couple of months later. Since that first experience I've done programs in India, China, Thailand, Tanzania with CCS. It changed my life and impacted my family in a wonderful way also. We've hosted friends I've made while working abroad and they've widen our horizions and opened our minds. I reccomend CCS to everyone who is lucky enough to have the time to do a program.

I volunteered with CCS in Cape Town, South Africa for seven weeks. I didn't know what kind of volunteer placement I was expecting going in, but I received one that was challenging and rewarding. I was placed in a care centre for children and youth with physical and cognitive disabilities, something I had expressed interest in, but didn't have a lot of experience. My placement helped me to grow, make sense of cultural concepts foreign to me and create life-long connections with the staff who I still keep in contact with. In addition, the home base was another thing I loved about CCS. I learned so much about South African life and culture that I would never be able to understand travelling there on my own. The staff at the home base truly makes you feel at home and feel like you have a family. They even hosted a Thanksgiving Dinner for all our homesick American volunteers and as a chance to connect with each other. The time in the first three weeks was very structured and filled with cultural activities, which were interesting, fun, and relevant to each of our placements. I would say though that some volunteers in the house who stayed for just three weeks wished that there was more free time or more activities were optional so that they could spend more time exploring the city. I also wish it was a bit less expensive, but considering all the work of the staff, the cultural activities, transportation, and delicious home cooked meals you get a lot. Overall I think that Cross-Cultural Solutions does a great job of balancing volunteer work, cultural exchange, and world travel and seems to stand out from many other programs I’ve looked at.

Hello, my name is Liza, and i have volunteered with CCS for 4 weeks in Salvador, Brazil. My overall impression is amazing, i loved the programme, the way it was organized and my placement in particular. Sometimes we need to take a break from our busy lives, open our eyes and see how the rest of the world works. I have chosen CCS cause of the high quality of programme information, pre-departure support and materials provided on the relevant web-resource. I was very much satisfied with New York office staff, who advised me during the whole trip preparation period. Brazil is certainly a country you must visit, and Salavdor is definitely an amazing city to be. Home-Base is located in a safe area of Graca district, the meal was provided to us three times per day, plus such things as water, fruits and cookies are available on the kitchen during the whole day. I did really enjoy the activities arranged by CCS local director and manager: we used to have very professional lessons of portugese, dynamic capoeira classes, all-around outdoor tours and very interesting lectures with the professor from one of the local universities. I will be always greatful to the help and support of local Home-Base staff. Although, i would like to point out that i felt a lack of communication and interaction with the programme director, who never attended our feed-back meetings and various discussions. The schedule was arranged by the programme manager, who was always there to reply all necessary questions and help out. I will never ever forget the wonderful people who are working for the Home-Base: Maria (chef), Ivan (driver), Lulu (house-keeper), Fernando (security-guy), for me they are THOSE who made my stay at Home-Base safe, interesting and comfortable. Unfortunately, very little information (well, NO information at all to be honest) was provided by local administrative staff about extra volunteer hours. But i was so much happy with my placement - LAR DA CRIANCA orphanage. It was a bit tough at the first days, but later on the ice with the placement staff was broken and i loved the job i was doing. CCS local staff didn't make any detailed introduction about the placements and how should we behave there, but at the same time at Home-Base you can easily find lots of albums, books, photos, evaluation forms from fellow volunteers about the place you are gonna volunteer at. I loved the small library they had there, full of books in ENG and portugese, and of course it was so great to meet other voluneers from all over the world and share with them thoughts and ideas. We did lots of travelling together outside Salvador on the week-ends. I have shared a room with 3 more girls, which was not a big a problem, although only one bathroom is available for 8 people (if the room is full). My experience was great, i was safe, i was free and i believe i became a better person. Would definitely volunteer again. Probably, with CCS...It depends on programme fee :)) Cause CCS fees are a bit higher on the market, BUT when you get to the place you understand that the money spent was worthy. Food was excellent, Home-Base is very safe, they drive you to the placement and back, plus you can use a free-drive option every friday after lunch time. What i liked is that the Director gave me a permission to invite my portugese teacher to Home-Base for extra private classes, which saved my time a lot. I suggest you to choose Brazil as your next trip destination, to choose Salvador, to full your heart with love, to smile widely and volunteer with CCS!

I spent 2 weeks teaching English and reading to 7th graders at a parochial school in late November/early December 2011. My trip was sponsored by my company and I began my assignment at the same time as 6 other co-workers (from the US, Canada and France) and 3 volunteers from elsewhere in the US. We had a phenomenal team which cast a positive light on the entire experience, but CCS also does an excellent job. The local CCS staff were organized (especially by African standards), diligent, warm and friendly. We stayed in a newly built, comfortable, dormitory-style compound (4-6 people to a room with a shared bath) and took a mini-bus or taxi to our volunteer jobs each day where we worked for 3-4 hours. Afternoons were reserved for language lessons, cultural lectures, field trips to outdoor attractions and some free time to relax or walk into town to shop and explore. The homebase was spacious, with electricity to run fans and lights plus running (cold) water for showers and washing. We ate all our meals at the homebase which were prepared by professional cooks using imported meats (mostly chicken) and local fruits and vegetables. They provided unlimited bottled water, but you’re on your own if you want soda and they have a no-alcohol policy. Only one person in our group had a GI illness. We had guards for the compound, but their main job seemed to be keeping neighborhood goats, chickens and kids out of the yard! None of us ever felt unsafe while in Ghana where tourists are warmly welcomed. CCS met us in Accra, the capital, when we arrived and arranged transportation to and from Hohoe, a 4-6 hour drive to the Volta Region. There were some craft supplies and books at the homebase to use for teaching, but I’d recommend bringing anything you might want to use if you have a particular lesson in mind as local supplies are hit and miss. If you’re looking for a volunteer assignment that requires you to live on the local economy, fend for yourself in most instances and really suffer, then CCS is not for you. CCS approaches the volunteer assignment in a fairly structured (though not inflexible) way that alternates time volunteering with cultural lectures, language lessons, and free time. You will get a flavor for life in a low resource country (cold water showers, hand-washing your laundry) without having to actually suffer through the worst of it. Some reviewers are critical of the cost of the program, but if you truly want to have an impact on emerging markets as a volunteer then traveling to them will never be cost-effective as your plane ticket alone could make a huge difference to struggling organizations. If you accept the premise that personally interacting with organizations on their terms and helping them advance their mission, not yours (i.e., you are not allowed to donate anything but your time) is the approach you want to take then CCS is perfect. If you have a high need to make donations and live on the local economy with lots of free time then I’d explore other groups.

I volunteered along with several others from my company, and found the experience to be one of the best of my life. I thoroughly enjoyed and was changed (in a positive way) by the experience. I lived in Lima, Peru, and volunteered at Los Martincitos (a senior center in Villa El Salvador). The perspective I gained from being there, and seeing and feeling all that I did, was something I will hold dearly for the rest of my life.

My experience with CCS in New Delhi was wonderful . The CCS staff, living arrangements, and activities provided, were beyond satisfactory. The staff was very helpful with any questions and willing to go out of their way to make all volunteers feel comfortable during the duration of their stay. As far as my experience as a volunteer, I was fortunate enough to receive my ideal placement and as a result,I had the most wonderful experience with my students. Transportation to and from placement sites are provided by CCS staff as well as transportation to any places in Delhi. I had a glorious experience with CCS and would highly recommend this program to any international volunteers.

Volunteering with CCS was very mediocre. Yes, they give you food and a place to sleep, but the staff seemed very over protective and more concerned with rules than with preparing their volunteers to do useful, sustainable work. I worked with a local public health organization and found out during my time there that the program staff really had no idea what the organization does and could offer no advice on how to help them in a sustainable way. Also, the program is extremely expensive and I always got nebulous responses when I asked what the money was used for. Additionally, the program staff didn’t seem to understand that after having paid the tremendous program fee, I was now travelling on a very tight budget. All of their suggestions for post-program travel were for the fancy “mzungu” (white person) hotels and busses and beaches which is not at all what I was looking for. While at the program base, there are so many required activities that I didn’t feel that I got much of a chance to explore the town where we were working or get to know local people – I spent most of my time getting carted around from one activity to the next with upper-middle class white Americans. The program staff even found it strange when I would refuse a ride to my placement which was a mere 5-minute walk from the homebase. I did learn a fair amount of basic Swahili there, but I can’t say that was thanks to the lessons that we had. Our teacher was less than spectacular and mostly gave us long lists of vocabulary words that she would read out loud to us. If you’re really looking for an easy and comfortable first trip out to another country CCS will give you that, but if you’re looking for a deeper experience with a lower price tag I would recommend looking elsewhere.

I absoultely, hands down would recommend CCS to everyone and anyone! I did 2 separate 2 week trips in 2007 and 2008. The first trip was to Costa Rica, where our volunteer assignment was at a nursing home, where we visited the patients there and painted a gorgeous mural on the wall to brighten their spirits. I was designated as the BINGO caller because I knew how to say the numbers and letters in Spanish, and it was a fun time. My second trip was to Brazil, where our volunteer assignment was to paint cribs for the toddlers at the orphanage and help the staff give one-on-one time to the kids. Seeing the smiles on both the elderly and the young was priceless when we were there. We really brightened their days and spirits.

I volunteered with CCS in Brazil for 8 weeks in the summer of 2007. I loved my experience. I read a lot of negative reviews so I had to add my experience. The “Home Base” all the volunteers stayed in was in a nicer neighborhood. I volunteered with my wife and we lucked out and go our own room with our own attached bathroom. Other volunteers had to stay in larger rooms with bunk beds. The house had wireless internet, lockers, hot water (in the mornings), 2 housekeepers to clean the common areas, a cook, 24 hour security, etc. We had no curfew and the staff was very flexible and accommodating.

We volunteered in the mornings and came home in the afternoon for lunch and then had optional language classes, culture classes, trips and free time. I know Portuguese so I skipped the language classes. The food was local. So some volunteers weren’t always crazy about it but I liked it and thought it added to the cultural experience. I did however teach the cook to make American style pancakes.
We also had weekends free so we got to go on weekend trips to tropical islands and amazing waterfalls. I went rock climbing, cave exploring, hiking, swimming, to lots of beaches, and even a cigar factory during my weekends free.

My placement was teaching English at a community school for underprivileged children called CEIFAR (There is a Wikipedia page about it that I wrote). I taught classes twice a week, helped in their regular classes twice a week and it was closed on Fridays. On Fridays, I visited other placements like a center for kids with HIV/AIDS, other English schools, some daycares etc. Since I spoke Portuguese, the staff liked to have me visit lots of different placements on Fridays where I could help.

I thought the mornings we not enough so I got permission to volunteer in the afternoons at an orphanage. It was down the street from CEIFAR. There I just mostly played with kids and talked to them. The got little attention from adults as they were very short staffed. The kids loved it and I had fun too.

My wife (a med student at the time) volunteered at the center for kids with HIV/AIDS. Upon her request, the staff worked out a once a week placement with a local community doctor so she could observe and do some things to help out.

We thought the staff in Brazil was fantastic. I still keep in contact with the house manager through Facebook. He went above and beyond by helping me fix our crashed laptop, and helping us change our plane tickets so we could stay a little longer.

I checked me receipt and I paid $4119 for 8 weeks. That includes food, transportation, the house to stay in, language and culture classes, day trip outings, the staff, insurance and I’m sure maybe even more than that. I talked to the house manager and he said the most expensive part of the whole thing was the insurance.

The other volunteers were wonderful and I made so many lasting friendships as a result. So many of the volunteers tried to extend their stays because the loved it so much. One volunteer I met had already volunteered with CCS in Brazil for 3 consecutive years.

I loved my experience so much that I looked at jobs at CCS when I got back. After seeing what they pay, I quickly changed my mind. The position I was looking at paid $30K a year to work in NYC. I make twice that on the west coast.

I highly recommend CCS.

Fantastic program with fantastic staff. I had a great experience in Thailand and experienced the country in a way I could not have if I'd traveled there on my own.

After researching about international volunteering with various organizations, I chose to volunteer with CCS and went to Costa Rica (San Carlos) in July 2011. I was looking for an organization that was organized, professional, and would take care of my concerns about safety, really "living the local culture" and being inspired. From my trip, I got all that and more. All CCS staff (the US ones and the local ones) are always helpful and professional - the pre-departure booklets we received were extremely helpful, the US-based program manager answered all my questions to help me prepare for the trip (eg should I get vaccinations, what to pack etc), and once in Costa Rica, the local staff gave us a comprehensive orientation and local city tour (from what places to avoid/are unsafe, what to do if we are approached by panhandlers, how to protect our personal safety and things, what to do on our first day at the volunteer placement etc). The house we lived in was clean and pretty spacious (even with 25 of us - which I think is approaching the upper limit of the house), the meals are always plentiful and healthy, and there's even a security guard at night! The staff is really committed to addressing our concerns (if any arises - eg even if the payphone at the home is not quite working) and always do their best to help resolve them as fast as possible.

The schedule is very organized (we get transported to our various volunteer sites every morning and to return to the home base) - I never felt "overworked", and the planned activities are well-planned, fun, diverse, and really gave me a glimpse into all the different aspects of the culture and local way of life. The weekly Spanish lessons was a great bonus to my trip as well!

It was only a 2-week trip, but it gave me a lifetime of wonderful memories, and I came back home wishing I had signed up for more weeks and eager to start planning for my next CCS trip. The locals I met were really warm and welcoming - opening their hearts and (on one occasion even their home!) to embrace us volunteers. I still miss all the children I worked with over the 2 weeks and the locals that I had the privilege to meet!

I volunteered with CCS in July 2011 and had an amazing, life changing experience. I wrote an article about my trip & it was published in a local paper. Check it out: http://www.courant.com/community/hc-community-articleresults,0,5942637,results.formprofile?Query=49936HC

Sarah

I travelled to Ghana, Africa for 2 weeks in the summer of 2010. Typical Daily Schedule:

7-8:30 : wake up, breakfast, get ready
9-12:30 : volunteering (my project was planting trees in a village, but I believe they change the project each session)
1-3: lunch, free time in house
3:30-6 : evening volunteering, guest speaker, or cultural trip
6:30-10 : dinner, free time in house

The times I listed are approximated, because I don't remember the exact schedule, but that is the basic format of the day. The guest speakers taught us Ewe (ay-way), a local language, the history of Ghana, folktales, drumming, songs, and dances. All of the lessons were interactive, so it isn't like sitting in a classroom lecture. They try to make it as much fun as possible for us.

I only really had one weekend there, because I arrived on a Saturday and was given the weekend to catch up with the time zone and rest, and I departed two weeks later on a Saturday morning. The one weekend we had, however, was a lot of fun. On Saturday, we took a trip to a lake where we could play soccer, volleyball, swim in pools, and take kayaks out on the water. This was extremely fun. We also visited a monkey sanctuary, which is a jungle where wild monkeys will approach you and eat bananas out of your hands! It was amazing!
My volunteer group consisted of 11 people from the U.S. and Canada, and we all traveled as a group. In addition to that, there was a group of about 20 Ghanaian teenagers and adults who joined us daily to help with our volunteer work. By the end of the two weeks, I had formed extremely strong friendships with both the U.S./Canadian volunteers, and the African volunteers.
Living in the village is a lot of fun. The safe house is very isolated (there is a long dirt road off of the main road), but there are several families that live right around the house. Many of the children from the surrounding area came over to our yard sometimes to observe our activities, and sometimes join us. We had two large vans that picked us up and drove us everywhere, so living down that long road was not an issue in that sense.
I got to know a lot of the local people. When I was leaving, many of them gave me phone numbers and addresses to stay in touch, and a few of the teenagers even have facebook. Even today, almost a year after my trip, some of them occasionally chat with me online.
The accomodations were excellent. The house was very large. The front doors led into a spacious room with a long dining table and a circle of couches. To the left was a door into the girls' room and bathroom, and to the right was a door to a hallway. This hallway held the boys' room and bathroom, the program director's room, and the kitchen. Every room had multiple fans. There was electricity and running water, but no a/c, so the house was pretty warm, but after a day or two, I adjusted. The shower water is freezing, but after a long day of working in the sun, it actually felt great. The in-country staff cooked us three meals each day, and the food was delicious. I think I ate better there than I do in America (haha)!
One part of the trip that really stands out to me was the trip to Wli Falls, the highest waterfall in West Africa. We were able to swim through the waterfall, and it was such an unbelievable experience. We spent a lot of time in orphanages playing with the children, and just talking to them and seeing how appreciative they are of the smallest gestures was eye-opening. When I walked down the street in the village, strangers invited me into their homes to share a meal with the family. The generosity and selflessness of the entire Ghanaian culture was unbelievable. The whole trip was one of the most memorable parts of my life. The most challenging part of the trip was staying motivated in the morning volunteer sessions. I was there in late June/early July, which is one of the hottest and most humid parts of the year. Working out in the intense sun, digging holes, fetching water, and planting trees was physically draining. There was plenty of bottled water to stay hydrated, but I still had to force myself to keep working. The staff are very respectful and understanding, however. When any of the volunteers felt too hot, tired, or sick, the staff made sure they had water, and allowed them to rest in the shade for as long as they needed to recover.
I never felt unsafe during any part of the trip. I remember being worried about security prior to arriving, but as soon as I left the airport and located the staff, I felt safe. Local salesmen immediately bombarded the group of volunteers trying to sell us food, drinks, souveniers, taxi rides, etc., and the CCS staff quickly stepped inbetween and demanded that the salesmen leave immediately. We were then escorted to our vehicles and handed bottled water. This initial protection made me feel secure and comfortable. In the safe house, there were 24-hour guards who stayed in the house, or in the front yard to ensure that no one entered our house at any point without authorization.
In our spare time, we usually played card games, played sports outside, or just sat in a circle talking. I think we had a perfect amount of spare time. Sometimes, in the afternoon, the local volunteers would join us for lunch and free time, so it was also a chance for more cultural enrichment. We taught eachother games and songs--it was almost like a summer camp feeling. Although it looks like there is excessive free time in the evening, it isn't too much, because during that period, everyone needs to shower. In my session, we had 6 girls who shared one shower, and 5 boys who shared one shower, so we used about two hours each night for showers. We also had a phone and a TV in the house, so nightly freetime was often used to call home or watch television. The phone is not too reliable--it often takes several tries to complete a call, and once a call is made, it's lucky to complete a conversation before getting disconnected, but with a little patience it's not a big deal. You do need to pay for calls, but it isn't expensive. If I remember correctly, 80 minutes of calling is about $7. Some people purchased international cell phones for the trip. While this connection is more reliable, the prices are OUTRAGEOUS. I would not recommend this, because although frusterating, the landline will work, and for a lot less money.
The trip was honestly life-changing. The CCS staff members are all amazing and helpful. They go out of their way to prepare volunteers prior to departure, and the in-country staff work very hard to ensure that the volunteers are comfortable, safe, and happy.

I traveled with Cross Cultural Solutions as an intern to Ghana. I cannot say enough about the impact that the experience has had on my life. If you are a new traveler who is unsure about how to navigate the challenges and logistics of providing service in an unfamiliar place they are able to help you navigate that transition with relative ease. I was so thankful for the in-country staff who had the cultivated connections to the community that made a short experience all that much more fulfilling and complete.

My experience with CCS was exceptional, and I am still thinking about my time in South Africa and how it has shaped my life years after my time spent there. The staff in the country you serve will all be local, very friendly and accommodating and they are just great people to work and with. My two favorite aspects of CCS: 1. The placements. You are placed in a volunteer position that best suits you and your interests, which allows you to make the most impact. You work with locals that really need and appreciate the work you do with them and for them. 2. The cultural immersion aspect. You are placed in a language class to help you communicate more effectively with the locals at your placement. You are also given historical lessons, taken on field trips to encounter the country, and individuals come to speak to the group about different facets of the country that you are serving. I recommend this volunteer program to anyone who is interested in making a significant impact abroad, while also gaining knowledge about the language, history, and culture of your country.

Volunteering in Salvador, Brazil three years ago is an experience I still think about and talk about.

Not only is Brazil a beautiful country with the northern and southern sections being very different the culture is alive with dance, color, and the beautiful language of Portugese.

Volunteering with small children is always delightful--even though there is a language barrier it is amazing how children respond to attention, learning and interaction. Yes, these children come from poverty, however, they are loved and cared for by their parents and as volunteers we add to their life for the brief two weeks.

I traveled to Cartago, Costa Rica and have so many fond memories of my trip there. Yes, it was expensive, but I can say that to me, it was worth every penny. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I was in Cartago for a total of 10 weeks and would jump at the chance to volunteer with CCS again.

You really need to look at what you want out of your volunteer experience. If you are looking to solely volunteer in a country, then Yes - I am sure you can find a much more inexpensive route to go. HOWEVER, CCS offers other components to their program that you may not get through other programs.

One of the reasons that I chose CCS was because I liked the three components that it had: volunteering, cultural immersion, and free time. Yes, I wanted to volunteer and was more than happy when I received my placement to work in an orphanage with kids 0-16. I met some wonderful people, both workers and kids alike through my placement and will carry those memories with me forever. I also loved that CCS offered MANY opportunities to get out in the community and learn more about the country/area that we were in. We had Spanish classes, dance classes, field trips to local gardens, hiking spots, parks, hot springs, city tours, etc. I was there for 10 weeks and felt I got to see and learn more of Cartago and the surrounding area than I knew about a city I had lived in for 4 years! And to me, the third aspect of the trip was just as enticing - the free time. I had never been to Costa Rica before and loved how CCS had set up our volunteer placements to work M-F so that I was able to travel with the other volunteers on the weekends. I made some lasting friendships with many of the other volunteers and am still in contact with some of them 4 years later. While I was able to spend the weekdays in Cartago and felt like I lived there, I was also able to get a vacation in every weekend. I got to see the mountains, cloud forests, rain forests, volcanoes and beaches during our off-time. It was the perfect situation for me and I felt like I got to do it all.

Your experience really is what you put into it, though. During my 10 weeks there, there were many other volunteers that passed through my CCS location. Some stayed only 1 weeks, others as long as 12 weeks. The majority of us had wonderful experiences and took with us not only great memories, but also skills and experiences that we may not have gotten elsewhere. There were others who may not have the best things to say about their experience for a number of reasons. Maybe they didn't like their volunteer placement; maybe they didn't mesh well with the other volunteers; maybe they were homesick; maybe they thought that "getting away" would help, but it turned out not to be the case. To them, I would just like to say again, It is what you put into it. You need to go in with a positive attitude. Yes, I had some hard days: days when something didn't go well at my placement, days when I missed my family, days when I disagreed with another volunteer, days when I was just plain grumpy. Whatever the case is, you just need to remind yourself about why YOU are there. What do you really want out of your experience? That's what will make it a truly wonderful lifetime experience for you.

I volunteered through Cross=Cultural Solutions in Morocco and loved it! CCS made everything simple, and were very organized! They even provided past volunteers for me to connect with to get advice for my volunteer trip! The CCS staff in Morocco was beyond fabulous as well. I plan on taking many more volunteer trips through CCS in the future!

I have worked with CCS as a volunteer in India, China, Morocco and Brazil. All of my experiences were amazing and I cannot express the impact that this organization has had on my life.
CCS has all local staff in each of the countries they serve and the staff are organized, very friendly and accommodating and they are just great people to deal with. The CCS homes are very typical for the country they are in and they are very comfortable. The food is all local food and it was amazing in every country. And the friends you make in a CCS program end up being friends for life. I still keep in touch with more than 10 volunteers that I met over the years and we have visited each other numerous times.
The placements with CCS are the center of the program. You are placed in a volunteer job that best suits you and you work with locals that really need and appreciate your service. In Morocco for example I was teaching students in their late teens and early 20s English so they could get jobs in the city of Rabat. The students welcomed me every day I arrived and were so happy to have a foreigner come in especially for them to help them succeed. Often the students of CCS volunteers end up doing something good for the community themselves when they get older by becoming teachers or volunteers themselves. I believe that this 'pay it forward' phenomena is one of the biggest benefits of volunteering with CCS.
The CCS experience itself is an education... not just in the culture and the realities of the country you are in ... but an education in what is important in life. CCS helps you put things in perspective as a global citizen and they help you to appreciate what life is all about.
Thank you CCS

I have been on three volunteer trips with CCS, South Africa, Morocco and Tanzania. This is more than just a volunteer program, it is also a cultural immersion program. It gives volunteers, many of whom are first time volunteers and 18-20 years old, a chance to experience a different culture, learn about the history of that country, its people and the problems that present in that country. Many of these younger folks do this program as an alternative break in college, and their parents get a sense of security knowing that security of volunteers is always of paramount concern. You cannot guarantee someone's security anywhere, but you can make the effort to provide the most security available to you, and this is what they do. I have done other volunteer trips that are very inexpensive and security was not even a part of that program. Meals are provided for, as is local language lessons, historical lessons and other speakers and visits to show the volunteer what has happened within these countries. These kinds of programs cost money - it takes a large support staff at home and in each location CCS is established to make this possible. You can do it cheap, definitely, but you will not get out of that experience what you do with CCS. They put so much into their program. It allows you to learn, while at the same time leave some benefit behind to the people you are working with.

I turned them down as to volunteering and they continue to send me their propaganda including this page where there are reviews. 3 out of 11 rate it as a 1! That is one out of 5. I go to Panama and teach English and do it for free and live on my monthly Social Security check of less than $900.00 a month. I'm sure I'm closer to the real life of the public in the countries than one could be in their resort style accomadations. It's a good palyground for the rich to make them feel good while pretending to do a service, but really quite a laugh when it comes down to it.

They fail to accurately tell you about the safety of a given location, then when you find out about specific dangerous conditions there and ask for a refund as an 18 year old, they keep 3/4 of your over 3,000 fee, despite their of course legally waiving responsiblity for your safety if you do go.

I spent a month i Moshi, Tanzania with CCS and I must say, it was an amazing experience. The staff was incredibly supportive and really helped me plan a life changing trip. I worked with children at an orphanage in the area and also had the chance to work at a clinic performing home visits to the ill.The in country staff is warm and friendly and the housing is fantastic! I can't even explain how delicious the food is - you are very much so taken care of with CCS. I plan to return to CSS in 2011 and cannot wait - if you are searching for a company that will give you a satisfying abroad experience, one that is safe, trustworthy and all around fun, CCS is it. They are professional and can truly be counted on - you can reach the home office from the country of your placement and they make everything extremely easy for you - I highly recommend CCS for anyone looking to make a difference abroad!

My experience with CCS Morocco was amazing. It was great to volunteer overseas with an incredible group of volunteers, I would do this again without hesitation. Definitely a great way to give back and meet new people. I worked in the Children's Orphanage and it was so rewarding to see them each day, help them eat, get dressed, and to spend quality time playing. The nurses were so happy to see us each day. Mohammad and Khadija are amazing mentors, they would patiently answer our questions and provide us insight on Moroccan culture.

I did volunteer work with CCS at an orphanage in Morocco and it was a wonderful experience. As their name suggests you not only do volunteer work but learn about the culture of the country you are in. Housing and meals are provided as well as transportation to and from the volunteer placement. Maintaining property and in-country staff be must be expensive. Although I am "middle-aged" many of my fellow volunteers were young people, some on their first trip to a foreign country. I think the staff did a great job of educating and looking out for everyone. i wouldn't hesitate to send any of my daughters with CCS. I viewed my experience as a way to travel, learn about the culture and give back to the community. I have also signed up for another placement with CCS. I also gave CCS 5 stars but only 3 show up.

I was interested in this organization until I looked up on Charity Navigator that the Ex. Director makes over $275,000 year and they spend nearly $1.3 million on administrative and fundraising expenses. I'm not sure how this is a non-profit in spirit; more like an eco-travel group. Charity is charity, not to make nearly $300K year. Sorry. I'll find another group.

Barely a non-profit. As an organization that charges people for volunteer programs, I'd say they did a fine job of managing the volunteers. I was well cared for in Costa Rica. However, the more I researched this, CCS struck me as less of a non-profit and more of a pay-for-service travel company.It looks like they are netting nearly $1 Million in profit. I paid what it cost for a comparable eco-resort package in Belize. And the resort set up a volunteer opportunity for me for free as a way to give back to community. While my experience was good (at both CCS and the resort), I question how solid of a non-profit CCS is within the context of Guidestar

5 Stars? That isn't enough to describe Cross Cultural Solutions, how much it has impacted me as a volunteer and how much it has opened my mind. I had the opportunity to volunteer in an orphanage in Morocco and several different placements when I was in Peru. Volunteering in an orphanage has something I always wanted to do but was not sure how to do it. It was something I had always kept in the back of my head. I am involved in several volunteer organizations here in Toronto, but nothing has changed my outlook in life as much as seeing first hand, just how huge this world is. I currently work as a Program Instructor for Adults with Mental Health. My first time working in the field after graduating from a Social Work degree, and it made me a stronger person. Or so I thought. After a couple of months in the social services field, I enrolled with Cross Cultural Solutions and specifically asked to work with children with special needs in the orphanage. I was stunned. We always here about those less fortunate than us, but it is different than actually SEEING it in front of you. The most incredible thing is, the children at the orphanage were the happiest children I have ever seen. Their hugs. Their smiles. Their laughter. Their playfulness. Never had I ever seen such genuinity! My one week in Morocco inspired me to volunteer once again with Cross Cultural Solutions and I signed up immediately when I returned to Toronto for Ayacucho Peru. I had picked Ayacucho Peru after pulling the name out of a hat while still in Morocco. I figured, there is absolutely no way I can ever go wrong with CCS as my remarkable experience had truly changed my life. IN JUST ONE WEEK. The CCS staff in New York and the CCS staff in Toronto, as well as the CCS staff in Morocco were incredibly supportive from the moment I enrolled. I was never greeted with impatientness, or vague promises of what needs to be done. Every time I had a question, it was answered immediately. Almost too immediately. Also, my questions were answered more than what I expected. How could I go wrong with CCS? The most wonderful thing as well is, as soon as I enrolled, I felt like we were all family. We were all over the world, different time zones, different job positions, yet the CCS staff always took the time to be there for me. I had never been to Morocco, and I have never volunteered in Morocco. I can't speak Arabic or French - so my anxieties and fears were always on the surface. They were eased immediately once I knew that all I had to do was "ask". The program in Ayacucho Peru was undescribable, but I will try to explain as colofully as I can. I thought that after my experience in Morocco, Ayacucho would be a cinch. It was only 4 months after my week in Morocco. I was dead wrong. I was not emotionally prepared for Ayacucho, and there were times during my week in Ayacucho where I just needed to be alone and to recollect my thoughts. Re-evaluate the whole essence of being an international volunteer. I went to Ayacucho without the true inkling of what it means to be "hungry". What it means to live in "poverty". Here in Toronto, I can say, "I'm hungry" but I don't really know what that means. My hunger lasts until I find something to eat, and that's not hard to find. Seeing UNICEF visit one of the government daycares in Peru was when all my pent up emotions exploded and I spent the entire evening in tears. To me, UNICEF was the little Halloween box that we took around for trick or treating. Not a huge truck with nurses to come and weigh the children. I was embarassed by my lack of understanding of the world. How much I lived in a box. How dare I complain about the littlest things when these children had next to nothing? How dare I be petty and small minded about things that don't matter? How dare I be ungrateful for fresh water? Even the poor in Toronto have hot water! There were several days in Peru where we didn't have hot water in the homebase. I learned to live with it, and it was a very liberating experience. When I came back from my week in Ayacucho, I was ready to enroll once again for another CCS program. I have watched myself grow through my experiences with a journal and a blog, and I never once censored myself. I think it is very important for everyone to one day just volunteer abroad. CCS gives the opportunity for just a week, for those who can't committ to longer periods of time. And I can vouch for it that, although it may not seem like a lot, it is enough. I have enrolled in 2 more Insight Abroad programs with Ghana (March 2010) and with Costa Rica (April 2010) and I can't wait to live through these experiences. Obviously, Ghana will not be the same as Peru and as Morocco, anymore than Costa Rica will be the same as Ghana. None of my programs will ever be the same. I definitely will not be the same. That is the beauty of international volunteering. The only thing that remains steadfast is my utmost loyalty and devotion to Cross Cultural Solutions.

My experience at Cross-Cultural Solutions was unforgettable. As a young professional I got a job out of college as a Marketing Coordinator for a jazz/blues/classical/world music record label called Telarc/Heads Up records in Cleveland, Ohio. After 2 years I was laid off in February '09, along with half of my colleagues due to the poor economy. I searched for jobs aggressively, sending out 25 resumes a week. I was always interested in African culture with my music degree in college and my work with African artists like "Ladysmith Black Mambazo", "Zap Mama", and "Oliver Mtukudzi". This combination made me want to experience the culture of Africa first hand. I decided to research volunteer programs and found Cross-Cultural Solutions. Compared to all of the organizations I researched, I found CCS to be the most credible and accessible. Their staff is extremely helpful as all of their Program-Enrollment Managers are there to assist you with any questions you have about safety, program structure, and preparation. That personal attention is not something you get with any volunteer organization. I chose to do my volunteer project in Cape Town, South Africa for 10-weeks. While in Cape Town, I also got an opportunity to volunteer at their Robertson program for 2 weeks in between. As a volunteer in Cape Town I worked with a music & drama group called Siyaya. This was one of the many self-sustaining programs at the JL Zwane Community Center in a township called Guguletu. Siyaya was a group of young adults between the ages of 18-26 that worked as professional musicians. I worked with them 5 days a week teaching, vocal technique, new musical repertoire, and helped market the group to acquire more performing opportunities. The group mainly performed at local township health clinics that treated HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis patients. Many of the patients sit in rooms for hours waiting to see a doctor. At the clinics Siyaya would perform music and drama that promoted HIV/AIDS education in a fun and entertaining way. It was an amazing experience to watch the faces of the patients light up as these young musicians performed their hearts out. In Robertson, South Africa I worked at a primary school called "De Villiers" teaching typing and other basic computer skills to children who barely knew how to use a computer. This experience was really uplifting as every day I could see their typing skills improve and was able to create a typing packet that would help them continue practicing after I was gone. During the 10 weeks I volunteered I wasn't able to build a school, feed an entire village, or anything out of the ordinary, but I was able to make subtle impacts. I'd like to think that I inspired new members of Siyaya to become leaders. I challenged veterans of the group to enhance their craft to become the best musicians possible. In Robertson, I saw children improve their typing skills dramatically as they looked up to me with much gratitude. I also spent time outside my regular placement hours with my supervisors. The supervising teacher at "De Villiars" primary school took me around the township in Robertson and gave me a great insight to their culture. I was able to meet his family and gain understanding of how people live in South Africa. In Cape Town I got to know all my students on a personal level and see them perform in functions outside of the health clinics. In my opinion so many perspective volunteers make the wrong choice in volunteering by thinking they are going to change the world. Since African countries became independent from colonial rule, starting with Ghana in 1951, Western Governments have poured more than $300 Billion dollars in aid, which is significantly more of an investment than in any other continent. In the present day, Africa still remains the most poverty-stricken continent in the world. I'm not saying that organizations that work towards providing financial and material support don't help, but I think with living in a society that is so economically dependent on everything, we need to focus more on alternative forms of relief. Organizations like Cross-Cultural Solutions do that in the way they make volunteering more about the experience and cultural-exchange. In my opinion that is the most important contribution that any short-term volunteer can make. I really believe that everyone should experience going to a third world country in some point in their life. Not only does it open your eyes to the hardships that people face all over the world, but to interact with the people is to get an inside understanding of their culture. In that regard, you are able to develop perspective and bring back an insight to the world that you can share with the people around you. Pat, I think your references maybe skewed. I know for a fact that no CCS recruiter makes commission or any additional bonuses for each volunteer they enroll. I have spoken with several different program-enrollment managers and they all encouraged me to talk to anyone of them if I had questions or was ready to enroll. Yes, the programs are expensive, but believe me, that money is well spent in terms of making volunteering accessible for everyone. Every program site has reasonable accommodations. In Cape Town we lived in a middle-class neighborhood called Rosebank outside of The University of Cape Town. We lived in a house that could fit 25 people in rooms that were very college-dorm like, with both bunk, single beds, and modest closet space. Nothing really like a 5 star hotel, but comfortable housing that makes a great home away from home. Outside of volunteer work you also have cultural immersion programs that give volunteers the opportunity to take language lessons, tour historic sites and museums, and have speakers come in to talk to you about the culture and history of the country. In terms of the program cost it might not seem accessible to everyone, but it's possible with how much support CCS gives you to fundraise for your program. With the support of CCS I was able to fundraise for my entire volunteer program through community outreach efforts towards my local church, e-mail, online-networking, and hosting a local charity event. I think it's possible for anyone to volunteer through programs like Cross-Cultural Solutions. I invite you to check out my blog if you want to get a better insight to the Cross-Cultural Solutions volunteer experience and or feel free to contact me if you have any questions. www.kevintacklessouthafrica.blogspot.com

Cross Cultural Solutions gave me an opportunity to discover my capabilities and find, what I am confident, is my true calling in life. As cliché as that may sound, it really is true. My experience with Cross Cultural Solutions challenged me in ways I don’t think I could have ever been, unless, perhaps, I was to join the Peace Corps (and get accepted). With Cross Cultural Solutions, everyone can be accepted. I wanted a taste of overseas volunteering in a setting I could feel comfortable and safe in, yet still feel that I was actually contributing something other than my money. Cross Cultural Solutions doesn’t require you to volunteer for any specific amount of time (unless you chose the intern or insight abroad program) because they realize volunteers want to be in control of the time they are donating. This is a major benefit because the volunteer (ages 16 I believe-100) can make this choice when applying to Cross Cultural Solutions. Not all volunteer organizations offer this opportunity and make the process much stricter and in my opinion, less appealing. I chose to go to Cartago, Costa Rica for 12 weeks (the longest period I believe you can go for without extension) and do some self-discovery along the way. I might add that I had never been to Costa Rica prior nor had I ever been out of the country for more than two weeks. The ‘hotels’ as Pat calls them or home bases, are safe and welcoming places for volunteers to live in while abroad in a foreign country. It was in the home base that I learned to utilize my minimal Spanish speaking skills (which grew significantly, thanks to the Spanish classes provided twice a week) as well as integrate myself into the Spanish speaking community. When I wasn’t volunteering, learning how to cook cultural foods, practicing my Spanish with our wonderful cooks and practicing dance lessons with the in country dance instructor, I used some of my free time to walk to the local gym at the local University, which was very cheap I might add, and immerse myself in Costa Rican culture even more. The Tech University down the street gave me an opportunity to meet students my age (23 at the time) and learn about their lives from a non tourist perspective. Students were, for the most part, happy to share their stories with myself and other volunteers who showed an interest in learning. I can say honestly that what you put it as a volunteer is what you will get out. There were volunteers who used their free time to nap or read or write while others, like me, immersed themselves in the new and foreign culture right outside our bedroom doors! I was very happy to have the opportunity to work in two placements. One placement was a nursing home setting (which always smelled like fresh laundry and had a wonderful staff) for the abandoned elderly. The other setting (which I actually requested when applying) was a home for HIV infected people. I have a strong interest in the medical and disease field so this was everything I could want, as a person without an MD. I worked at the HIV home three days a week and at the elderly home twice a week. Pat is ill-advised to say that volunteers work minimal schedules. I personally worked on a few weekends (by my own choice) and worked more than the required amount of time per week because I wanted too. I know another volunteer from Canada who also gave up weekend travel time to work at her placement with children because she wanted too. I must reiterate, what you put into the experience is what you will get out x 10. I chose to work on some weekends, with the permission and support of the staff, because I was completely and totally emotionally invested in my placements. Yes, the program is not cheap, by any means. However, unless you are ready and willing to independently travel abroad and find a place to volunteer in alone, this is the program for you. I am not sure if Pat considered that in country staff as well as the placements (I think) and activities provided (though not required), need funding. Considering the notion that Cross Cultural Solutions is a program that allows you to volunteer in a third world country and because of that, they need your monetary contribution to host you. There is nothing shady about Cross Cultural Solutions. I also want to touch on something else Pat said: “The volunteers stay in these hotels, engage in recreation activities, and work minimal schedules as volunteers with in country groups that Cross-Cultural Solutions refuses to identify except to volunteers that have paid.” Pat, why is the idea that Cross Cultural Solutions doesn’t give the identities of these people away until expenses are paid for, so significant to you? In country staff are not a cluster of natives who committed crimes or did time behind bars. If you pay, you are paying for a great deal of experience, adventure and self discovery. The identities of these people should be preserved for their own good. If you read the website, you can get a detailed list of where you are going and who you are staying with. If you have questions, why not call an alumni volunteer? That’s what I did. In fact, I called three and they gave me all the information I wanted and more! Cross Cultural Solutions needs to maintain the privacy of in country staff, perhaps, for their own sake. To gain knowledge on in country staff and whatever else you might be eager to know, you can 1) call alumni 2) call Cross Cultural Solutions directly 3) go to http://www.crossculturalsolutions.org/countries/latin-america/volunteer-costa-rica/cartago.aspx or the country of your choice. It takes no time at all! I have chosen to make a profession out of helping people as a social worker. Not everyone will find their calling through a Cross Cultural Solutions experience, however, they will learn more about themselves while working with the people and what they are actually capable of doing when placed out of their comfort zone. To create a program where a volunteer is able to participate in numerous aspects of country life is to raise awareness as to what is out there as well as teach the volunteers how they can be instruments of change.

This organization does not provide any financial or material support to in-country organizations. The organization also does not in any way help overseas organizations obtain such support. Despite this, this organization has US IRS non-profit status, blame the lax US IRS non-profit certification process (note that Cross Cultural can not offer the benefit of fee tax deductibility in the UK or Canada). Public US IRS filings indicate that appx. 4% of the organization's gross revenue of over $10 Million goes to the salary of just 2 people, the executive director and vice president. Ex-recruiters have reported that they are paid a bonus, much like a commission per paying volunteer, the public financial information available was not detailed enough to be conclusive however it does show very high administrative expenses for an organization of its size, over 49%. (The Cross Cultural website claims only 9% of its revenue is used for General & Administrative expense however FAASB standard non-profit accounting rules would include the other categories of expenses listed such as "maintains a website and other web-based information for those interested in learning about CCS" and many other expenses for a total of at least 49% Administrative expense.) The organization appears much like a for profit adventure travel agency instead of a true effort to help overseas. It owns and/or operates hotel like lodging in foreign countries, which they call "Home Bases" The volunteers stay in these hotels, engage in recreation activities, and work minimal schedules as volunteers with in country groups that Cross-Cultural Solutions refuses to identify except to volunteers that have paid. Future volunteers that want to use their financial resources and time to truly help overseas organizations might be better served to find such overseas organizations own their own and to make direct contact. Some former Cross Cultural volunteers reported being fearful about doing this themselves because of language barriers. This fear begs the question of how useful an overseas volunteer they could be without basic familiarity with the local language and indeed, most Cross Cultural volunteers are placed in roles where only the most basic of communication suffices since their volunteer work is to play with and baby sit groups of small children. This is particularly ironic since the amount the typical volunteer spends with Cross Cultural plus airfare and other expenses for the two week experience could provide a half year salary for a trained professional local teacher to truly educate the children in a range of subjects in most of the countries Cross Cultural operates. The local staff of the hotels the organization owns/and operates benefit from the volunteer funds since these funds pay their salaries but it was not possible to determine the level of salary and benefits paid to local staff relative to similar jobs in other local hotels. The average $200 US per day fee paid to Cross Cultural for the experience seems to be more than that of a local 5 star hotel in several of the countries in which it operates albeit with a different, inferior mix of amenities for its volunteer clients. If one adds the airfare, visa, and other expenses a volunteer incurs they could get an all inclusive vacation package to Thailand, Morocco, Brazil, Costa Rica and perhaps other countries Cross Cultural operates for much less, use the savings to make a donation to a local charity and still volunteer if they want to give of their time instead of just lounging on the beach.