My Nonprofit Reviews

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!