Testimonials

Argentina - Australia - China - Costa Rica - Ecuador - England - Peru - Spain

Testimonial of the month: Austin2Africa

In November, 8 AIDE volunteers from Austin, Texas journeyed to South Africa to complete a project for which they had tirelessly fundraised for the previous year. The goal was to rebuild and add on to the overcrowded Emasithandane Orphanage in Nyanga, one of the poorest townships in Cape Town. Emasithandane houses 32 AIDS orphans, all of whom are cared for by Mama, the founder. The work accomplished by the Austin2Africa group will not only give the children a comfortable space to live and grow in, but also allow the orphanage to be eligible for social services by eliminating temporary structures like shacks.

Vanessa:

"Are you kidding me?"  Those were the words I spoke when I first saw the new building at the orphanage...  Was this really real?  At that moment, all of the emotions from the past 12 months rushed into my mind.  Because our journey did not truly start when we boarded the plane, it had started a year ago, when we took the commitment to help those kids.  And we never gave up, although over the course of that year we had many reasons to do so.  We wanted the magic to happen, and it happened because we stayed focused and kept on supporting each other's dream.


Yes, implementing this project was a crazy idea!  Absolutely!  The economic crisis suddenly hit, how would we ever fundraise in such times?  And if we did so, how would we ever manage it from Austin?  But with doubts and fears, how do you really move forward?  So we took our chances and created initiatives that none of us had ever in our lives imagined doing.  We organized concerts, movie screenings, social events; we even went in the local news – twice!  We connected with extraordinary people we may have never met otherwise even though we all live in the same city!  A few weeks earlier, we were who we normally are, just doing our usual things.  From the day we took the decision to be involved in this project, our surroundings and we ourselves had changed. 

And that is for me the best accomplishment we have achieved so far: by providing a better future to 32 orphans in South Africa, we have discovered in us such a potential for Love and Humanity that empowered us to believe in and create the change that others think is impossible.  I will always remember the sparkling eyes on the exhausted faces of my friends when they finally landed in Cape Town.  At that moment, I knew they felt what life is truly about.  I recall being on the plane last year for my first trip to South Africa.  I was watching the Bucket List movie, in which Morgan Freeman asks Jack Nicholson at the summit of the Great Pyramid: "Have you known joy in your life?"  More importantly, "has your joy provided joy to others?"... At this second, I know where life was driving me and what Austin2africa's mission will be built on.

Life is too short to be small.
Think BIG.

Success often comes to those who dare to dream and who work their heart out to achieve it.

Shannon:

“Although I knew I was going to be part of something special, during the year of fundraising for Austin2Africa the project often felt vague, and I could not quite picture what our goal or the experience would be like. Even stepping off the plane at the Cape Town airport – Africa!! – the trip and the project were not yet real. As soon as our van drove into Nyanga on the first day, however, and we saw the original orphanage and the new building - the building we made possible - the reality began to sink in.

And so began the whirlwind week of priming and painting, floors and furniture, dancing and giggling with excited children… The work itself could be draining, and certainly tested our patience and cooperation at times, but was overall a most rewarding and enjoyable experience. After all, we were no longer in an office staring at a computer: we were a team. And while getting paint in our hair and dust in our eyes, we became physically and mentally absorbed in creating a colorful, beautiful, livable space. Day by day we had the unparalleled opportunity of watching our vision come to life, and the excitement on the children’s and caretakers’ faces as they realized what would soon be theirs.

The final night’s celebration dinner was the culmination of the week’s hard work, playtime, and emotions, and words cannot describe how fulfilled and touched we felt joining the kids, caretakers and Mama to eat, sing and dance as a community. I believe it all hit us then, and there was no holding back the tears. My favorite moment came at the end of the night, back at the orphanage, as the children crammed into their new lime green bedroom. The lights were out, the adhesive ceiling stars glowing brightly, and we all sang at the top of our lungs “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”. We all knew the words and at that moment I felt more connection and joy than I could have ever imagined. Our trip and our project was just a small step in making a difference, but as a team we had grown and achieved our goal, and I could only hope that we made even half the impact in these children’s lives as they had made in ours.”

Costa Rica

"My host family was definitely the most positive aspect of my experience. They treated me as their own child while also allowing me to go out and explore on my own. They introduced me to many people in the town, and provided me with clean and comfortable living conditions. They took me to the beaches, the city, and any other place they planned on going so I could get a full experience.

I worked in a small town outside of Alajuela, Costa Rica called La Guacima. My volunteer work was in a small home for teenage mothers that was right around the corner from my host family's home. My duties normally involved working in the day care where the women's children played during the day, helping the women with their English homework if needed, and working in the kitchen two days a week. I got to know not only the children, but also their moms, who became close to sisters for me. I only worked Monday - Friday from 9am to 3pm, so my afternoons were free and up to me to plan. I often spent time with my host family or walked around and participated in fun classes at the local Spanish school, which also offered dance and cooking classes.

However, later on in my stay, I made friends with people in the town and preferred to spend time with them. Though I didn't have the money to do my own personal travelling, my host family took me wherever they went, such as a few beaches, different local events, and activities with their own extended families. My older host sister showed me the nightclub atmosphere on weekends, and I chatted with my younger host sister, looked over her homework, and helped clean her fish tank. I got to know my Costa Rican family very well, which meant I experienced not a tourist-driven view of Costa Rica but a real, small town perspective. The best part of my time in Costa Rica was just getting to know the people, as nearly everyone I met was hospitable and inviting. I can't wait to go back!"
Chloe - Volunteer in Costa Rica

“Working at the medical clinic was a great experience. The staff was very friendly, inviting me into their lives both at work and outside of work. As a student planning a career in medicine, my experience working with the doctor in Matapalo was invaluable. He took the time to explain everything to me, even when there were twenty patients outside waiting to see him. The doctor also took the time to teach me exam procedures and gave me the opportunity to practice, the best sort of hands-on patient experience a pre-med student could ask for.
 Another great part of the experience was living with a host family. I lived with an older woman named Ramona, who invited students, visiting professors, and others into her home from time to time because she loved having the company. She taught me how to make lots of different Costa Rican meals, and was a great friend to me. On weekends, I traveled quite a bit. I did all sorts of tours and fun things!”
Olivia Penharlow – Medical Intern Costa Rica

"I absolutely loved the work that I did in Costa Rica. Working on an organic farm was the perfect fit for me.   I was on the farm for ten weeks and wished I could have stayed longer. I worked Monday through Friday from 7:30 in the morning until noon. Each day was different work with a different person on the farm.  I got to know so many interesting people, both local Costa Ricans and other volunteers from all around the world."
Brigitte Napier – Organic Farm Volunteer Costa Rica

"I enjoyed my time being part of the "family" at the ambulance. Not only was I able to help out with things in the ambulance I would never have done in the States, I also was able to practice Spanish in a unique way with "common" friends and “puro tico”!  It was stimulating being immersed in the life of a paramedic, and living in Costa Rica."
Karina Klein  – Paramedical Internship Costa Rica

"The experience itself was unforgettable. There are many aspects of this trip that I really enjoyed, from the land, people, and personal experiences. Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful places in Latin America. I was able to get involved with the locals and interact with their day to day lives."
Juan Carlos Alcantara – Volunteer Costa Rica

"My overall experience was absolutely fantastic…It was amazing to be able to teach every day, and then make my way down to the beach where I could surf, swim, go for a walk in the park or watch the monkeys. The Ticos are so warm and friendly, and the food was great!   I learned a lot in the two weeks, and although it was such a short time I really got attached to the children and I could see changes in many of them. I'm really happy I took part in the program and can't wait to return."
Christine Dahdouh – English Teacher - Costa Rica

"All of the locals on the finca are great people. Bri is an amazing woman, and Vinicio is a fantastic teacher! The animals are very friendly, though you've got to watch out where that horse is stepping :-) One night I went to the local restaurant and bar down the street with another volunteer and we had a great time listening to the musicians, enjoying some beer (and some chicken!!!). The locals were really nice to us."
Nate McNamara  – Organic Farm Volunteer Costa Rica

' The service that AIDE provided before my departure was really excellent.  The most positive aspect of my experience was to live in a host family and learn their culture.  I had a really great experience.  I did some volunteer work, but at the same time I had a chance to visit a lot of place in Costa Rica...This country is fantastic! People out of town are very nice! I met a lot of people from all over the world and I learned a lot during my volunteer program in the hospital."
Marie-Pier Dusablon – Children’s Hospital Volunteer- Costa Rica

England

" The most positive aspect of my experience was watching myself grow.  I left the United States as a shy, timid girl and returned as a confident, mature young lady.  My family and friends keep commenting that they have seen so much personal growth on my part. This was the best experience of my life!  I made so many friends and still keep in touch with many of them. I am forever grateful for this life changing experience."
Stephanie Fuller

"The location was perfect; close to central London, yet far away from all the noise and traffic. I also loved my workplace and my coworkers.  I met a lot of wonderful people.  In a way AIDE was my window to the world.  I've been travelling a lot ever since I left for London in April. Thanks a lot for everything. It's been a wonderful experience. I might contact you again in the near future about your programs in Australia :)"
Elizaveta Mikitenko

" I really enjoyed this experience! …Working in a pub was great. Meeting so many travelers and hearing their story. Plus making some pounds helped!! I loved the diversity of the people I lived with, they were from all over the world!!"
Jennifer Fulop

"My experience was great overall.  I loved it and want to go back as soon as I can. The people I worked with were fantastic and are great personal friends now. It gave me an opportunity to try new things and become a part of a new way of life."
Angelina Sloan


"I discovered an amazing country with amazing people.  Thanks to the program otherwise I wouldn’t have know where to start.  They found me this pub where I quickly made new friends while I was still getting used to the culture and the language.  I’m so happy I’ve done this trip and I definitely want to go back there are soon as I can!"
Eliane Pineault-Bourgault

“I loved working with the people and the atmosphere of the pub. It gave me a personal look at the English culture. At the same time, I was able to look at what I really wanted my life to be. I met people and made friends that hopefully I will continue to keep in contact with for years to come.” Lillian Cook

“Everything was great, I was nervous when I first got there and wasn’t sure if I had made the right decision coming over by myself. But once I met the people I would be staying with, I felt more at home in the area. Not only were the people I worked/traveled with extremely nice and fun; my job was great as well. It was a great experience and I think anyone that has the time to travel and also make some money while doing it, should.”
Jessica Blanchard

Australia

" It is just fine over in Perth, very hot though!! It is so nice having a pool in the backyard! My job is going wonderfully.  I have to say, being an au pair is the best way to live and work over here, and not spend a fortune doing it! They even gave me my own car to drive! And there are two other American au pair’s workings just around the corner, so life can't possibly get any better right now!"
Senya Waas – Work and Travel 

" I got to learn how to scuba dive and surf and saw so many amazing things. Australia is such a beautiful country. Every day was a positive experience.  I quickly fell in love with the country and the people. Everyone is so laid back and so happy. It's amazing. I'm actually in the process of moving back to Australia in hopes of becoming a permanent resident."
Jessica Simpson  – Work and Travel

"Simply discovering the natural beauty of Australia's land and people was definitely the most positive aspect of my experience. The great outdoors had never seemed so approachable or inviting as it did in Cairns or Byron Bay, from the sea kayaking and mountain climbing I did in Cairns to the afternoon lattes and wave-watching in Byron Bay. From my brief time in Australia I have gained a whole new perspective and general appreciation for the vastness and diversity of our world. Overall I had a great experience in Australia, and the more time that passes since my journey, the more I realize how much I grew both emotionally and mentally during the time I spent there. This was definitely the best decision I have ever made; my mind has been completely opened to the wonders of this world, from the diversity and kindness of its inhabitants to the sheer beauty of its beaches and mountains. Working as an au pair allowed me to find a home away from home and explore a new environment and culture without ever feeling lost or alone. Furthermore, the traveling allowed me to escape my comfort zone and connect with other travelers in a search to simply discover the magic this life has to offer."
Colette Jackson – Work and Travel

"The positive aspects of my trip were seeing the places I have always wanted to see, experiencing the culture, getting to know and live with the people who have spent their whole lives there and learning new ways to do everyday things.  I worked on a cattle station, had a great time, and met people that I will always remember."
Ryan Grady – Outback  

“Living in Sydney for the past four months was more than amazing; I have a hard time even knowing where to start when I try to explain it to my friends and family. Alliance Abroad made the process of traveling abroad very easy and I felt safe knowing that they would be there to help if I should need anything being so far away from my family. I met some great people and make memories that I will always remember. The only thing I can think of next is what Alliance Abroad program I will participate in next.”
Nicole DiGuilio – Work and Travel

“There is not enough time or space to describe the fantastic experience that I had on a million acre cattle station. I participated in everything from branding, castrating, horn tipping, ear marking, ear tagging, and mustering cattle. The outback, in my opinion, is the last wild frontier and I enjoyed every minute of it.”
John Shaw – Outback

“Everyone is friendly and helpful out here, definitely no worries! It is also such a relaxing atmosphere out here as well, which is completely different from my life in New York. I’ve actually had to adjust to this and learn how to slow down – which I think is very good for me and I prefer this much better!”
Jessica Tepora – Work and Travel

“Things here are really good. My training week last week was awesome! I learned how to ride a motorbike, drive a manual car, drive a tractor, use a chain saw to cut down trees, make/repair barbed wire fences, and muster cattle on horseback. It was fun!”
Meg Reinhardt – Outback

Spain

"My experience was really great, everything was nice, especially my family.  I enjoyed a lot living in Barcelona. The family was awesome and they really made me feel at home.  I felt part of them.  I even went with them for a weekend trip in the North of Spain.  I didn't have a strict schedule to teach the girls because they had a lot to do.  It was really flexible and I didn't feel restricted so I had the time to play the tourist and have a normal social life.  I even had the time to go for a week to visit Italy!"
Isabelle Rodrigue

“I am almost done with the trip and I don’t want it to end. Everything has gone fantastically. I have experienced the craziest things ever! The culture, flamenco, language, the festivals…I even dated a bullfighter! I loved every second of it.”
Alison Cooper

“Overall I had a great experience. My host family was great and I was free to do whatever I desired. The city is definitely yours to explore and make the most of, which I definitely did.”
Sinead Kerr

China

“The most positive aspect was the relationships I established. I made many friends which led to new experiences and memories. Because of these people and their kindness, it changed me as a person.”
Erika Vargas - TEACH

“I had a lot of fun teaching the Chinese children English at the kindergarten school, since I was given a lot of freedom teaching what I wanted to teach and what I felt what of importance for children at a very young age. I was also given a place to stay quite near the school itself, which was very convenient.”
Arin Keshishian - TEACH

“For me, the most positive aspect of my experience was the direct contact with the Chinese people I interacted with. Being able to be productive and engaged (teaching English), while also experiencing a new culture and everything that entails, made this experience unique and memorable. My experience in China was very educational- I learned a lot about being a teacher, as well as a student to a new country. I was highly impressed with the support network within AIDE.” Leeann Sit - TEACH

Argentina

“I loved working in the school as a teacher’s helper and think it’s a very worthwhile position. I have fallen in love with teaching and Argentina and hope to come back soon!”
Sarah Moore

Ecuador

“I have met so many great people through this program as well as other volunteers from around the world which whom I traveled around the country  I also loved how trusted I was in the hospital with the responsibilities they have me as well as all the opportunities.  I had an amazing experience and came out of this with much more than I ever expected."
Meghan Ruscitto, USA – Ecuador Medical Intern

"The most positive aspect of the program was the people I met through my Spanish school.  They were helpful and really friendly.  It was nice to have a group of people my age to talk to and explore Ecuador with.  That being said, I really loved our in-country contacts.  They took care of us every step of the way and were there to help us with anything we needed."
Sridhar Patel – Volunteer Ecuador

"The most positive component of my trip dealt with the culture change. I learned a great deal about the Ecuadorian culture, and I further realized that I have no problem whatsoever in serving a medically diverse population.  If I had any advice for future missionaries, I would just comment to be open about new cultures and to WANT to learn. The experience was fantastic!"
Chris Reiff – Ecuador Medical Intern

"I really enjoyed working at the hospital.  The doctors there were very nice and let us get a lot of hands-on experience with all sorts of ER patients.  In terms of what I did at the hospital, responsibilities ranged from taking blood pressure measurements and temperature readings to giving vaccinations and cleaning and dressing wounds.  We also befriended the surgeons, so they would let us scrub in on procedures when they had them.  Overall, a great experience that I would never be able to get in the States.  I also thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality of the host family on the island, which really made it easy to feel like part of the community."
Ben Casavant – Galapagos Islands Medical Intern

"I’d just like to say thanks for setting this whole thing up, so far it’s gone perfectly.  Everything is great, the travel here was easy, our guide in Quito was cool and our host family is friendly, interesting and fun."
Vahe Markosian – Galapagos Islands Environmental Volunteer  

“I think AIDE does a wonderful job of finding places abroad and providing good orientation information. During the mornings I worked at the Tortoise center, and later switched to the elementary school. Other time was spent on the beach, reading, touring, and hanging out with other volunteers. I met a lot of amazing people and really got comfortable living in the town. I would absolutely recommend a program in the Galapagos Islands.”
Sophia Wagner-Serrano

“I absolutely love the culture, the people and the goof. It’s all amazing! My work here in the hospital is awesome. I got to scrub in on a c-section yesterday and actually helped deliver the baby! I am having such a great time!”
Lauren Bruns

“I had an internship at Teleamazonas, a national news station. I was immediately accepted and was invited to every occasion imaginable. My accommodations really felt like home, and my classes were fascinating. The one-on-one teaching taught me more that I ever thought I could learn in 3 weeks. I have absolutely no complaints about my trip, and would recommend AIDE to anyone ready for a life-changing experience.”
Kathryn Visser

“I had a great time in Quito. I met a lot of interesting people, improved my Spanish, and grew as a person. Being self-sufficient and conquering the everyday fears of interacting with an unfamiliar culture by myself left me with confidence, a sense of adventure, and self-assurance that will last me a lifetime.”
Leah Landes

Peru

"When I decided to volunteer at the clinic in Peru, I did it to learn about the medical field. What I got out of the experience in 3 short weeks were life-long friends, colleagues, and role models. I realized that I'd found a profession I was truly passionate about and I didn't want to leave that environment. I learned a lot and not only from the doctors, but from the patients that came in every day to seek our help.  I learned a lot about myself as an individual and I'm lucky to have met such great people. I worked specifically with the obstetricians. Most of the people we saw were pregnant women and those who sought out safe methods of protection against unwanted pregnancies. In Peru the population is very poor and they need to be educated on contraceptives and family planning. The most amazing thing I experienced was assisting in three live births and the funny thing is they were all girls. It was definitely an eye-opening experience and something almost unreal. I had a great time getting to know these people and they really made an impact on my life."
Diana Villavicencio – Peru Medical Intern

"It was a fantastic cultural and educational experience. I was able to view the Peruvian health care system and it was amazing being able to work hands-on with patients. It is an experience I will never forget, for I grew tremendously as a person."
Naseem Khorram – Peru Medical Intern

" My work at the clinic is challenging and interesting.  So far, everything is great.  There is a group of volunteers here from all over the world, and I have found them to be a great peer group.  I am going with a couple of volunteers to build houses in Pisco this weekend - a city destroyed by the terremoto (earthquake)."
Alanna Diamond – Peru Medical Intern

"Everything once I arrived in Peru exceeded my expectations. My host family was absolutely amazing and they will remain life-long friends. I loved every moment in Peru and learned more than I thought possible. I was only there for two months but would have stayed for years. I am extremely grateful for Alliance Abroad for making it possible for me to volunteer in Peru."
Laura Sturgess

“I would not have traded this experience for anything! I think it was better than a vacation because you not only get to see what is important, beneficial, and normal for the locals, but also so learn so much about the people, how they live life, what perspectives they have, etc.”
Angela King