Vrijwilligers Reisverhalen
Web Blogs van onze Vrijwilligers
Lorraine Bloemen : web blog
Magda Maljaars : web blog
Astrid Friesen : web blog
Pamela Martinez : web blog
Tamara Heijnen : web blog
Ilse : web blog
Videos
klik hier voor een video van onze vrijwilliger Andre tijdens ons programma in Vietnam
klik hier voor videos van onze programma's
Ervaringsverhalen Nederlands
volunteer testimonial
Ik was een vrijwilliger in Vietnam met WLS International en het was de beste trip en beste ervaring van mijn leven! Ik heb erg genoten om op de projecten te werken. De liefde en appreciatie die je krijgt van de kinderen is fantastisch. Vrijwilligerswerk doen et WLS s de beste mannier om echt Vietnam en de Vietnamese mensen te leren kennen. Hang, de coordinator, is een van de meest vriendelijke mensen die ik ooit heb ontmoet. Dedurende mijn verblijf alles was perfect georganiseerd en wij konden kiezen in welk project we wilde werken. Ik zal nooit mijn verblijf in Vietnam vergeten!
Michael Reyn (Nederland)
vrijwilligers verhaal
Het programma was heel goed. De ondersteuning van mijn coordinator Prachit was geweldig. Zij is een fantastische persoon and altijd daar om je te helpen. Dit waren mijn beste 2 weken in Thailand, ik voelde mij heel nuttig en ik ben blij dat ik deel mocht uitmaken van dit programma. Ik zorgde voor de babies en ik heb van elk moment genoten. Bedankt en ik zal zeker nog met WLS International op reis gaan!
Annelies Slijpen (Nederland)
vrijwilligers verhaal
Dit programma biedt een authentieke Thaise levenswijze ervaring met heel goede ondersteuning en een fantastische homestay familie. De ondersteuning van WLS International voor mijn vertrek en tijdens mijn programma was perfect. Ik had een fantastische tijd in Thailand met een heel vriendelijke homestay familie en heel goed eten. Al de activiteiten waren super!
Inge Theeuwes (België)
vrijwilligers verhaal
Ik heb een fantastische tijd gehad in Nepal! Ik heb veel geleerd over de cultuur en de locale bevolking. Iedereen was heel vriendelijk en de kinderen in het weeshuis waren ook heel vriendelijk. Mijn coordinator was altijd klaar om mij te helpen als ik enige problemen had. Bedankt voor een fantastische tijd in Nepal!
Noor Taams (Nederland)
vrijwilligers verhaal
Mijn vrijwilligersprogramma in China was erg leuk en leerzaam. Het lesgeven was niet heel professioneel, maar daardoor hadden we meer ruimte voor eigen inbreng. Mijn coordinator Melissa Gao was geweldig. Ze was erg behulpzaam en heeft veel dingen geregeld. Ze stond altijd klaar om te helpen. Verder heeft ze mij ook voorgesteld aan de andere vrijwilligers, met wie ik het heel leuk heb gehad. Kortom ik heb ervan genoten en zou het zo weer doen!
Celine Sanders (Nederland)
vrijwilligers verhaal
Dit programma is de best optie voor mensen die meer over het land willen weten op een georganiseerde mannier. I heb vele nieuwe vrienden gemaakt. Mijn verblijf in Nepal was de beste maand ooit!
Lourens Noppe (Nederland)
vrijwilligers verhaal
De periode van mijn vrijwilligers werk in Ho Chi Minh City was fantastisch. Ik heb op veel verschillende projecten mogen werken waardoor het een zeer afwisselend programma was. Je wordt ingezet daar waar het op dat moment het hardst nodig is. Van Engelse lesgeven tot koken voor "Single Moms" en van bewegings activiteiten doen op een school voor dove kinderen tot helpen met snijden van groente en inpakken van rijst in de "soupkitchen" om het vervolgens uit te delen aan de armere in het ziekenhuis. Hierdoor heb ik enorm veel ervaring opgedaan. Voor een klein schooltje in een achterstandswijk (ouders hebben geen geld voor de gewone scholen) heb ik een Engelse lesmethode aangeschaft zodat de kinderen ook gericht Engels kunnen krijgen van de vrijwilligers. Hier heb ik samen met andere vrijwilligers ook meerdere keren Engels gegeven om de methode goed te introduceren. Wat waren de kinderen blij toen ze een echt lesboek kregen. Zulke lieve koppies met een grote glimlach! Daar doe je het toch voor! Ms. Hang heb ik als een fantastische coördinator ervaren. Ze is erg zorgzaam en behulpzaam. Staat open voor ideeën en organiseert allerlei activiteiten voor de vrijwilligers. Van het bekijken van projecten tot aan een avondje bowlen met de vrijwilligers. Erg leuk is dat! Ik heb erg genoten van het werk als vrijwilliger en kijk er nu al naar uit om het volgend jaar weer te gaan doen. Waarschijnlijk zal het Chang Mai in Thailand worden Ik ben erg tevreden over hoe de organisatie werkt en hoe de coördinatie ter plekke is dus wanneer ik werkelijk naar Thailand ga, ben ik ook van plan om weer met WLS te gaan.
Henriëtte Dijkstra (Nederland)
vrijwilligers verhaal
Mijn ervaring met WLS International in Nepal was positief voor verschillende redenen. De lokale coördinators zijn fantastische mensen met wie het erg leuk is om mee samen te werken. De projecten zijn heel goed georganiseerd en heel interessant en inspirerend. Mijn vrijwilligerswerk was Engelse les te geven aan Budhistische monniken in Kathmandu. Het was fascinerend om samen met hen te zijn en hun levenswijze en tradities te beleven. In 3 weken heb ik zo veel mooie dingen geleerd en beleefd, herinneringen die voor altijd bij mij zullen blijven. Bedankt om dit een 'once in a lifetime' ervaring te maken. Als je naar Nepal gaat doe dan vrijwilligerswerk wat je ervaring en je kennis over Nepal en de bevolking verijkt..
Duygu Osdemir (Nederland)
Ervaringsverhalen Engels
volunteer testimonial
This was my first international volunteer experience, and my first experience traveling alone in another country. I couldn't imagine having had a better experience. The volunteer coordinator, Hang was incredible. She and her husband Linh, were incredibly kind, generous, knowledgeable, and welcoming. Between Hang, Linh, and the guesthouse staff, I felt like I had friends in the city who could help me should I need anything. The actual volunteering was incredibly rewarding. I felt appreciated by the kids and the workers at the orphanages and center for street children. The experience has truly been life changing for me, and I would encourage anyone interested in the program to pursue it! Thank you so much for this incredible opportunity!!
Carrie Reichert (USA)
volunteer testimonial
I had such an amazing time volunteering for a week in Cambodia. It is an experience that I will never forget. Teaching English with the children was unbelievable, they are so happy and so eager to learn and very smart. It really was a joy to teach and spend time with them, and I was very sad to say good bye at the end of the week. They really have such an amazing spirit, it warms your heart. Doing a program like this you really gain such an insight into the true culture of Cambodia and its people. This was truly a life changing experience, which I cannot wait to do again. Thank you WLS.
Ben Mattress (Australia)
volunteer testimonial
I had an amazing time in Siem Reap, Cambodia. I was happy with the whole experience and would love to go back there in the future.
Jennifer Stroud (Australia)
volunteer testimonial
The program is very enriching and presented a lot of opportunities for me to experience life in a different aspect. Ms Hang was fantastic, she has - in my personal and honest opinion - did a really marvelous job there and the way she had guided me and supported me was excellent. I felt very comfortable there as she was always there to show me the rope when I need one. Her friendliness and hospitality was one of my regrets for leaving Vietnam.
Keith Tang (Singapore)
volunteer testimonial
We enjoyed our volunteer experience in Chiang Mai tremendously. WLS did an excellent job of coordinating our volunteer work. Their flexibility to work around our schedule and their organization once we arrived in Chiang Mai was incredible. They arranged everything and took great care of us. We built a water tank in the Hill Tribe community and this was a very positive experience. Each day 10 villagers would join us to construct the tank and it was very rewarding to see the outcome of our efforts.
We were also able to visit the school and give gifts to the children. This was amazing as the children were so polite and grateful. It was a life changing experience and we want to return to Thailand with WLS. The people of Thailand are so friendly and polite. The money paid to WLS was reasonable for the excellent services we received.
The home stay family taught us to speak some Thai and we were honored to be guests at their beautiful home. They cooked delicious meals for us with food from their garden and made us feel very welcome.
Our coordinator Prachit and her husband Surrat were wonderful. From the time they picked us up at the airport, to the final farewell night at the beautiful cultural center and drop of at the airport we were amazed by their warmth and hospitality. They are extremely intelligent and knowledgeable and made us feel like part of their family. They made our experience a fantastic one. Warmest regards,
Victoria Sullivan, Cynthia Sullivan, Michael Sullivan, Lauren Sullivan and Jordan Edwards (Canada)
volunteer testimonial
Everything was organized very well. The coordinator was very helpful and showed me around. I felt welcome straight away. Thanks ever so much.
Anja Kirst (UK)
volunteer testimonial
I had an amazing 2 weeks of volunteer experience in Nepal, my only regrets is that I couldn’t stay longer. The induction I received and the Nepali language classes was really good and very useful. The monastery program was satisfying. Teaching English to the monks has been a great experience. my coordinator takes good care of me and meets my volunteering needs, always checking on me from time to time making sure that everything is alright. I would like to thanks everyone on the Nepal volunteering team for their hard work and hospitality, and for giving me a very rewarding and unforgettable experience of a life time. I hope to come back again one day.
Cristina Izquierdo (Spain)
volunteer testimonial
I spent two short weeks volunteering with WLS Volunteer Nepal projects and would not have changed a minute of it. It was a bit doubting, scary and difficult when I first move to my placement, but it soon it disappears and change to a life-changing, fulfilling and amazing experience.
My placement was in an Orphanage centre for disadvantage children of Nepal and from the very start I felt welcomed and needed. There I met some inspiring members of staff and other fellow volunteer’s who put so much of their heart into caring for these children who maybe have no-one else to love them. Nothing about the work itself was particularly hard but at times it was emotionally tough, despite all this, I learnt a lot through the experience and is more aware now of the problems faced daily by many people in South Asia. The centre has very limited funding so they rely heavily on the work of volunteers, so any time people give is extremely valuable to them. Volunteering in Nepal has changed my life and is an experience I will never forget.
Jessica Patterson (UK)
volunteer testimonial
The whole experience has made me grow as a person. Prachit was awesome in her support and directions.
Winnie McKee (Canada)
volunteer testimonial
The program was well run for the two weeks I was there. Our coordinator, Prachit, was a dream. She is the warmest and most caring person I met in Thailand. She was always available and has a strong maternal quality that felt wonderful while in a new country. She went above and beyond what I would have thought her role was. All the volunteers in the group simply loved her. I think WLS has great volunteer opportunities.
Reena Malhotra (UK)
volunteer testimonial
I had a great time at the orphanage, it was a really nice place and the babies were so cute. Prachit was a really big help, the time here wouldn't have been the same without her.
Signe Jensen (Denmark)
volunteer testimonial
My travels in Southeast Asia would have been incomplete without volunteering in Cambodia; it was a life changing experience. I felt like a real part of the effort to revitalize a country and its people. WLS provided outstanding support and guidance. I strongly recommend this amazing opportunity.
Shelley Boyle (USA)
volunteer testimonial
My and my daughter we really enjoyed our stay in Ho Chi Minh City with WLS International. Everything was very well organized, our coordinator Ms Hang and her husband Linh were very kind and helpful and the different projects were very interesting and full of strong emotions.
Catherine Sanner (Switserland)
volunteer testimonial
volunteer testimonial
Very well organized and made sure we felt at home straightaway. The program was varied and interesting, we learnt a lot. Our coordinator made the whole program very easy. Contact was always available if needed and they went out of their way to help and show us Chiang Mai. Definitely going to recommend to other. Absolutely brilliant!
Philippa Tilbury (Australia)
volunteer testimonial
volunteer testimonial
I am very grateful for such a fulfilling experience in Thailand. It was great to experience the Thai people so closely and not at a distance as tourists usually do. My coordinator made sure I felt well all the time. Your program surpassed my expectation and will definitely influence my life in a positive way. Thanks you very much for everything!
Audia Keita (France)
volunteer testimonial
Excellent service, excellent food. The support was extremely informative and helpful. I am going to recommend it to my friends!
Georgina King (Australia)
volunteer testimonial
Teaching Buddhist monks was really a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I feel really lucky I was able to be a part of that.
Oliver Smith, USA
volunteer testimonial
I spent my 2 weeks in Kathmandu in an orphanage doing the child care and medical health program. It was an amazing experience I ever had. I worked with other volunteers, I found new friends, shared laughs and the best things is getting to know the children and helping to take care of their daily needs. I was a little anxious in the beginning but it soon disappeared the kids are lovely and are so open to anyone who comes to meet them, the coordinators are always there to help me and sort out any problems that I encountered. My two weeks runs so fast and I regret I didn’t stay longer.
Paula Pehkonen, Finland
volunteer testimonial
My volunteering time with WLS Nepal program was very enjoyable; I loved the feeling that the atmosphere was very relaxed & friendly. It‘s an eye opening and taught me to appreciate simple things in life like clean clothes, toilets and shower,
Communication, volunteer maintenance & support by local country coordinator’s was great and its very good to know that we can call whenever there is a problem & that always resolved quickly.
Working with woman, children at the orphanage and monastery all been challenging in their own way but the satisfaction gained by overcoming all challenge is not something anyone can experience every day. I had an amazing time and unforgettable experience in Nepal and promise to visit again. Thank you J
Melissa Lim. Singapore
volunteer testimonial
I had such a wonderful time in WLS-Nepal program, with very welcoming volunteer program coordinators. I immediately felt welcome & comfortable. Volunteering here was an experience I will always treasure and learn from and while at time it was challenging, but the smiles at the end of the day was so rewarding & it made it worthwhile, knowing that though small- I have made a difference to the placements and to the people I was working with. For me Nepal has become one of my favorite places & that wouldn’t have been possible without my volunteering experience & the people behind it, the friendship I build with them throughout my two months stay was great! Thank you for the amazing experience of a lifetime. Hanako Shimada, Singapore
volunteer testimonial
I volunteered in Vietnam with WLS and it was truly one of the best experiences I've ever had. Hang, the main coordinator, is so kind, patient, smart, and helpful. She and her husband took me to see a few different programs available for me to volunteer at, and then I could choose the one where I felt the most comfortable and where I thought I could contribute the most. With the support of WLS I was able to volunteer and help so many people, and in the process I learned so much more about life then I ever could have imagined. The experience was amazing, and the children and people I was able to meet and help have truly changed my life!
Cia Restaino (USA)
volunteer testimonial
I had an amazing time on this trip. I loved Ho Chi Minh City, loved my coordinator, and loved the orphanage where I ended up spending most of my days. As for my coordinator, she was amazing! It was so nice to be in a place that is so foreign to me with someone for whom that country is their home. I felt so much more confident with her by my side, whether it was bargaining in the markets or trying to cross the street. She is genuinely kind, incredibly helpful, available whenever. She's great.
Kimberly Trabka (USA)
volunteer testimonial
I spent 2 weeks volunteering and then 2 weeks travelling. I can honestly say it was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. Hang met me at the airport and then continued to be an anchor of support whenever I needed it. She went out of her way to make me and the other volunteers welcome, inviting us into her home and showing us some great places we would never have found otherwise. She is absolutely fantastic.
The volunteering I did was such an enriching experience, I spent most of my time at the Soup Kitchen at the Orphanage and at the School. All the people I met, the kids and adults were so generous, happy to share their lives and experiences and really happy to spend what little time I had with them and so I thank them and your organisation for enabling me to do this. I have recommended WLS to many people and so I hope I can help to spread the good work you are doing.
Shilpa Mistry (UK)
I really enjoyed every moment of my placement, I found my time there to be deeply rewarding and a lot of fun. I’m will really miss those guys. I honestly couldn’t have wished for a nicer homestay, always friendly and supportive, and the family go out of their way to make volunteers feel welcome. The food was always great and the room was very comfortable. I have no regrets whatsoever about my placement. I loved every part of the experience, the food, the cities, the people, the volunteers, the kids… there was nothing I didn’t like in the 4 weeks I stayed.
Samuel Desmond (UK)
My stay in Vietnam was nothing short of fantastic! My coordinator made sure I was very well taken care of at all times. The program provided me with a very fulfilling experience which, was everything I asked for and more. Thank you for everything.
Sara Onvani (USA)
The program was amazing! The accommodations are in a great location and everything was organized perfectly. I had absolutely no problem with anything from beginning to end. My time with the children at the orphanage school is unforgettable. An experience of a lifetime!
Melissa was fantastic! I couldn't have asked for a better coordinator. She remembered every details to make my stay comfortable and without incident. She is informative, understanding, patient and kind. She was available to assist when needed and open to any questions I had, big or small. Melissa was able to accommodate me and my last minute plans without hesitation. She made me feel comfortable in my new surroundings by pointing out all the nearby conveniences during a walk around the neighborhood. The city tour and welcome lunch were great. And my placement at the orphanage school was perfect. It was sad to leave and I look forward to my next adventure with WLS.
Alison Flaherty (USA)
Volunteering in Siem Reap was everything we could have expected and so much more. We taught English at an orphanage and the School for Orphans. Although we were there to teach the children, we found that the values we learnt from them are ones that we will carry with us for the rest of our lives. The volunteer program gave us an insight into the true Cambodian lifestyle and just the small knowledge that our time has managed to positively impact the lives of others is truly remarkable. We both could not feel more privileged to have had the opportunity to have worked with these children. Everyday their enthusiasm for living and learning was overwhelming. WLS could not have been more supportive and the help from our program coordinators was outstanding. We would strongly recommend others to take part in this life-enriching experience.
Indu Kumar and Jade Yap (UK)
I had a fantastic time, met some great people and plan to continue in helping the school. The WLS coordinator was very knowledgeable and very accommodating.
Rahul Madhavan (UK)
I found that the program suited me very well. I wanted to work in a variety of places that challenged me in different ways and that certainly happened. I found my Coordinator in Saigon to be a great source of information and support. She is really professional in her approach to her work and has a great heart. The accommodation she organized was fantastic and the people there very helpful. I have recommended your organization to many people because you made a great effort to match my interests and skills and you provided such a varied program.
Sandy Hirsch (Australia)
What a great program ! I found that my placement suited my skills very well. The WLS Coordinator in Vietnam is fantastic. The accommodation was also very good. I have recommended your program to many people and hope to travel again with you next year.
Jenny MacFarland (Australia)
This program is very good ! The atmosphere was great, the hours were good, overall it was a wonderful experience ! The coordinator was a great help, whenever there was a problem she was there to help. Great program!! WLS does a great job of finding volunteer work that fits in with schedules and you still has you feeling like you are making difference!
Sam Spaulding (USA)
The orphanage in Siem Reap where I volunteered with WLS International is set among rice fields in an open and breezy picturesque surrounding. The serenity that surrounds it is calming and takes you far away from this chaotic world. I spent two lovely weeks teaching the children and everyday as I walked down the open road along rice paddies towards the classroom and the children ride their bikes along side me full of smiles and waving frantically in the air eager to get to class, I realize that what I am doing and what I am able to give them is truly amazing and such a priceless experience. I taught English to students varying in ages from around 6 to 16. The children seem shy to begin with especially when you attempt to converse with them but they soon open up. Getting them to speak up also improves their social skills, which could benefit them later in life. A lot of learning games and songs were also taught and encouraged, as it is a fun way to allow everyone to participate and learn. To be able to give the children exposure to a different teaching method and a different teacher every now and then is something they truly value and appreciate.
Supatra Bromilow (UK)
I was greeted by a friendly and approachable coordinator, who kept in close contact with me, which was comforting to know that someone was there if anything was to go wrong in an unfamiliar country. She always went beyond her duties and would gladly take you out shopping, cycling and to many more other activities or places you are interested in. She always provided volunteers with a wealth of information on services, as well as answers to all my curiosities. Volunteering with WLS has given me the opportunity to see life in China from a completely different perspective, which would not be otherwise revealed to you as a tourist on holiday. I would recommend this program to anyone who is interested in combining both a passion to work with others less fortunate and a strong interest to explore a different culture.
Lily Pang (England)
Thanks for all the arrangement for the volunteering program in Beijing. I absolutely had a fantastic time there....and Melissa was definitely very accommodating and helpful in every way she could. I will not forget my time in Beijing although it was for only for 10 days. The kids were really a joy to be with, and I cherished my every moment spent with them, at both the school and the orphanage. It has definitely been a very rewarding experience in my life and I hope to be able to repeat this experience again in the near future in the other parts of the globe :) Very good opportunity for volunteer to see/understand first-hand the lives of less privileged children in developing countries and to be able to contribute our time and effort to make them happy. My coordinator tried to assist in all aspects during the volunteer period. Excellent work.
Pei Yen Lim (Australia)
I want to thank you for providing me with an extraordinary adventure in Vietnam. From the moment my plane landed, the gentle golden people of Vietnam carried me on their shoulders and never let me down. Everything about this adventure was remarkable.
Hall Walker (USA)
This is an excellent way of visiting somewhere totally different that doesn't cost as much as a tour group and it really does add meaning to a person's version by working with people that are less fortunate. Lifelong friends made, money well spend.
John Pan (Canada)
This program was exactly what I needed & wanted. It was so helpful to arrive in Vietnam and have the program all organized. The coordinator is delightful and very professional.
Collean Scott (New Zealand)
I had a wonderful two weeks in Vietnam. The best time "at work" I've had in a long time. Your service has made it possible for my very meaningful vacation. I will definitely spread the words to my friends and family about your organization. Thank you so very much!
Trang Huynh (USA)
This program is excellent. I felt like I had a chance to appreciate and understand the Chinese culture. Beijing is beautiful and the people are so kind. My coordinator Melissa is sharp, fun and flexible. She is very helpful and took care of my every need with grace. Her exceptional knowledge of the area made me feel so very safe in China. I will tell everyone I know to give WLS a try. I will be volunteering with WLS in the future and look forward to my next trip. Now after this experience, I could never to back to regular travel to see the world. Regular tourist travel would feel empty. This volunteer experience and /or meaningful travel has illuminated my heart.
Joanna Van (USA)
I thought the programme was great! I really enjoyed myself and my coordinator was brilliant, she was always there for us when we needed her, with lots of love and support! So I was very pleased, the guesthouse couldn't have been nicer, thanks so much for everything.
Ailleann O'Rourke (Ireland)
I want to thank you for the great opportunity to volunteer in Chiangrai. I enjoyed the eye-opening experience in the village. It has been one of the most profound moment in my life.
Eddie Kramlich (USA)
I had the most amazing time. I've never done this sort of volunteering work before but everything surpassed my expectations! So many volunteering organizations only have one charity programme. But WLS provides real flexibility which means you feel you achieve much more than perhaps the others do. Thank you for an amazing time. My coordinator Ms Hang was fantastic, nothing was too much trouble and she became a friend to all the volunteers and understood what everyone wanted to do. I think we all came away with our special charities and special memories.
Stella Ciorra (UK)
Everything went well and the whole experience was fantastic. My coordinator looked after me very well during the duration of my trip. Fortunately the other WLS volunteers got on really well with each other and socialized together well.
Kirstin Savage (UK)
We are writing to let you know how great our stay has been and how much we have appreciated everything you have done for us. We are sincerely grateful for the huge help given to us by our coordinator. She has been more than great to us. It has been some amazing experiences and we will never forget all the children. We can recommend your program to other travelers who are thinking about doing this program!
Pil Jensen and Caroline Brostrup (Denmark)
The program was extremely well planned to the specific areas we requested. Our coordinator was excellent!
Anette Renouf (New Zealand)
We had a fantastic time. We would do it again in a second, and plan to do it again. Everything went really well and we found Saigon and the people there charming ! Working in the different orphanages and shelters was such an amazing experience.
Terri and Doug Kavanagh (Canada)
The coordinator was wonderful. So kind, helpful and generous. I would recommend WLS!
Caroline Bowman (Scotland)
Volunteering in Cambodia with WLS was one of the greatest experiences of my life to date. I taught English there for a time, but it seems that the children taught me a few things also, they taught me the true meaning of life & love, & what it is to be human. I will remember those kids & their lessons for the rest of my life. I strongly recommend WLS services, they looked after me from day one. Thanks a million!
Lidjia Andonovski (Australia)
The airport pickup, food and accommodation was good. The room was good and I slept well. The food was delicious. The volunteer house was homely, really loved it. The coordinator was really good.
Rachel Rattigan (UK)
The accommodation was good and the food was realy nice. The coordinator was very nice and helpful. Regarding the project, it is a really good project.
Sandra Hondius (Netherlands)