In fact there were 11 people in the house in Wanchaq on the outskirts of Cusco. read less -6/30/2017, All the Globalteer staff I have worked with have become friends and I value their support and encouragement. Every member of the team there were so hospitable and friendly, that it made it feel like a home from home. I was able to be part of an inspirational and holistic after-school project for 70 children aged from 3-14 in a mountain village near Cusco. If you can, book your accommodation in advance. Globalteer employ members of staff who themselves have a passion for travelling. read less -11/05/2017, Anyone wanting to volunteer I would 100 percent recommend Globalteer!!!! Check prices for PacSafe Bag Protectors here. If you are wondering where you should go for volunteering, especially for those who love kids, Picaflor is the best choice, and Cusco is one of your best destinations. Seek help from a counsellor and/or support group. Following retirement from a demanding career in 2014 I had the luxury and freedom to enjoy being a lady that could wine and dine to her hearts content but deep down I still yearned for a challenge. In contrast, on our recent trip, we were the only volunteers. safety travelers solo gear personal female ultimate Meals are filling and delicious and I highly recommend staying for a few nights. Plenty of people you can ask for guidance. Peru in 2014, as a solo traveller, staying in Cusco for two months. When you book your accommodation, your top priorities might include factors like price and available amenities. Picaflor House is a really valuable resource for Oropesa. read less -8/31/2019, All the staff and volunteers I worked with were very friendly and supportive. Then I came across the amazing opportunity, along with a friend, to work with underprivileged children in Cusco, Peru. Would absolutely do it all over again. Taking precautions whilst you are travelling can help lower your risk of being targeted. security awareness personal measures training outline course From the Moment I arrived I was collected by staff and shown around Cusco. You can participate in feedings and sit in bungalows out in the jungle and just watch these magnificent creatures. Dont fancy keeping your valuables around your waist? It provides occupation and fun for the children in the afternoon after their school day finishes, allowing parents to work full days, and provides extra academic support, especially with English - particularly important as it enables the children to get better jobs when they leave school. It is incredible to see the elephants before you turn in for the night and then watch them get bathed in the morning as you eat your breakfast. However, this allowed us to sample a broad range of experience at the project, and the opportunity to take more responsibility - we got to run two days worth of Art lessons which was great fun, and a real eye-opener, especially for my husband, who had no previous classroom experience. As a couple, we received an especially warm welcome on my return, and would definitely consider a third visit in the future. Dont leave your belongings unattended unless stored securely. Know your limits. I think it speaks volumes for the quality and impact of the experience, that I returned for a second trip! The work that Globalteer does will go on to benefit Cambodia and Cambodians for many years to come. Well organised, really helpful and welcoming staff and a great range of really worthwhile and sustainable projects! read less -1/16/2018, Would absolutely do it all over again! You got this! If you are driving, there is a risk of vehicle hijacking: Avoid travelling alone and at night if possible, stick to well lit, busy areas. read less -6/30/2017, Wish others would also be as lucky as I am to have such an amazing experience! Its also wise to set routine check ins for extended trips. Try not to draw attention to the fact you are a visitor; dress modestly and wear clothing that is culturally appropriate. Here are the best womens personal safety products Ive personally tested and love. was also perfectly chosen and I made friends for life during my month working there. However, this allowed us to sample a broad range of experience at the project, and the opportunity to take more responsibility - we got to run two days worth of Art lessons which was great fun, and a real eye-opener, especially for my husband, who had no previous classroom experience. How to Protect Yourself While Traveling Abroad. The regional Globalteer team in Asia managed to find an excellent placement school, which not only allowed me to gain new skills, but also share my teacher training experiences with others. All the staff and volunteers I worked with were very friendly and supportive, always eager to help me out with any issues or concerns I had. Its therefore my pleasure to highly recommend Globalteer projects to future volunteers. It was organised so well and I felt so comfortable throughout the whole process. From the moment I landed in Siem Reap, the local Globalteer helped me to settle in, and remained available as a support network, as well as my fellow volunteers. If possible, seek out a class like IMPACT, where instructors wear thick pads to let you experience the sensation of punching and kicking with all your might. The world is a wonderful place with awesome people, but it can take just one thief or an unfortunate incident to turn your trip sour. The Best Ever Personal Security Devices and Products For Travel, Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket Garments for ninjas, A money belt and bra stash for savvy travelers, Have essential access to personal 24/7 WIFI, Wear a Vigilant Personal Alarm with a safety whistle in your pocket. office. One of the best experiences I've ever had! read less -1/17/2018, The staff really made me feel welcome. A Fox Sonik Safety Whistle is perfect. I think my teaching job out there in the country couldn't have given me a better insight into the life of this young country. All the staff and volunteers I worked with were very friendly and supportive, always eager to help me out with any issues or concerns I had. Ive personally had friends in trouble in their accommodation at night, with people trying to come into their rooms. I am a School Librarian, and I was able to start a lending library with books that had been donated by students at my school in New York. I really really appreciate everything they've done for the kids, and what I have learned from them. I feel very much connected with the teachers and especially these fantastic kids that I met and since my return I have been following all their projects very closely. Before you depart, youll want to make copies of critical documents, such as your travel insurance declarations page, drivers license, airline tickets, hotel confirmations, and proof of vaccination the latter being vital for when restrictions lift. Find out what access control system they use do they use standard keys or more modern electronic models that protect your personal security while traveling? had an amazing experience. they work with. The older girls made makeshift swings one day from cardboard and ropes! If you dont want to stuff money down your knickers and directly into your bra (yes, Ive very much done this in the past. I volunteered with Picaflor House in November 2018 for couple of weeks Globalteer team put children into their heart and they direct you accordingly during your volunteer program. And theyre going to make your travels a whole lot easier! Pack a big, lightweight scarf. Id hate for you to not being able to reach help because of a simple mistake. Great organisation making a real difference. It was amazing being at this sanctuary and if you love being outdoors with animals then I highly recommend this one. Limit the alcohol that you drink and avoid recreational drug use. Ensure you pack a RAVPower Powerbank with you when you go out. Meals are filling and delicious and I highly recommend staying for a few nights. I would highly recommend Picaflor to future volunteers :). the Northern Thailand Elephant Sanctuary! They had nothing but were always smiling and wanting to hold your hand. read less -9/30/2019, They are great in every way. When you walk to new destinations, appear confident, even if you feel a little lost. Avoid sharing rooms with people you do not know. read less -1/16/2018, Plenty of people you can ask for guidance. At the same time, space was afforded for each volunteer to shape their own experiences. Individual Just Giving pages were set up and I approached various companies to donate much needed items for the children such as educational books, art supplies, toys and clothing. The staff working there dedicated but also good fun. The project gives free classes and help with homework to underprivileged children, plus a safe place to play, to learn traditional music and dance, to enjoy free fruit, clean drinking water and a nutritious lunch. Check out Clever Travel Companion garments here. Its easy to stay connected! I left a case of clothes and toiletries for a lady I met and she actually filled with tears when she saw the bottle of shampoo I had donated. The Globalteer read more staff was extremely friendly, helpful, and made me feel right at home. By clicking "sign up" you confirm you would like to hear from us via email. Many homes have no running water or proper sanitation and heating is unheard of. read less -6/30/2017, I had an amazing time and look forward to volunteering with Globalteer again in the future! Another challenge we took on was to eat the local dish Cuy otherwise known as guinea pig! Avoid wearing jewellery and high end clothing. read less -1/13/2018, The staff working there are dedicated but also good fun. I began volunteering with Globalteer on the Clean Water project in Cambodia for 2 weeks. Good atmosphere in the read more office. I had my laptop and mobile phone on me. being brought back to the UK for medical treatment (this is called medical evacuation and repatriation). Individual Just Giving pages were set up and I approached various companies to donate much needed items for the children such as educational books, art supplies, toys and clothing. read less -7/04/2017, Accommodation was perfectly chosen and I made friends for life during my month working there. Siem Reap itself is a wonderful town with plenty of restaurants, local and western, and an endless list of things to do. I'm a feminist British kickass solo female traveller who believes in women facing their fears, pushing their boundaries and reaching their full potential through solo adventure travel! Cusco is around 3400m above the sea level which can present a problem because the human body starts to react at around 2500m. Everyting worked out perfectly - all my questions were answered promptly before my stay, I felt very much taken care of during the project and I met amazing people who worked on other Globalteer projects and they have all become an important part of my life. I would recommend volunteering with Globalteer to anyone who wants to have a memorable life experience. I was picked up from the airport and the staff made me feel so welcome and at home. Never leave your drink (or food) unattended in case it gets spiked. Whenever there was an event going on, they always made me feel included. I also celebrated my birthday whilst out there and I gave the children a small bag of Haribo sweets as a treat. So did my Mum when she travelled the States in her 20s), there is a solution. I had! Always have the phone number of an emergency contact, programme coordinator, or fellow traveller or volunteer on hand if you lose your bearings, and if not, stop into a shop to ask for directions rather than stopping a stranger on the street. Loved the interactions with the monkeys, deer, and birds and building the monkey house for the howlers, I hope they enjoy it for many years to come. It was organised so well and I felt so comfortable throughout the whole process. The volunteering at Picaflor is very flexible - our individual skills were used to their best advantage. I assisted with English classes, Mathematics and activities such as music, crafts and games on a Friday. If youre staying in community lodgings like a hostel, rental apartment or hotel, ask about security measures such as closed-circuit cameras monitoring guests coming in and out of public areas. I had an incredible experience with Globalteer and would highly recommend them to anyone considering volunteering abroad. My time spent volunteering in Siem Reap, Cambodia, with Globalteer read more was one of the most eye-opening and inspiring experiences I've had. Spent 2 weeks at a dog rescue in Cusco, Peru. Criminals may pick on tourists and travellers that are unfamiliar with the local culture, laws and customs. Home Prepare The Best Ever Personal Security Devices and Products For Travel. Globalteer was different to the other organisations, they are a registered charity so I felt straight away that I had some trust in them. Accomdation read more was also perfectly chosen and I made friends for life during my month working there. out of their way to make sure I had everything I needed at all times. read less -7/10/2017, Accommodation was perfectly chosen and I made friends for life during my month working there. Check for website security if youre booking lodgings online by. Such events facilitated wide-ranging conversations between volunteers who were working on a range of different projects whilst in town. These days, your mind might automatically turn to things like masks and hand sanitizer when it comes to travel safety and security. or other personally identifiable information available to the wrong hands. read less -2/02/2019, Great program, great volunteer opportunities, would recommend to anyone. Ive had a couple of dodgy situations with dogs not being as friendly as I am. I would definitely recommend Globalteer to anyone wishing to immerse themselves in a new culture, step out their comfort zone and make a difference to the local area! I would definitely recommend Globalteer to anyone wishing to immerse themselves in a new culture, step out their comfort zone and make a difference to the local area! staff was extremely friendly, helpful, and made me feel right at home.