General Impression
Overall Rating: / 10
My experience has gone smoothly, thanks to the well-done planning, coordination, staff responsiveness, and, more importantly, the host family that made me feel at home. The two schools where I volunteered offered me unmatched experiences. Students’ enthusiasm and desire to interact with me were invaluable. The staff and the leadership at both schools were very supportive. Uganda is truly a welcoming place. I wish more people would volunteer and spend time there or elsewhere, where many opportunities for help are available. I have enjoyed every day of this experience!Country
Often referred to as the "Pearl of Africa," Uganda is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and welcoming people. The country boasts diverse landscapes, including mountains, lakes, and national parks, and offers breathtaking scenery and a wealth of wildlife. Ugandans are known for their warmth and hospitality, which make visitors feel welcome and eager to experience the rich culture and various ethnic groups. While Uganda remains in the developmental stage, with some areas appearing more advanced than others, the overall impression many visitors may create is that significant work is still needed to improve the country's infrastructure.
Project & Staff
The staff provided exceptional customer service! From our first interaction, Karen was always available to answer my questions and guided me throughout the whole process to ensure my travel preparations were on track.
While I was in Uganda, she kept checking on me to see how things were going and to address any issues I might have. I never felt alone during this experience; the staff was always ready to help.
The coordination with the schools where I volunteered was very well organized in advance, as both were expecting my arrival. Upon my arrival, I visited both schools with Bazil, the country coordinator, to introduce myself and to review the schedule. Both schools were secondary institutions, serving students in grades 1 to 6. In Uganda, the structure of secondary schools consists of four years of ordinary level (1 to 4) and two years of advanced level (5 to 6). The leadership at both schools assigned teachers to work with me, and during my time there, other teachers approached me to cover their classes as well. The subjects I taught included English, History, Geography, Arabic, and a General Paper class, which was offered to grades 5 and 6 to discuss and write about current world issues.
My host family was wonderful! They made me feel at home. Alice and Bazil were always supportive and ensured my comfort. They have four children, all of whom are in school. While I was there, John was on break and prepared all the meals. John is a fantastic chef, and every dish he made was delicious. The hosts offered vegetarian food, which was great!
While I was in Uganda, she kept checking on me to see how things were going and to address any issues I might have. I never felt alone during this experience; the staff was always ready to help.
The coordination with the schools where I volunteered was very well organized in advance, as both were expecting my arrival. Upon my arrival, I visited both schools with Bazil, the country coordinator, to introduce myself and to review the schedule. Both schools were secondary institutions, serving students in grades 1 to 6. In Uganda, the structure of secondary schools consists of four years of ordinary level (1 to 4) and two years of advanced level (5 to 6). The leadership at both schools assigned teachers to work with me, and during my time there, other teachers approached me to cover their classes as well. The subjects I taught included English, History, Geography, Arabic, and a General Paper class, which was offered to grades 5 and 6 to discuss and write about current world issues.
My host family was wonderful! They made me feel at home. Alice and Bazil were always supportive and ensured my comfort. They have four children, all of whom are in school. While I was there, John was on break and prepared all the meals. John is a fantastic chef, and every dish he made was delicious. The hosts offered vegetarian food, which was great!
Tips
This is a wonderful experience! Be humble and adaptable. Ugandans are incredibly kind and friendly, and they are eager to learn from you as much as you want to learn from them.
Life in a village in Uganda is quite different from what you may be used to. It is rural, and it is important to learn to appreciate this way of living.
Leave your comfort zone behind and be open to embrace something new. You will meet amazing people, engage in incredible activities, and create countless lasting memories.
You will have opportunities to change lives, and in doing so, your own life will be transformed.
This is an eye-opening, humbling, and unforgettable journey that will have a positive impact on the lives of others.
Life in a village in Uganda is quite different from what you may be used to. It is rural, and it is important to learn to appreciate this way of living.
Leave your comfort zone behind and be open to embrace something new. You will meet amazing people, engage in incredible activities, and create countless lasting memories.
You will have opportunities to change lives, and in doing so, your own life will be transformed.
This is an eye-opening, humbling, and unforgettable journey that will have a positive impact on the lives of others.