| Testimonials
"As a parent I would without hesitation recommend
this organization." More...
-- Lisa Herlehy (Canada)
"This trip [to Ghana] changed my life. I realized
that there’s a big world out there and I want to get to see
more of it. I really appreciate things a lot more now. It was one
of the best decisions I’ve ever made." More...
-- Sarah Platt (Florida)
"My month in Cuenca, Ecuador was irreplaceable.
The shelter, Casa de Maria Amor, opened my eyes to what these women
go through daily, and how strong in personality they have become."
More...
-- Danielle (British Columbia)
"I also want to give a huge thanks to everyone
at Cosmic Volunteers. It couldn’t have been possible (obviously)
without your help. And to Scott, thank you also, for taking my phone
calls even when I was stressing. :]. So all in all, it was absolutely
wonderful. It meant so much to me and I truly will never forget
my time in Ghana. And actually, I’m hoping to be returning
to you all next summer with my sister! More...
-- Claire (Maryland)
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Lizzie Howard and Lucy Roberts (UK)
Drama teaching in Quito, Ecuador
Having returned from Ecuador two months ago, we both find ourselves
reminiscing about our short yet truly magnificent volunteer program
in Quito.
As recent graduates from drama school in London, we spent a vast
amount of time searching for and researching various volunteer programs
that would provide guidance and support, while also allowing us
the freedom to adapt and carry-out a project both beneficial to
ourselves and those with whom we would work. And so we contacted
Cosmic Volunteers.
Consequently, we arrived in Quito on June 12, 2005 excited and
eager to start our five-week program teaching drama classes to young
students.
It is almost impossible to describe the excitement we felt when
entering this wonderful country. Immediately, we were in awe of
the mountains surroundung the city of Quito and we couldn't wait
to explore as much of Ecuador as possible in between working days.
People had warned us continuously about the altitude sickness we
were almost certain to experience, yet luckily for us both, we were
fine!
We were also worried about our safety as two young English girls
in such a large South American city, but we found that by keeping
our wits about us and setting various "after-dark" guidelines,
we were more than safe. The Ecuadorian people were so friendly and
accepting of us that we found ourselves constantly surrounded by
a large network of friends.
We were housed with a wonderfully warm and supportive host family,
Jaime and Ines, our foster parents for the duration of our stay!
They not only provided us with faultless accommodations and the
best food we've ever eaten (Ines is a gem of a cook!), but also
hours of patient conversation as we struggled to grasp the Spanish
language (trying for anyone I should think!).
Our Project Coordinator in Ecuador was also on-hand 24/7 and nothing
was too much trouble. She organized meetings with our drama group
and their teacher, trips to the theater, flights to other parts
of Ecuador when exploring, coach and bus information, and most importantly,
Spanish lessons.
Amazingly, we spoke very little Spanish on arrival in Ecuador -
maybe not the cleverest idea in the world! Yet within two weeks
we were all but fluent!
We were also given the opportunity to work in a center for street
children while in Quito, an experience so treasured in our memories.
We had such a diverse range of experiences in such a short expanse
of time, ranging from teaching teenagers the art of improvisation,
helping children as young as two with washing, feeding and educational
activities, to traveling for days at a time to Andean and coastal
regions (where we saw loads of humpback whales!), and spending quality
time with an amazing group of people.
All in all, the whole experience was one that will stay with us
forever, and we recommend Cosmic Volunteers to anyone thinking about
volunteering abroad.
Cosmic's Note:
Lizzie earned a B.A. with Honors from the Central School of Speech
and Drama in London. She has taken an active role in two productions,
one of which was performed at the Minack Theatre in Cornwall. She
has also worked and trained with Bigfoot Theatre Company in South
West London.
Lucy is currently studying at the Central School of Speech and
Drama in London. She has also been facilitating primary school children
in an after school Drama club in Barnes, South West London, in addition
to a placement in 2004 at the New Peckham Varieties, a Youth Theatre
in South East London.
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"...And that is the best thing about being a volunteer.
Having the ABSOLUTE privilege of meeting and featuring in the
lives of kids who are soldiers with huge hearts, big smiles and
endless love. [Vietnam] has been an experience and an honour that
I will never forget." More...
-- Christie (UK)
"All in all, this has already been an incredible experience
for me, getting to experience life in a different country while
doing something I love and am passionate about [basketball coaching].
So I can't thank you and your organization enough."
-- Bryan (Oregon)
"[My daughter Dalia] loved Ecuador and the people, saw a
lot of sites, managed to make friends and connections there and
above all she really loved working with the kids at the orphanage
and said they were very sweet and loving. I think it was a great
experience for her in terms of helping her develop independence
and self-confidence and turning her on to other cultures and travel."
More...
-- Laurence (Philadelphia)
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