Pod Volunteer Reviews

Name: Pod Volunteer
Address: 5, Noverton Lane, Cheltenham, Prestbury
Rating: 4.79

4.8 Rating 577 Reviews

97 %

of reviewers recommend Pod Volunteer

Company Reviews

Metrics

Info

4.8

Based on 577 reviews

Customer Service
Communication Channels	Email, Telephone, Live Chat
Queries Resolved In	Under An Hour
Customer Service	4.8 out of 5

About Pod Volunteer:

Pod Volunteer is an award winning non-profit organisation arranging ethical, inspiring and supported volunteering opportunities around the world since 2001

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Email:

info@podvolunteer.org

Location:

5, Noverton Lane, Cheltenham
Prestbury
GL52 5BA

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Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 4th October 2025

William D

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 19th September 2025

Harriet W

Darcy D

304

Anonymous

Anonymous // 01/01/2019

Filter: Rated 4 None 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Stars Helpful

“Pod Volunteer gave me an opportunity to do something incredibly special! Volunteering in a wildlife sanctuary in the beautiful Costa Rican rainforest was an experience I would not have done on my own, without the guidance and expertise of Pod. They encouraged me and supported me throughout the planning process, and they were responsive when I had questions or concerns.”

Pod Volunteer 4 star review on 6th March 2018

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Posted 7 years ago

“Wow, what an experience. I start by saying I am aged 60. only relevant if you are feeling that ‘age thing’, which rarely I do but prior to joining I looked for reviews from older applicants but could not find any so here goes. Go to the gym, do strength exercises, climb up a few hills – generally get fit. I do carry a few extra pounds so don’t let that worry you. I travelled alone and lived in my shared hut opposite gibbon island. Yes, we used our mosquito nets and spray, we had no hot water but frankly at the end of a very tiring day nobody cared. We did have our own bathroom – it was all very basic except for the experience. Waking up to a gibbon chorus every day was unbelievable, (I stopped myself from wringing the cockerels neck). 6am there is a steady flow of zombie volunteers walking to the volunteer house checking to see where you would be spending your day. I feel an expert at making banana balls, cutting up fruit and could get a blue peter badge for what I can do with elephant poo. You are hands on with the elephants, you will walk and shower these majestic amazing giants but never without the permission of their mahout. I still have ringing in my ear “Bev get out of there, run” bad tempered ele but all under control (catch my breath) It is no doubt hard work, the word ‘special project’ still makes me groan as it could be scrubbing out an enclosure, treading elephant poo or frankly anything and in the heat of the day it is tough but if you are thinking of it, DO IT, the volunteers are young but I never felt too old. They are all inspiring as they want to look after the animals and our planet which is all our futures. You will carry around heavy buckets, harvest the banana trees, never be far from your gloves - all in the heat but if something becomes too much just ask to do something else, there is so much to experience, just give it all a go. I spent one day on Wildlife, another experience I will treasure. POD answered all my pre-visit questions, their advice was efficient, helpful and so encouraging”

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Posted 7 years ago

“They were so helpful. I felt quite anxious leading up to my trip but they helped me through it and gave me the advice I needed. They also made me think positively about it and got me feeling excited about it again. I felt like they were with me each step of the way.”

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Posted 8 years ago

“I was a volunteer on the teaching in tropical schools project in Thailand. It is an amazing project, with the chance to experience thai culture as well as help make a positive difference in a thai school. The accommodation was very good and I felt well cared for. Thank you to everyone at Pod for allowing me to be a part of this project and supporting me throughout my time in Thailand. I encourage anyone to volunteer with pod, definitely a unique and unforgettable experience.”

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Posted 8 years ago

“Working in the Belize Zoo was a great experience! You will never come this close to this native animals in other places. It's e wonderful Zoo, where you can see the animals feeling confortable.”

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Posted 8 years ago

“Very organised and efficient, responded quickly and made the exchange feel personal and friendly”

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Posted 8 years ago

“Had a great time at the centre the only thing would be if you want to google the centre's name it's Wildlife Friend's Foundation Thailand, i would say that this is a great place work is amazing with elephants and other animals, the place is hands off except for with elephants. Also it is a lot of hard work so don't expect an easy ride, other than that it was amazingly great lots of people return back. Not sure I would but it was a great experience and you meet a lot of cool people, I'd visit the place again for sure.”

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Posted 8 years ago

“Very interesting. Elephant Valley Project doing a great job. Got to meet young people from all over the world. Cambodian life looks tough. Good to see elephants returned to as natural an environment as possible. I would recommend the experience.”

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Posted 8 years ago

“I felt very well looked after when planning and whilst at pod projects. Their placement managers were always very friendly and helpful, no matter how stupid the question was!”

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Posted 8 years ago

“The placement was great and the organization was always there to answer any questions! Thank you for everything.”

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Posted 8 years ago

“Pod Volunteer condensed vital information very well and provided a very informative booklet.”

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Posted 8 years ago

“Well organized volunteering/diving trip to Belize in coordination with ReefCI.”

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Posted 8 years ago

“Our Project Manager Janice was helpful and friendly and spoke good english, she allowed us to be independent with her support as and when needed.”

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Posted 8 years ago

“Pod is very friendly and helpful. You can ask anything you want and you will have a quick answer.”

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Posted 9 years ago

“They were very organized, provided detailed information about the placement and kept in regular contact. I especially appreciated being able to phone them.”

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Posted 9 years ago

“I ended up doing an amazing volunteer placement and everything ran smoothly.”

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Posted 9 years ago

“It was easy to get in contact with people and i felt very supported throughout. As soon as I had a question it was answered.”

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Posted 9 years ago

“The pod staff were always very friendly and happy to help with any questions I had.”

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Posted 9 years ago

“Prompt response to the emails. Good communication. Helpful staff. Should make clearer that taxi fee from airport to the Centre is not included on the price. For what I paid for the placement I felt it should have been included. Overall good experience although a bit disappointed when I found out it was cheaper booking it straight through WFFT.”

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Posted 9 years ago

“Pod volunteer were fantastic, they supported me throughout no matter how many phone calls I made and emails that I sent! I would recommend this experience to everyone, you have no idea of the things that you will see, the memories that you will make and what you would be missing out on. Yes its scary, believe me prior to flying there I was terrified, this was the first trip that I made independently, but going through this company allowed me to have support with the whole process and to feel that what was waiting out there for me was completely safe. I am already planing my next pod volunteer adventure!!”

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Posted 9 years ago

Pod Volunteer is rated 4.8 based on 577 reviews