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Pod Volunteer Reviews

4.7 Rating 429 Reviews

96 %

of reviewers recommend Pod Volunteer

Company Reviews

4.7

Based on 429 reviews


Customer Service
Communication Channels	Email, Telephone
Queries Resolved In	Under An Hour

About Pod Volunteer:

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

Visit Website

Email:

info@podvolunteer.org

Location:

5, Noverton Lane, Cheltenham
Prestbury
GL52 5BA

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Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 30th January 2024

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 27th September 2023

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 27th September 2023

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 27th September 2023

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 27th September 2023

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 27th September 2023

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 27th September 2023

199

Anonymous

Anonymous // 01/01/2019

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

“The orphanage I arranged to go through via pod was lovely. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. Unfortunately I was disappointed to find out that the majority of the money I paid went towards Pod organisation rather than to the orphanage itself, as other volunteers there who booked directly through the orphanage paid less than half of what I paid”

Posted 6 years ago

Hi Rebecca, Thanks very much for your feedback and I’m delighted to hear that you had a good experience volunteering in Thailand. With the fee you pay, we do try to be as up front as possible on this and publish a full breakdown of fees on our website (https://www.podvolunteer.org/about-us/where-the-money-goes) so I’m sorry you were disappointed about this and we would be very happy to chat it through with you. We charge a fee to volunteers for all our placements in order to cover the overseas costs of volunteering and the costs of running our organisation in the UK. We keep the fees as low as we can but we have to ensure that we cover all the costs involved – the home asks for our support to find volunteers and recognises that we will have to charge a fee in addition to their local costs. Please do get in touch if you would like any further information. Best wishes, Lucy

Posted 6 years ago

“Volunteering at the Dell Cheetah Centre was the best experience of my life! PoD Volunteer work with absolutely fantastic organisations, those who are truly dedicated to what they do. PoD don't just leave you on the programme; Erin, the contact linked to the cheetah project was always there before I left for the project, quickly answering any questions I had. She also was in contact throughout and after the project to ensure everything was going well, and also to make sure I was enjoying myself. I am still in touch with the people and friends I made in South Africa, and have seen that some of the money from PoD has been put to very god use.”

Posted 8 years ago

“Volunteered at libertys in Belize Most amazing experience Erin was very helpful at helping me choose the right placement for me As a female travelling along I felt very confident and safe travelling alone and using POD Which is why I'm using you again ????”

Posted 8 years ago

“Quite simply being a Pod volunteer turned out to be one of the best weeks of my whole life! Words simply cannot describe how good it was to work as a volunteer amongst elephants. Do go prepared to work, it's not a holiday, but worth every single moment. The pre-travel information was clear and accurate and the arrangements in South Africa were perfectly organised. Finally don't think you're too old. I'm 61 and loved every minute of the whole experience!”

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 6th March 2022

Posted 2 years ago

“I went to Ghana to do early learning volunteering with pod village by village for two weeks. Wow what an experience, not at all What I expected it to be. Met some of the most amazing people also volunteers. The children were so happy, smiling and intelligent individuals. So independent at a young age. I was so well cared for by v by v. Felt very safe and protected by them. They really took their health and safety Standards seriously. I would highly recommended them as a charity to do volunteering with. .”

Posted 4 years ago

Hi Vroni, Thank you so much for taking the time to write this lovely review for us! It was such a pleasure to help you throughout that volunteer process and fantastic to hear about the amazing experience you had during your placement in Ghana! Thank you again for your time volunteering and supporting the project in Ghana - we're hope you're able to volunteer with us again in future! All the best, Bee - Pod Volunteer Specialist

Posted 3 years ago

“Great company from start to finish. Lots of really helpful information was given to us from what to expect, what to take and anything else needed to ensure we got the most out of our volunteering experience. It’s very obvious that the team had been to the sanctuary in Thailand and experienced it all first hand. We would definitely recommend booking with Pod and I will certainly use them again for my next volunteering trip.”

Posted 4 years ago

Hi Dawn, Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review for us! We're delighted to hear you had a great experience and can't wait to help you organise your next volunteering trip too! All the best to you both, Bee - Pod Volunteer Specialist

Posted 3 years ago

“I had a fantastic time with Pod Volunteer. The application process was really smooth and Bee was really helpful and could answer our questions. The Desert Elephant Conservation project was incredible to be a part of - I learned so much about elephants and I could tell that the project with Elephant Human Relations Aid was making a difference. I would definitely recommend it and would like to do it again!”

Posted 4 years ago

Hi Sophia, It's amazing to hear you had a fantastic time! I was delighted to help you join such an incredible project and am thrilled you had such a positive experience. I hope you had an amazing time on the rest your trip of a lifetime too! All the best, Bee - Pod Volunteer Specialist

Posted 3 years ago

“Couldn't have asked for better support throughout the booking of my placement and preparation for it. I love the ethics of Pod Volunteer, the staff have all been super lovely and they have some amazing projects to get involved with. Highly recommend!”

Posted 4 years ago

Hi Freya, Thank you so much for taking the time to share this lovely feedback - we are very proud of the work we do in providing ethical volunteer placements and are thrilled you feel the same way! It was a pleasure to arrange your placement, we hope you are able to volunteer with us again in the future! Best Wishes, Lucy Pod Volunteer Specialist

Posted 4 years ago

“Pod Volunteer was very helpful when it came to the preparation of my stay in Ghana. It was my first time and I enjoyed every minute of it!”

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 7th October 2019

Posted 4 years ago

Hi Philipp, Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review for us! We love this photo too - the chickens always woke me up every morning when I was at the project! It was a pleasure to help you prepare for your trip and we're thrilled you enjoyed every minute of your time with the team! Best wishes and keep in touch! Bee - Pod Volunteer Specialist

Posted 3 years ago

“Had an awesome time on the Coast at Sodwana Bay. Would recommend it to all keen divers !!!”

Posted 4 years ago

Hi Harry, Thanks so much for your feedback, it's fantastic to hear that you had such an amazing time with the Marine Conservation project in South Africa and we are glad to know you would recommend the experience to fellow divers! All the best, Iona - Pod Volunteer Specialist

Posted 4 years ago

“What an incredible experience! If someone had told me a year ago that I would be living amongst, caring for and collecting data from ELEPHANTS then I would’ve thought you were mad. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I first arrived but what an AMAZING three weeks. During my time here it is also evident that every volunteer is making such a huge difference – all the work that is done, all the data collected is working towards such a worthwhile and meaningful cause. This trip was such an eye opener – after watching presentations that focus on elephant welfare, the ivory trade, why their numbers are decreasing and the history of AERU. It has made me a lot more aware of how to help not just elephants, but wild animals, what to support and what not to support. I feel beyond lucky to be able to spend time with and really feel these animals, both physically and emotionally. Such a heart-warming and wholesome three weeks.”

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 3rd October 2019

Posted 4 years ago

Hi Eleanor, Thank you so much for your lovely feedback and incredible photo! We are so glad to hear that you found your time with the project so rewarding and that working with the elephants was everything you had hoped for! Keep in touch! Iona - Pod Volunteer Specialist

Posted 4 years ago

“Pod Volunteer was a great way for my wife and I to go on our first volunteer vacation. They were quick to respond to our many questions, and they provided the information and lists we needed for our trip. We are really pleased!”

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 3rd August 2019

Posted 4 years ago

Hi Brad, Thanks so much for your lovely feedback and awesome photo of your time in Thailand! It is wonderful to hear that you found Pod to be supportive and helpful when preparing for your placement at the Elephant Care project. Keep in touch! Iona - Pod Volunteer Specialist

Posted 4 years ago

“Very nice team. Good organization. Short-term trips are partly possible but you are bound to the protocol of POD-Volunteer.”

Posted 4 years ago

Thanks so much for your review - we are so glad to hear you found your placement well organised! Best wishes, Iona - Pod Volunteer Specialist

Posted 4 years ago

“Wonderful! The best two weeks of my life. Hard work with the most amazing privileges and all in a beautiful country full of lovely, kind people! This was Elephant Care in Thailand.”

Posted 4 years ago

Hi Mairi, Thank you so much for your review, it was a joy to help organise your trip! I loved chatting with you when you got back too and hearing about your time with the elephants - it sounds like you had an incredible time and we hope you're able to volunteer again in the future! Keep in touch! Best wishes, Bee - Pod Volunteer Specialist

Posted 4 years ago

“I'm top lazy to write but loved it”

Posted 5 years ago

Thanks Quentin, we are so glad to hear you loved your placement at the Marine Conservation project in Thailand! All the best, Iona - Pod Volunteer Specialist

Posted 4 years ago

“Pod Volunteer is an easy, quick and thorough system of getting volunteer work abroad.”

Pod Volunteer 4 star review on 18th February 2019

Posted 5 years ago

Hi David, Thank you for your feedback and sharing this lovely photo of you volunteering in Udaipur! I really enjoyed helping you prepare for your trip and hope you volunteer with us again in the future. Lucy – Pod Volunteer Specialist

Posted 4 years ago

“Pod volunteer were fantastic with helping me organise my trip to Thailand, to volunteer with the elephants and wildlife. Iona was great as my personal”

Posted 5 years ago

Thanks so much for lovely feedback, it is great to hear that you had such a great time at the Elephant Care and Wildlife Rescue project and that you felt well supported by Pod Volunteer! Keep in touch! Iona - Pod Volunteer Specialist

Posted 4 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”

Posted 6 years ago

“A great exprience and I would do it again, made lots of friends and enjoyed volunteering.”

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 2nd October 2017

Posted 6 years ago

“Pod Volunteer was simply amazing, everyone was so helpful. I have never felt less nervous and more excited to start an adventure and it is all because of Pod. They helped me every step of the way and even once I got there they were always an email away. My experience volunteering was amazing, I was treated like I've been there forever and made so many friends. I can't wait to go back. It was such a rewarding experience and I would recommend it for anyone.”

Posted 6 years ago

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Pod Volunteer is rated 4.7 based on 429 reviews