“The volsol communications were great. However once in country things felt a bit disorganised. I thought I'd have some form of orientation on my first day but was welcomed by staff, shown to my room and given breakfast then left to my own devices without any extra information given and didn't meet any of the organisers until the next day. I'm quite a seasoned traveller and this bothered me so could have been quite worrying to anyone younger or more nervous. Also on my first day at the hospital the chap who was expecting me wasn't to be found and Armani grim the organisation seemed to give up directing me to go along with another volunteer without any formal introduction which confused some of the hospital staff. (When we did meet the right chap he was very nice and helpful). At the hospital it was quite self-directed finding departments to visit etc so being bold is a plus! Also necessary to be bold finding your way to work and the first few days I was very glad of access to Google maps via the local SIM I was set up with on induction. Overall though I really enjoyed my experience, Tanzania was a fantastic, diverse, country to visit and I'm sad I didn't have longer to spend.”

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Posted 6 years ago

“I took part as a dentist to the health-care medical program in Tanzania (Arusha) this last August. It has been a beautiful experience, I met many volunteers coming from different part of the world, and it was great to share this experience with new friends. The Dr in the hospital where I volunteered was helpful and friendly to me, and he made me feel part of his work team... it was amazing! I felt really useful to people in the hospital!! Furthermore, we have seen beautiful places like Ngorongoro crater and Kilimanjaro waterfalls and witnessed a completely different culture. This experience opened my mind, and I learned to see things in my all-day life from a different point of view.”

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Posted 6 years ago

“I took part as a dentist to the health-care medical program in Tanzania (Arusha) this last August. It has been a beautiful experience, I met many volunteers coming from different part of the world, and it was great to share this experience with new friends. The Dr in the hospital where I volunteered was helpful and friendly to me, and he made me feel part of his work team... it was amazing! I felt really useful to people in the hospital!! Furthermore, we have seen beautiful places like Ngorongoro crater and Kilimanjaro waterfalls and witnessed a completely different culture. This experience opened my mind, and I learned to see things in my all-day life from a different point of view.”

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Posted 6 years ago

Hi Chiara, Thanks for the AMAZING review! 😍 It sounds like you had an incredible trip to Tanzania. We hope to see you again in the near future! Thanks Team Volunteering Solutions

Posted 6 years ago

“The director of the orphanage has the love and patience to the children, serving the volunteers.The children here are very cute, thank you for the great experience of the orphanage.”

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Posted 6 years ago

“The director of the orphanage has the love and patience to the children, serving the volunteers.The children here are very cute, thank you for the great experience of the orphanage.”

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Posted 6 years ago

Hi Chiating, Thanks for leaving us a review. We are happy to know that you had a great experience in the program and we look forward to your participation in the future as well. Thanks Team Volunteering Solutions

Posted 6 years ago

“Staff were lovely, very friendly and helpful. Maybe needs to be a better orientation to place, like meal times, where the local shop is, didn’t know it existed until the 3rd week, my room was near the main room and people were very noisy and not respectful of people sleeping maybe a sign to say after a certain time to limit noise. The food was ok most of the time but could be more variety. The cook was sick so we got the same food many nights in a row. It said three meals a day would be provided but as I was working during day I missed lunch and none was provided to take. Room was comfortable and bed very comfy and was cleaned and sheets changed so that was lovely. Haha”

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Posted 6 years ago

“Staff were lovely, very friendly and helpful. Maybe needs to be a better orientation to place, like meal times, where the local shop is, didn’t know it existed until the 3rd week, my room was near the main room and people were very noisy and not respectful of people sleeping maybe a sign to say after a certain time to limit noise. The food was ok most of the time but could be more variety. The cook was sick so we got the same food many nights in a row. It said three meals a day would be provided but as I was working during day I missed lunch and none was provided to take. Room was comfortable and bed very comfy and was cleaned and sheets changed so that was lovely. Haha”

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Posted 6 years ago

Hi Susan, Thanks for leaving us a review. First of all we are happy to know that you found the staff to be lovely and helpful. In regards to your suggestion regarding improvement in the orientation, it has been communicated to the team in Arusha and they would definitely make the changes. About the meals, volunteers are provided with three meals at the house. No packed lunch is provided. Lunch is provided at the house provided they are back at the house during lunch time. We believe that probably you skipped lunch if you arrived late from the hospital placement. The cooks sometimes keep the food in the kitchen so that it does not get cold. It would have been great if you had discussed about this with the local team in Arusha itself. Happy to know that you liked the accommodation and found it to be comfy :) We look forward to having you again in the program soon. Thanks Team Volunteering Solutions

Posted 6 years ago

“This program is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. When I first arrived, it was the middle of the night, and the hostel seemed questionable, but as I adjusted to my African family, I grew to love the staff and the place like home. It’s Africa, so yes...sometimes things were a little slow to happen, and yes...sometimes I encountered struggles that I’ve never had to face in the past, but that is all part of the experience. The challenges that I overcame with my fellow volunteers just made our bond so much stronger. The cooks put their heart and soul into their food even though they are there sun up to sun down cooking. The house mamas...or sisters, care for the volunteers as if they are family, and the night guards are like dad’s looking out for their kids.♥️ Dinner time was one of my favorites times, as some of the staff would stay after to play games with the volunteers. It made for such a light, happy atmosphere. I did the medical program for 5 months, and I did an orphanage/women’s center for the last month. St. Elizabeth hospital was life changing. I worked with Dr. Quaker for a few months in the pediatric ward before switching wards, and I learned SO MUCH from that women...not just medical information, but she also taught me about the tribes in the area and their traditions and beliefs and how it correlates with the health of the child. The cases I experienced here were like nothing I would ever experience at home. Some were definitely “heavy,” but that is a challenge every healthcare provider will have to eventually face. The orphanage and women’s center were also amazing. I was at Enjevai Orphanage and Faraja Women’s center. Both the kids and the young moms were such a joy to work with. Despite their circumstances, they came each day with smiling faces. It really puts life into perspective. Overall, I think anyone looking to volunteer with an open mind should book it in Arusha, Tanzania. Don’t go there expecting to improve how they do things, but instead, learn from them and how they survive with limited resources. I promise...you won’t want to leave.”

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Posted 6 years ago

Volunteer in Tanzania Reviews