Volunteers' Reviews

Samantha Leigh Wronski

I am having a wonderful experience working with RCDP as my friend and I prepare to do a health care volunteer trip this December and January in India. Our e-mails are always responded to promptly and politely. So far, I would highly recommend this program.

Debra Valencia - Colombia

Wow!!! My name is Debra Valencia and people call me Ana. I am from Colombia and live in New York. I decided to join the RCDP Mini-Adventure Program and went through their web profile and found myself very much addressed with their program and enrolled myself to one of their program.

The project started with an introduction about Indian culture and language, which was really interesting. Throughout this program, I learned a lot about Indian culture. We went to visit the orphanage and It was a great experience During my volunteering period, I was involved in different activities like teaching computers and games for kids which was very challenging and rewarding for me. They made me part of their family and I learnt a lot about Indian culture from them. In the evening, we went to visit different places in the city and watched different traditional shows that are very common in streets which were very interesting.

After finishing my 8 days in the volunteering program, I was so intrigue that I joined for further 4 days mini-adventure tour. With that program we went to Agra where we spent 1 night-2 day stay where we participated in a Festival. In the same day we visited many historical places like Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Taj Festival, etc. which were splendid. The food and accommodation was excellent.
After Agra, we went to Jaipur where we spent 2 nights-three days and a wonderful time. We visited all the historical places in the town and we even were invited for dinning with an Indian family. They hosted us and gave us an unforgettable evening giving us the taste of Rajasthan and its culture. Next day we went to visit many different places such as Habba Mahal, Jantarmantar, Zoo, Museum, etc. Everything was perfect. We had fun dancing and looking at different shows that were presented specially for us which gave me a fantastic impression.

Finally, the staffs were very nice and helpful at all times. The overall experience was wonderful learning about Indian culture, their customs and life style. It has really created a good impression of RCDP Nepal and its Management skills. In future I am planning to do this program in Nepal.

Olivia Cheung- Canada

The culture and language program offered by the RCDP-Nepal in India has been once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Hindi language lessons and cultural lessons taught me a lot about the interstices of the religions, history, people and places of India.

After the lessons, we were able to experience first hand the language and culture of India on the same excursions in and to the surrounding cities of Delhi was superb. The tour around New Delhi revealed the diversities of this city and we visited beautiful Hindu, Sikh and Bahai temples and other attractions. The mini-adventures to the cities of Agra and Jaipur were wonderful experiences as well. Although the car rides to and from these cities were somewhat long. It was absolutely worth the wait to able to finally stand right in front of the Taj Mahal in Agra and to explore the vibrant beauties of Jaipur, not to mention the elephant and camel rides as well.

I found all the staffs in Nepal and India working with us to be very accommodating, warm and knowledgeable and they were always working to learn more about ourselves as well. Finally, I do strongly recommended to other volunteers to take part in this program.

Thanks

Danica Lam-Hong Kong

I had a great time during the 2-week language and culture program. The language classes were helpful in introducing us to some basic Hindi words and phrases ("Achaa" is one word we have used a lot!) I'm very glad that we had some culture classes before we begin sight seeing, as they really helped me to appreciate the beautiful monuments that we visited. I also enjoyed just sitting around with Abha chatting after the classes (sometimes with some chai and snacks); we all shared things that are unique to our culture or where we come from, and learned so much from those conversations. It was also nice that we were living in a residential area of Delhi, which allowed us to soak up the culture more easily especially when we were invited by our neighbors' on their 25th wedding anniversary, which was an incredible experience.

Having John take us through Delhi (RCDP-Nepal staff in India) and Jaipur was even better, he helped us to mange everything and due to his assistance everything went smooth. Otherwise, we would have been just another confused bunch of tourists! I specially enjoyed visiting the monuments in and around Jaipur. The Phenomenal historical architecture and the classic setting were so rich and fascinating which literally made the 12 hours travelling worth. The world famous Taj Mahal was a marvel, I could not stop myself recalling all the stories that I had heard about the great TAJ. It was a moving experience to finally visit it, and even now, I find it hard to believe that I actually saw it with my own eyes.

I had brought a travel diary with me to record my experience and have already filled it up. I am also very grateful to John and Abha, who have invited me to accompany them. This is so much more than I even expected! The kindness and generosity of other staff have made this a wonderful experience. If you want to know more in detail, please get in touch with me through e-mail, my email address is danicalam@hotmail.com

Thank you

Masoud Yeganegi-Canada

My experience in India was a unique lifetime experience. Traveling to India has always been a dream for me and through this program, this dream finally came true. Choosing to participate in the language and cultural program was definitely a right decision to make. Initially, I joined the program merely to learn about the culture and to communicate with the kids, but the program has offered me more than I could have ever asked for. India is a land of ancient heritage, rich traditions, vast monuments and variety of believers and one need to familiarize him or herself with the culture to be able to appreciate it. I think, through the language and culture program, I received a taste of the culture blended in with the people and felt as I’m a part of the society. This was only possible, because the people of India have such warm hearts and welcome you as part of their family, having had the opportunity to participate in ceremonies, see village like houses and dances and try different foods gave me a great idea of what’s like to live in India. Attending the trips to Agra and Jaipur and site seeing of New and Old Delhi have given me a change to appreciate even more the labor work that had been used to produce such breath taking vast monuments like Taj Mahal. I learned so much about the history of this country. I also really enjoyed the chance to discuss different traditions and beliefs among volunteers from different places in the world. Language classes definitely gave me a taste of the complexity of the scripts and taught me the basics of communication.

The opportunity offered through the language and cultural program was unique in a way that it enabled me to widen my views and see what people on other part of the world face on a daily basis. It definitely has encouraged me to come back sometime in the future for medical services or volunteering or vacation. This lifetime experience would have not been possible if it wasn’t for the help of particular individuals. I would like to thank Bharat Devokota (Coordinator of RCDP-Nepal) for all his hard work to make our trip to India possible. I would also like to thank Abha David and John David for all their efforts. Their generosity and advises along the whole trip made our experience a pleasant one. If it wasn’t for the two of them, I would never be able to learn so much in such a little time. Thanks for our host family and thank you for everything.

Finally, I would like to thank all the people in the RCDP-Nepal office as well, who cared for us all along the trip. Hopefully, I would be able to apply the knowledge and experience I have gained when I start volunteering with the kids and the local people of India. If you want to know more in detail please get in touch with me through e-mail, my email address is m.yeganegi@utoronto.ca

Thank you

Camilla Bech Madsen (CBM) and Jean-Christophe Debost (JPD)-Denmark

We arrived to Madurai on March 2nd 2006. We were first introduced with the two directors of RCDP. We were accommodated in their house, and placed our luggage their, and had a brief introduction to the work of the following months. The first week of our stay was very hectic and there was not much for us to do. All the staffs were engaged in planning the two big upcoming conferences: International Women Day, and AIDS conference (both are described below). Though the first week was challenging for the both of us, we both participated in the two successful conferences, and had very good and excellent experiences.

After the conferences, the directors and the office staff explained us about all the different RCDP activities, their objectives and their visions. Along with the director and the field coordinators we made a plan for the work in RCDP.

Jean-Christophe: The work was very innovative and visionary. The purpose was primarily to document the work of RCDP, and participate in the different programs. This should open up for possibilities to do fund raising, and "widen the knowledge" about problems in the south Indian society. Furthermore we have taken part in various activities, such as: Free evening tuitions for slum children, entrepreneurship training for SHG members, and free medical camps and so on, and we have tried to contribute, with whatever we have found possible and important. We have had a very interesting and fantastic stay at RCDP, and our host family and all the staff have treated us very well. RCDP is trustworthy organization that is run by two competent and charismatic persons, and we hope that they will receive further support from other organizations in the future, so they will be able to continue their work. We give RCDP and our host family the best recommendations and hope they will receive many volunteers in the future.

Ann-Marie Dorman-France

Movies, pictures and stories do not prepare you for the sights, sounds and smells. It was completely different than what you will encounter in India. The Language & Culture programme provided a fun and safe environment which helped to accommodate and adjust.

The volunteers gathered together everyday for introductory lessons in Hindi and to learn about important aspects of the Indian culture which was a treat. We feel comfortable asking all types of questions and enjoyed long discussions about the similarities and differences between India and our own countries. Learning basic Hindi helped us to find our way around, buy things, ride rickshaws and bring smiles to Indian faces.

We lived and attended classes in a hostel that was safe, clean and surrounded by welcoming neighbors. We were only a short walk away from Internet access, telephones, and mobile phone SIM cards, soda and ice cream. For a very reasonable price, our Coordinators arranged a weekend taxi to drive us around to all of the sights, we wanted to visit.

We also enjoyed our Delhi tour where we learned to bargain and began to understand the cost of various things we'd like to buy. After 1 ½ weeks in Delhi, we were ready for the exciting trip to Jaipur – Agra for sight seeing and shopping and also to see the spectacular Taj Mahal.

I greatly appreciate the support of the National Coordinators (Abha & John David). They were only a phone call away and knowing that we were not alone enabled us to relax and appreciate the beauty of India and its people.

Cecile Defontaine- France

Movies, pictures and stories do not prepare you for the sights, sounds and smells. It was completely different than what you will encounter in India. The Language & Culture programme provided a fun and safe environment which helped to accommodate and adjust.

The volunteers gathered together everyday for introductory lessons in Hindi and to learn about important aspects of the Indian culture which was a treat. We feel comfortable asking all types of questions and enjoyed long discussions about the similarities and differences between India and our own countries. Learning basic Hindi helped us to find our way around, buy things, ride rickshaws and bring smiles to Indian faces.

We lived and attended classes in a hostel that was safe, clean and surrounded by welcoming neighbors. We were only a short walk away from Internet access, telephones, and mobile phone SIM cards, soda and ice cream. For a very reasonable price, our Coordinators arranged a weekend taxi to drive us around to all of the sights, we wanted to visit.

We also enjoyed our Delhi tour where we learned to bargain and began to understand the cost of various things we'd like to buy. After 1 ½ weeks in Delhi, we were ready for the exciting trip to Jaipur – Agra for sight seeing and shopping and also to see the spectacular Taj Mahal.

I greatly appreciate the support of the National Coordinators (Abha & John David). They were only a phone call away and knowing that we were not alone enabled us to relax and appreciate the beauty of India and its people.

Katherine Zentner-UK

As per my program schedule, I have arrived in India in time with my flight and someone was there to pick me up from the airport and was well transferred to the hostel. The co-coordinator of India, Rajan gave me a brief description about the program itinerary and run the whole language and cultural program excellently. He has handled all the sightseeing tour, visit to the very important historical places and interaction with the local people very well. The historical cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur provide all visitors a breathtaking glimpse of India's architectural wonders. Taj Mahal was located in Agra was an amazing place which fascinates all the visitors from the world. Our tour guide explained us about the culture and rich heritage of India.

With an interesting and fascinating first week program, I moved towards my project. The teaching was so good the kids were so sweet and keen interested to learn English. I taught from LKG, who were about 3-5 years old up to 5th standard, who were about 10 years old. It was really pleasing range of the students, as I could teach proper subjects to the older ones and then have fun games and sing with the younger ones.

The family was so kind and generous from the very beginning. They made me feel welcome as like my own family. We got everything whatever we needed. The daughters in the family were really nice and I tried to help them in their English. Finally I would say I was fine and just enjoyed each and every moment of it. I really can't wait until I can get to India again.

Ruth Sutherland-Scotland

RCDP- India caters lots of brilliant programs in the different sectors as I knew it after my arrival in this wonderful country. After my first week's orientation and cultural tour, I was directly transferred to my project in the school. The teaching was really fun and rewarding, though it took long time to learn about the children.

In the beginning, I had signed for a teaching project but here I got chance to work with the street children and in the health sectors too. Some days, I went out into the community to meet the children we have been teaching or to carry out a survey of households that was for the distribution of the things that RCDP-India provides to the community people here. At the project time we were often invited by the rural people to have tea and lunch with them. Seeing the people's life one on one was great privilege.

The days were really fruitful, helping the community people with the Polio Vaccination. Walking from community to community in the desert to give the drops of Polio vaccination to all children under five will be an unforgettable time in my life. I was doing this in a remote area of India and these three days of volunteering in the health sectors was the most fascinating days, I have ever had. During this project I came to know about the cast system and saw it with my own eyes. The people in the area cannot imagine the world where the caste system does not exist.

For this opportunity, I would like to offer big thank to RCDP- India. The coordinator here managed everything well in order. He gave us a lot of support in my work and also briefed me a lot about India. He has also been great in helping me to arrange trips at the weekends.

Glenn Sather-Australia

My first week program in the hostel was memorable and my instructor had given me lots of information about the environment around there and the cultural information about the country too.

RCDP-India has good communication with the local community people where we could get chance to work with them. It helped us to join in the different sectors. I was placed in the community development sectors in India. Everything was great and I don't think I could have had a better time anywhere else in the world. I had a great time and the whole experience was amazing. I have got lots of fond memories of the place and I want to thank you for helping me in sorting out the placement program. The city where I was placed was really nice. Walking besides the road, smiling faces of the people, supportive attitudes and their cooperation were really encouraging. I enjoyed a lot having some cold drinks in the local shops.

The pictures that I have taken from the project will be memorable for me in my life. I would like to thank the coordinator of India for helping me and sorting out such a wonderful place. Without him and his efforts none of it would have been possible.

Robin Mukherjee-USA

The introduction program by the India's coordinator helped me to learn more about historical places and the cultural aspects of India. He was more enthusiastic fellow who tried to assist volunteers from every aspect.

I had a great time in Gurgaon, teaching in the school project. I have really enjoyed the schedule of the school during the day. The day time in the school normally consisted of taking lessons and in our free time, we had to prepare our lessons to teach the students in the school. Teaching grade one to nine was really a different experience and it gave me an opportunity to know about the education system and the courses that are designed for the Indian students. The students in the school were interested to learn English and they always hurried to show me their homework.

The host family environment was wonderful. Every member in the family well behaved and they made me feel as their part of the family. They have given me lots of information about their culture and the way of life. The place is really nice. The roads and all kinds of vehicle are available here. Riding on Tempo or small three wheelers' was an exciting and interesting one. It is really a great and well managed town. We never faced any kinds of problem during our stay in the project.
Thanks a lot to RCDP-India for this opportunity.

Caroline Anderson

The Hindi language classes were nice and the informative. I was so eager and interested to learn more about the Indian people and their culture which I have achieved during my orientation days. It really was something, I have never ever experienced before and could never imagine. I had a nice weekend there in the Gurgaon.

The school where I had joined was so lovely and work done by us seemed more constructive for them. I taught them English, Math and science. There was little bit of problem in the understanding but after revision of the topics they could understand. Moreover, the Extra activities organized by the school each Friday was a golden opportunity to see the students' hidden talents and it was fun to see them singing and dancing.

During the project time, I visited some of the historical places like Agra, Jaipur and Rajasthan. Visiting world's well-known Taj Mahal in Agra which is one of the seven wonders pristine monuments of eternal love was amazing. It is nice to see Palace of Wind in Jaipur. It was something very special and something I was so pleased, I did during my gap year.
I will recommend this organization to my friends once I will be back to my country.

Bart Moreland and Laura Llewelyn -Canada

We arrived in India and got a great hospitality from India's coordinator and were transferred to the hostel which is located in Gurgaon nearby New Delhi. I found Gurgaon well equipped with modern technology as well as inclusive. The house where we resided was perfect and had the best time there. After the completion of our first week language and recreational activities, we joined our project in the school.

The teaching in the school was exactly what we had wished for. The staffs in the school were very friendly and thoughtful. They helped us in the classroom for first few days to show us their teaching methods and afterwards we had run the classes by our own. The children were so lovely and obedient. They were always silent and quiet in the class room. The family from the area invited us time and again was always nice where we shared our culture and feelings with them. Their warm hospitality and cheerful faces often seem welcoming to everyone.

Great thanks to RCDP-India for this golden opportunity.

Nicola Scott-Australia

It was great stay in the school project. First week language and orientation program was unforgettable where I obtained a chance to learn more about the India and language of the people. It had been so nice staying in the volunteer house and felt like my home. India is a country of beauty and the life style of the people is so different than the westerners. Everyone here is so welcoming, friendly and always so enthusiastic to help us in every aspect.

The environments in the project like school in itself, teachers, and students were great. I was being invited to their houses time and again to have lunch and dinner with them. The taste of the food was really different and I enjoyed a lot to take different kinds of varieties with them. I was teaching small students ages 6-14 and they were funny and more interesting. The classes were always manageable and rewarding. I also assisted the teachers in their work with making books and supervised classes during the exam period. Normally, I did very informal lessons with the students and have attempted to choose some different topics to teach them. The particular placement has given me an experience of living in a very different country and helped me become more aware and understanding about other cultures. The conversational teaching has given me the self-confidence to work at a challenge and use my initiative to help on overcome any difficulties that I encounter. It has been a precious and memorable time. In fact, a teaching placement is suitable for people who are eager to learn about another culture because it helps to create much opportunity to talk with the children and teachers where we could get chance to share our feeling with each other.

Finally, I could say a teaching placement is suitable for anyone who is looking for a challenge because although it is very rewarding but is not always easy.

Clare's VanderPloeg-UK

The language and cultural program run by the RCDP-India was brilliant. The India's coordinator focused on different things about the India and the cultural heritage of the places. Though the language is different but it was so interesting to learn. I learned a lot in such a short period of time. I knew about the habits and behaviour of the people which has helped my stay there. I really –really like to thank the wonderful coordinator for making my stay in India so amazing. I was quite worried about coming to India alone in the beginning but he really eased my time here. The food and accommodation was so far different than westerners but I liked it so much. The food was always delicious. The hostel was new and clean with lovely airy rooms and clean modern bathroom, kitchen and common room. I could say it was a nicest volunteering hostel.

I had a wonderful tour to Delhi- Agra and Jaipur. The coordinator was with us to handle our group tour in the different beautiful and historical places of India. The tour to Jaipur and Agra was really amazing. The traffic lights are well organized there. We did not face any kinds of unnecessary problems because of traffic system. Different means of transportation are available there like auto- taxi, rickshaws, buses, mini buses and trains too. I recommend local buses to travel around. After my first week program, I was well transferred to my project and well introduced about my duties and responsibilities that I had to do in my project.

The women empowerment project was really nice. I was involved with the local women and talked with them. The project provided me rewarding and challenging opportunities. First the coordinator provided me the conceptual framework on how to cooperate with the women. All in all it was very rewarding for me.

Susan Valencia – Canada

As per the previous information, I found someone at the airport for the pick up and was well transferred to the hostel which is located just 45 minutes drive from New Delhi. The program started with an introduction about the Indian culture and language. It was really interesting to learn Hindi language and the way of life of the people there. The sightseeing tour to Delhi, Agra and Jaipur was brilliant and interesting. The tours to historical places would be an unforgettable moments in my life. I obtained a lot of information about those places.

I was placed in an orphanage project which I found great and taught computers and games to the kids of the orphanage. All the kids they became happy upon our arrival in the project. They were keen interested to learn with every kinds of lessons. This work was most rewarding and at the same time challenging too.

During my project time, I enjoyed a lot staying with my host family. It was really interesting to cook Indian food. My host family member taught me to cook some Indian varieties which I enjoyed a lot. In most of my free time, I spent on cooking with the family. Some other people also invited us to have dinner with them. They hosted us and gave us an unforgettable evening. Everything was perfect here. The last night we had a nice dinner in a typical Rajasthani place. We had so much fun dancing and looking at different shows that were presented and it gave me a fantastic impression.

All the staffs here were very nice and helpful all the time. Their positive attitude and cooperation towards us will be cherished. My overall experiences have been wonderful learning about Indian culture, their customs and lifestyle. I had a good impression of this program. I am planning to do the same program with RCDP-Nepal in future.