Cooperating Volunteers Reviews 94

This experience with Cooperating Volunteers has been one of the most meaningful trips of my life. I met the incredible staff, whose dedication is truly inspiring. The house was so comfortable, and Nabu’s cooking was simply from heaven:)

Above all, the children we worked with filled every moment with love and joy, making this experience truly unforgettable.

In just one week, I discovered Senegal and felt the true meaning of teranga, while becoming more aware of the challenges Cooperating is working to overcome.

Thank you for everything you do, you’ve truly left a mark on me 🧡

This journey has been a deeply enriching experience that I will always carry with me.
It has taught me the true value of empathy, humility, and connection through both simple and powerful moments.

I’m especially grateful to Moha and Windy for their dedication, care, and for making everything possible. And above all, to the children, the connection we created was truly special, and their joy, resilience, and affection taught me more than words can express.

I leave with a full heart, inspired to keep learning, giving, and growing every day.
If you’re thinking about volunteering, don’t hesitate, experiences like this have the power to change you in the most beautiful way!

An experience that went far beyond any expectation I could have had. From the moment I arrived, it was clear this was something truly special.
A huge thank you to Windy and Moha, who run the association with incredible dedication and warmth — two people who make you feel at home from day one and whose passion for what they do is genuinely inspiring.
The Senegalese people are extraordinary — welcoming, joyful, and full of life. But the real highlight was the time spent with the kids. Seeing their world, sharing moments with them, and being part of their daily reality is something that stays with you long after you leave.
If you’re looking for a volunteering experience that is authentic, meaningful, and life-changing, look no further. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

I made wonderful memories because Cooperating made sure we had a very real experience and had an impact in the place we went.

Volunteering in Costa Rica, especially in Sámara, was an incredible experience. The program director and coordinator were extremely welcoming, flexible, and supportive throughout my time there. The housing was comfortable, and the home-cooked meals were amazing.

The medical program was truly life-changing. I gained an immense amount of knowledge, worked directly with local Costa Ricans, and was able to help patients firsthand. Everyone at the clinic was encouraging and treated me as part of the team, which made the experience even more meaningful. Daily immersion also helped my Spanish improve significantly.

Sámara itself was a fantastic place to live: safe, friendly, and full of character, with great food and beautiful weather. These were easily the best three weeks of my life, and I would have stayed longer if I could. I would highly recommend the Cooperating Volunteer Program to anyone looking for a meaningful, hands-on, and supportive volunteer experience.

Last year, I spent two weeks at Diani Beach in Kenya with Cooperating Volunteers, and it was THE highlight of my 2025! It was my very first volunteering experience abroad, and it truly couldn’t have been better. I left Kenya with a deep sense of longing — not only to continue volunteering abroad, but especially to return to this incredibly beautiful place. From day one, Cooperating Volunteers ensured that my friend and I had a smooth, safe, and unforgettable experience. From picking us up at the airport, helping us with practical things like eSIMs, to welcoming us to the Mazrui Villa for the first time, every detail was taken care of. The entire team told us that they were a family, and after just two weeks, I can honestly say that leaving the house and our amazing team felt like leaving my own family back home.
The living conditions were excellent. We had wonderful staff who made sure we always had food and our basic needs covered, and coordinators who stayed close to us, checked in on us regularly, and generously shared their culture with us.
During my time in Diani, I participated in the childcare volunteering program in the mornings at a local school, where I taught English, played with the kids, and learned far more than I ever expected. I truly don’t have words to describe how incredible the children were — the love they give, the joy they radiate, and the lessons they teach you are unforgettable. And if you love dancing to Afro rhythms, this is definitely the place to be!
In the afternoons, we had free time to explore Diani with our coordinators, who always made sure we were safe and having fun. On weekend nights, Backpackers became our go-to spot for partying, and the Thursday goodbye dinners quickly turned into a beloved tradition (even though I only attended two, it felt like a hundred!). We also had the chance to visit other volunteering programs, explore snake parks, feed giraffes, and learn about Maasai culture.
The “Jambo” song that Kenyans sing to welcome tourists will forever stay with me. I still find myself singing it on tough days back home, instantly transported back to those beautiful moments in Kenya. This experience was incredibly rich, grounding, and fulfilling. I truly cannot recommend it enough. Everyone in Diani Beach has a way of making you see life through a different lens — appreciating small moments, slowing down, and embracing the pole pole way of life. If you're still in doubt, don't be. Life is too short. Take a leap of faith, and just go!

Mi experiencia en Uganda, Fort Portal, ha sido lo mejor que he hecho siendo consciente. He ido tres años, y la intención es poder seguir, durante un mes, tres semanas en el proyecto de cuidado de niños y no hay palabra que describa todo lo que recibes a cambio, crecer, valoras, ayudas, enseñas, bailas, aprendes, pero sobretodo vives.

I stayed 4 weeks in Diani Beach, Kenya and i can confidently say that it was one of the best experiences of my life. i have absolutely cero complaints when it comes to the team, the volunteering or the organisation of it all. from the moment i arrived to the house i was greeted with love and felt instantly welcomed by the team. The coordinators were always with the volunteers and felt like one of us. They would always accompany us to the activities we went on which helped us grow our relationship with them as well as having great company at all times. having the coordinators with us at all times also ensured some security which for me, it was the first time being in such a foreign country at 19, and i never for a moment did i feel unsafe thanks to the team’s help and company. Even if someone from the team did not accompany us to the activity they still knew we went and would always ask us after how it went. Which was super nice of them to always check up on us. Regarding the volunteering itself, i did child care for the most part, and was received with nothing but love from both the teachers and the kids. I will forever remember these kids and they will forever hold a very special place in my heart. Nonetheless i would recommend this experience to absolutely everyone, everyone i met as volunteers were absolutely amazing people full of incredible stories and with a huge heart. I really believe that everyone should do splintering at least once in your life (i’m dying to go back) and if you’re thinking of doing it might as well go with Cooperating Volunteers because i can assure you they’ll take good care of you. ;)

Jamás podré expresar en su totalidad todo lo que esta experiencia aporta y enseña a todos los niveles. Una organización de 10 con un trato excepcional que da como resultado una experiencia enriquecedora e inolvidable. GRACIAS A TODO EL EQUIPO DE COOPERATING VOLUNTIERS.
Y por si alguien se lo está pensandooo ..
Nada que pensar!! Vívelo... y el pensamiento serà "porque no lo hice antes"

Mi experiencia con Cooperating Volunteers ha sido increíble. He conocido a gente maravillosa y he vivido algo que me ha cambiado la forma de ver el mundo. Es una experiencia muy real, muy humana y que creo que todo el mundo debería vivir al menos una vez en la vida. Totalmente recomendable.

Simplemente fantástico!
Organización perfecta, gente interesante y lo mejor de todo, poder poner tu granito de arena para una buena causa! ❤️

La coordinación nula y la experiencia nefasta por parte de algunos coordinadores. Es una agencia de viajes y se aprovechan de la buena fe de las personas.Si el dinero que he invertido en esta experiencia llega a los niños un 10%….

One of the things that made this trip awsome is local team! So helpful in everything! and also it felt so geniuine that they want to get to know you and let you live the best experience (authentic one)

The volunteer home felt really like a home for one week, getting along with everyone was easy!

Agradecer la flexibilidad y comprensión que han tenido con nosotros, para poder cambiar la fecha del viaje a pocas semanas de viajar, debido a una circunstancia sobrevenida.

My experience volunteering in Kenia was amazing and life changing. People there (coordinators, teachers, children…) were lovely and kind and made the experience even better!

Fuimos 4 amigas a Diani de voluntarias en el programa de enseñanza. Ha sido una experiencia que nos llevamos en el corazón donde hemos aportado nuestro grano de arena pero sobretodo hemos aprendido de ellos. Estamos muy agradecidas a cooperating ya que la coordinación de transportes, excursiones y demás estaba muy bien realizada. Agradecer en especial, a las coordinadoras de nuestra casa Betty y Gabriela donde en todo momento nos han hecho sentir como en casa, nos han transmitido la confianza para poder contarles cualquier mínimo problema y se han portado super bien, no solo con nosotras sino con todas las chicas de la casa. Muchas gracias!!!

Este verano se fue mi hijo a Zanzíbar al programa de cuidado de niños, aún sin tener 18 años y mi experiencia ha sido maravillosa…ellos se ocupan de resolverte todas las dudas y facilitarte mucho las cosas. Respecto a los coordinadores les doy más que un 10…súper preocupados y siempre informando.
Para mi hijo ha sido la mejor experiencia y yo he quedado súper satisfecha por el trato recibido.
Repetiremos el año que viene!!!
Quiero agradecer personalmente a Alba su dedicación.
Ha sido todo magnífico!!!

Todo súper bien, organización, gente local, los proyectos y los niños

Súper agradecida con la experiencia y deseando volver

Mi experiencia haciendo un voluntariado en un orfanato de la India ha sido insuperable. Antes de comenzar esta experiencia tuve el miedo que a todos nos surge cuando vamos a un país como la India, el temor ante un país y una cultura tan distinta y la inseguridad de que algo pudiera sucederme, sin embargo, durante las semanas que estuve allí siempre me sentí a salvo, gracias también a la familia que era responsable del voluntariado, que nos proporcionaron todo tipo de facilidades. Además, nos incluyeron en su cultura y nos permitieron descubrir la verdadera India más allá de las guías turísticas, algo que para mí ha sido clave en esta experiencia. Respecto del programa de orfanato, a priori puede parecer que no cambia nada, pero para los niños significa mucho y es muy gratificante comprobar cómo con tan poco valoran todo tanto, un abrazo, una sonrisa, simplemente que inviertas un poquito de tu tiempo en ellos. Por todo ello, recomendaría a todo el mundo realizar un voluntariado y, en especial, el destino de la India.

Hice el voluntariado en la India y ha sido una de las mejores experiencias de mi vida.
El programa estaba muy bien organizado y la familia hizo que todo fuera todavía más especial. Nos acogieron como si fuéramos parte de ellos, siempre atentos y haciéndonos sentir como en casa desde el primer día. Gracias a ellos pude ver la India desde dentro de una manera auténtica.

El programa del orfanato fue precioso. Pasar las tardes con los niños, jugar y compartir esos momentos con ellos es algo que nunca voy a olvidar.

Recomiendo totalmente este experiencia