Costa Rica and a Hammock

Post written by Laureline, a United Planet team member.
As a United Planet team member, I read about our returning volunteer stories all the time — and I marvel at all the beautiful places they visit as part of their volunteer abroad experience. Recently, I visited a friend in Atenas, in the province of Alajuela in [...]

Starting a new life

Post written by Albert Flannery, a United Planet Volunteer.
When I landed in Chengdu, I was met by two wonderful people: Professor Nie and Vanya a student at the Chengdu Sports University who spoke English very well. On the drive to the school, we spoke English and Mandarin and got along very well, and this set [...]

Arabic Lesson

Post written by Theresa, a United Planet team member
Last night I had an Arabic dance lesson. The tiny, beautiful college student who came over to teach me was incredible. It is interesting (to an outsider) that a culture which appears very reserved and conservative (given the women covering, etc), can have a dance [...]

Guatemala: A kaleidoscope of sensations

Post written by Kim McDermott, a United Planet Volunteer
Our first impression of Guatemala during our first few days was sensory overload! The colorful woven fabrics, loud streets with honking horns and brightly painted buses, crowded markets, new foods and towering volcanoes made a vibrant kaleidoscope of sensations. We learned something new everywhere we looked, and [...]

Battambang By Boat

Post written by Isisara Bey, a United Planet volunteer
We joined the members of United Planet’s photography Quest for a three day excursion up-country to Battambang, Cambodia’s second largest city, a French-influenced province north and west of Siem Reap. We set sail on the small ferry boat early Monday morning, July 16th. Had I read the [...]

Trekking through India

Post written by Sonya Anne Dunsirn, a United Planet Volunteer

My first experience in India was being greeted by the torrential monsoon rain. My friend Jenna and I were whisked away to meet the rest of the group that had already arrived in Mumbai. From there, we went to Lanavla, a city about [...]

Tranquilo and Cafecita in Costa Rica

Post written by Mary Han, a United Planet volunteer
Upon arriving in San Jose, Costa Rica, we were greeted by a United Planet representative, and were driven to the Green House Hostel, where we stayed for two nights. This facility was comfortable and roomy, and was apparently a hot commodity for other travelers from all around [...]

On The Stairs

Post written by Amber Johnson, a United Planet volunteer
This week we’ve been back to the usual: work (Amber in the clinic and Josh at the school), Spanish lessons, spending time with friends and host family and continuing to explore Peruvian culture.
I’ve been doing a ton of Hep B vaccines this week and today we also [...]

Kate Dickman’s Experience in Ghana

Post written by Kate Dickman, a United Planet volunteer.
Exactly a year ago my trip to Ghana began. I remember everything like it was yesterday and my memories of that warm place are fond. I’d have to say that visiting that country was one of the best things I’ve ever done with my life. [...]

Salsa Dancing

Post written by Theresa, a United Planet team member.
Salsa – spicy, fiery, hot, delicious! Of course I am talking about the dance! Like all dance forms, the music and movements represent cultural customs and history, making salsa dancing much more than just a fun, sultry dance.
The origin of salsa dancing [...]