Reviews
Arabella Stewart, 1st - 14th August 2010What were the highlights of your trip?Just being with the kids
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?prepare for very hot weather in the summer bring a rug to sit on with the kids bring a big smile
Give us up to 10 words that sum up your experienceFell in love with the kids, they were amazing
Rachel Field, 4th - 17th January 2009
Two of the best weeks I have ever had. The children were so much fun and although there were sad parts, I had a truly wonderful time. Would recommend it to anyone, and I can't wait to go back.
Harriet Smith, 21st August - 5th September 2008
My visit to the orphanage was the best time of my life, and the most eye opening. The children I met here have made such a great impact on me and I cannot wait to return. I strongly urge anyone to go to Moldova and meet these fantastic little people! I had so much fun, and I think I learned more about myself in 2 weeks than I had in 18 years!!!
Generally you are assigned to one group and spend most time with particular children. I genuinely fell in love with the babies in my group- and some children in other groups too!! Although it seems daunting at first, the trip is phenomenal and will change you forever, definately in a good way.
The co-ordinators are helpful and act as interperators too. I'm so grateful to RealGap for introducing me to Moldova as a country, and the project. For me, no other trip can beat it, and I plan on returning for as long as I can afford this summer.
Please consider going to Moldova to help, you will not regret it.
Rebecca Newey, August 2008
It was an amazing opportunity to see a part of the world I really knew very little about and to really challenge myself. It's hard to believe how much of an impact these kids can have on you in the space of a couple of weeks. Generally you're assigned to a group but tend to mainly look after just a few kids, and you can get very attached. The carers are helpful and supportive, though the language barrier can be a problem. Try to learn a few phrases in Romanian or Russian before-hand if you can. Though when necessary, both kids and carers are pretty good at getting their points across. The co-ordinators are friendly and helpful and can translate for you if necessary. There are also often opportunities to do extra things like visit the other orphanage and see the differences. Altogether a great experience. I miss the kids.
Maria Tomlinson, 21st aug -5th sept 2008
This was the most fantastic experience of my life just being there for the children makes a difference.
Lymm High School UK, July 2008 A team of staff and students travelled to Moldova to volunteer at the orphanage. We found it a fantastic opportunity and thoroughly enjoyed working with the young children. The staff at the orphanage were friendly (although we recommend learning some Romanian!) and the volunteer co-ordinators were extremely hospitable. They bent over backwards to show us Moldova and help us at every turn.
Rachael Atkins, 6th March - 3rd April 2008 Obviously knowing that you have arranged your trip through an experienced agency that have checked out all the destinations beforehand is a comfort and security to someone who doesnt know what their destination or accomodation will be like. It was comforting to know I had a contact point who always understood what stage I was at in planning the trip and an emergency number to ring.
Paul Booth, 4th May 23rd May The programme as a whole was all that I wanted it to be. I loved working at Salvati Copiii, the orphanage, because there was only 14 or 15 kids so I could get to know each one individually, which suited me just fine.
There were so many memorable moments for me. I loved the City and the food and the general warmth and kindness showed from the Moldovan people.
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