Testimonials - What people are saying about iSPiiCE

 

My three weeks with iSPiiCE were more than anything I could have imagined. From the bustling streets of Delhi to the more tranquil setting of Dharamsala, the Indian landscape is breath-taking, and the people welcoming.

The students I taught were eager to learn and very respectful to me as a teacher. Their enthusiasm and energy made each class exciting. The language barrier was easier to overcome than I expected with the help of older students and a basic vocabulary of Hindi words, provided by the iSPiiCE staff. The resources at the iSPiiCE camp were very helpful in lesson planning, and discussing lesson plans with the other volunteers was always beneficial.

The iSPiiCE staff is outstanding! They are extremely hospitable, making each volunteer feel right at home and comfortable. Their passion for their work is contagious and inspirational. They will do everything in their power to help you have a positive experience. By the time I left, I thought of all of the iSPiiCE staff members as friends.

The iSPiiCE model is an ideal way to travel. Not only was I immersed in the Indian culture, I had the incredible opportunity to make my small mark on people in another part of the world, one not often seen by tourists. I returned from India a changed person. I am more aware of global issues, have a greater appreciation for my extremely blessed life, and face each day with a more positive attitude. I miss the sights, sounds, and smells of India, but I will never forget the smiles of the people I met, and more importantly, their incredibly large hearts. iSPiiCE will challenge you, inspire you, and change you.

Kristyn Brisnehan, USA

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Excited anticipation as I stepped off the plane and into an unknown universe of colour, sights and sounds, I can safely say that my iSPiiCE experience of India totally exceeded all expectations!! It was truly magical, with its fusion of cultural discovery, immersion into the community, rewarding vocational opportunities, and our own inevitable journeys of self discovery inspired by visiting such a breathtaking country.

The landscape is spectacular, and from the first moment I woke up to those magnificent mountains, I could feel it's magic. The riches of India were laid out before us, with the extremely well organised weekend trips and excursions which combined a sense of adventure and rustic travel, with a smooth, hassle free itinerary, where we were skilfully guided by our iSPiiCE team members, so that we effortlessly moved from place to place to enjoy all there was to see without feeling any stress from the journey.  

The people are so warm and welcoming, with such generosity, I felt I was truly experiencing the beauty of human kindness. Those I had the opportunity to work with and teach are such enthusiastic, open and inspiring people, that I couldn't help but be swept up in their positivity, and with each day I found our work infinitely rewarding and appreciated.  I am blessed to have made some friends for life and some amazing discoveries on my first, but certainly not my last trip to India.

For all these reasons, and most importantly for the unwavering support and dedication of the iSPiiCE  team, whose patience and kindness ensured that every moment was filled with fun and laughter to make our experience unforgettable, I would definitely recommend the iSPiiCE program to anyone who wants to venture to India; the ‘land where heart is king'.

Merci infiniment

Sophie Leech, UK/France

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"Travelling alone for the first time, it required a big leap of faith, a sprinkling of courage, and a lot of trust to hand myself over to something completely different and new, into the hands of people I had never met before, with the exception of a few emails. But never before has that leap of trust been so rewarded and repaid by such a life-changing month in a truly inspirational country.

Travelling with iSPiiCE offers the unique opportunity to make a difference through volunteering whilst at the same time visiting iconic landmarks of a fascinating country. The generosity, kindness and appreciation shown to me by the people of iSPiiCE, and the local village Sidhbari, was like nothing I have been shown before. To know that I was able to make a difference by working with the most enthusiastic and exciting young children is a feeling that will remain with me forever.

Days are never dull, and I had the privilege of working in a Day Care centre and teaching English to the local children. I was even lucky enough to teach in the local school! Despite being thoroughly well looked after by the more than capable hands of the iSPiiCE team, there was also the scope for independent travel, and to visit the local towns of Dharamsala and McLeod to explore Himachal further, for that all important shopping!

The weekend trips were unforgettable. This was the most awesome, inspiring, rewarding fun month of my life - I have made close friends, made a difference, and thanks to Neeraj's trusty and delicious cooking, can say I travelled to India and didn't get the infamous ‘Delhi Belly'! An experience I'll never forget and one I would do all over again without a moment's hesitation - thank you iSPiiCE."

Lucy Flannery, UK

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From the first day at iSPiiCE camp until the last trip to Taj Mahal my experience was perfect. Not knowing what it was going to be like, I could not have expected it to be that good. The staff welcomed me with open hands and hearts. Being surrounded by fascinating people, I felt at home from the first moment. Every day was a new and exciting experience, meeting new and interesting people and seeing rural india. iSPiiCE managed to find the perfect balance between teaching and helping the Indian community as well as showing you the real and incredible India. I really have to say thank you to all the other volunteers and especially the staff which made my trip so special. I can honestly recommend iSPiiCE for anyone who wants to volunteer in India.

Max Poettinger, Austria

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The iSPiiCE volunteering programme awarded many wonderful experiences. I was fortunate to work with young children and adolescents who showed eagerness to learn new things as well as developing on their current learning. The way in which these young learners' faces lit up after understanding and acknowledging what I have taught them - is the most joyous and rewarding feeling one could ever feel. Furthermore, the way in which the children behave and show appreciation towards you is also remarkable. iSPiiCE provides the opportunity to sense and support the development these children go through.

Alongside this positive experience, other aspects of iSPiiCE also made the experience a pleasurable one. These included, the spacious accommodation - which allows you to socialise freely with other volunteers as well as spending time by yourself, the friendly staff - who are welcoming, organised and always available to attend any needs one may have, and best of all, the beautiful attractions the programme includes; the Himalayas, the Golden Temple and the Taj Mahal.

iSPiiCE is not solely based on working and sightseeing, but also about learning about the Indian culture and language, as well as making yourself custom to the Indian lifestyle. In addition to all of this, what is even more remarkable about iSPiiCE, is that you have the opportunity to live with other volunteers from different parts of the world which means you can learn and share your worldwide experiences.

iSPiiCE gracefully gives volunteers the platform to provide the individuals of Himachal Pradesh, with skills and knowledge that will bring their lives improvement leading towards a better future.
Volunteering with iSPiiCE was an incredible, unique experience. ‘Saare Jahan Se Achchha, Hindustan Hamara' - the Hindi lyrics translate into English as - ‘Better than the entire world, is our India' and the experience with iSPiiCE leaves you with this precise feeling!

Kripali Patel, UK

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My experience in India with iSPiiCE will remain one of the best experiences of my life. Being involved all day in Indian life is the perfect way to discover such a wonderful country.  You learn culture, tradition and Indian ways of life and you share it with other volunteers from all over the world. Everything is very rewarding.  iSPiiCE staff are so generous and welcoming towards volunteers and are always there to advise and answer your questions. Work is very well organised and you are free to propose new activities and ideas; you can choose what is best for you; child care, woman empowerment, school class... Personally, I felt very useful working at iSPiiCE, I helped and had many discussions with the girls and saw my class children improve their knowledge. I keep all my amazing souvenirs forever, and I will come back to India soon.

Gege Fournier, France

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I never thought that I would be brave enough to go to India by myself, but I am so happy that I did. iSPiiCE is such an incredible experience - it changes the way you see life and you meet so many amazing people along the way. India is a beautiful, crazy place and once you've taken part in this volunteer program you will take all of it's kindness, adventure and spirit back with you. If you're thinking about iSPiiCE - do it. You won't regret it!!

 

Rosalie Craft, USA

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The best way to capture the essence of a country is to live and work with its inhabitants and immerse yourself in its cultures and traditions. For me it is inspiring and stimulating to discover and explore different societies and to have direct contact with ways of life different to my own. I have always been attracted to India, and in choosing to travel alone for one month I placed myself in the capable and trustworthy hands of iSPiiCE. What I experienced was beyond anything I could have imagined!
The iSPiiCE team is exceptional. There is a magic at iSPiiCE that immediately made me feel like I belonged and was at home despite being thousands of miles away from everything I've ever known before. The selfless, thoughtful, generous, and kind nature of the iSPiiCE staff is overwhelming. The weekends are fantastic opportunities to travel and uncover the rich and varied landscape of India.
This was a fulfilling experience and a unique and rewarding opportunity to be welcomed and immersed into a community where we are truly appreciated and can make a real difference. I have given to and gained so much from the people of Sidhbari and if I had the chance I would do it again without a second thought!

Violetta Venturini, Italy

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"I honestly am not able to fault iSPiiCE as a volunteer organisation, the staff worked extremely hard to ensure all my comforts were met and experiences were positive. The Indian women and children I worked with were absolutely beautiful, they were all so warm and welcoming and I feel in just two weeks I was able to become immersed in authentic Indian culture and community. iSPiiCE provided me with an enriching experience of a lifetime that I shall never forget."

"My daughter & I shared the iSPiiCE volunteering experience & it was everything we hoped it would be & more. We felt completely safe our surroundings and we were very well cared for. The students were enthusiastic & grateful. Although not necessary I would suggest volunteers learn a few Hindi phrases before arrival."

Sophie and Sandra Blake, Australia

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"Well, how do I put two weeks of enriching experience in a few lines? First of all, I am very proud that my friend and I are the first Malaysians to volunteer on this program (thanks to our University). I would not deny the fact that it was a challenging experience (taking care of the children at the daycare centre and brainstorming ideas of what to teach the students at the high school) but it indeed helped me to see the world and life from another positive perspective. To be an educator is not an easy job at all and thanks to iSPiiCE I discovered this through my two week experience. I was amazed by the hospitality offered by the local community of Himachal Pradesh and the iSPiiCE team. Thank you! I hope our little contribution to the community brings a difference in their life."

Kanchana Munisamy, Malaysia

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Thank you iSPiiCE for such an amazing experience. Everything was so carefully organised and cared for and the food was delicious!
The iSPiiCE team is so dedicated to their jobs and everyone in the community is thankful for your hard work.
The work the volunteers do is so rewarding and a big eye opener to the Indian way of life. There is so much to do in the area surrounding iSPiiCE and the weekend excursions are amazing, especially the Taj Mahal! I hope to come back and work with you again.

Leah Smith, England

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"Volunteering with iSPiiCE was a beautiful and an enriching experience for me. I made so many wonderful connections with the amazing women and children that I taught. Throughout the 5 weeks that I volunteered I was amazed by the generosity and kindness provided by the staff and the people living in the community. Everyone so helpful, and took great care of me. I felt at home in the iSPiiCE house and loved learning how to cook with the house chef. The weekend trips were great! The Himalayan trek was my favorite! Volunteering with iSPiiCE was so much fun and a wonderful experience and I would recommended it to anyone who is considering volunteering abroad in India!"