Pod Volunteer Reviews

Name: Pod Volunteer
Address: 5, Noverton Lane, Cheltenham, Prestbury
Rating: 4.77

4.8 Rating 492 Reviews

97 %

of reviewers recommend Pod Volunteer

Company Reviews

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4.8

Based on 492 reviews

Customer Service
Communication Channels	Email, Telephone, Live Chat
Queries Resolved In	Under An Hour
Customer Service	4.8 out of 5

About Pod Volunteer:

Pod Volunteer is an award winning non-profit organisation arranging ethical, inspiring and supported volunteering opportunities around the world since 2001

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Email:

info@podvolunteer.org

Location:

5, Noverton Lane, Cheltenham
Prestbury
GL52 5BA

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Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 23rd January 2025

Emily W

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 20th January 2025

Meagan C

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 5th October 2024

Helen F

254

Anonymous

Anonymous // 01/01/2019

Sort by: Most Recent Most Recent Highest Rated Filter: None None 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Stars Helpful

“I travelled to Arequipa in Peru to work in a small charity school arranged by Pod. The entire experience was incredible and not least because I was so well looked after by Pod. They worked with local organisers who were brilliant at settling me in and showing me around before introducing me to the school. The school were very flexible about the hours I worked, the school staff were so friendly and interested in why I was doing the voluntary work and the kids were gorgeous, fun and mischievous. I had the most amazing time in Arequipa - I could not recommend it more. The town is stunningly beautiful with so much fascinating history. I went hiking in the incredible Colca Canyon and made great friends. Even the food was good! I 100% recommend Pod for finding such a great experience in such a great location and for taking so much care to ensure I had a good time. I will definitely use them again next time I go on a volunteer holiday.”

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 27th November 2018

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Posted 6 years ago

Hi Catherine, Thanks so much for your lovely feedback about your time in Peru - you are making us want to visit Arequipa again! It's fantastic that you felt so well-supported by Pod and the local team and we look forward to helping you arrange another volunteer placement in the future. Best wishes, Iona - Pod Volunteer Specialist

Posted 5 years ago

“I am so happy with my entire Pod Volunteer experience. Pod helped me organize my Belize Conservation trip and their support was invaluable! I had never traveled overseas and my entire experience was seamless thanks to everyone in the office. I was so impressed with how quickly and thoughtfully they answered my (many, many!) questions. Everyone was so kind and appear to genuinely love what they do. Knowing that every opportunity is thoroughly vetted for safety gave me peace of mind as I navigated a new country. I also appreciated their referrals and recommendations for flights and packing. I am already in the process of planning my next project using Pod and I cannot wait! I highly recommend using them to help you plan your next volunteer trip.”

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Posted 6 years ago

It's so lovely to hear all about your time with the Conservation team in Belize Elizabeth. I loved helping you plan for your trip and so happy that you chose to volunteer with us as your first travel experience abroad. We look forward to helping you prepare for your next trip! Best wishes, Gemma - Pod Volunteer Specialist

Posted 5 years ago

“I look back fondly on my experience teaching in Udaipur. Ravi, Gurav, along with Neha are not only great hosts but they are passionate about work in their community and the experience has been so rewarding. The atmosphere they have created is friendly and fun filled and their support and knowledge throughout your stay lets you experience day to day life in India, not just as a tourist. I would recommend this to others if you want to work alongside people who are passionate about changing lives for the better.”

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Posted 6 years ago

Thank you for posting about your experience volunteering in India. The local team are truly committed to their work with local communities in Udaipur and I am pleased to read your experience was so rewarding. Keep in touch and we look forward to planning your next trip! Lucy – Pod Volunteer Specialist

Posted 5 years ago

“The support from staff was good and Iona was very helpful and professional throughout the entire process (which in my case was quite convoluted). The Dinokeng game reserve (South Africa) project was excellent (although the volunteer house was in poor condition and not up to standard when we arrived). The animal sightings were amazing and I learned so much. Our guide (Ingrid) was brilliant and I felt our work was very necessary and worthwhile. I would highly recommend this project to anyone, with the general caveat mentioned below*. The marine conservation project in Sodwana Bay was good in terms of the dive training (can't praise our dive instructor enough) and the marine ecology lectures were great. The Bay is a great place to learn to dive. However, some of the information in Pod's guide regarding the uses of data collected on this project is simply incorrect (something I only found out on arrival at the project). This project offers great dive training and marine ecology education and is part of PADI's Project Aware. However, the data collected is not actually used for anything and therefore does not contribute to the conservation of the reef system, nor to global databases, as claimed. Had I know this in advance I would have chosen a different project somewhere else in the world since I wanted to contribute to meaningful conservation work. This is a real shame and the only reason I am not able to give a Pod an 'Excellent' rating. I also think the fees Pod charges are too high and I would have preferred more of the money to have gone to the projects themselves. *Note that if, like me, you are over 30 you will very likely be the only volunteer in that age range. These projects attract almost exclusively school leavers, gap year students or early 20s. A lot of them seem to regard this as 'summer camp' or something to fill the time in their year off if they haven't got any better ideas. They don't know how to cook or clean, don't pull their weight and can be quite immature and often don't seem to appreciate how lucky they are to be here. So living and working with them can be very frustrating (in fact this was the only truly challenging aspect of volunteering for me). Also, they are almost exclusively German so if you don't speak German you will spend a lot of time listening to people talk in a language you can't understand, which can be quite isolating. If you can cope with all this, then do it as it's an amazing experience and, overall, I am glad I did it. Just make sure your reserves of patience are well stocked up before you come.”

Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago

Hi Katherine, Many thanks for your detailed feedback of your time in South Africa, I am so glad to hear that your time at Dinokeng was so rewarding and that you found Ingrid to be informative and passionate with her role as volunteer coordinator. It’s also fantastic that you spotted so much wildlife during your 1 month placement! I am sorry that you felt the marine conservation project wasn’t contributing to meaningful conservation work as this is one of the primary reasons we work with this project. As we have discussed via email, your feedback was very helpful for us to review with the local team and ensure that volunteers are briefed correctly about the data they are collecting and why they are integral to the local team. It is disappointing that there was a lack of communication between management and the team on the ground but I hope you now feel more reassured that your 1 month in Sodwana was not in vain! Volunteers provide integral data to a variety of avenues. For instance, they provide data for the Oceanic Research Institute which, in turn, contributes to potato bass individual population dynamics survey. This survey is used to compile highly important information on the species. The data collected by volunteers is also used by South African Fisheries and Environmental Affairs to understand the impact of over-fishing, reef impact and human activities on this endangered species. Unfortunately, the number of potato bass is very low and Sodwana Bay is one of the last refuges where their habitat is protected. The data volunteers collect also contributes to a worldwide Citizen Science database. The local team and volunteers are actively involved with inaturalist.org which is a database that serves to identify and compile distribution of species internationally. iNaturalist works in conjunction with the South African National Bio-diversity Institute. They are directly involved with the SeaKeys initiative, Sea Coral Atlas , Seaweed Atlas , Sea-slug Atlas, Sea-Fish Atlas as well as Manta Spotter. This involvement is important as they present an all-year presence which is highly valuable to marine scientists. I’m sorry to hear that some of the younger volunteers there didn’t engage and contribute in the same way and that there was a tendency for them to fall into speaking German. I can appreciate how this could affect the atmosphere of the camp. The ages and backgrounds of volunteers does vary significantly through the year so it’s quite hard to predict what the typical group will be. Finally regarding Pod volunteer fees, the placement fee that we charge has to therefore cover both the local placement cost and also our own costs. We run on a non-profit basis, so our placement fees are set at a level to purely cover our costs and not make any more than this. We charge the reality of the costs we face and review this on a quarterly basis. We keep our costs to a minimum but want to ensure we are able to operate as a highly professional organisation and meet or exceed the standards that are required of us as a leading UK based volunteering organisation. Overall, I am very glad to read that you feel your experiences in South Africa were worthwhile. We have taken all of your feedback on board and I wanted to say thank you again for providing such an in-depth review of your time in South Africa. Best wishes, Iona

Posted 5 years ago

“met all expectations. friendly an d ded”

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Posted 6 years ago

Thank you so much for your feedback, we are thrilled your placement met all expectations! Lucy – Pod Volunteer Specialist

Posted 5 years ago

“My trip to Thailand was the trip of a life-time and I wouldn't have changed it for anything. POD made everything super easy and fun and I was able to do something I love while making new friends and learning new cultures. While taking care of the animals on wildlife, we did things like prep food and enrichments, provide fresh water, scrub the enclosures, etc. And all the volunteers at the center were very friendly and kind-hearted. The following week on elephants was probably the best experience of my life. It felt so good to work along side other hardworking volunteers and provide care for the elephants and maintenance of the enclosures. It was so rewarding to see our work with the animals pay off and just see them happy and it felt good to disconnect from all the nonsense that goes on in today's world and do something that actually makes a difference. I wish I could have stayed there for the rest of my life.”

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Posted 6 years ago

Hello! Thank you for taking the time to share more about your experiences in Thailand! We are thrilled to hear you had such a rewarding time caring for the elephants and wildlife at the project, and could have stayed there for much longer! We would love to arrange another placement for you soon. Best Wishes, Lucy Pod Volunteer Specialist

Posted 5 years ago

“An amazing company - great team leaders. Would really recommend to anyone who wants to volunteer abroad to use this company. They are very friendly and helpful.”

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 27th September 2018

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Posted 6 years ago

Hi Ava, Thank you so much for sharing these fantastic photos, we are thrilled you would recommend us! Alex and I really enjoyed our time leading the Under 18 Trip to Thailand and you were a real asset to the team. I look forward to helping you organise your next adventure! Lucy – Pod Volunteer Specialist

Posted 5 years ago

“Not only did Pod provide the utmost help and security during the entirety of my trip, they are supporting an incredible organisation I simply cannot praise enough. I immediately felt confident in my choice and felt there was always someone there to help if needs be.”

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Posted 6 years ago

Hi Mary, Thank you for sharing your feedback and these great photos of your time volunteering in Thailand. It was a pleasure to arrange your placement and of course lovely to meet you in Thailand! Lucy – Pod Volunteer Specialist

Posted 5 years ago

“I had a really positive experience with Pod on my under 18 trip to Thailand. The process before the trip was really easy and organised and the trip itself was amazing. Lucy and Alex, the two leaders who came with us were lovely and were so helpful whenever we had any problems. I would definitely recommend the under 18 trips to anyone who loves to travel and meet knew people, I would love to go back!”

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Posted 6 years ago

Hi Emily, We really appreciate you taking the time to write a review and are pleased to hear you would recommend our under 18 trips. Alex and I really enjoyed leading the trip to Thailand and hope this is just the start of your volunteering adventures! Thank you for being such a great member of the Under 18 team! Lucy – Pod Volunteer Specialist

Posted 5 years ago

“I found the organisation very professional and supportive and one I would be happy to recommend.”

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Posted 6 years ago

Hi Linda, We really appreciate you taking the time to write us a review, thank you! It's fantastic to hear you felt supported and found us to be professional! If you're ever looking to volunteer again in future, don't hesitate to get in touch again - we'd love to help! Best wishes, Bee - Pod Volunteer Specialist

Posted 5 years ago

“Booking my trip to India with Pod was the best decision I ever made. From the start, both Gemma and the staff at the accommodation were so welcoming and they made sure we had the best trip possible. I found working with the children so rewarding, watching them improve everyday and they were all so enthusiastic. The accommodation was amazing and the staff and our leader made everything run so smoothly. All of the trips away from the accommodation were organised so well and were so exciting. I would recommend Pod to anyone! I am so thankful to all the staff who organised the trip, they really made it a trip of a lifetime.”

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 26th August 2018

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Posted 6 years ago

Thanks so much for your lovely review Connie! It was brilliant to have you as part of our Under 18 Teaching and Cultural Trip to India. It's lovely to hear all about your time teaching in the schools and helping to run activities in the community for the children. It was great fun having you as part of the team and thanks so much for all your energy. Best wishes, Gemma - Pod Volunteer Specialist and Trip Leader

Posted 5 years ago

“very good”

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Posted 6 years ago

Thanks Gary! Best wishes, Bee - Pod Volunteer Specialist

Posted 5 years ago

“Amazing support which is exactly what is needed when travelling alone to a foreign country. I will be using this company again should I wish to do more volunteer work abroad. Highly recommend!”

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Posted 6 years ago

Hi Carrie, Thank you so much for taking the time to write us a review! I loved helping you organise your trip to South Africa and hope you're able to do more volunteering in future too - thank you for recommending us! Best wishes, Bee - Pod Volunteer Specialist

Posted 5 years ago

“The information provided once I applyed for the project are very easy to understand and have helped me answer almost every question. Open questions were answered by the Pod Volunteer Specialist for my project very fast, so up to this time I have not felt like I was not supported in any way.So far, I am pretty sure that I made the right decision by joining a Pod Volunteer program”

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Posted 6 years ago

It's great to hear that you feel you made the right decision to join a Pod Volunteer project! We always love answering questions (my favourites are the obscure ones I have to research for!) so we're happy to help! Best wishes, Bee - Pod Volunteer Specialist

Posted 5 years ago

It's great to hear that you feel like you made the right decision to join a Pod Volunteer project! We love answering questions (my favourites are the obscure ones I have to research for!) so are always happy to help! Best wishes, Bee - Pod Volunteer Specialist

Posted 5 years ago

“Can no to comment to much because i had to cancel my trip, however they were very understanding and very helpful and will be volunteering with them when i can.”

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Posted 6 years ago

We look forward to helping you plan your future volunteer trip Louise! All the best, Gemma - Pod Volunteer Specialist

Posted 5 years ago

“I am fully prepared for the U18 trip to Thailand thanks to Pod Volunteer who ensure that I have all the correct resources. Pod Volunteer is one of the best companies, especially for teens, that try their best to maximise our experience and comfort. I am extremely excited!”

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Posted 6 years ago

Hi Shoni, Thank you for your lovely feedback and recommending Pod Volunteer. Alex and I had a fantastic time leading the trip and we hope you did too! Lucy – Pod Volunteer Specialist

Posted 5 years ago

“The mission with Pod Volunteer was really interesting and rewarding. I spent 3 amazing weeks with them. They are serious and organized and they have an excellent corresponding team in UK and Ghana.”

Pod Volunteer 4 star review on 17th July 2018

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Posted 6 years ago

Hi Geoffrey, These are fantastic photos - thank you so much for sharing! It's great to hear you had a rewarding time and 3 amazing weeks! We hope you come back again in future! Keep in touch, Bee - Pod Volunteer Specialist

Posted 5 years ago

“Pod Volunteer have been very helpful, supportive and encouraging to me from the outset. I am retired and seeking adventure in my older years while I feel sufficiently fit and healthy to enjoy the experience and, hopefully, make a worthwhile contribution. Pod Volunteer explained the project fully and I was particularly attracted by the fact that the projects are managed locally and are environmentally and ethically sound. They put me in contact with partner organisations who could help with travel, insurance and organising a tour for a week prior to my volunteering on the turtle conservation project in Costa Rica. I am very excited about the trip and confident that I will be well supported at home and abroad.”

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Posted 6 years ago

Hi Anne, We are so pleased to hear you felt prepared and supported throughout the process! It was great to hear more about your time volunteering on your return and hope you consider joining another project with us in the future. Lucy – Pod Volunteer Specialist

Posted 5 years ago

“Pod volunteer were fantastic with helping me organise my trip to Thailand, to volunteer with the elephants and wildlife. Iona was great as my personal”

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Posted 6 years ago

Thanks so much for lovely feedback, it is great to hear that you had such a great time at the Elephant Care and Wildlife Rescue project and that you felt well supported by Pod Volunteer! Keep in touch! Iona - Pod Volunteer Specialist

Posted 5 years ago

“They have amazing communitcation and organisation, and always happy to help with any quiestions I had. They made sure the program was right for by giving me loads of infomation so I knew all about the trip!”

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Posted 6 years ago

Thank you for your feedback, we really appreciate hearing you had such a great experience working with us to prepare for your trip! Lucy – Pod Volunteer Specialist

Posted 5 years ago

Pod Volunteer is rated 4.8 based on 492 reviews