I'm going on an adventure! I'm off to New Zealand in the Fall, and First Abroad has been amazing answering any and all of my questions. Max has been helping me determine that this is the right program for me, and putting my mind at ease by confirming how the First Abroad Program fulfills all my desires and questions. He has answered with facts, and links online to back-up his statements so I know it is true. I booked over the phone with him and it was easy, quick, and the people are just excited for my trip as I am. The program coordinator has now sent me lots of helpful information on the itinerary, visa application, transportation, etc. As far as the booking process and build-up for the trip has gone so far, I would recommend others to look into doing this program.

Gap Year to Australia Leah was extremely helpful during my whole process of going abroad. She was quick to answer all my questions, to the extent that she would always respond with an email within 24 hours. I was so appreciative of this because sometimes I was stressed about visas, doctors appointments, and other requirements. I found that First Abroad allowed me to travel, earn some money, and have experience in a school, all in one. Doing this program was one of the best decisions I've made. Thank you Leah!

A fantastically worthwhile volunteer project - lots of kitten cuddles too! I spent a month at this amazing Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa that I found through First Abroad's website. Naturally I was worried about going, it was my first trip away without my family and I was planning on doing it completely alone.. eek! Thankfully First Abroad were so welcoming and made me feel really at ease.. apparently lots of people were as nervous as I was (although I think that's just them being polite) They put up with my endless questions and prepared me so well before I went away. I found the info in my online account really helpful as well, especially the Kit List as I had no idea what to take with me! The Sanctuary itself was a wonderful experience, exactly what I was after. A really hands-on project with a huge variety of weird and wonderful animals that you're able to get up close and personal with. I was even lucky enough to hand rear a Serval Kitten (google them, THEY'RE SO CUTE!) I would recommend this to anyone and everyone. Was the best experience of my life!

glad I booked through them My only comment would be to inform people about the whole tour rather than just one week out of 3. Might have paid a little more for the whole package.

Orphanage volunteer: Made the process smooth and easy The thing I appreciated the most about First Abroad was how available the staff made themselves to answer my questions about my trip to Tanzania. I was never a pest or being inconvenient. There was no question that was too silly and I could never ask enough. I always got a timely, friendly and helpful response. And the enthusiasm with which they delivered it (not to mention the enthusiasm simply shared over my trip) made me feel supported through the entire process. Even after the US office I was working with closed and all contact moved to the UK (a move which left me feeling nervous and apprehensive) the transition proved seamless. My only quibble would be that some of the information provided to me about my volunteer service project was outdated. One of the orphanages I hoped to volunteer at had shut down, and another had moved. The information about being able to access money also made it seem like it would be much more challenging than it was. Overall, I would say that the packets sent out to volunteers could bear freshening up periodically to avoid panic (reading it made me feel like I'd be walking into an endless swarm of mosquitoes and blackouts with severely limited access to any funds despite the suggestion not to carry any on me) and frustration upon arrival onsite. But I couldn't be more pleased with the quality of the staff and their passion for the work they do.