Debbie Aalto Bonvan
GBSupportive, adaptive, efficient and wonderful best way to describe First Abroad. As a parent of a world traveler, my nerves have been tested a few times. My daughter has just returned from a trip to S. Africa arranged by First Abroad that was fabulous. Last minute, I had some misgivings about her traveling by herself to S. Africa and called First Abroad. Leah was a godsend, she helped me get some last minute travel changes in place that made the trip for both my daugther and myself an even more memorable trip. Thank you, Parent of a world traveler.
Sofie
GBI'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.
Branden
GBAwesome program and team! I haven't actually traveled yet but thus far the team that has been working to prepare me for the gap year has been there any time I have had questions or concerns. They are very professional in their responses to my questions and I am extremely excited to travel with this company!
Naila Francis
GBOrphanage 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.
Jade Woolsey
GBExtremely helpful best program out there. I love this program, I'm headed out to Australia in a couple months and have extreme jitters, so much so that I was on the verge of an anxiety attack. In the middle of this I emailed my trip coordinator, (Leah is amazing guys!) with some questions and she was on top of it for me. Easing many of my fears that were causing my panic. I am still super excited and can't wait to see what's in store for me when I arrive. I'm extremely thankful that I found this program, I've been looking for a long while now to go abroad. First Abroad has helped me obtain that and for that I will always recommend them to anyone.