I recently went on a trip with i-to-i for 2 months. While I had a fantastic experience working with the children, teaching them, seeing Africa and making friends, the companies lack of organisation was a complete disappointment, especially after the money that I raised (£1600).
Firstly, the accomodation was not as promised. I was offered a homestay with a family. What it actually was, was an apartment with other volunteers. The host was never at home (she was a businesswoman), and the noise outside on the street was incredible! You got used to it after a while. One volunteer who was staying at the place, and who I had to share a room with, seemed to have a problem with everyone (she was rude and ignorant) and despite my having a word with a coordinator about
her behaviour, nothing was done. It certaintly didn't ruin my trip, but I was annoyed that nothing was done.
The TEFL course is not of much usage. I taught english to school children, and most of what is taught is just basic english; there is no need for a course to be taken. Obviously, it looks great on your CV! But apart from that, there is no usage for it.
The work with the children on my project was fantastic! It is so rewarding to teach and play with children who, if such projects had not been set up in Africa, they would not have much chance in life. The day lasted until about 3. I got to teach a variety of children, from 4 to about 9. There was also the opportunity to visit other projects in the city, such as a childrens home and a local health centre. These were not operated by i-to-i, but since you are a volunteer, it is personal preference whether you visit them.
Everyday I had to walk down to the project I was at on my own, despite being instructed that I would never be left alone, or should be in a position when I am on my own. This was completely unavoidable, since the people where I was staying were at a different project. No one was offered to walk with me down to the project. The road had a lot of people on it, including a group of men that were frequently drinking and very loud. It was not very comfortable.
Two friends that I met when I was over there had a very bad experience of i-to-i. One in particular turned up for a football project, and there was no project in existence, so he had to teach instead. And another friend was supposed to be doing construction work, and after two weeks there he still had no work. Also, I forked out £1600 for 8 weeks (no flights included), and when I was out there I found out that my host gets a pittance pay for allowing us to stay in her home. The project I worked out on received no pay for us working there, so the majority of the money goes into i-to-i's pocket. I would much rather see the money go to the children - the ones who live on the street or have aids, rather than into i-to-i's pockets. A lot of the equipment we were instructed to take out was not needed, so a lot of money was wasted.
The day before I flew home, all i-to-i coordinators didn't seem to be around (a few were in Nairobi), and it occured to me that I was going to be alone when I got to Nairobi, which is not a good idea, especially with 25kg of luggage! So I made my phone calls, and a friend of someone who works on one of the projects had to go with me to Nairobi, and I had to pay for his transport there and back - a 5 hour round trip to Nairobi -, which I wasn't best pleased about, especially after the original costs I forked out. If you end up in a pickle while abroad, be prepared to sort it out yourself!
I am usually not a person to complain, but the experience I had with i-to-i was so full of bad points that it needs telling, so that others can judge for themselve whether going through this 'well organised' (ha ha) company is worth it. Yes, the experience I had with the children was incredible and life changing, but the companies organisation skills are not. Many more companies offer similar projects. From my point of view, pass by i-to-i and go elsewhere.
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We are sorry that your meaningful travel experience in Africa did not meet your expectations. Although the cost of the projects may seem high, it is important to remember that this money is essential for the provision of a high quality, worldwide support network that is responsive to specific needs. The money also provides funds with which we promote projects that need help, but cannot afford to market themselves. We would like to take this opportunity to reassure you that i-to-i conducts extensive research into all its destinations and projects in an attempt to provide a well structured, efficient support network for our customers. The effectiveness of this is reflected in our extremely low complaint rate and high customer satisfaction, as evidenced in the testimonials on our website. In an attempt to further enhance our customer satisfaction, we have recently begun a new research initiative that will allow us to communicate more effectively with our customers and help improve our service still further.
If you have any further comments, please feel free to contact us via our website: www.i-to-i.com.
i-to-i
jodiehoward 15.05.2006 14:23
I was planning on going to India with i-to-i this summer but as there seem to be so many bad reviews it doesnt seem to be worth the extra money, thanks.
Sandroulla 13.05.2006 14:45
I had a similar experience with i-to-i in Peru. Had a great time there (no thanks to i-to-i), but would never recommend the company to anyone.
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Advantages: Plenty of placements to choose from, Weekend TEFL course fun Disadvantages: Disorganised, staff un-informed, expensive for service received
Sandroulla 12.05.2006 ·
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Advantages: Friendly agency with a personal touch, good links with placement countries and wide variety of programmes Disadvantages: some communication problems over what was included in my prize (a minor quibble)
blinderben 14.02.2001 ·
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Advantages: glossy brochure with nice, inspiring pictures, beautiful countries Disadvantages: not interested in you after you book and hand over the cash
SamFord 13.11.2006 (13.11.2006)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of I-to-I
Advantages: Friendly agency with a personal touch, good links with placement countries and wide variety of programmes Disadvantages: some communication problems over what was included in my prize (a minor quibble)
blinderben 14.02.2001 ·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of I-to-I
Advantages: glossy brochure with nice, inspiring pictures, beautiful countries Disadvantages: not interested in you after you book and hand over the cash
SamFord 13.11.2006 (13.11.2006)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of I-to-I
Apr 12th, 2006
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