4 Reviews

95%Overall
Rating

Program Description

Global Volunteers - Volunteer Programs in the Cook Islands

Description

Join Global Volunteers in a variety of volunteer projects in the Cook Islands! Experience this exotic South Pacific island culture and locale while working one-on-one with youth, seniors and families striving to improve their futures on education, social service and conservation projects. You're needed to assist with a wide range of community service work projects on this captivating South Pacific island!

Types of volunteer activities include:
• Help children build on their English language skills
• Work in a library or museum
• Work outdoors helping to protect the Takitumu Conservation Area wildlife and environment
• Spend time with senior citizens and offer them companionship
• Work at the whale sanctuary
• Work at the Handicapped Creative Center with mentally and physically challenged adults

Interview with Dennis Killeen, Global Volunteers-Cook Island alum

GO: Why did you decide to volunteer abroad with Global Volunteers on the Cook Islands?

Dennis: A little history. My first trip with GV was in 2000 in conjunction with the University of Notre Dame alumni to Romania. I liked the way their program worked (invited by the host country, local team-leaders, etc) so much so that I have taken a GV trip every year since (China, Ireland, back to Romania, India, Ecuador, Brazil, and this Feb will be my 6th trip to the Cook Islands). In Rarotonga, I have made many friends and watched "my" students continue to progress—the Maori people have become second family. It's also a great place to visit during winter compared to here in Ohio!

Dennis volunteering on the Cook Islands
Dennis volunteering on the Cook Islands

GO: Describe your day to day activities as a volunteer.

Dennis:
Week days -
7am to 8am - Group breakfast and meeting at our lodging and meeting room at the KiiKii Motel
8am to 2 pm - Work assignment. Mine was usually one on one tutoring at a primary school; each student gets a 50 minute session.
2pm to 6pm - Free time. Go to town, e-mail, post office, swim, etc. Around 6 pm will be a group dinner at the KiiKii or at other various restaurants on the island, sometimes coupled with cultural activities.

Week ends -
FREE TIME - Visit the Saturday Market, the beach, island walk, church, and visit the outer islands.

Volunteering on the Cook Islands definitely has its perks!
Volunteering on the Cook Islands definitely has its perks!

GO: How has this experience impacted your future?

Dennis: I have learned that a continuation of effort can be VERY effective (team following team)—one becomes a link in a very long chain. These experiences of team work and goals can be applied back home to work and family, to say nothing of the reward of doing good for others.

Highlights

Volunteers must be at least 10 years old and there is no age limit. Minors must be accompanied by an parent or guardian. Volunteers stay in a family owned, ocean-side hotel.

Further Information
Cost Description: 

Program fees, based on the GV’s costs, include food, accommodations, transportation within projects, project costs, administrative expenses, and support from Global Volunteers staff. The rest of the costs are used to support the continued development of host communities. Discounts are available for students, family and multi-person groups, and returning volunteers. Free-time activities, airfare or other travel are not included in the fees. All expenses are tax-deductible for U.S. tax-payers.

Languages Learned/Spoken: 
English
Living Arrangements: 
Accommodation is included in the program cost
Travel Arrangements: 
Participants travel to the program independently.
Application Requirements: 
Online Application

Ratings and Reviews

1 of 3 people found this review helpful
Global Volunteer Cook Islands is a wonderful program!!

90%

Overall Rating

90%Overall
Rating

This program has a wonderful in-country leader. The people of the community are very welcoming and appreciative of the work that is done. They support the efforts of Global Volunteers.

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Submitted by Sue T on 03/20/2012
Reviewer's Bio:    Female    |   Age: 51 or older    |   Seal Beach, CA    |    Pro Traveler    |    California State- Los Angeles   
3 of 8 people found this review helpful
Great experience making an impact for other people

90%

Overall Rating

90%Overall
Rating

This was my wife and my first major trip after I retired. We had previously traveled extensively but had never done a Volunteer Trip. The Global Volunteer stateside organization was very helpful with any questions we had regarding arrangements for the trip. The Global Volunteer in-country staff was there to meet our flight and took excellent care to ensure we had a productive as well as an enjoyable visit. We experienced many aspects of island life that the tourists never encounter. Plus we met many wonderful islanders that we will alwYs consider as friends. Our project while we were there was to assist the children improve their reading skills. The effort was enjoyable and rewarding. The children looked forward to their time with us as much as we look forward to being with them. A typical day began early as we had to catch our bus to school around 8 AM. It ended around 5 PM after the last class plus taking time to visit with the school staff to ensure what the plan was for tomorrow. Evenings and weekends were full of things to do and my wife and I went to the island of Aitutaki for one weekend and it was truly amazing. We loved our time so much that two years later while on a trip to other parts of the Far East, we scheduled a stop in the Cook Islands for a few days just to experience the people and the place agIn. It did not disappoint us.

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Submitted by Michael and Ingrid Saffell on 03/14/2012
Reviewer's Bio:    Male    |   Age: 51 or older    |   Naples, Florida    |    Pro Traveler    |    Florida   
3 of 7 people found this review helpful
Perspective chaning opportunity

100%

Overall Rating

100%Overall
Rating

This program was an amazing opportunity to not only volunteer, but to truly learn about another culture. I was there during the January trip, so there were a variety of assignments to choose from. Examples are: giving computer skills training to the teachers and the Red Cross, painting classrooms, cleaning up hiking trails, and sorting through donated books at the library. While at the work sites, you had a lot of time to interact with the locals, and learn about the Maoiri language and culture. Set in one of the most beautiful places I have ever been, there was plenty of time to enjoy the island outside of the volunteer hours. I plan to return again soon!

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Submitted by DRM on 03/14/2012
Reviewer's Bio:    Female    |   Age: 31-50    |   Maryland    |    Pro Traveler    |    University   
3 of 6 people found this review helpful
2012 will be my 6th volunteer trip to the Cooks.

100%

Overall Rating

100%Overall
Rating

Usually, I tutor Maori kids in English in a Primary school on Rarotonga. Sessions are one-on-one. Having gone back various times since 2004, it's gratifying to see old stundents who have progressed and know I have helped. Kids are kids all over - some are more driven than others, but all welcome the attention and put forth an effort. The staff is very supportive, and I have done some work with them as well. Our team leader is a local who provides insight to the Islands from history to local politics. Coming from Ohio in the winter to the tropics is a bonus, as is the tax benefit, but the best is the laughter and smiles of the people!

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Submitted by "Papa" Dennis on 01/21/2012
Reviewer's Bio:    Male    |   Age: 51 or older    |   Chardon, Ohio 44024    |    Pro Traveler    |    University of Notre Dame   

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Program Info

Country: 
Cook Islands
City(s): 
Rarotonga
Volunteer Type: 
Community Development
Conservation
Health Care
Education
Eco-tourism
Length of Program: 
1-2 weeks
2-4 weeks
Cost: 
$2,000-$5,000 (USD)

Program Photos

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