Kaya Responsible Travel reviews

1621679465

S_C_N

google

Dear Senekha, we really value all the feedback we receive and, in the small number of cases when that feedback is negative, we work hard to act on it and try to correct any issues. In this case, it was difficult to do that as you only raised these concerns after completing your program and returning home - despite us checking in with you after your arrival. To address your specific issues, we have reviewed your visit with the team and other participants to provide an honest response as follows. Volunteer placement: As part of your 2 week program, the itinerary offered 7 days of working, due to orientation, training and travel days, but as a result of your personal travel plans, we accommodated you to take more time off the project, so this reduced time working was at your own request. Pick up: The team are confused by your claim that you were not picked up from the airport. You were picked up from Delhi airport as arranged, Some other participants were picked up from Jaipur, as a result of new transfer plans, but in no way did this affect your pick up, nor that of the other participants, who have all confirmed that they were all picked up as planned. Language barrier: Our ground team are all fluent or advanced English speakers. We understand that at your placement that you experienced some communications issues and that when you shared these concerns with the ground team they immediately discussed another placement with you which you decided to take. We understand that you were also upset that you could not practice medicine to your full capacity, but we had explained, prior to your signing up for the program, that due to restrictions within the Indian medical council that practice directly with patients is restricted for unregistered foreign practitioners, and that much of the work at this location would be shadowing and assisting staff, with the ability to input in areas where the local staff identify the need for your help. Ethics in healthcare programming are very important to us and we ensure all our participants comply with local laws as well as ethical best practices in the field We are genuinely sorry that your experience on our program was not all that you had hoped, but we ask that you are fair in your evaluation of us. We take every piece of feedback we received very seriously and ensure to address any concerns with great immediacy. This is important to us and our communities. If you would like to discuss this further with us please get in touch with us.

1539609340

1

Awful experience. I was not picked up from the airport in India as was previously arranged with the company (which meant that I was left in a dangerous and scary situation as a lone traveller). Many of the other volunteers that I subsequently met who had also booked with Kaya had similar issues. Additionally due to poor organisation and communication between the UK team and the team on the ground, I was only able to do my volunteering project for 5 days out of the 2 weeks that I had paid for (which was a substantial amount of money). I was promised that there would be English speaking members of staff once I was in India, however there were none. this meant that I was unable to understand anything that was said, which made the volunteering project pointless. When these issues were raised with the team (both in India and the UK), these concerns and complaints were dismissed with no apologies. Very disappointing for a company that charge a substantial amount of money to arrange volunteering opportunities for those that want to help and provide for others. I had initially picked this company as they had promised to provide certain unique experiences for volunteers abroad, however they did not deliver on these promises. There are many other similar companies out there that provide a similar service to Kaya, and I would definitely suggest searching these out if you want to get more out of your money (rather than being let down and feeling quite helpless while in a foreign country on your own). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In response to the below comment, the information given is grossly incorrect. I was not picked up at the airport and had to arrange alternative means of transport (and I ended up paying a lot of money in the process for a taxi when I was told that I would be transported to the destination as part of the total cost of the voluntary project). At the time, I definitely felt like I was left in a dangerous situation on my own (which having frequently travelled to other countries previously was a very unfamiliar experience for me). The same thing was experienced by at least 50% of the other volunteers that I met during this trip, who were very distressed by this at the time. Language barrier: Some members of the team could speak English, however during my placement, the doctor that I was placed with could not speak any English at all (again when I was assured that the medical staff that we were placed with would speak fluent English). As a result I did not understand anything of what was being said. Again this was immediately raised as an issue (the same day) at the time. Additionally, I never mentioned anything about being able to practice medicine in India. I never wanted or expected this, given the obvious legal implications and requirements of which I have always been fully aware. Additionally, I did not wait until the end of the trip to raise concerns that I had not been placed on the correct voluntary project (proof has been sent to the company directly in the form of documented emails sent at the time). Again this is incorrect information. I have already attempted to contact the company directly, but these worried and issues have sadly been ignored.

1554879679

Lesly Gordillo Santoyo

google

Hey Lesly, we're so pleased that you enjoyed your trip and we could assist in making it successful for you. It's great for us to hear when our hard work pays off so thank you for leaving a review about your Kaya trip!

1562334321

5

Volunteering abroad with Kaya was a one of a kind experience. I really appreciated the work that Kaya put into making my experience in Peru a memorable one. They made things easy for me all throughout my study abroad. They professionally and, at the same time, calmly handled situations and helped the study abroad students and I not feel anxious by giving clear instructions. The connections that Kaya had with the Peruvian people made our stay feel as if we would not have a single complication. Interpretation, organization, and timeliness are main points that Kaya knew how to strive for, and that made my study abroad at Kaya a whole lot easier. The people that I got to meet from Kaya were extremely friendly and guided us tremendously from before the program even started until the end of our study abroad when we were flying back home. Thank you for being there for me!

1555343416

Juan Alva

google

Hey Juan thank you so much for sharing your experience! We'll pass your kind words on to Christina. We're so glad you had wonderful time on your Kaya trip!

1562332920

5

I had an incredible experience going on this amazing trip to Peru. It was as great as it was thanks to Kaya. The company carefully planned events during the stay, they provided multiple resources for all the travelers and they had the most amazing staff members. Words cannot describe how life-changing this trip was for me. Nostalgia runs through my veins when I think about it. If you have an opportunity to travel, I strongly recommend it. If you have an opportunity to travel with Kaya though, DO IT, but hang on tight because it'll be more than just a trip, it'll be a magical ride. Shout out to Christina Petsas, our Kaya leader during this trip.

1455628586

Zain Mohammed

google

Thanks Zain!

1562336392

5

Fab bunch of guys offering gap year travel! Some wonderful projects :)

1554920813

Ana Murphy

google

Hey Ana, thank you for your great review! We're so pleased your last Kaya trip went so smoothly and can't wait to work with you again!

1562333646

5

As a brand new leader of a study abroad program, I was unsure of what to expect from Kaya throughout the planning phase and what support we were going to have on the ground. Starting with our predeparture planning and continuing throughout the trip, effective communication fostered a positive and professional relationship. From the time we touched down in Peru, until the time we left a month later, our support from all Kaya team members was superb! All pieces to the puzzle such as airport pick-up , arranging transportation, accomodations, excursions, service learning projects, to troubleshooting complications; Kaya was there for us every step of the way! I am thrilled to be working with them again this summer as we plan our next study abroad.