Kaya Responsible Travel
Kaya Responsible Travel is a company based in Manchester, England. They specialize in volunteer and youth organizations, as well as associations. Their mission is to promote responsible travel and sustainable tourism practices. Kaya Responsible Travel operates out of the North Campus Incubator, located on Sackville St in Manchester.
Introduction to Kaya Responsible Travel
Kaya Responsible Travel is a volunteer organization based in Manchester, England. The company was founded with the purpose of making a positive impact in the world through responsible travel. They offer unique and life-changing experiences that allow individuals to volunteer their time and skills while immersing themselves in a new culture.Services & products
Kaya Responsible Travel offers a variety of volunteer programs in different countries around the world. Their programs focus on areas such as education, conservation, community development, and healthcare. Customers can choose from short-term or long-term programs, and can customize their experience based on their interests and skills.Location
Kaya Responsible Travel is located in the North Campus Incubator on Sackville St in Manchester. The area is home to many businesses and startups, and is known for its vibrant and creative atmosphere. The closest public transportation options are Manchester Piccadilly train station (0.4 miles), Piccadilly Gardens bus station (0.3 miles), and the Metrolink tram stop on Market St (0.2 miles).Benefits
Kaya Responsible Travel stands out from other volunteer organizations because of their commitment to responsible and sustainable travel. They work closely with local communities to ensure that their programs have a positive impact, and they prioritize the safety and well-being of their volunteers. Customers can also feel good about supporting a company that is making a difference in the world.Good to know
Customers should be aware that Kaya Responsible Travel requires a certain level of physical and mental fitness for their volunteer programs. They also have age restrictions for some programs, so it is important to check the requirements before applying.Reviews
Customers rave about their experiences with Kaya Responsible Travel, describing the programs as life-changing and eye-opening. They praise the organization for its commitment to responsible travel and the positive impact it has on local communities.FAQ
What type of volunteer opportunities do you offer and how do I apply?
We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities in different countries and fields such as conservation, education, and community development. You can apply directly on our website by selecting the program and location you are interested in, and filling out the application form.What is your organization's mission and values, and how do they align with our goals for our child?
Our mission is to promote sustainable and responsible travel, while making a positive impact on the communities and the environment we work with. Our values include transparency, accountability, and empowering local communities. We believe that volunteering abroad can be a life-changing experience for young people, allowing them to learn about different cultures, develop new skills, and contribute to a meaningful cause.How do you ensure the safety of volunteers while they are participating in your programs?
We take safety very seriously and have comprehensive risk management procedures in place. We conduct thorough risk assessments for all our programs and provide pre-departure briefings, as well as 24/7 support and guidance from our in-country staff. We also have emergency protocols and insurance coverage for all our volunteers.What kind of impact has your organization had on the community you serve?
We have had a positive impact on the communities we work with, by supporting local initiatives, promoting sustainable development, and empowering individuals and groups. Our projects have contributed to important outcomes such as improved access to education, healthcare, and clean water, as well as increased environmental awareness and conservation efforts. We also aim to create a cultural exchange between volunteers and local communities, fostering mutual respect and understanding.What is the cost of enrollment and are there any scholarship or financial assistance options available?
The cost of enrollment varies depending on the program and location, but it typically includes accommodation, meals, training, and support. We offer scholarships and discounts for certain programs, and we also encourage fundraising and crowdfunding as a way to cover the costs. Additionally, we provide guidance and resources for volunteers to explore external funding opportunities.Reviews
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Seneka Nakagawa
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.
26-05-2021
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Alyssa Pompan
Working with Kaya was an incredible experience! I really enjoyed the activities such as hiking Machu Picchu, building stoves in Umasbamba, and taking health care classes in Peru.
26-05-2019
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Juan Alva
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.
26-05-2019
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Natalie H
Kaya is such a great program and I recommend it to anyone who is interested in seeing the world, wanting to get to know a different culture, meeting new people, and also getting an educational benefit. I personally went to Quito, Ecuador for a medical internship and I am still reminiscing to this day. I had such an amazing time and was supported from multiple sources away from home. My experience was life changing and to anyone who is searching for a program, I would choose this one.
26-05-2019
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Alisa Murphy
Volunteering abroad with Kaya in Peru was such a rewarding, eye opening and overall enjoyable experience. The staff was great! The staff member who went with us to volunteer was very organized and awesome. She helped us find our way to each destination (including as soon as we got off the airplane in Peru, she was right outside waiting for us to take us to where we would be staying) and she was so helpful. I had a great experience with Kaya while in Peru!
26-05-2019
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Ana Murphy
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.
26-05-2019
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Lesly Gordillo Santoyo
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!
26-05-2019
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Karen
One of the best experiences of my life! I worked on a Turtle Conservation Project in Sri Lanka through Kaya for 2 weeks. The Kaya team were very organised and provided me with all of the information I could need. If you are looking at joining a volunteer program, I can highly recommend Kaya Responsible Travel - all of their staff are amazing and do a fantastic job with support and information. The project itself was AMAZING! I can't wait to choose my next destination! THANK YOU to everyone at Kaya!
26-05-2019
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Zain Mohammed
Fab bunch of guys offering gap year travel! Some wonderful projects :)
26-05-2016
