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GoAbroad.com This is a special edition of the GoAbroad.com Newsletter featuring Volunteering Abroad. You will continue to receive your regular GoAbroad.com newsletter at its regular date. You may also direct any questions or comments to info@goabroad.com. We have made every effort to provide a quality resource for students around the world. We depend upon your feedback and guidance. Thank you for your support!

VolunteerAbroad.com

VolunteerAbroad.com is a directory that provides a diverse selection of volunteer programs around the world. It is a valuable resource of thousands of volunteering programs, services, advice and content. Make a difference where it counts and effect positive change now.

Is Volunteering Abroad for you?

Volunteering requires flexibility and patience. Self-starters and people who genuinely respect the host people and their culture are best for this. Volunteers never go to teach the people western ways, nor are they there to rescue the people. They go to share their energy and time with people, to experience their culture first hand and to grow themselves.

Are you open enough to accept and respect a culture no matter how different it is from your culture?

This may be one of the most difficult aspects of your volunteer experience. There will be aspects of the local culture that confound your sense of logic or challenge your sense of justice, however, remember you are the visitor. No solitary volunteer can change centuries of tradition or culture. You must look deep inside yourself and determine if you are flexible enough to respect the local culture before you go. Despite what you may have heard, your job is not to teach the superiority of western ways. Some long-term volunteer organizations like the Peace Corp may include utilizing modern technology in the fields of agriculture, education and business.

Are you comfortable with yourself?

At times you may feel isolated, particularly when you arrive in a village knowing no one. Many students travel because they are dissatisfied with the state of their life at home. This is the wrong reason to venture internationally. If you have problems at home i.e. your boyfriend, your faculty, your roommates, don't expect those problems to disappear once you are out of the US. Chances are those problems will follow you and they will be more readily apparent with the additional cultural and adjustment issues.

Many western students don't know much about themselves. You may have a schedule that includes surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals all day everyday. You are with your roommates, classmates, party friends around the clock. Many volunteers are placed in an isolated situation like a wildlife reserve or a small rural village. Your social life or the lack there of will be entirely up to you. Volunteering abroad is truly a study abroad experience. Every minute of everyday you will be a student.

Are you hungry to learn?

You may learn a new language, a new culture, a new way of life. Flexibility and patience are the keys to having a satisfying experience. Developing countries, in particular are not as obsessed with time as the US or Europe. Often schedules are ignored or appointments begin later than arranged. NGOs, international non-profits and volunteer organizations are almost always understaffed. Your itinerary will not be as smooth and well organized as a tour or a Caribbean cruise. Things may seem disorganized at times. You may have to initiate your day- to-day itinerary. You may also encounter corruption, government officials and local administrators often work in ways that don't make sense to you. You have to accept the program and offer your services within those parameters.

What will I do?

Volunteer projects are as varied as you might imagine. Generally, international volunteer experiences fall into four main arenas:

  • Community Development - placements might be building a school, setting up a water treatment facility, cleaning the streets or planting trees.
  • Education - teacher placement or acting as a teaching assistant in a local school or an adult education program.
  • Eco-Environmental work - placements might be in wildlife reserves or national parks, monitoring endangered species, or working a reforestation project.
  • Social Welfare - working with under-privileged children, working with a women's co-op, or working in a hospital or orphanage.

How do I get started?

Do your homework. Research existing volunteer programs. If you have questions about the quality of the program, ask for alumni references. VolunteerAbroad.com is one of the largest directories on the Internet. You will also find local co-ops and grass roots organizations that cannot afford paid directories here. Along with your sunscreen and mosquito netting be sure to pack your patience and flexibility. Have the experience of a lifetime!



Some Best Bets for Volunteering Abroad

World Endeavors

World Endeavors Change Your World! If you are looking for an extraordinary experience abroad, we can help you explore the possibilities. World Endeavors' mission is to become a catalyst for positive change in our community and the world through quality international programs. We provide unique volunteer placements that are designed to make a difference in local communities and in the lives of our volunteers. Volunteering promotes mutual friendship, world peace, and solidarity in addition to making a meaningful contribution.

There are a few key elements that make our programs unique:

  • Exciting Destinations
  • Affordability
  • Flexible Scheduling
  • Cultural Immersion and home-stays
  • Support and Advice
  • Incredible Experiences

World Endeavors partners with expert local on-site coordinators to provide the best custom volunteer programs. We have developed projects in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean that range from teaching and working with at-risk children to environmental and wildlife conservation. We offer flexible dates - choose your own program length from 2 weeks to 3 months.

Visit World Endeavors online or give us a call (1.800.605.0369) and see how we can help you change your world.

Read the Testimonials »



Cross-Cultural Solutions

Cross Cultural Solution Cross-Cultural Solutions is a recognized leader in the field of international volunteering. We are a non-profit organization that enables volunteers to make a meaningful contribution to the community by working side-by-side with local people, while gaining a new perspective and insight into the culture and themselves.

The volunteer work is with carefully selected Partner Programs, all of which are dynamic and inspiring community-led initiatives. Volunteers enjoy the flexibility of choosing from 12 countries, start dates year-round and programs from 1-12 weeks long. CCS offers international volunteer programs in Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Morocco, Peru, Russia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Thailand.

CCS volunteers work in the areas of Social Services, Education and Health:

  • Caring for infants & children
  • Teaching children
  • Teaching English
  • Assisting teachers
  • Observing and assisting local health professionals
  • Working with people affected by HIV/AIDS
  • Caring for the elderly
  • Caring for people with disabilities
  • Assisting teachers of Special Education
  • Working toward women's empowerment
  • Sharing your professional skills/experience

Request for more information!

Read the Testimonials »


Institute for Field Research Expeditions

ifre The Institute for Field Research Expeditions (IFRE) is a non-profit organization and a legitimate 501(C)3. In part, the objective of the mission statement of IFRE Volunteers is to offer affordable and high quality internships and volunteer abroad programs.

Whether you are returning or if this is your once in a lifetime chance to volunteer and travel abroad, rest assured the meaningful programs at IFRE Volunteers are the smart and economical solution you can trust. Your safety is a priority with our comprehensive insurance for your protection. In collaboration with local organizations, IFRE presently offers these volunteer abroad programs focused on working in orphanages, teaching English, health projects and conservation efforts. We have placed over 600 volunteers worldwide - 99% satisfied and VERY HAPPY!

Read the Testimonials »



Original Volunteers

Original Volunteers Change your life, re-charge your batteries, do some of the most crucial work you will ever have done, earn new skills, gain self confidence, make friends for life and improve your CV from as little as 12 Euros or 17 Euros per week. Every contribution makes a difference and volunteers can volunteer for as little as one week up to a year. Whatever your background, age or ability you will fill a much needed role in community work or conservation projects in diverse destinations around the world including Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Argentina, Ghana, Kenya, India and Nepal.

Original Volunteers helps volunteers to translate their generosity into practical, life-changing achievements. Almost all of our projects are funded externally which helps to ensure that when a request for assistance is made, it is your hard work and commitment which is really needed. We have teamed up with grass roots organizations around the world which provide programs that are fun, rewarding, affordable, provide chances for learning and self-development, are meaningful for volunteers and are situated in or close to some of the world's most incredible locations.

Call us within the UK:0800 345 75 82
Outside of the UK: ++ 44 1263 823 999

Visit our newsletter to see who's in Mexico, who's been and who's going!

Read the Testimonials »



United Planet

United Planet United Planet is an international non-profit organization with members and volunteers in over 150 countries. We are devoted to fostering cross-cultural understanding, promoting international friendship, and supporting communities in need in order to unite the world in a community beyond borders. United Planet's unique Volunteer Abroad Quest program combines volunteering abroad, language lessons, historical tours, fun activities, and cultural excursions to provide an incredibly fulfilling experience for volunteers as well as allowing them to contribute valuable humanitarian support.

Both skilled and unskilled volunteers of all ages and nationalities are invited to go on a United Planet Quest from 1-52 weeks in 50 countries worldwide. Short-term Quest programs range in length from 1-12 weeks. Countries available for Short-term Quests include: Ghana, Ecuador, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Nepal, Turkey, Romania, Peru, Cambodia, Japan, and others. Long-term Quest programs, available for either six months or one year, include: Iceland, Mozambique, Uganda, Thailand, Honduras, Russia, Poland, Nigeria, and still others.

Check our short-term (1-12 weeks), long-term (6 or 12 months), and group Quests!

View our feature on CNN!

Read the Testimonials »


Great Volunteer Destinations:

Types of Volunteer Work:


goabroad.com

Read journals on firsthand experiences of volunteers abroad as they immersed themselves in a foreign culture. Ask for advice and insights directly from them to help you come up with an informed decision on the type of volunteer work that would best fit you and what volunteer program to participate in.


“Maybe one day we will realize that it isn't about greed, power, politics or religion.” - Laurah, Hoduras Volunteer

“It was rewarding to see that the children actually appreciated what we did for them.” - rcabanb, Philippine Volunteer

Read more Volunteer Journals…



iNext Travel Card: The Comprehensive Travel Insurance Coverage

inextReady to go abroad? Then you're ready for iNext. Wherever you go, whether you stay a few weeks or full year, iNext will give you the support you need. Your iNext card comes with a complete network of travel insurance coverage - accident, sickness, hospital, transport, repatriation baggage, and document - fulfilled through a partnership with AIG Travel Guard the world's leading travel insurer. Select from two levels of coverage: iNext Basic (USD 25 per year) and iNext Premium (USD 45 per year).

Rail Connection

inext Travel in Style! Experience the romance, adventure, convenience and reliability of European Rail Travel. Unlimited travel in up to 18 countries. and time. Easy, fast and secure booking.


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