Description

Volunteer abroad this summer in Brazil for 1 to 12 weeks with Cross-Cultural Solutions and change the lives of local residents in the city of Salvador. As a volunteer, you will support community development while working side-by-side with local people and other international volunteers. Your work will involve educating at-risk youth, promoting childhood development, offering skill-based training and much, much more. Lodging and meals at the CCS Home-base offer a unique learning environment that is safe and designed to meet volunteer needs. Cultural activities and free time will offer insight into the local culture, people and popular sites.

As a volunteer in Brazil, you will have the unique opportunity to experience the culture of one of the most diverse nations in the world from the inside out. Brazil's population includes people of European, Asian, Arab, African and indigenous descent.

While the city of Salvador is rich in beauty, from its Atlantic coast to its Pelourihno arts district, it is also home to many shantytowns. CCS volunteers working in Brazil have the opportunity to contribute to community-based projects initiated by the residents of these shantytowns. One such town is Alagados. Meaning "flooded," it is made up of shacks built over water on stilts. Most residents are under the age of 20, and the community-based organizations help to provide them with education, employment and health care.

Volunteers in Brazil are involved with the following types of placements:
* Caring for infants and children
* Teaching children
* Teaching English
* Assisting teachers
* Observing and assisting local health professionals
* Work towards women's empowerment
* Care for the elderly
* Work with people affected by HIV/AIDS

CCS offers the following programs in Brazil:
* Volunteer Abroad -- 2 to 12 weeks
* Insight Abroad -- 1 week

Highlights

One of the most populous cities in Brazil, Salvador is surrounded by favelas or shantytowns. In many favelas, such as Alagados, most residents are under 20-years-old and have children of their own. As a result, many drop out of school and look for full-time jobs at an early age. The ever-increasing economic divide and lack of gainful employment in Salvador has led many families residing in favelas to search for better opportunities far from their hometowns, leaving children and aging parents behind. The shortage of affordable daycares, schools, and health facilities means that these children and aging citizens who cannot care for themselves are placed in already overcrowded community-based centers.

CCS volunteers in Salvador provide human support to help these community projects run more efficiently, provide individual attention, and remain self-sustainable.

Qualifications

No special skills or experience required.

Intern Types

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Visit our website for program fees.

Program Fees Include:

What you get for the fee:
* Personalized Volunteer Placement with our Partner Programs, based on your skills and interests, including all the coordination, in-person visits and communication necessary with each local organization.
* In-country Perspectives Programming that includes excursions to nearby points of interest, special events and discussions with a variety of local cultural, professional, governmental and community agencies and people.
* Cross-Cultural Solutions' Home-Base structure, providing you with a comfortable, safe place to live, the basic amenities, all of your meals, and transportation to and from all Cross-Cultural Solutions' placements and programs.
* An experienced U.S. based Cross-Cultural Solutions Program Manager (and former volunteer with Cross-Cultural Solutions) who will serve as your coordinator, guide, and liaison with our in-country staff.
* In-country basic language assistance (optional).
* Professional, locally-based staff to provide orientation, supervision and guidance throughout your stay.
* Travel medical insurance and emergency evacuation insurance, applicable to participants worldwide.
* Important documents, including in-depth pre-departure packs, orientation information, and all in-country informational materials.
* Country-based airport transportation.
* Local phone calls.
* In-coming international phone service.
* A toll-free 24-hour emergency hotline in the U.S.

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

While other volunteer programs may require certain skills or degrees, Cross-Cultural Solutions' programs are open to everyone. No matter what you believe your skill level to be, you have something meaningful and helpful to offer. We are dedicated to providing a meaningful placement for anyone willing to volunteer, and believe that the only skills required for international volunteering are a willingness to learn and an open mind.

Age Range

18 and older, young volunteers accepted with application

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Other

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Cross-Cultural Solutions's Mission Statement

Our mission is to operate volunteer programs around the world in partnership with sustainable community initiatives, bringing people together to work side-by-side while sharing perspectives and fostering cultural understanding. We are an international not-for-profit organization with no political or religious affiliations.

Year Founded

1995