Description

Volunteer for 1 to 11 weeks in Yaroslavl, Russia with Cross-Cultural Solutions (CCS). In Yaroslavl, you'll have the opportunity to work with children of all ages, people with disabilities, women with mental illness and retired adults in community-led organizations that provide social services and education. Volunteers will work side-by-side with locals on various projects, such as recreational activities, including creative arts & crafts projects and indoor games. CCS in-country staff in Russia all highly skilled translators who specialize in cultural exchange play an important role by supporting volunteers in planning daily projects and accompanying volunteers at their placements.

The organizations where we work always benefit from arts & crafts activities because they stimulate creativity, improve motor skills and promote communication through shared experience.

As a volunteer in Russia, you will have the unique opportunity to step inside a culture that was hidden behind "the iron curtain" for seventy years. Since the formation of the Russian Federation in 1991, Russia has seen a resurgence of efforts to recover its ancient national heritage through art, architecture and literature. Many of Russia's best places are only now being truly discovered by the outside world.

Volunteers and Interns in Russia are involved with:
* Caring for infants and children
* Teaching children
* Caring for the elderly
* Caring for people with disabilities

Cross-Cultural Solutions is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that addresses critical global issues by providing meaningful and sustainable volunteer service to communities abroad, and investing in the local economies and people.

To-date, more than 25,000 people have participated in our volunteer programs, providing over two million hours of service to communities we serve in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. The continuous, year-round service that CCS provides creates opportunities for cultural exchange; promotes education, childhood development, and healthy living; encourages domestic volunteering and awareness of community needs; breaks down stigmas and stereotypes; and improves quality of life.

Highlights

Covering 6.5 million square miles and spanning two continents and 11 time zones, Russia is the largest country in the world. Within this vast expanse, you'll find wilderness, lakes and mountains, as well as hundreds of historically and culturally rich cities.

Cross-Cultural Solutions' volunteer programs in Russia are based in Yaroslavl, the unofficial capital of Russia's "Golden Ring," a symbolic circle of ancient towns located northeast of Moscow that contain some of Russia's oldest architecture. Situated on the banks of the majestic Volga and smaller Kotorosl rivers, Yaroslavl is one of the most beautiful and historically preserved cities in Russia. Home to the country's oldest and best public theaters, the city is known for its picturesque cathedrals, gold-domed churches, ancient fortresses and monasteries, as well as for its vibrant artistic community.

Yaroslavl is part of Russia's Golden Ring, a loop of nine towns northeast of Moscow that is home to much of Russia's early handiwork in art and architecture. Dating from the 11th century, Yaroslavl sits along the Volga River; it once prospered as a merchant's town and an important trading port between Europe and the Middle East. Along with housing Russia's first drama theater and some of its most beautiful churches, Yaroslavl is home to eleven orphanages, 200 industrial enterprises, and more than half a million people. Most evident in the streets of Yaroslavl is the strong folk culture that distinguishes Russians from other ethnic groups. Best known by its decorative arts, such as the matryoshka dolls, intricate embroidery and knitting, and its music, dress and dancing, this folk culture is a charming part of visiting in Yaroslavl.

The people of Russia, known for their serious, no-nonsense disposition, can be disarmingly warm. While it's typical for Russians to be cautious of inappropriately laughing or smiling, they are quick to smile back at friendly passers-by. Their hospitality is almost endless, and once invited into a Russian home you can expect to be offered a giant embrace and a glass of vodka.

From its children to its elderly, Russia's people love to tell stories. After getting to know you, they will openly share their folktales, superstitions and their own personal stories from Russia's recent past. Their passion and dedication to all that they do captures the depth and breadth of Russia's cultural and historical roots.

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

• Community Development

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, younger 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