GoAbroad.com

Description

Make a direct impact on the city of Austin, located deep in the heart of Texas. Because of the high quality of life in Austin, there is a high emphasis on social, environmental and community issues. Thus, Cultural Embrace offers ample opportunities to gain a rewarding volunteer experience from projects in fields that interest you. Work with at-risk and at-need individuals, whether they are immigrants trying to learn English, youngsters who need a hand with their school work, young adults that seek moral support to improve their economic viability, or elders that are looking for a new friend. Choose to work in a variety of resource centers, such as: a homeless shelter, a health clinic, an animal rescue shelter, a nursing home, a community day-care or a food bank. Or, if you envision getting your hands dirty, literally, opt to work in the many city parks and greenbelts to improve nature conservation, or give a hand in building homes for the under-privileged or city environmental projects.

Now is your chance to experience the capital of Texas, a city renowned for its music, food, academia, arts, culture, and 'weirdness!' Come spend some time getting to know one of United States' most livable cities, helping at-need communities and enjoying the many social and recreational activities, as well as optional English or Spanish language lessons and academic test preparation courses (i.e. SAT, ACT, LSAT, GMAT, TOEFL and more) available. Cultural Embrace partners with local community organizations to help children, families, and the community. By contributing your time, energy and passion to others, you will gain a memorable and meaningful experience to "Keep Austin Weird".

Highlights

Volunteer in Austin, Texas USA Offers:
* A first-hand experience to see and improve the communities in Austin.
* A broader perspective on world views.
* Opportunity to learn Austin's lifestyles and community initiatives as well as other cultural activities (ie: music, language, crafts, dance, etc.).
* Memorable experiences while traveling and experiencing one of the most 'livable' cities in the USA.
* Lifelong friends from all around the globe.
* International work and cultural experiences that strengthen your resume.
* Support and development of self-confidence and personal skills.

Cultural Embrace Offers:
* Guaranteed volunteer placement
* Customized volunteer placement(s) will be organized prior to your departure.
* Accommodations
Basic, clean & comfortable housing is included in your program. Most housing will be in a shared dorm room (2-4 people).
* Meals
At least two meals a day, six days per week are included with your program. Meal plans will depend per project and destination, usually a family style or cafeteria meal plan. Dietary and allergy restrictions will be met with advanced notice.
* Optional English or Spanish Language Lessons or Academic Test Preparation Course
Private and small group lessons to improve your English or Spanish language, or to improve your test-taking skills (i.e. SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, TOEFL, etc.) may be offered upon request before, during or after volunteer placement for nominal fees.
* Arrival Assistance
Airport or bus station pickup and transfer to your housing are included with your program every first Saturday of the month. If you arrive on a different date, we will provide you with detailed instructions of your housing details.
* Orientation & Training
You will receive training of your responsibilities and tasks, as well as local orientation of the area
from our local coordinators on the first Sunday of every month.
* Cultural Embrace Cultural Kit
You will receive useful information prior to your departure to prepare you for your adventure abroad.
* Full-time pre-departure and local support
* Visa assistance (if applicable)
Cultural Embrace will assist you with the process to obtain the proper visa, but we have no control or guarantees of government issuances and visa availability.

Qualifications

* Volunteers must be at least the age of 18 (or with parent consent.)
* Basic English skills. We offer optional English and Spanish language lessons for a nominal fee before, during, or after your volunteer project.
* Enjoy working and serving at-need or at-risk communities.
* Open to foreign cultures and living abroad.
* Dependable and dedicated to full-term of commitment
* Responsible and conscientious with volunteer projects and accommodations

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

From 925 for 1 week

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials pre-departure

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Dormitory
• Group living
• Home-stays
• Other

Participants Travel to United States

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of varies

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

2 weeks-1 year

Cultural Embrace's Mission Statement

Our mission is to encourage people to recognize and appreciate cultural diversity. We believe that visiting a place firsthand allows one to truly experience the authenticity of a culture and develop his/her own impressions. Our goals are to provide quality service and opportunities for people to explore their world and enlighten their eyes, mind and heart. Traveling is a reciprocated flow of communication and interaction between people...the more you seek, the more you learn. "Discover the Similarities - Share the Differences"