Description

Combine your travel with Fun, Real People and a Purpose. These unique and sustainable cultural exchanges focus on connecting people through Homestays, community-based volunteering and exploring arts and culture.

* Global Awareness Adventures are generally 10 days to 3 weeks long
* Group sizes are small, from 8 to 15 participants
* Customized programs can be requested for community groups, high schools, universities, teachers, organizations or families
* All participants must apply and be accepted to ensure that the Global Awareness Adventure program is the right fit for them
* Participants are asked to share with others what they've learned upon their return
* Included in every program fee is the purchase of carbon offsets for the whole group's air travel, basic travel health insurance with the Volunteer Card and a monetary contribution to the host NGO's development projects.

Highlights

Program Elements:

* A look into both Rural and City Life
* Volunteer with host communities
* Cultural Immersion through Homestays
* Gain exposure to Global Issues and access to Tools for Change
* Learn about the host culture through language, art, music, dance and cooking workshops
* Make real and lasting connections

Qualifications

Qualifications vary depending on position. Development sector internships are from entry to mid level range. Global Awareness Adventure programs require that applicants be in good health and have some international experience.

Type of Programs

• Adventure Travel
• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration
• Language Immersion
• Student Tours

Languages

• Arabic
• English
• Hindi
• Swahili
• Turkish

Cost in US$:

USD 1,500 - 3,700

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Medical insurance
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

* Carbon Offsets
* Volunteer Card Travel Health Insurance
* Contribution to the Host NGO Development Project

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

The typical CulturaLinks USA volunteer is someone who considers themselves to be a Global Citizen in training. Volunteers are humble and have a big heart and are ready to listen to what is needed by the host community. Volunteers in our programs are interested in making genuine connections and helping to break down stereotypes.

Age Range

16 - 80

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Dormitory
• Group living
• Guest House
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 5 - 15

Application Process Involves

• Disciplinary Clearance Form
• Essay
• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone/Video Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

2 - 4 weeks

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

CulturaLinks USA's Mission Statement

To inspire active Global Citizenship and facilitate friendship across borders by providing unique and sustainable cultural exchanges.

Year Founded

2006