Description

Global Citizens Network (GCN) sends small teams of participants to rural communities around the world where they are immersed in the daily life of the community. Trips to Tanzania last two to three weeks, depending on the site; each team is led by a trained GCN team leader. The team works on projects initiated by people in the local community, for the benefit of the community. Projects have focused around expansion of school buildings. Participants should be aware that project work is subject to change.

As worthwhile and fulfilling as the work you do will be, the true rewards come from the cross-cultural learning which takes place on these trips. A unique and integral component of your experience includes daily activities of cross-cultural learning. You may test your skills making local food, visiting a nearby family farm, learning a local dance, and discovering the history and rich traditions of the area.

When you have the chance to learn first-hand about people from other cultures, you will feel connected to others in ways you may have never experienced before.

Highlights

Located on the eastern coast of Africa and over twice the size of California, Tanzania is a very diverse country, ranging in climate from tropical to temperate, in terrain from jungle to plains to highlands, and in elevation from 0 (Indian Ocean) to 19,340 feet (Mt. Kilimanjaro). Home to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, it is world famous for its game preserves.

Qualifications

Although no special skills are required to participate, we believe everyone has skills--some yet to be discovered. Each participant contributes what they can. If any expertise is needed for a project, the local community will provide these skills.

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 2,850

Cost Includes:

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

Program Fees Include:

The program cost covers in-country travel and lodging, most meals, orientation materials, medical and emergency evacuation insurance, a share of the team leader's expenses (team leaders are not paid) and a donation to the village project. Airfare is additional. All trip-related expenses are tax-deductible in the U.S.

Many people ask why they have to pay to volunteer. GCN receives no outside funding or grants and other than two part time time staff people is completely volunteer driven. Also, while individuals may be able to travel for less to many of these places, GCN provides the entrance into a village and exposure to a culture that one could not receive if traveling solo to these places. Through the long-term partnerships that GCN has established with communities around the world, participants gain a unique perspective into life in a Tanzanian village or on the Navajo Indian Reservation.

Credit Available

yes

Salary/Pay

Experience of a lifetime.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Participants range in age from 8 on upwards, and come from the U.S., Canada and beyond. Students, nurses, computer programmers, social workers, teachers, families, individuals and retirees...these are just some of the people who join our trips.

Age Range

8 - 80+

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 6-12

Scholarships are Available

Global Citizens Network scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial & circumstantial need. Because our Scholarship Fund is very limited, we generally award scholarships to those who would otherwise not be able to participate without financial help; please keep this in mind when you are applying. Scholarships are awarded for up to USD 250 (domestic), USD 400 (international) per individual, USD 500 per family per year.

Application Process Involves

• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 week

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Global Citizens Network's Mission Statement

In partnership with people of diverse cultures, GCN promotes cross-cultural understanding and interconnectedness through authentic immersion experiences.

Year Founded

1992