Description

HELP International provides college students and young professionals the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in poverty alleviation. We work with communities in Peru, Belize, El Salvador, Fiji, India, Thailand, Tanzania, and Uganda on a variety of community development projects. HELP International's approach involves participants collaborating with local leaders to design and implement meaningful programs and projects to assist individuals, families, and communities.

To provide participants with the tools necessary to assist these communities, they are trained in teaching basic business skills, teaching Square Foot Gardening (for home gardens), teaching English as a second language, orphanage care and therapy, community health principles, and other important skills and theories. These basic skills are then applied to projects in a variety of community settings, including literacy education, service at schools and orphanages, and after-school activities that promote physical, emotional, and social health.

Highlights

International Volunteers Become Social Entrepreneurs

HELP International is committed to training participants to improve community mobilization in developing countries, while having a life-changing experience themselves. The most effective development projects are initiated and embraced by the local community, leading to changes which benefit the local population for years after the HELP International participants return home. Likewise, the best experience a participant can have is to learn how to be actively involved in positive social change for the rest of their lives.

Qualifications

Participants must be 18 years of age or older (no minors, including children, can accompany participants) at the time they go in-country with their HELP International program. Those interested in participating with HELP International must submit an online application with their desired country (Belize, El Salvador, Fiji, India, Thailand, or Uganda), basic identification information, answers to two essay questions, a letter of intent, and two letters of recommendation. Additionally, all applicants are interviewed by the HELP International staff prior to acceptance into the program. Foreign language fluency is not required for any of our Central American programs, but there are only a limited number of non-fluent positions available on each team. After acceptance into a country program, participants are required to attend a total of 20 hours of training classes regarding their health and security while serving overseas and classes to prepare participants to be effective development agents.

Intern Types

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 2,850

Program Fees Include:

We ask that participants fund their own experience by paying a program fee of USD 2,850 and the cost of airfare. Generous discounts are available and most volunteers choose to fundraise all or a portion of their cost. The program fee remains the same regardless of your length of stay in-country (6 weeks to 4 months). This cost will cover all your lodging, in-country project transportation, and food expenses. All personal expenses, including souvenirs, personal care items, and entertainment are to be paid for by participants.

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

* College age * Undergraduate * Self-motivated * Able to work in diverse settings * Able to live and work with others

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Scholarships are Available

Based on need and effort to fundraise

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Phone/Video Interview
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 week

Post Services Include

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

HELP International's Mission Statement

The mission of HELP International is to empower people to fight global poverty through sustainable, life-changing development programs.

Year Founded

1998