Description

If you've ever fancied really getting away from it all, forget exotic beaches or desert islands: volunteering in Mongolia on our Nomad Project is the thing for you! Forty percent of the population of Mongolia are from nomad families; people who wander the endless steppe on camels or horses, with their livestock. Sign up for our Nomadic Life placement and you'll join a group of Mongolian nomads and experience a way of living that has barely changed in a thousand years.

Our cultural project in Mongolia is a unique volunteering opportunity. Working and living with some of Mongolia's nomads allows you to learn about a unique group of people and their ancient way of life through your own personal experiences. It is also a good opportunity to gain experience of looking after animals such as goats, cows, yaks and horses.

Volunteers live with a family in large round tents known as Gers which are surprisingly cozy and comfortable. Your daily life may include riding horses to move herds of yaks or cattle, caring for livestock, helping to produce dairy products such as butter and cheese and maybe teaching a little English. It is a great way to learn more about this ancient way of life and how it is being affected by modern-day Mongolia. In exchange for helping with the animals or playing with the children, your host family will fully involve you in their domestic life.

Volunteers with an interest in sports will find themselves very popular if they join in with games of basketball and volleyball. You can get to know your nomad family better by playing traditional Mongolian games, teaching some English and perhaps learning a bit of the Mongol language. In addition to this, you are sure to get involved with the milking of the livestock. And all the while you will be enjoying the spectacular scenery of the Mongolian Steppe.

Highlights

Life in Mongolia is never dull. If you're after a different kind of adventure it's definitely the place to consider. You will be living in one of the world's most remote countries. Once outside of the capital, you will find that 'roads' marked on maps are not really roads and 'settlements' can be small and temporary. If you have a taste for adventure, you will want to explore the remote Altai Mountains and the Gobi Desert.

Travel opportunities might take you across the Steppe, where you could stay with a local nomadic tribe in a Ger. The unusual experiences you'll have will really make the trip worthwhile. You may find yourself gathering camel dung to put on the fire! You will certainly be riding horses, and drinking the traditional Mongolia drink airaag, fermented milk which can be either alcoholic or non-alcoholic.

Even in Ulaanbaatar, you will soon realize that it's quite a different kind of capital city. Yes, there are bars and restaurants, but there's a lot of tradition too. Try the local food, especially the mutton. It's also easy to get a quick fix of the country life even while you're based in Ulaanbaatar. The capital is flanked by the "four holy peaks", with forests and grasslands full of animal and bird life, you are very close to ideal hiking territory!

Qualifications

No qualifications or experience necessary.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please go to our website for prices.

Cost Includes:

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

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Open-minded with a desire to travel.

Age Range

16-70

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

10 days

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement

As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded

1992