Description

More than five years after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, New Orleans is still struggling to rebuild both its structures and its sense of community. Flooding destroyed homes throughout the city and displaced many families to different parts of the country. Many New Orleans natives are still scattered across the United States, and many of those who have returned are living in substandard housing. But many new faces have also moved down to help out and, together with those residents who have returned, they are rebuilding the city. Come join them to help transform the beautiful Crescent City and bring its residents back home!

The Birthplace of Jazz
It is rumored that blues and jazz, the roots of all modern American music, were first played in Congo Square, just outside the French Quarter. Today music still seeps into every part of life in New Orleans. You'll hear traditional tunes in historic Preservation Hall and experience a world-class local music scene that embraces styles ranging from rock and hip-hop to Cajun. Come let the city's energy rub off on you and discover what so many musicians sing about.

Taste the Local Flavor
New Orleans is a vibrant city, and you'll really have the chance to experience it like a local. When not helping out with the rebuilding efforts, you'll explore the city's famous sights, food, music, and traditions. The people of Louisiana celebrate over 500 festivals each year, and you may have the chance to join them for a few of these events while you're here. The fais dodo, zydeco music, Mardi Gras Indians, jazz funerals, second lines - these are just a few of the traditions that make New Orleans unique. Food is also a particularly integral part of the culture, and the area's many ethnic influences have contributed to a cuisine exclusive to the Crescent City. Try fresh crawfish, gumbo, seafood po-boys, jambalaya, calas, and alligator while you're down here!

Give Back to the People of this Great City
Help us rebuild this great American city. You'll work alongside New Orleanians in an effort to bring the city's residents back and rebuild the community, the surrounding bayou, and the homes that were flooded. You'll work on service projects with local organizations throughout New Orleans and the surrounding parishes (counties) that range from construction and environmental restoration to community rebuilding and collaboration with local students. New Orleanians sincerely appreciate the work we put in, and we are always welcomed with true Southern hospitality.

Highlights

REBUILD New Orleans' damaged structures and displaced communities through hands-on service work.

SHAPE the future of the city's historic neighborhoods by helping to preserve their rich cultural heritage.

IMMERSE yourself in a distinct culture as you explore regional cuisine, music, traditions, and wildlife.

SPOT alligators in the bayou, check out a Creole sugar plantation, and eat fresh crawfish on the banks of the Mississippi.

SHOW New Orleanians that they have not been forgotten.

Qualifications

Students must be 15-years old and up to participate on the program. Additionally, participants must submit an application through the Rustic Pathways website and complete the appropriate documents before traveling on the program.

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 2,595

Cost Includes:

• Travel while in host country
• Housing
• Food
• Excursions
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Written materials pre-departure
• Written materials abroad

Program Fees Include:

The above cost includes all ground transportation in-country, 3 meals a day, housing, staff through the duration of the program, all supplies for the volunteer projects and all excursions on the program itinerary not listed as optional.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Building Maintenance
• Building/construction Projects
• Conservation
• Relief

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-2 business days

Rustic Pathways's Mission Statement

Rustic Pathways is a pioneer in providing superior quality travel and service programs for students and families in some of the world's most welcoming countries. Rustic Pathways demands professionalism and integrity across all of its operations, insists on quality in all aspects of its programs, and places the safety of its students above all other considerations. We enrich the lives of our students and our staff, benefit the parts of the world we serve, and build cultural bridges that lead to greater global understanding and cooperation.

Year Founded

1983