Description

Welcome to the Crescent City
Spend your spring break helping to rebuild a great American city! In 2005, the floods after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. When the levees broke the city and surrounding areas were inundated with an average of five feet of water (and up to 20 feet in parts of the Ninth Ward and St. Bernard Parish). More than five years later, New Orleans is still recovering and trying to preserve its cultural heritage. Recent hurricanes have hindered this healing process, but they have also taught new ways to protect the Gulf Coast. Come discover this unique part of the country and help locals rebuild their beautiful city!

Lend a Hand
You'll work closely with local organizations to help construct and renovate homes, beautify the city's schools and neighborhoods, and learn what it takes to rebuild the structure of a major U.S. city. Cultural recovery is also important to the people of New Orleans, and you will work to help locals regain a sense of community. Many wonder if a drowned city can ever be rebuilt. We believe it can and so do the people of New Orleans. Give a week to support the cause!

Groove to the Blues
Life in New Orleans revolves around two core elements: food and music. Live songs stream from street corners, restaurants, coffee shops, impromptu concerts in the park, and festivals at all hours of the day. Jazz was born in this historic town, but from rock 'n roll to reggae, the city welcomes all forms of musical expression. Learn about how jazz started and become immersed in the musical culture that nurtured greats such as Louis Armstrong and Harry Connick, Jr. You'll get to know the sounds of bluegrass, jazz, Cajun, rock, blues, pop, hip hop, country, R&B, folk, and reggae that together create the unique soundtrack that permeates all parts of the Crescent City.

Life in the Big Easy
When you're not working to rebuild New Orleans, you'll have a chance to explore and take in this unique international city. The city boasts many ethnic influences, including African, French, Cajun, Haitian, and Spanish, and the food and traditions reflect this cultural melting pot. Relax in the French Quarter, listen to live music in one of the city's many historic neighborhoods, and try to spot alligators down in the bayou. Sample flavorful Cajun favorites such as etouffee and jambalaya, and learn about the many ways residents celebrate their cultural identity.

Zydeco and Fais Do-Do
New Orleanians have their own language; learn a little before you leave! Ride the streetcar, try some gumbo, and boil crawfish (not crayfish!). Learn about zydeco music and dance a little fais do-do. Meet the Mardi Gras Indians and ride across the Mississippi in a steamboat. By the time you leave, you'll have learned the local lingo and fallen in love with the Big Easy.

If you're interested in spending spring break relaxing on your couch, then this program is not for you. But if you want to spend a rewarding and exciting week rebuilding an important American city and learning about a new part of the country, then you're the perfect fit. You'll earn 36 community service hours for full participation in this program.

Highlights

REBUILD a great American city and work alongside New Orleanians who are reclaiming their communities.

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

BECOME a part of life in the Big Easy as you listen to zydeco music, spot alligators in the bayou, and sample flavorful gumbo.

LEARN about the fascinating history and lively culture that have made New Orleans such an important American city.

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 1,495

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

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

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