Description

Join a group of eight to ten people for a life changing ten day journey during which you travel with UBELONG Expedition Leaders Raul Roman and Cedric Hodgeman to learn about international development issues. Raul is a professor of international development at Johns Hopkins and Cornell Universities and Cedric is leading social entrepreneur who has worked on grassroots projects throughout the world.

The Expedition offers a firsthand look at poverty alleviation efforts in Peru, with a focus on Lima and Cusco. Although Peru has experienced sustained economic growth in the past decade, millions of Peruvians continue living in poverty, particularly in the outskirts of cities like Lima and rural provinces like Cusco. The Expedition team learns about the complex dimensions of economic development and poverty in Peru from representatives of grassroots organizations, multilateral development institutions, the private sector, and universities. Participants also visit projects in different areas including agriculture, business development, education and health.

Before the trip, the Expedition team prepares by completing a set of readings and attending an online briefing session. In the field, Expedition participants engage in guided group discussions on a daily basis and, while in Cusco, serve as volunteers in a community project. The team also enjoys various recreational activities, including a visit to Machu Picchu.

Highlights

Benefits of Joining?
Invest in your career
Expeditions offer an unparalleled opportunity to obtain international experience. Past Expedition members have used their experience to obtain jobs at USAID, the Inter-American Development Bank and Chemonics, and to get admitted at Johns Hopkins' SAIS.

Step out of your comfort zone
Traveling to a different country to apply your skills, interact with locals and add value is challenging. Step from behind media headlines and learn by doing. Get your boots dirty.

Connect with the best
Join a dynamic and supportive team of outstanding individuals. Your fellow participants will come from various backgrounds and be linked by an insatiable desire to learn, grow and make a difference.

Learn from leaders
Your Expedition Leaders are leading development professionals. Raul has worked at the highest levels of development and is an adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins' SAIS and Cornell. Cedric has worked with grassroots organizations throughout the world to address some of the most pressing global challenges and is a leading social entrepreneur.

Have fun!
Experience a fascinating country with a tightly-knit team. And do not be surprised if you make lifelong friends.

Cost?
USD2,000, which includes everything except for your airfare to Peru. Following the UBELONG mission, we offer the highest quality experiences at the lowest possible cost. Yes, it is a unique opportunity at a great price.

Next Steps?
Read more about the Expedition on the UBELONG site, contact us if you have questions and apply. It's easy.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Qualifications

Requirements to Join?
The Expedition is open to everyone with at least two years of higher education in any field of study and fluent in English.

Intern Types

Languages

• English

Subject Areas

• Social Work
• Travel / Tourism

Cost in US$:

USD2,000

Program Fees Include:

Everything except for your airfare to Peru. Following the UBELONG mission, we offer the highest quality experiences at the lowest possible cost. Yes, it is a unique opportunity at a great price. The details:

Before your trip
Easy online application
You can apply online using our application form. We use the application to get to know you and make sure that you join an Expedition that is right for you based on your background, interests and skills.

Preparation Briefing
The briefing offers you a wealth of information and helpful tips to prepare you for your trip. Topics range from health, safety and visa issues to the development challenges that your host community faces.

Pre-Expedition Meeting
The Expedition team meets over Skype to go over the logistics of the Expedition, as well as to introduce the team and answer any questions. Both Expedition Leaders are present and lead the briefing.

Donation to the UBELONG Fund
We donate a portion of your placement fee to the UBELONG Fund, our philanthropic arm that empowers our former volunteers to remain involved in public service and volunteering after they return home.

During your trip
Expedition leader guidance and support
Both Expedition Leaders travel with the team and provide 24/7 guidance, leadership and support.

Machu Picchu visit
The Expedition team goes on a two day, one night visit of Machu Picchu. The visit includes a four to six hour hike along the Inca Trail.

Housing
All accommodations are included and range from hostels to hotels to family stays.

Food
You receive breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. Meals are served in a variety of establishments, including cafes, local families and restaurants.

Transport
All transport within Peru, which includes airport pickup when you arrive in Lima, the roundtrip flight from Lima to Cusco and the train transport to Machu Picchu.

Travel medical insurance
We provide you with travel medical insurance with emergency evacuation for the duration of the Expedition.

After your trip
Reference letter
Upon request, we provide you with a letter stating that you have participated in one of our programs.

Fundraising and networking
We hold fundraising and networking events throughout the year to support development initiatives. Join us online, in Washington, DC or wherever in the world we are holding an event.

Share the Good Campaign
Refer a friend and help us mobilize volunteers to support our projects. For each friend, we give you USD30 cash, give your friend USD30 off on his or her placement and donate USD30 to the UBELONG Fund.

United States President's Volunteer Service Award
If you are a U.S. citizen and either a UBELONG Campus Leader or a volunteer who shared your story in our Volunteer Abroad Voices interview series, we will award you the award, which we have been certified to give as a U.S. based international volunteering organization committed to the highest standards.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Education
• Social Services, Social Work
• Teaching
• Women

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Guest House
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 8 to 10

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone/Video Interview

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-3 days

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

UBELONG's Mission Statement

-Grassroots action: To improve the economic and social conditions of disadvantaged communities in the developing world by empowering volunteers to work on grassroots projects driven by locally identified needs. -Experiences for all: To mobilize people of all backgrounds and provide them with inspiring volunteering experiences that are affordable and flexible. -Connecting people: To bring people together to advance cross-cultural understanding, increase awareness of international development issues and promote lifelong civic engagement.

Year Founded

2009