Description

We offer a range of volunteering opportunities across the world and in many different fields ranging from business development, caregiving, education, environment, law and human rights and more.

What do volunteers do?
Volunteers design and implement systems to deal with the solid waste and wastewater that is generated in a small organic farm. Of particular importance is a water filtration system to treat the grey water from bathing and dishwashing that is currently discharged into the nearby river. Additionally, the local community is looking to turn waste into a biofuel for small household cooking appliances. Doing so would offer an innovative waste management solution and reduce the need for environmentally unfriendly firewood, which is currently the main energy supplier in Vang Vieng. Finally, volunteers work closely with locals to manage composting efforts and lead waste management awareness and education campaigns in the community. Volunteers work five to six hours a day. As there is limited local capacity in this area, volunteers are depended upon to lead initiatives and propose fresh ideas.

Highlights

UBELONG is a social venture based in Washington, DC quickly becoming the recognized leader in short-term international volunteering. A few of the reasons why:

Affordability
Without compromising safety, flexibility and quality, we offer the most affordable international volunteering opportunities in the world.

Support
Every UBELONG volunteer is part of our extensive support structure. Before, during and after their UBELONG experience volunteers work one on one with a UBELONG Mentor. In the field they are supported by our local team leaders and local partners' staffs.

Flexibility
You decide what you do and where, when and for how long you go.

Impact
We are a social venture with the mission to support disadvantaged communities through international volunteers. We do not simply offer any project anywhere: we understand where we go and why.

Washington, DC based
DC is one of the most important international volunteering centers in the world. Our network is strong and we have unparalleled resources at our fingertips. We tap heavily into these networks to help us design safe, affordable and high-quality programs.

Experience
We are led by former volunteers who have volunteered throughout the world on every kind of project; international development professionals who have worked for organizations like the United Nations and World Bank; and university professors who still teach at Cornell and Johns Hopkins universities. From the largest to smallest details of a volunteer's experience, we know what works because we've been there ourselves.

Social responsibility
We are a social venture fundamentally rooted in promoting positive change. We strive to be honest, open and transparent in everything that we do.

Community
From students at universities to professionals at prestigious organizations to backpackers and retirees traveling for months, our volunteers come from all backgrounds and our network stretches across the world.

Qualifications

* The health and physical capability to do manual work in a tropical climate with few amenities.
* At least an intermediate level of English.
* The flexibility to participate in many different tasks depending on the season and ever-changing needs of the farm.
* The creativity and initiative to work independently and in an environment with limited resources.
* Education and/or professional experience in alternative and renewable energy, environmental science, green engineering, green technology or waste management.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Program fees USD520 (3 wks) to USD2,370 (6 mos)

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Among other services, the cost includes:

Preparation Briefing
The briefing offers you a wealth of information and helpful tips to prepare you for your trip.

UBELONG Mentor
We pair you with a UBELONG Mentor, a highly experienced member of our team who works closely with you throughout your UBELONG experience.

Safety Meeting
Prior to your departure, you have a meeting with your UBELONG Mentor. You go over staying safe during your placement, as well as tips for getting the most out of your experience. The meetings generally occur over the phone or Skype, but if you are in the same location as your UBELONG Mentor they can occur in person.

Airport pickup

Orientation
Our local team leader gives you an orientation to go over everything from getting around to the work that you will be doing.

Housing
You live with other volunteers in a safe, comfortable and welcoming home in your community.

Food
You receive breakfast, lunch and dinner every day.

24/7 in-country support
Throughout your placement, we work with our local team leader to provide you with any assistance that you may need.

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.

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Conservation
• Environment
• Sanitation

Typical Volunteer

From students at top universities to professionals at prestigious organizations to backpackers and retirees traveling for months, our volunteers come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and nationalities.

Age Range

18 & up

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Guest House

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 2-8 people

Scholarships are Available

The UBELONG Campus Leaders program empowers students to realize their leadership potential by bringing classmates together to volunteer abroad. UBELONG Campus Leaders recruit a team of eight or more of their classmates and, with our continual support, organize a trip to volunteer together in a UBELONG Immersion location. As a reward for their leadership, UBELONG Campus Leaders do not pay the UBELONG placement and program fees.

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume

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