Description

Volunteer with United Planet in New Zealand, and have the experience of a lifetime! The scenery in breath-taking, and the people some of the friendliest you may ever meet. You can make a difference in the lives of those in need in the communities by contributing through farm work, social projects, or environmental projects. There is so much to see and do in New Zealand!

United Planet's Volunteer Abroad Quest program, celebrating 60 years of long-term voluntary service, offers signature pre-departure and in-country training, personal volunteer support, meaningful volunteer opportunities, diverse cultural and learning activities, local excursions, a strong host family network, and much more.

Highlights

Long-term Volunteer Quests are available for 6 months and 1 year. Volunteers receive personal and customized support and take part in intensive pre-departure training and in-country orientations as well as mid-year and final year camps with other volunteers from all over the world. You do not need any specific skills or language abilities to take part. You will attain new skills, competencies, and broadened global perspectives through your involvement in the long-term Quest program!

As a long-term volunteer, you will have the exciting opportunity to gain an even deeper understanding and appreciation of a foreign land and culture through service, language and inter-cultural training, cultural learning activities, and exploration.

United Planet is the proud US and Canadian partner within the International Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE) Federation, the oldest long-term volunteering federation in the world. With over 60 years of experience, the ICYE Federation has a proven track record and upholds the highest standards for excellence in serving both the volunteers and the communities involved.

There are many interesting destinations both in developed and developing countries. You can support children in communities throughout France and Italy; assist in agricultural, environmental, and community projects in New Zealand, Nepal, and India; help with AIDS/HIV programs in Uganda, Russia, Nigeria, or assist in human rights issues in Brazil, Bolivia, Mozambique, and Lithuania. These are just a few of the many opportunities that we offer!

United Planet is committed to the accessibility of programs for all. For less than the cost of living independently in many of our program countries, you can participate in a fully supported and well-structured international voluntary exchange program with over 60 years of experience. We hope that you will recognize and take advantage of this special opportunity.

New Zealand:

Seen a Lord of the Rings movie lately? If so, you'll recognize New Zealands beautiful landscapes from scenes in the epic trilogy, including vast mountain chains, steaming volcanoes, sweeping coastlines, deeply indented fjords and lush rainforests. As opposed to many other English-speaking outposts the world over, the Maori culture of the indigenous people of New Zealand is still visible and celebrated in this small country full of character.

Specific projects:

* Farm projects: Volunteers may work on cow, horse, sheep or beef farms.Volunteers live with the family on the farm, giving the opportunity to experience a very different lifestyle. Daily activities may include feeding and moving animals, milking cows, driving a tractor or a motorbike and other outdoor activities. Prepare to get dirty!

* Social work projects: Volunteers can work with intellectually handicapped people, elderly, disabled children or disabled adults. Duties at these projects range from laundry to kitchen work, housework, care giving, and companionship for the residents and helping out wherever needed.

* Environmental projects: Volunteers are part of teams that work at restoring, replanting and maintaining the local environment. Volunteers will also help with educating the community that they live in as well as the wider community about the environmental situation in which they are working. Some environmental projects will involve working with the native animals of New Zealand.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing

Program Fees Include:

* Food & lodging in your host country (host family or residential live-in at project)
* Local transportation to the volunteer site
* Health, accident, and third party liability insurance
* Preparation before departure/ evaluation on return
* In-country orientation, language course, mid-year camp, and final evaluation
* Intensive support and supervision during your year
* Monthly stipend for incidental expenses
* Diverse cultural and learning opportunities

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

People of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to join us. We are extremely proud of our international volunteers. Each and every volunteer strives to be a good ambassador through their flexibility, courage, open-mindedness, positive spirit, and genuine desire to make a difference. To help prepare you for the predictable and unpredictable aspects of your time abroad, you will be offered comprehensive pre-departure training and in-country orientations, as well as personal support from our Program Coordinators. We will work with you to help you gain the tools you need for a fun, safe and successful volunteer abroad experience.

Age Range

18 and up

This Program is open to

American and Canadian Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Phone/Video Interview
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

24hours

United Planet's Mission Statement

As an international non-profit organization, United Planet (UP) strives to create a world in which all people understand, respect, and support one another. United Planet's global network of leaders and volunteers fosters cross-cultural understanding and addresses shared challenges to unite the world in a community beyond borders. In 2008, United Planet was one of only ten organizations selected by CNN to be part of its "Be the Change" initiative.

Year Founded

2001