Description

Volunteering in Sweden is your chance to explore a beautiful part of the world while assisting with local challenges. In Sweden you will feel at ease in your new environment quickly, surrounded by a community that is awaiting your arrival.

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.

Sweden:

Sweden sits in Northern Europe and boasts a high standard of education. In addition, it is home to one of the longest life expectancies in the world and the highest representation of women in government. In many respects Sweden is a country of relatively small class differences. On the downside, unemployment, housing shortages and other social problems are more common today than they used to be.

Specific projects in Sweden:

* People with Disabilities: Volunteers work with physically and mentally disabled people in local centers. In general, volunteers assist people in school and with their everyday activities. In some projects, the people live in a community village together with staff and they work together on handicrafts, farming etc.

* Working with the Elderly: Volunteers work with older people who live in special homes or centers with full-time staff assisting them in their daily activities. Volunteers tasks are likely to include assisting the residents with a range of activities and in being a helping hand for the staff. It is important that volunteers make an effort to learn some Swedish, since not all of the residents speak other languages.

* Drug Addiction Projects: Volunteers work in homes for youth (14-20 years old) with social problems. This project aims to prevent social exclusion, criminality and violence through a wide spectrum of pre-emptive social activities, education programs and consultation. Volunteers provide care to the youth, run programs for them and encourage them to raise their self-esteem and confidence.

* Environmental Projects: Volunteer's work on farms in Sweden in an ecologically sustainable society. Tasks may include feeding and taking care of animals or work with planting, harvesting, and everything in between. There may also be administrative work included.

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