Description

Colombia, located in the northwest corner of South America holds many resources and natural beauties such as the Andes mountains, brilliant volcanoes and tropical rain forests. With a population of over 44 million people, Columbia has a variety of options for volunteers hoping to relieve social problems, through assistance in orphanages, environmental legislation, non-profit organizations and more.

United Planet's Volunteer Abroad Quest program 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.

Colombia:

In a society where family is of utmost importance, you would become a son or daughter of a Colombian household. Dance the Meringue, play soccer or dodge a few bulls on your time off, supporting the local systems and culture.

Specific projects in Colombia:

* Education Projects: Volunteers work with organizations that help children and teenagers to stay in school and off the streets. Tasks may include creating or running workshops for language, computer, sports or music instruction with the goal of encouraging at-risk youth to stay in school and gain new skills.

* Social Projects: Volunteers help children from a variety of disadvantaged backgrounds including street children, disabled children, children from troubled families, those who have suffered abuse and orphans. Volunteers can assist organizations with fundraising, supervising children's play time, developing activities and workshops, or supporting families from some of the poorest areas through counseling.

Qualifications

Male or female, Age: 18 - 27. He/she should like to deal and work with children. The volunteer must be patient, open-minded, social, flexible, creative, preferably with manual skills.

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 or in Groups

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