Description

As a volunteer in Finland, you will be exposed to a pleasant and happy culture, and will also have the opportunity to learn or improve upon your Finnish language skills. Volunteering in Finland has the added benefits of enhancing your personal development, creating a better understanding of world issues, and gaining tolerance and open-mindedness all while providing crucial support to local communities.

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.

Finland:

Finland is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of northern Europe. It is the oldest modern democracy in the world and is home to a unique environment where the sun does not set for 73 days during the summer! A small and unassuming country with many pleasures, Finland is ranked as the sixth happiest country in the world.

Specific projects in Finland:

* Education Projects: Volunteers work in a kindergarten or elementary school, which is a great opportunity for cultural learning and practicing your Finnish!

* Social Projects: Volunteers have the opportunity to work at a foster home or at an organization that works with people with disabilities. These projects aim to provide their inhabitants with family-like surroundings, close contacts, as well as advance their development and sense of security. Volunteers normally learn about and assist in various types of therapy, art classes, handicrafts, workshops, agriculture, garden work, animal care, and more.

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

• Childcare/children
• Disability Issues
• Education
• Teaching
• Volunteering

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