Description

The world becomes your classroom and experience your greatest teacher!

Through a combination of volunteer community service work, homestays, outdoor adventure, and intense developing world travel, each Youth International participant is set up for a dynamic first-hand learning experience about the region in which they are traveling. At the same time, they are presented with a unique environment and opportunity for self-discovery.

Teams of up to 14 people between the ages of 18 and 25 travel together, with two group leaders. For a full 12-week semester they explore three different countries in one region of the world.

Youth International has been sending groups on learning adventures abroad since 1997, and offers three separate trips: Asia (Thailand, India, and Vietnam), South America (Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador), and Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and Namibia).

All three trips are offered twice each year: once in the fall semester which runs from September to December, and once in the spring semester which runs from February to May.

(*Youth International does not affiliate with, or adhere to, any specific religious or philosophical doctrine, and has no political affiliations or agenda.)

Highlights

Live with a tribal family in the mountains of Thailand while helping to build a school for their community, visit the Taj Mahal, meditate with Tibetan monks in the Himalayan mountains, hike along ancient footpaths connecting remote tribal villages in the hills of Vietnam, and much more... These are examples of just a few highlights on a trip that holds new adventures around every corner!

Youth International sends teams to Asia every year from September to December and February to May. Each team travels for 12 weeks through Thailand, India, and Vietnam.

The next available Asia program is in spring 2012. The full tentative itinerary for that trip is as follows:

Colorado, USA (February 11 to 14):
For three days team members will live together in residence at the YMCA of the Rockies Conference Center in Estes Park, Colorado. In the midst of this spectacular Rocky Mountain setting they will take part in a series of orientation workshops covering topics such as team building, health and safety, cultural sensitivity, and more, in preparation for their time abroad.
*A detailed orientation schedule will be handed out upon arrival in Colorado.

Feb. 14-15: Flight to Asia:
The Team will depart Colorado's Rocky mountains on the morning of Feb. 14. They will fly together from Denver, across the Pacific Ocean, to Bangkok, Thailand.
*Flight details will be provided at a later date.

Thailand (February 15 to March 14)

Feb. 15-17: Bangkok:
Time to begin exploring this great Asian capital, including such sites as the Grand Palace, the floating markets, and the National Museum.
On the evening of Feb. 17, the team will board an overnight train heading north to Chiang Mai.

Feb. 18-19: Chiang Mai:
Time to explore the endless temples, and bustling markets of Thailand's large northern capital city.
On Feb. 19, travel by bus to village home stay.

Feb. 19-26: Village Home stay:
For one week the team will live in homes with Thai families in a small village about two hours outside of Chiang Mai. They will learn about local life by living it themselves. Days will be split up into three sections. Early mornings will be spent helping families with household work and chores, and possibly work in the fields or forest. Late mornings will be spent attending workshops on local culture and sustainable living techniques, including organic food production, and natural building. Late afternoons the team will be helping volunteer on a community project.
On the morning of Feb. 26, the team will depart the village and travel north by truck and bus to Chiang Rai.

Feb. 26- Mar. 2: Trek in Northern Mountains:
The team will trek for four days through the Northern hills outside of Chiang Rai. Along the way they will stay overnight with host families in tribal villages. On the last day they will return to Chiang Rai and have the opportunity to explore the city's night markets.
On Mar. 2, the team will travel by bus from Chiang Rai back to Chiang Mai and then will take an overnight train from Chiang Mai to Ayuthaya.

Mar. 3-4: Ayuthaya:
On bicycle, the group will explore the spectacular remains of this ancient Thai capital city.
Overnight train on Mar. 4 from Ayuthaya south to the Andaman coast, and on to the island of Koh Phratong.

Mar. 5-12: Ko Phratong (Island):
For a full week, team members will live with local Thai families in Lions village, on Ko Phratong (Island), off the Andaman coast. The team will become part of community-led conservation efforts and support of economic recovery of the area, devastated by the 2004 tsunami. When not helping with community volunteer work, there will be time to enjoy the beautiful and pristine island beaches.
Return to mainland and travel by overnight train to Bangkok on Mar. 12.

Mar. 13-14: Bangkok:
Site-seeing. Free time. Thailand wrap-up.

Mar. 14: Flight to India:
The team will fly together from Bangkok to Delhi, India.
*Flight details will be provided at a later date.

India (October 18 to November 23)

Mar. 14-16: Delhi:
Time to explore India's bustling capital city, including sites such as Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India) a local Sikh temple, Raj Ghat, the Gandhi museum, and city markets.
Travel by bus from Delhi to Agra on Mar. 16.

Mar. 16-18: Agra:
Visits to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Free time.
Travel by bus from Agra to Jaipur on Mar. 18.

Mar. 18-23: Jaipur:
For five days the team will live with host families in this colorful, culturally rich, bustling capital city of Rajasthan. Here, they will begin getting intimately acquainted with Indian life. Each day will start with a yoga class, followed by survival Hindi language lessons. Days will be rounded out with various excursions within the city, visits to local sites, and introductory talks and workshops on various aspects of India's culture and history.
Travel by overnight train on Mar. 23 from Jaipur south to Udaipur.

Mar. 24-25: Udaipur:
The team will have a day and a half to explore one of India's most colorful and romantic cities. They will tour the twisting streets of the old city, Monsoon Palace, and Fateh Sagar Lake, and will attend a workshop on Batik art.
There will also be a visit to a local NGO, and an introductory talk on development issues in local "Adivasi" communities, in preparation for the group's time in Jhadol.
Travel about two hours by bus from Udaipur to the village of Jhadol on the afternoon of Mar. 25.

Mar. 25-Apr. 1: Jhadol:
During this week the team will live with host families in the small rural village of Jhadol near Udaipur. While learning about village life, by living it themselves, team members will also volunteer to help on community projects. The team will be helping with the ongoing construction of a local school. They will also be teaching and running activities with children at local schools. Some time will also be spent helping families with household chores and with work in the fields.
On Apr. 1, the team will return by bus to Udaipur.

Apr. 1-2: Udaipur:
Free time to continue exploring Udaipur. Reflection on this section of the Indian experience.
Depart Udaipur on the night of Apr. 2 on an overnight train to Delhi, and continuing north to Amritsar.

Apr. 3-5: Amritsar:
For two nights, the team will live with other "pilgrims" in residence at the Golden Temple. While staying here, they will tour and learn about this holiest of sites for the Sikh faith. They will also have the opportunity to attend an India-Pakistan border ceremony.
Travel by bus north from Amritsar to Dharamsala on Apr. 5.

Apr. 5-16: Dharamsala:
This small town, tucked in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains of northwestern India is home to the Tibetan government in exile and a very large population of Tibetan refugees, including their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.
During this nearly two week time period the team will split up and live in separate homes with Tibetan families. Days will be spent working on a variety of community service projects within the Tibetan community and also taking part in set activities to enhance their understanding of Tibetan culture, history and contemporary issues. Those who chose to may also attend an introductory meditation course/retreat practised in the Tibetan tradition. Additionally, the group will trek into the Himalayan foothills above Dharamsala.
Overnight train returning to Delhi on Apr. 16.

Apr. 17-18: Delhi:
Additional time to explore India's capital city. India wrap-up.

Apr. 18: Flight to Bangkok:
The team will depart Delhi today on a return flight to Bangkok.
*Flight details will be provided at a later date.

Apr. 19: Flight to Vietnam:
The Team will fly together from Bangkok to Hanoi, Vietnam.
*Flight details will be provided at a later date.

Vietnam (April 19 to May 3)

Apr. 19-20: Hanoi:
The team will have time to explore the sites and rich ambiance of Vietnam's colorful northern capital. They will also begin learning about the rich history of this country and the culture of its people.
Travel by bus 150 km southeast of Hanoi to Nam Dinh on the evening of Apr. 20.

Apr. 20-24: Nam Dinh:
The team will live with Vietnamese host families during this time period. Days will be spent helping on a community volunteer project.
Travel by overnight train north from Hanoi to SaPa on Apr. 24.

Apr. 25-30: SaPa and Surrounding Mountains:
The northern village of SaPa is tucked in a beautiful mountain valley next to the border of China. It is home to a variety of minority tribal cultures. The group will have one day to enjoy the town and its friendly people while preparing for a trek into the surrounding hills.
For four days, the team will then hike through the mountains living with families in tribal villages along the way.
Return from SaPa to Hanoi by overnight train on Apr. 30.

May 1-3: Halong Bay:
The team will spend the final three days of their epic journey living on a house boat and cruising around gorgeous Halong Bay, in the Gulf of Tonkin, just a few hours east of Hanoi. Time will be spent swimming, kayaking, exploring remote islands and beaches, relaxing, reflecting on the entire trip, and preparing for the return home.
Return by bus to Hanoi on the evening of May 3 in time for a final team dinner in Hanoi before their late night flight to Korea.

May 3-4: Flight back to the U.S.A.:
The Team will fly together from Hanoi to Denver, Colorado. The group's journey will be finished upon arrival back in Denver.
*Flight details will be provided at a later date.

Travel Types

• 4th World Studies
• BackPacking Abroad
• Birdwatching
• Camping
• Canoeing
• Eco Tours
• Ecology
• Hiking
• Homestay
• Language Immersion
• Nature Tours
• Overland Tours
• Safari
• Snorkeling
• Tours
• Trekking
• Volunteering

Qualifications

Anyone who will be between 18 and 25 years of age when travelling is welcome to apply to join a Youth International trip. (*Some flexibility with this age restriction does exist.)

Minimum Education

High School

Type of Programs

• Adventure Travel
• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration
• Language Immersion
• Student Tours

Languages

• English
• Hindi
• Thai
• Vietnamese

Cost in US$:

9,900

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• International travel
• Language instruction
• Living stipend
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

The Youth International program cost covers all program expenses, including all flights and overland travel, all food and lodging, all scheduled program activities, (including the cost of all outdoor adventure activities and site seeing etc.), team leaders and in country staff, educational material and other miscellaneous expenses related to the program.

The only costs that the program fee does not cover are personal items and individual free time activities. Personal items would also include health insurance and any medical expenses, travel visas, as well as transportation to and from orientation, in the USA, at the beginning and end of the program.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Q: What types of people join Youth International teams? A: This is a very common question, and is perhaps the most difficult to answer as there is really no "typical" Youth International participant. Each is unique! Our participants bring with them a wonderful diversity of backgrounds and interests. Team members share like mindedness, and bond well, through their common interests and enthusiasm toward the activities and ideals which have drawn them all toward the Youth International program. All, in some way or another, are eager to step outside of the path they are on at the moment. To challenge themselves to get out and learn more about the world, and about who they are in relation to that world. Many are taking a "gap" year, or semester, off in the middle of college, or between graduating high school and beginning college. Several have graduated college recently, and want to experience some of the world before starting a career or going on to graduate school. A few are taking time out from a career. The vast majority of our participants come from the United States, from all corners of the country. We also have several participants join from across Canada. Youth International also has some members that have joined us from a number of other countries around the world.

Age Range

18 to 25 years

This Program is open to

American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of up to 14

Application Process Involves

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone/Video Interview
• Written Application

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Youth International's Mission Statement

Youth International opens the doors for young people to actively explore and discover a broader perspective on the world while developing a deeper understanding of who they are and what their place is within the world. Developing more personally and socially aware future leaders, Youth International also hopes to take small steps toward bridging the gap between people and nations and making the world a better, more peaceful place in which to live.

Year Founded

1995