Cross-Cultural Solutions addresses critical global issues by providing meaningful and sustainable volunteer service to communities abroad, and investing in the local economies and people. The continuous, year-round service that CCS provides creates opportunities for cultural exchange; promotes education, childhood development, and healthy living; encourages domestic volunteering and awareness of community needs; breaks down stigmas and stereotypes; and improves quality of life.

Founded in 1995, and a trusted member of the communities where we work, CCS brings together the expertise of community development leaders and the motivation of international volunteers to serve locally-led initiatives. With over 25,000 volunteers and a long history of positive impact, CCS is a leader in international volunteering that builds bridges across cultures and develops more informed and global citizens.

For those who want something different, something akin to a mini-stint with the Peace Corps, there is Cross-Cultural Solutions. —New York Times

Volunteer Abroad is the perfect short-term international volunteer experience, designed with flexibility and individual attention in mind so we can meet your needs and interests while ensuring that your time spent is having a positive impact on the community. Volunteer Abroad programs run from 2-12 weeks, in 12 countries and start dates year-round. As a CCS volunteer, you'll work side-by-side with local people on dynamic and inspiring community-led initiatives.

These organizations—our Partner Programs—are carefully screened and selected, and monitored over time to ensure our short-term international volunteers can serve their goals effectively. In each community, Partner Programs may include orphanages and childcare centers, schools, health clinics and hospitals, homes for the elderly, centers for people with disabilities, and other community organizations. By working on projects that each local organization has defined and set up, our volunteers directly contribute to the goals of the local community.

If you want to gain international work experience or earn college credit for your volunteer experience, choose the Intern Abroad program. Many volunteers receive college credit, either as an internship, field research or an independent study abroad. With the Intern Abroad program, you'll work on the same dynamic and inspiring community-led initiatives as other CCS volunteers, but with an academic structure.

Upon enrollment, you'll choose an area of focus—education, health, or social services—and set your learning objectives. Once you're in-country, you'll be advised by a dedicated Intern Supervisor who is from the local community and knowledgeable in your chosen field. During your internship, you'll keep a log of your experiences, and at the end, you'll complete a summary project. Intern Abroad is offered from 3-12 weeks, in 10 countries.

Insight Abroad, our one-week volunteer abroad program is structured so you can maximize your time spent in-country. You'll work side-by-side with local people on community-led initiatives and enjoy the adventure of traveling to and exploring another country in a safe, structured program. Our local staff will determine your one-week placement based on the needs of the community. Your volunteer work is project-based and designed to be accomplished within the week. CCS volunteer work is in orphanages and child care centers, schools, daycares, and other community organizations.

Teen Volunteer Abroad is a program specially designed for teenage volunteers (ages 15-17) who wish to travel independently on a Cross-Cultural Solutions volunteer program. The CCS Experience is nearly identical for teen volunteers, but parents will appreciate the additional safety measures and 24-hour supervision offered.

Learn more about volunteering abroad in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe. Cross-Cultural Solutions operates in the following twelve countries:

Africa
Volta Region: Ghana
Rabat: Morocco
Cape Town: South Africa
Bagamoyo and Kilimanjaro: Tanzania

Asia
Xi'an: China
New Delhi and Dharamsala: India
Bangkok: Thailand

Eastern Europe
Yaroslavl: Russia

Latin America
Salvador: Brazil
Cartago and San Carlos: Costa Rica
Guatemala City: Guatemala
Lima: Peru

Volunteer with Cross-Cultural Solutions year-round! You'll find start-dates whether you are planning your summer abroad, travel during fall or winter holidays, or an alternative spring break or winter break.

Start dates and availability are available online by program—Volunteer Abroad (2-12 weeks), Intern Abroad (3-12 weeks), Insight Abroad (one-week), or Teen Volunteer Abroad (one or two weeks). Groups of six or more volunteers can reach a Groups Specialist by filling out a request form and selecting that they are volunteering as a group.

You'll volunteer side-by-side with local people and experience another culture like never before. The CCS experience also includes Cultural & Learning Activities. When you're given the opportunity to learn about the local culture and customs, and understand community development, your volunteer experience is truly complete. You'll enjoy an in-depth orientation, language training, field trips and participation in local activities. There is also plenty of free time to relax, reflect, travel, or explore the community.

CCS takes care of all the logistics so you can focus on your volunteer experience. The CCS Home-Base offers comfortable lodging, meals, transportation, and has expert staff to assist you. It's your home away from home.

CCS has had volunteers looking for college credit, career breaks, families taking a volunteer vacation, and more. Volunteers come from very different parts of the world, and very different places in life:

• Students
• Teens
• Families
• 50-Plus
• Working Professionals
• Groups
• People with Disabilities

I took away a greater understanding of what binds humanity together despite geographical, cultural, and financial differences. I look at the world in a different way than I ever have before both because I know how different life can be in other parts of the world and because I also know how similar it can be at the same time. I have more desire than ever before to spend my life doing the kind of work the CCS volunteers (including myself) were able to do in Thailand. I gained cultural understanding as well as invaluable new friends. –Morgan, USA (Thailand volunteer)

The other volunteers I've met here are wonderful people. I think there's a kindred spirit in the sense that we all are here trying to give something of ourselves, and there's a real adventurous spirit. It's a great experience ... The main thing I learnt about travel was that you have to step off the beaten path, get to really know the local community, get to really know the country that you're going into. –Daniel, Australia (Costa Rica volunteer)

I saw more beauty than I thought imaginable. This was an incredible dream that took me to an even more amazing reality, which I hope to relive over and over again. –Lara, USA (Tanzania volunteer)