IN THE SPOTLIGHT

WORK, VOLUNTEER & INTERN ABROAD PROGRAMS

Volunteer abroad with Cross-Cultural Solutions. Work side-by-side with local people and experience another culture like never before—it's the experience of a lifetime. As an international volunteer with Cross-Cultural Solutions, you're making a meaningful contribution, working side-by-side with local people and sharing in the goals of a community that warmly welcomes you. You're experiencing another culture like never before and really getting to know its people. You'll gain new perspectives and insight into the culture and yourself. It's an exciting and personally inspiring experience, and you'll develop memories that will be with you forever. Enjoy the flexibility of choosing from 12 countries, start dates year-round and programs from 1-12 weeks long. CCS offers international volunteer programs in Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Morocco, Peru, Russia, South Africa, Tanzania and Thailand. Wherever you choose, the in-country staff welcomes you to the CCS home-base, your home away from home. Cross-Cultural Solutions is a recognized leader in the field of international volunteering.

Experience international volunteering in Guatemala! Watch Cross-Cultural Solutions volunteers in action—hear their stories, get a glimpse of their daily life, explore the natural wonders of the country and learn more about the positive impact you can make in the world. Watch video »

Imagine that you could... live with a Maasai tribe in Tanzania and learn their ancient culture; be part of a marine survey team in the Bahamas or Fiji; teach English in China; work with the Red Cross in Ecuador; or track great white sharks in South Africa! With its roots stemming from the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Greenforce offers volunteer opportunities on marine conservation projects; reforestation programs; animal welfare programs with pandas, penguins, great white sharks, and chimpanzees; community work with orphanages, Nepalese mountain villages and African tribes; and paid work and internships in Australia, Ecuador and Spain. Projects range in length from two weeks to one year, with most programs averaging 10 weeks. Volunteers from all ages (over 17), backgrounds and nationalities are welcome to apply. If you are ready make your adventure a reality, let Greenforce show you the way.

• Working on behalf of organizations such as the United Nations, African Wildlife Foundation and the World Wildlife Foundation, Greenforce works alongside the local people to develop a long-term sustainable action plan—ensuring the region will continue in balance between nature and human needs.

Strengthen your professional career experience, expand your cultural knowledge and embark on the travel adventure of a lifetime with International Internship & Volunteer Network (IIVN). Whether you are a student, grad student or college graduate with the desire to become more competitive in the academic or professional world or have been out in the work force for a while and need a resume or life-changing boost, you have the ability to explore worldwide programs and career options geared to your interest. Individually customized professional internship placements in every conceivable field and all-inclusive cultural immersion programs are available in over 25 countries. Work at a marketing firm in London, participate in a pre-med program in Argentina, or live like the monks do in Nepal. Programs are also geared to your timeframe; typically lasting from 1-3 months—on up to 12 months—throughout the year. Internships are geared to mature, self-sufficient, professional individuals who do not require hand holding and planned social activities, while those who are enthusiastic, self-motivated, dependable, flexible, open-minded and eager to experience new cultures will thrive in the all-inclusive volunteer program. If you're planning your overseas work and learn adventure right away, many programs have immediate openings and are awaiting your application. Let the adventure begin!

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS. HOW WILL YOU TOUCH THE WORLD?
With programs that form a comprehensive and challenging experience built around development work, language instruction and cultural immersion, ProWorld Service Corps offers 2 to 48 week projects in Peru, Belize, Mexico, India and Thailand. Volunteers develop meaningful relationships with host families and local community members by working and living together. New insights and understandings are forged daily, offering volunteers tremendous opportunities for cross-cultural learning and self-reflection. Whether participating in a semester program or NGO internship, all programs include extensive pre-program contact and personal website; comprehensive onsite orientation; full room and board; airport pick-up and drop-off at program site; all domestic program transportation; funding and staff support of development project; intensive language training (Spanish in Peru and Mexico; Thai in Thailand); academic credit; adventure and cultural activities; and health and travel insurance.

ProWorld Service Corps has introduced new programs in Thailand and India for 2008. The latest developments can be found at ProWorld's blog.

Are you at least 18 years of age and looking for a life enriching internship experience that will open your horizons, personally and professionally in Africa? With headquarters based in Ghana and seven in-country staff members to ensure you have a great experience, Africa Intern knows the country inside and out—and only recruits interns for Ghana organizations. Whether you are interested in healthcare, medicine or psychology or the fields of journalism, law or teaching, over forty different internships are available, with a start date and time commitment you choose. With Africa Intern you can expect a quick response to your queries, a detailed application process resulting in an internship with an organization that needs you and that you will want to work for. Fees vary by project and length of internship, and all include accommodations, airport pick-up and drop-off, in-country introduction and 24/7 support (airfare, visa, vaccinations, insurance and food are additional). Explore current internships (and check out the featured projects noted below). If nothing suits you, email info@africaintern.org and they will find an organization that needs your expertise and help.

Healthcare & Marketing Initiative The $17 million USAID-funded Ghana Sustainable Change Project focuses on improving the health of Ghanaians through state-of-the-art communications and social marketing initiatives. Current Internships: Editors and writers, monitoring and evaluations specialists and a community radio coordinator. African Business Network Since its inception, the network has undertaken a number of initiatives aimed at promoting and developing micro-enterprise and entrepreneurship among African business owners, women and youth groups. Current Internships: Development advisors and researchers.

Building a World of Youth Leaders, one Volunteer at a Time.
Are you ready to challenge yourself, make a commitment and a real contribution this summer? Through the unparalleled AMIGOS experience, more than 20,000 high school and college-aged volunteers have completed extensive leadership and service training programs in preparation to become community development promoters in Latin America. Last year alone, AMIGOS volunteers made a positive difference in over 250 communities in nine Latin American countries. These unique programs gives you the chance to work harder than you've ever imagined on sustainable health, education and environmental service projects through collaborating with local partners. Immerse yourself in the lives of your host family and community while improving your Spanish or Portuguese. As you build your own leadership and language skills, you'll make a genuine difference and friendships that will last a lifetime. Programs run from 5-8 weeks during the summer months; to learn more about all 2008 projects, call 1.800.231.7796 or visit www.amigoslink.org.

Featured Amigos Summer Project: Oaxaca, Mexico Vivir y trabajar en una comunidad Mexicana y hacer proyectos de nutrición y tecnología. Obtenga más información acerca de este proyecto especial de Amigos en Oaxaca a partir de 11 de junio 2008 a 6 de agosto 2008.

The entire summer in Uruguay with Amigos de las Américas played out like a grand mate ritual: sharing, serving, and trying a myriad of new flavors. The relationships that we forged with community members enabled our volunteer work to be more effective and meaningful. Read more »

Looking for a way to spend extended time living, working and traveling abroad while gaining real world experience? BUNAC work and volunteer programs offer an easy, quick, low outlay way to experience the everyday life and culture of another country from the inside. The most popular work abroad program for U.S. full-time students and recent grads is BUNAC's Work in Britain. Participants receive the coveted Blue Card, enabling them to work in everything from pubtending to paid career-related jobs for up to 6-months in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. In-country orientation, job and accommodation leads, help with government paperwork, advice and counseling is provided. Other working options for students include Work Canada (6 months), Work in Ireland (4 months), or combining both Britain & Ireland for up to 10 months. Work Australia enables students and non-students (ages 18-30) to work in seemingly everyone's dream destination for up to 4 months, while Work New Zealand offers 18-35 year olds up to a year to work in and explore the land of the long white cloud. Finally, BUNAC's volunteer abroad programs in Cambodia, Peru and South Africa offer placements in environmental and conservation work, education and social welfare projects lasting 5-17 weeks.

• BUNAC programs provide you with the opportunity to live and work legally in international countries, gain real world experience and internationalize your resume while making new friends and earning money to travel and explore.

Discover the World and Embark on the Adventure of a Lifetime!
Dedicated to the promotion of cultural understanding, academic development, environmental consciousness and world peace, the Center for Cultural Interchange offers students and adults the opportunity to explore the world through unique cultural immersion programs. Students have the ability to strengthen their career, language, professional development and cultural understanding skills through a 1-4 month unpaid international internship in Argentina, Australia, England, Ireland, France, Italy and Spain. See the world with new eyes by volunteering in one of more than a dozen countries, including Argentina, Australia, Benin, Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Ghana, India, Kenya, New Zealand, Spain, Tanzania and Thailand. These 2-12 week projects are geared to working with children, health care, schools, environmental conservation, social services and much more. Other offerings include independent homestays, language programs and an eco-tour program on the island of Ibiza, Spain. All programs run year-round with flexible start dates in order to accommodate your schedule. Fees include housing (most include a host family experience), all or most meals, medical insurance, program orientation and 24-hour support abroad and in the U.S. (you'll be responsible for international airfare, ground transportation and personal spending money). Volunteer applications must be received 8 weeks prior to departure; 12 weeks for internships. For more info, call 866.684.9675 or email info@cci-exchange.com.

• Beyond tourism: the experience of a lifetime. Make a difference on a global level as you learn about the world and yourself through a unique, hands-on international internship or volunteer abroad opportunity with the Center for Cultural Interchange.

Combining inspiring and meaningful volunteer work with exciting opportunities to learn and explore a new culture, Global Leadership Adventures offers 3-week life-changing journeys for high school students. GLA invites you to spend a summer of a lifetime with a diverse group of international students at one of these interesting destinations: Brazil (beachside city of Fortaleza), Costa Rica (small town outside of San Jose), Ghana (southern shores), India (small village outside of Pune) or South Africa (coastal Cape Town). You will have the chance to serve (volunteer in communities and make a difference through people-oriented projects); learn (enhance your knowledge about a country while challenging your global perceptions through thought-provoking seminars and discussions); and explore (live a fun, challenging and amazing adventure). The all-inclusive program fee of $4,395 includes room, three full meals per day, ground transportation, travel and health insurance, and entrance fees for all non-optional group excursions (airfare and personal expenses are additional). Although the formal application deadline is March 31st, GLA will continue to take applications past this date until programs are filled. If you are inspired to serve others, excited to develop your global leadership skills and are passionate about living and learning about another culture, contact GLA through email or by calling 888.358.4321.

• The Global Leadership Adventures experience is about creating leaders. With a unique program blend of serving, learning, exploring and living with other international students in a campus setting over a three-week period, you will be empowered to grow as an individual while making a positive and meaningful impact on the host country community.

Are you seeking a life-changing volunteer vacation or internship abroad? With Global Service Corps you can experience a country from an insider's view while living with your own generous local family. Rewarding cultural immersion service-learning experiences are offered year-round in Thailand and Tanzania, with volunteer opportunities available in healthcare, education, HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, Buddhist immersion and sustainable agriculture for nutrition and hunger relief. Programs include short-term (2 to 4 weeks), long-term (6 weeks up to 6 months) and internship programs for undergrad and graduate school students (credit is available). All participants work side-by-side with the local people and have counterparts to assist them with the language and skills. Participants enjoy homestays with welcoming hosts, or may choose private living arrangements if they wish. They also enjoy an orientation, comprehensive training, in-country transportation, room and board, weekend excursions, language classes and more! Further information can be found online, including schedule and fees, application materials and enlightening stories from past participants. On the web at www.globalservicecorps.org.

Someone once said that it is no accident that the continent of Africa is shaped like a human heart. Uncover how this family's heart was forever changed through a service-learning experience in Africa with Global Service Corps. Read more »

HOT NEWS In response to growing numbers of GSC volunteers with multiple program interests and expertise, GSC is now offering a new Integrated Program in both Tanzania and Thailand.

Volunteering—that amazing feeling knowing you've made a difference in the life of a child, assisted a rescued animal so that it can be returned to the wild or built a much needed shelter for the homeless—to live in the community you are working with; viewing life through different eyes. Whether participating in a short-term volunteer vacation or a prolonged gap year, the Global Volunteer Network provides challenging and affordable international programs in 21 countries. A minimum time commitment of two to four weeks is required, up to a maximum of 52 weeks. The program fee offers you choice, value and convenience. The in-country fee covers housing and meals, orientation and airport pickup upon arrival to your host country. Volunteers come from all walks of life—singles, couples and families; those with specialized skills or those embarking on a post-college adventure; all of whom want to make a difference, to offer their skills and talents to a community that needs the help of volunteers. Make the big leap today by completing the comprehensive online application.

• Are you seeking more meaning and purpose in your life? Discover the magic of international volunteer work with Global Volunteer Network—connecting people with communities in need.

Teach conversational English in elementary classrooms in China and Greece. Nurture mentally disabled children in Ecuador and Romania. Repair community buildings in Tanzania and Costa Rica. Provide basic health services to local people in Ghana and India. Global Volunteers mobilizes teams of volunteers to work alongside local people in more than 100 host communities in 20 countries year-round—by helping to advance ethical, long-term community development partnerships. Unique and powerful service opportunities also exist within U.S. borders. Global Volunteers pioneered short-term international service opportunities in 1984, and works in special consultative status with the United Nations. As you explore the Global Volunteers website, be sure to subscribe to their eNewsletter, The Link, read how you can become a child or classroom sponsor, and indulge in heartwarming stories from past participants.

If you are considering a volunteer vacation this year, examine options to ensure you help, rather than harm, while abroad. Read more »

If you've ever dreamed about learning, working and traveling in Africa, Ikando can provide the life-changing experience you are looking for. Teach orphans at a refugee settlement. Coordinate events at a music foundation. Assist with HIV/AIDS education awareness with a healthcare facility. Manage exhibitions with a contemporary arts organization. Design websites for an architecture firm. Become a teaching assistant at a school for the deaf. Whether you are looking to gain more experience in your field of study or taking time off to do something different and make a difference, Ikando has something to offer everybody. Depending on placement, volunteers must make a commitment of 2-4 weeks; on average, volunteers commit 10 weeks of their time. The program fee includes arranging your volunteer placement, housing, airport pick-up and drop-off, welcome pack, in-country introductory session and a team of experienced volunteer coordinators to assist you while in Ghana. To begin your journey abroad with the help of Ikando, fill out the online application.

• Whether as a solo traveler, career-breaker, gapster or in post-career, Ikando will help you uncover the life changing and life affirming volunteer experience in Africa.

Have you ever dreamed about ordering a croissant and café au lait in Paris or learning to surf on the beaches of Australia? The InterExchange Working Abroad program offers a wide variety of work and travel jobs, international internships, au pair/childcare jobs abroad, volunteering, informal teaching and conservation worker programs that allow you to experience life in another country while you earn. With many of the programs featuring pre-arranged job placements and housing, you'll have the details on where you'll be living and working before you leave the U.S. InterExchange also provides work permit and visa application assistance and pre-departure and in-country assistance throughout your trip. Program options include Work & Travel in Australia, France or New Zealand; Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Internship Program in New Zealand; Volunteer Abroad Programs in Australia, Costa Rica, Ghana, India, Kenya, Namibia, Peru or South Africa; Teach English in Africa or Spain; Language Learning in Costa Rica, France or Spain; and Au Pair Programs in France, Germany, the Netherlands or Spain. Placements vary from one month to one year depending on program. Participants must be at least 18 years of age; some programs have an upper age limit or language and degree requirements.

• Work your way through Australia! The Work & Travel Australia program provides in-country job offers for participants. You decide when to work, when to travel and where to travel!

MAKE A DIFFERENCE WITH YOUR SEMESTER OR SUMMER ABROAD!
Offered in 13 countries, IPSL programs fully integrate participants into a new culture through volunteer service, academic studies and living arrangements, creating a powerful dynamic between direct cultural exposure and academic learning. Interaction with the community teaches you how the culture functions. Time in the classroom teaches you why it functions as it does. By testing theory with practice, IPSL participants find their learning and intercultural experience take on greater depth and meaning. They also make a difference in the lives of people in need. You will work up to 20 hours per week in a local school, orphanage, health clinic, community development project or other agency addressing human needs; live with a local family or in university housing; and study at a local university, earning up to 18 credits per semester. Studies range from social sciences, cultural studies and humanities to intensive language study and arts. Programs are offered in: Czech Republic, Ecuador (Galapgaos, Guayaquil and Quito), England, France, India, Italy, Jamaica, Lakota Nation (USA), Mexico, Philippines, Russia, Scotland and Thailand—for a semester, summer, year or short-term.

• Through studies at a local university, volunteer service in the community and either a homestay or campus experience, IPSL participants are fully immersed in several levels of the culture simultaneously. Guided field trips, reflection, and other support services also help you to understand the culture and your experience of it.

Are you looking for a unique opportunity to improve and develop your Spanish language skills while gaining real work experience with a business in Spain? The first four weeks of your Tandem Escuela Internacional Madrid experience will be spent at the school improving your Spanish. Located in a 19th century palace with 14 classrooms, a garden courtyard, multi-media room and library, classes are organized into small groups with four intensive language lessons per day. Following the language experience, you will participate in an unpaid internship, with options including advertising, business, engineering, finance, graphic design, humanitarian services, import/export, international relations, IT/Web design, marketing or tourism. You will also have the opportunity to practice with a Tandem Partner and to participate in Tandem's cultural program, including guided tours, cultural exchanges and organized excursions. Opportunities are available throughout the year beginning the first Monday of each month, with a three-month minimum commitment. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, have an intermediate to advanced level of Spanish, and have a professional or educational background that would help them to be a responsible and productive member of the organization. Applications must be received at least 8 weeks prior to start date; email Mercedes Guerrero for more information.

• Improve your Spanish speaking skills through an intensive language course. Gain real world experience through an internship with a local business. Live and play in the culturally-rich city of Madrid, Spain. This is Tandem Escuela Internacional Madrid.

Do you believe that we can learn from and contribute to the developing world by working as part of a community of volunteers committed to social justice in an urban setting? Visions in Action was founded with this conviction and offers 6-12 month volunteer placements in three African countries (South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda) and Mexico. After a month-long orientation and intensive language study, volunteers work in projects that include business and community development, education, environmental issues, health care, human rights, journalism, nonprofit development, scientific research and women's rights. For those who desire a shorter-term placement, a 6-week summer program is also an option in Mexico and Tanzania. Fees include coed group housing, orientation and language training, medical insurance, overseas support and a small monthly stipend. Applicants of all nationalities must be at least 21 of age (18 for the summer program) and have two years of college or equivalent work experience. Most volunteers are university graduates, the average age is 27 and married couples are encouraged to apply. Applications are due 3 months prior to departure, although it's suggested that you apply early so you have time to raise funds before you go.

• Mexico, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda. Grassroots community development projects in urban settings. Intensive language study. Be the change as an international volunteer for Visions in Action.

UNIQUE RESOURCES

Need a passport for your journey abroad? Download helpful passport information, including application forms, from the U.S. Department of State.

If you're looking for the perfect flight, hotel or rental car deal, we recommend Kayak.com.

Explore these insider tips on living, working and traveling abroad.

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If you are ready for wanderlust to be your guide, Vagabonding will provide you with the inspiration to achieve the dream of overseas travel for an extended period of time. Shoestring traveler Rolf Potts will take you on the journey of possibilities and how to mentally prepare for the issues you're most likely to encounter on the road. Explore the Vagabonding blog for travel advice, links and reports from the field. Explore our hot list of work, volunteer and travel abroad guides and books

JOB CHANNELS—EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS
• U.S. ADVENTURE JOBS
• WORLDWIDE ADVENTURE JOBS
• WILDERNESS THERAPY VENTURES
• JOBS IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS
• ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION JOBS
• SUSTAINABLE LIVING & FARMING WORK

• CAMP & RANCH JOBS
• RESORT & HOSPITALITY JOBS
• MIND, BODY & SOUL QUESTS
• MEANINGFUL WORK
• TEACHING GIGS WORLDWIDE
• WORK, VOLUNTEER & INTERN ABROAD