i-to-i

to get the latest juice & register for FREE trips and gear!
Travel Tips
Travel Resources & Explorer Guide
Travel Tours
Gear
Contests/Giveaways
Europe Travel
Home
Contact Us
I Had the Experience of a Lifetime
Story by Jen Reid and photos courtesy of Cross-Cultural Solutions
Collegian Travel & Adventure Magazine
Fall/Winter 2004
 

Imagine yourself in Tanzania standing in front of a room full of hundreds of college students who want to learn English. All eyes are on you. They are waiting for you to say something, anything, to break the ice, and to help them on their way to learning the English language. Stumbling for words or objects, you realize how scary this is, but the second a word comes out of your mouth you realize you are totally capable of doing this. You are able to bridge two entirely different cultures and two entirely different languages. This may not be the same summer your friends are having backpacking through Europe, but this is an adventure unlike any other - this is the experience of a lifetime.

Volunteer or Intern Abroad for the Experience of a Lifetime

Each year, thousands of people from all over the world travel by volunteering. Whether you are looking for the chance to make a difference internationally, or a unique way to gain work experience, this is a unique opportunity to travel as a welcome guest. This kind of travel allows you to step into the rhythm of daily life, and really experience another culture like never before.

The CCS Program Design helps you get the most out of your experience.

Cross-Cultural Solutions has carefully designed the Volunteer and Intern Abroad programs so you get the most out your experience. From the second you request information, CCS is by your side in helping you decide where to go, when to go and for how long. CCS works to prepare you for your journey, providing you with information about the local culture and your placement. Once you are in-country, staff at the CCS Home-Base prepares and serve meals and snacks based on the local regional cuisine. The food is healthy and safe, and there is always plenty to eat. Transportation in the CCS van is also provided to your placements and scheduled excursions. The CCS 3-part Program Design includes three components that allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture:

Part one is your Placement with CCS Partner Programs.

In-country staff determines your placement through a careful evaluation of your personal skills and interests. Placements are available in health, education, and social services - working with infants and children, teenagers, adults, the elderly, people with special needs like HIV/AIDS patients, or the mentally or physically disabled. Custom-designed placements are also available for the Intern Abroad program.

Part two is Perspectives Programming.

Cross-Cultural Solutions has found that the volunteer experience is truly realized when you are given the opportunity to learn about local culture and customs, as well as understand community development. Programming includes an in-depth orientation, discussions on volunteering, insight into cultural norms, language instruction, guest speakers, and special events.

Part three is your Free Time.

Free time is available some afternoons, most evenings, and every weekend for you to explore independently or with fellow volunteers from around the world. CCS local staff will give you suggestions for places to visit, or you can create your own agenda. During your weekends you can enjoy excursions to other parts of the country, or you may choose to stay in town to get to know the community and people more intimately.

Now imagine this: You, anywhere in the world that you choose to be, immersing yourself in another culture by working side-by-side with the local people, learning about the culture and enjoying your free time in-country.

Fees start at $2,279 and are tax-deductible for U.S. and U.K. residents; many participants successfully fundraise, too. The fee covers lodging and meals, ground transportation, individual attention and guidance from an experienced Program Manager, coordination of your placement, cultural and learning activities, a 24-hour emergency hotline, travel and medical insurance, and more.

Request info at www.crossculturalsolutions.org or call 1-800-380-4777

Caribbean Tour Specials
7 nights with 5 days of diving from $584

Adventure Sports
Kiteboarding, kayaking and hang gliding. 3 sports at a special price!

Adventure Travel
American Rambler Tours - Dynamic and adrenaline-pumped - Win a FREE Tour!

Whitewater Rafting
Guide to the best outfitters and the best rivers for whitewater rafting
Whitewater Rafting trip giveaways!

Biking
The best of America by bike
Hut to hut bike route from Durango to Moab

Gear Review
Kelty backpacks
Burton snow gear

European Travel
Rail passes
Travel the UK


 
©2002-2005 Collegian Travel & Adventure Magazine, All Rights Reserved
 
ISE Card
Kitty Hawk Sports
Rail Europe: Great packages for people under 26 years
Cross Cultural Solutions
International Student Insurance
Bunac Work Abroad
Aspen Snowmass
Wild Rockies Field Institute
Magic Falls Rafting
Rivers
Planet Omni
Nalgene
Adventures Mountain River
Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains
Pit Pass Cabarrus
Help Wanted