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I Had the Experience of a Lifetime
Story by Kristen Sager and photos courtesy of Cross-Cultural Solutions
Collegian Travel & Adventure Magazine
Spring/Summer 2005

Imagine yourself in Thailand, standing in the middle of a busy playground where enthusiastic Thai Children compete for your attention. Yesterday’s lesson was ‘Greetings in English’. Now, those same five-year-olds line up in front of you, eager to demonstrate their correct pronunciations of "Hello-Teacher-how-are-you-today? I-am-fine-thank-you." A few feet away, their Thai teachers assemble chairs and gather personal notebooks, preparing for their English lesson which will occur during the children’s naptime. You don’t have formal experience as a pre-school teacher, much less confidence about your ability to adapt your teaching style for an older group! As a child tugs at your hand enthusiastically, her teacher smiles at you, reminding you that, regardless of your credentials, you are received with warmth and respect. You are capable of bridging a divide - one of age, of culture and of language. You remember a Thai phrase from the children - “Mai pen rai” - no worries. You are all learning together - teachers as students, and students as teachers. You are sharing, understanding, exchanging - and having 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 internationally by volunteering. Whether you’re looking for a way to make a difference internationally, or a unique way to gain work experience or academic credit, this could be the opportunity you’ve been searching for. This kind of travel allows you to experience another culture like never before while making a real difference in people’s lives. You can choose from 10 countries, start dates year-round, and lengths of stay from 1-12 weeks. You'll get to work side-by-side with local people on community-led initiatives, connect with others from around the world, and still have time for your own personal adventures.

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 prepare 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 Volunteer Placement with CCS Partner Programs.

In-country staff determine your placement through a careful evaluation of your personal skills and interests. Volunteer 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. Perspectives 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, in one of 16 fascinating regions of the world, immersing yourself in another culture by working side-by-side with the local people, connecting with others from around the world and enjoying free-time for your own personal adventures.

Fees start at $2,279 and are tax-deductible for U.S. residents. Many participants successfully fundraise. The fee covers lodging & meals, ground transportation, individual attention and guidance from experienced headquarters and in-country staff, coordination of your placement, cultural and learning activities, language instruction, a 24-hour emergency hotline, travel medical insurance, and more.

Request information today!
www.crossculturalsolutions.org
Email: info@crossculturalsolutions.org
Tel: (800) 380-4777, (914) 632-0022

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