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Short Term International Volunteer Projects in Asia, Middle East, Africa and Latin America

Short term projects in Asia, Middle East, Africa and Latin America

These projects come from community-based initiatives which focus as much on the intercultural aspect of having an international group working within a local community as on the practical work itself.

They do not involve humanitarian or aid work. Instead, they promote understanding and co-operation between the North and South countries and give participants the opportunity to learn from living a completely different way of life.

Generally, projects involve basic environmental, construction or renovation work although there are some social, archaeological and arts-based projects available, depending on the country. Many projects will also involve a social aspect such as health promotion or youth awareness issues.

Here are some examples of projects that might be available:

* Organise activities for street children in India
* Helping with a HIV awareness in Ghana
* Constructing a safe drinking water and sanitation building in Uganda
* Improve children’s education in Peru
* Protect marine turtles in Mexico

Placements in:

Argentina / Australia / Bahamas / Bangladesh / Botswana / Costa Rica / Ecuador / Egypt / Ghana / India / Indonesia / Japan / Kenya / Korea / Malawi / Malaysia / Mexico / Mongolia / Mozambique / Nepal / Nigeria / Peru / Tanzania / Thailand / Uganda / Vietnam / Zanzibar / Zimbabwe / Worldwide

Testimonials

"I met some fantastic people, volunteers and locals alike, and managed to infiltrate the Ugandan culture through the volunteer project in a way that no ordinary tourist could have. The welcome and treatment of us throughout the project by the local community was so warm and we were privileged enough to be invited to attend ceremonies taking place in the local area.
The work we achieved was very worthwhile; continuing with a health centre, providing AIDS education to the local community and spending time with the children of the school. I learnt new construction techniques and was amazed at the capabilities of the locals; they were great to watch in action. The children of the school were also wonderful and I loved spending time with them, and one of the reasons I intend to go back to Uganda is to visit them.
I think all of the volunteers had a great time, both during the day and the night. The nightlife was wonderful, dancing to the beat of the African drums around a campfire and going to the town to have drinks and chat with the locals.
I am so glad that I took part in the volunteer program and I am very sad to have had to leave. It was an experience that has given me many happy memories and it is one which I can’t wait to repeat". (Sam Carter, Kikooba Health Centre project, Uganda, 2006)

"My time on this project was indeed the best two weeks of my life! I know that sounds clichéd but I have never enjoyed myself more and would love to go back. If you like working with kids then this is the project of dreams. Thank you very much" (Thomas Bennet, renovation and social project in Vietnam, 2007)

"We went our to organise a sports festival for young disabled kids but ended up working with drug and alcohol addicts in a rehabilitation home – on the last day playing bongos and chatting with the residents it was hard not to cry as they thanked us for making a difference in their lives. One addict said ‘it may have just been another days work for all of you but for us it is a day we will never forget – the day people from all over the world cared enough to listen to our stories”. Wow! We also arranged a breakdance contest, attended by hundreds of breakdancers from all over Mexico. As we frisked the dancers on entry (for spray cans) and welcomed top djs to the underground car park where the event took place. We all realised we were entering into a subculture we had never known existed. Through my project I met some amazing people and really managed to experience Mexican culture as I was welcomed into peoples’ homes and lives freely. I loved every minute of it and learnt a lot about myself and others. ‘In case of emergency’, breakdance!’". (Jeannine Richards, Social project in Mexico, 2004)

Duration

Each project lasts 2-4 weeks.

Start Dates

Every year we have almost 2000 projects available worldwide. Each project lasts 2-4 weeks and has specific starting and end date. Volunteer are suppose to arrive on the first day and leave on the last.

Costs / Benefits

Volunteers pay a registration fee of £150 and fund their own travel and insurance.

Board and accommodation For projects in Latin America, Asia, Middle East and Africa volunteer pay an extra on arrival fee of approx. £150 that covers food and accommodation, as well as funding the programme in the country.

Requirements

Motivated volunteers aged 19+.