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2-Week High School Specials - Summer

If you're in the 16 to 19 age group and in full time education, why not join us on our short international volunteer programs designed for you? Aimed to give you valuable international work experience or develop a particular skill in two to three weeks, these placements are structured to allow you to make the most of a short time abroad

You will be with a small group of fellow students. You will enjoy the benefits of being immersed in another culture while participating in a mixture of taught sessions, hands-on and observational work as well as weekend excursions. It's the perfect way to have some fun while greatly contributing to your resume or college application.

A Projects Abroad staff member picks up all volunteers at their destination airport. In addition, volunteers on the July 20th - August 2nd round of projects in Ghana and India have the option of being escorted from New York - JFK airport. Volunteers on the August 3rd - August 16th round of projects in Peru also have the option of being escorted from New York - JFK airport.

If you would like to be on these flights please email us at info@projects-abroad.org for more details or specify this on your application. A seat on the escorted flight can ONLY be guaranteed if the program fee and flight costs have both been paid in full at least two months prior to departure.

These 2-week placements include all accommodation, food, insurance, in-country transportation, work experience and leisure activities.

"Just to say thank you for the work experience in India. I had the most amazing time there and found it really enjoyable, with all the staff being very welcoming. My journey to and from India was trouble free and I would recommend you to anyone hoping to do medicine". Deepan Gosrani, 2-week Medicine placement in India.

We have a diverse range of 2 Week Specials available in Summer 2008:

Journalism in Romania
2008: July 20th - August 2nd / August 10th - August 23rd
For those looking to break into the competitive world of journalism, this is for you! You will work on our very own English language magazine for expatriates in Romania. As a writer you will work on specific assignments with guidance from the editor. You will be interviewing local people, narrating community issues, reviewing events, writing features and taking photographs. As you work alongside the local experts you can put your passion into practice.
Before leaving Romania your name will appear in print adjacent to your contributions to the magazine.
A trip to Dracula's castle and a weekend visiting a UNESCO world heritage site should inspire your writing! Finally no trip to Brasov would be complete without an evening out on the town where Austrian, Hungarian and Romanian cultures meet.
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Medicine in India
2008: June 29th - July 12th / July 20th - August 2nd / August 10th - August 23rd
This placement is an eye-opener, an amazing opportunity for anyone who wants to study medicine. It offers you a unique insight into medicine in the developing world. Whether the focus is babies at the busy Gnanadurai Maternity Clinic, Children's health in Siva Pediatrics clinic, General surgery in Arunagiri Hospital, Dental care in Ravi Dental Clinic or Cardio vascular treatment in Mathi Clinic in Sivakasi, you will be able to learn about the many different aspects of medicine. You'll also be taken to visit the Leprosy Clinic in Manamadurai where you will see how this disease gets treated and how surgery and physical therapy are carried out. As a contrast, you will also have the chance to experience 5000 year-old traditional Ayurvedic medical treatments at the Vasudeva Vilasam Hospital in Trivandrum.
The doctors are eager to show you all they can and share their knowledge. On arrival you will be briefed on India's medical system and taught basic physical examination skills.
There will be a weekend break to Kerala's famous wildlife reserve in Thekkady where you can go boating, trekking and watch the wild animals. You could also take an elephant ride or visit a spice plantation.
Volunteers on the July 20th - August 2nd round of this project have the option of flying from New York - JFK airport to their project with a Projects Abroad staff member. As is always the case for ALL volunteers worldwide, a Projects Abroad staff member will pick them up at the destination airport.
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Photography in Romania
2008: July 20th - August 2nd / August 10th - August 23rd
While on this placement, a photojournalist will help you put together your own portfolio by offering guidance with lens operation through to the more advanced depth of field technique. In the mornings, you concentrate on theory and technique while the afternoons give you the chance to put your skills to the test. You can experiment as you explore the medieval town of Brasov and the famous Dracula's Castle. Time in the Carpathian Mountains will improve your landscape photography skills - you might even spot and photograph the wild bears and wolves that inhabit this rural location. If you have a special interest, you can head to the capital of Romania, Bucharest, to photograph people and architecture.
With the assistance of Mircea Samoila, our director for Romania and journalist, you'll complete an assignment for The Brasov Visitor magazine. You will return home with an in-depth knowledge of your camera, a diverse and colorful portfolio, and the satisfaction of being published.
Your middle weekend will be spent either in the high mountains or at the popular Black Sea resort of Constanta, where you can enjoy the beach setting and relaxing atmosphere.
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Medicine in Mongolia
2008: June 29th - July 12th / July 20th - August 2nd / August 3rd - August 16th
If your passion is medicine then this is a great opportunity to further your knowledge and gain practical experience. The time you spend on this project will be of huge benefit for when you go to medical school or to help you secure a place at medical school.
You will be working in one of Ulaanbaatar's leading hospitals under expert supervision. On arrival in Ulaanbaatar, an introductory session will cover basic professional skills as well as Mongolian attitudes and ideas. The focus of the practical work will be at the Central University Hospital of Mongolia, the largest hospital in the country. You'll leave after experiencing medicine in the most remote city on earth and gaining valuable insight into rural community issues.
You make a weekend break to the Khustai Nuruu Steppe Reserve to see the Przewalski Wild Horses. The sights are spectacular! You will also get to experience a traditional Mongolian barbecue, which is a great time to socialize.
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Inca Projects in Peru
2008: June 29th - July 12th / July 20th - August 2nd / August 3rd - August 16th
Do you want to find out more about the amazing history of the Inca civilization? You will arrive in the Inca's Sacred Valley of Peru to work outdoors, surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Andes to help with our archaeological digs and restoration projects.
Your trip will begin with an introduction to the grandeur of the Inca Empire. You will then be taken to the small Andean hamlet of Huyro, where you will work with our local archaeological experts. Here we work with the Peruvian historical Institute helping to uncover and reconstruct Inca terraces and buildings in an area only recently discovered as a new Inca settlement.
You will be taken to see many of the archaeological wonders of Peru including the magnificent Machu Picchu and Ollantaytambo where the Inca fought their last battle with the Conquistadores. You will be able to visit the ruins and see the markets of traditional Peruvian towns. You could even whitewater raft down the Urubamba River and have a last night out in the Inca capital, Cusco.
Volunteers on the August 3rd to August 16th round of this project have the option of flying from New York - JFK airport to their project with a Projects Abroad staff member. As is always the case for ALL volunteers worldwide, a Projects Abroad staff member will pick them up at the destination airport.
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Conservation in Peru
2008: July 20th - August 2nd / August 3rd - August 16th
For a chance to truly get away from it all this summer, join us for two weeks in the Peruvian rainforest, deep in the heart of the Amazon. This project offers a unique chance to experience the rainforest environment and participate in important conservation activities.
On arrival at the Taricaya Lodge, our jungle base, you will be given a full orientation and receive an introduction to the project from one of our conservation staff. You will spend the two weeks working on the same schedule as regular and more experienced volunteers. Projects currently include wildlife observations from our viewing platform high in the jungle canopy, night observation walks along the extensive network of trails, work on our animal release program, and pilot farm scheme.
All volunteers live together at the lodge in shared rooms or small bungalows. Your weekend trip will either be a camping trip down river or a visit to Puerto Maldonado where you can relax in more luxurious surroundings and have a fun night out.
For more information about our work at Taricaya Lodge and monthly updates on all the projects in the rainforest check out our Peru Conservation website www.volunteer-conservation-peru.org
Volunteers on the August 3rd - August 16th round of this project have the option of flying from New York - JFK airport to their project with a Projects Abroad staff member. As is always the case for ALL volunteers worldwide, a Projects Abroad staff member will pick them up at the destination airport.
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Sports in Ghana
2008: July 20th - August 2nd / August 3rd - August 16th
Spend either two or three weeks in friendly, wild West Africa. Use your sporting talents to teach new skills and train children at a sports placement in Accra. You'll assist the coaches in their sports and general fitness classes as well as holding a few classes yourself if you feel up to it. All sports skills are welcome although soccer is the most popular.
Preparing the children for a local match, which you can then help to referee, will show off your coaching skills. By interacting with the children on a personal level, you will develop their skills and confidence while having fun playing your chosen sports at the same time.
On the weekend, we'll take you to Cape Coast to visit Kakum Rainforest Reserve where you can hike through the jungle and experience the canopy walkway high in the trees. You'll also have the chance to visit Cape Coast's slave fort and stop off at a beach resort. If Accra's football team, Hearts of Oak, is playing we'll take you along.
Volunteers on the July 20th - August 2nd round of this project have the option of flying from New York - JFK airport to their project with a Projects Abroad staff member. As is always the case for ALL volunteers worldwide, a Projects Abroad staff member will pick them up at the destination airport.
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Spanish and Turtle Conservation in Mexico
2008: June 29th - July 12th / July 20th - August 2nd / August 10th - August 23rd
Located at the Campamento Tecoman biological station on the Pacific Coast, you will spend your time learning Spanish and helping out on a variety of conservation projects, including the protection of the rare Olive Ridley turtle. This project offers you an opportunity like no other.
You will receive up to four hours of Spanish tuition a day. Classes are extremely interactive and you will receive great encouragement every step of the way. Whether you want to master the basics or just to brush up, or improve your Spanish, the teaching will be adjusted to your level.
During many of the evenings you will be working on our turtle project - helping count, collect and bury the precious eggs in a safe enclosure to protect them from predators and poachers. Once the eggs have hatched you will help release the newborns into the sea. Volunteers also look after the adult turtles that we have in pools; these turtles have been injured and would not survive in the wild. Finally you will also be involved in our crocodile conservation work and a study of the wildlife in the local lagoon.
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Veterinary in India
2008: July 20th - August 2nd / August 3rd - August 16th
If you're thinking of becoming a vet or veterinary nurse then this is the perfect project for you. You will work with domestic and farm animals in town and in the countryside.
Dealing with vaccinations, birthing problems, artificial insemination and surgery, you will gain an abundance of knowledge and experience while working on our veterinary placements in South India. Upon arrival, you will be briefed on basic physical examination skills so that you feel confident. First, you will normally work at the Thikumaran Clinic, mainly treating livestock. You'll then be able to contrast this working environment with Srinivasan's Clinic in the town of Rajapalyam, dealing mainly with cats and dogs. Next comes the Sethur Government Veterinary Hospital, where you can participate in treatment and care. You also have the chance to accompany a vet on his calls so you can see the livestock problems encountered by rural farmers.
There will be a weekend break to Kerala's famous Kovalam beach resort or to the pilgrimage temples of Madurai.
Volunteers on the July 20th - August 2nd round of this project have the option of flying from New York - JFK airport to their project with a Projects Abroad staff member. As is always the case for ALL volunteers worldwide, a Projects Abroad staff member will pick them up at the destination airport.
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Diving and Marine Conservation in Thailand
2008: July 20th - August 2nd / August 3rd - August 16th
All volunteers on our conservation project in Thailand will be met by one of our staff in Krabi, just 20km from Ao Nang where the project is based. This trip is perfect for anyone fascinated by marine life. You will complete a four-day Open Water course to qualify you to dive. In the initial stages when you’re in shallow water, you will learn how to breathe, clear your mask and equalize pressure. You will also become familiar with the buddy system and underwater sign language. Observing and analyzing reef damage and fish populations, you play a part in conserving this precious ecosystem of fthe coast of South East Thailand.
Once you have qualified, your efforts are rewarded as you descend into a stunningly clear underwater world of tropical fish, turtles, sea urchins and corals that you never knew existed. After your two or three weeks, you will return home with a universally recognized qualification, a wealth of diving experience and the knowledge that you have made a useful contribution to the preservation of a wonderful marine ecosystem – as well as some great memories of Thailand.
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Care in Ghana
2008: June 29th - July 12th / July 20th - August 2nd / August 3rd - August 16th
Our 2-week Care Projects in Ghana are based in Accra and the Akuapem Hills. Volunteers split their time between an orphanage in Accra and a community building project in the Akuapem Hills. Although this project is relatively short, it gives you the opportunity to make a significant difference in other people's lives as well as your own. You will learn about another culture as you explore and get to know different areas of Ghana. In both locations, you will be hosted by a local family, which allows you to become fully immersed in the Ghanaian way of life.
In Accra you will spend a week working at one of the city's many orphanages, renovating and decorating the building in the mornings and playing with/caring for the children in the afternoons. By putting in a new floor or painting a mural on a neglected wall, you will be making a valuable and lasting contribution to the orphanage. You can also leave a lasting impression on individual children by giving them the attention, love, and care that is lacking in their daily lives.
In the Akuapem Hills, you will become part of a small community. Your time on the community housing project will be spent building a new classroom for the village school and building housing for poor families. The work consists of making mud clay bricks, landscaping and painting, as well caring for the many varieties of plants and animals at our community garden project.
At the weekend we'll take you to Cape Coast to visit Kakum Rainforest Reserve where you can hike through the jungle and experience the canopy walkway high in the trees. You will also have the opportunity to visit Cape Coast's slave fort and stop off at one of Ghana's palm fringed beaches for some well deserved rest and relaxation.
Volunteers on the July 20th - August 2nd round of this project have the option of flying from New York - JFK airport to their project with a Projects Abroad staff member. As is always the case for ALL volunteers worldwide, a Projects Abroad staff member will pick them up at the destination airport.
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French and Community Work in Senegal
2008: July 20th - August 2nd / August 10th - August 23rd
Based in the picturesque town of St Louis in northern Senegal, this placement combines intensive French lessons with the chance to experience a taste of Senegalese culture and contribute to the local community. This is a great project for language students and anyone wanting to experience a cultural immersion
You will receive four hours of French tuition a day. Classes are interactive and you will be given encouragement every step of the way. You can put your new knowledge into practice on a daily basis as you get to know St. Louis and mix with local people. Whether you want to master the basics or improve on the French you already know, the teaching will be adjusted to your level.
During your placement you will be involved in renovating and decorating classrooms in a local kindergarten, creating a clean and colorful environment for children to return to after their school vacation. You also have the chance to work with some of the street-children who live in and around St. Louis. You will be able to prepare nourishing meals for them and even organize a soccer tournament.
Your weekend trip takes you over the border into the Mauritanian desert where you have plenty of opportunity to relax and socialize at a tented camp in beautiful area of blue sea and pristine sand dunes.
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Care in Moldova
2008: July 20th - August 2nd / August 3rd - August 16th
If you have plenty of energy and enthusiasm, you can help to give Moldovan children a summer to remember. Moldova is the poorest country in Europe and many of the children we work with here are orphans or have special needs. While they are housed and looked after, they do not receive much attention or affection - which is where you come in.
You'll be based in or around the capital of Moldova, Chisinau, working in one of three situations: at a summer camp on the outskirts of the city, at the huge children's hospital, or in one of our partner orphanages. Wherever you're working, you'll be with a member of our staff and a group of fellow young volunteers, helping to organize games and activities for groups of young children and teach them a little English through fun, informal lessons. Volunteers are welcome to use their own ideas and interests, whether your strong point is in sports, music or arts and crafts. While you work, you will also be learning about life in a rarely visited country with a fascinating history.
During the weekend, we will organize a barbecue party on the beach-esque banks of the River Bîc or a trip up into the surrounding countryside to see the rock-hewn churches and the monks that live there. This is a great chance to socialize with other volunteers and Moldovans as well as try a few of the local delicacies.
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Physical Therapy in Nepal
2008: July 20th - August 2nd / August 3rd - August 16th
A career in physical therapy is achieved after many years of intensive training. To help you decide if this may be the career for you, our physical therapy program in Nepal will allow you to gain an exceptional insight into the work of a professional physical therapist in a developing country.
You will shadow and assist a qualified member of the physical therapy team in a hospital or rehabilitation center in Kathmandu. You may be helping with the treatment of injured children, burn victims, or the elderly. Your supervisor will explain the different techniques used and any specific types of treatment required by the patients; they will also provide an overview of how physical therapy is used to treat different problems and conditions in Nepal.
You will live with another volunteer in a local host family close to your work place and throughout the two weeks social activities with the other volunteers will be organized. During the weekend, a tour of the central markets and temples of Kathmandu will be arranged. To see some truly stunning views, you can choose to explore the hills surrounding Kathmandu on a mountain bike.
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Law in China
2008: June 29th - July 12th / July 20th - August 2nd / August 3rd - August 16th
For anyone considering a career in law, spending two weeks visiting a variety of law organizations in Shanghai will offer a unique work experience opportunity. Your time will include visits to a law firm, court, and the legal departments of international companies.
Upon arrival, you will receive a briefing on the legal system in China from your supervisor who speaks excellent English and will be happy to answer any of your questions. During the two-week placement, you will get a broad overview of law in China, spanning the entire legal spectrum of commercial and corporate law. You will have the chance to spend time with experienced lawyers and visit foreign chambers of commerce, media organizations, and a local law university.
Volunteers on this placement live in furnished apartments with other volunteers in the Pudong area of Shanghai (on the East side of the river). During the weekend, a city tour and a visit to Hangzhou and its beautiful West Lake will be organized.
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Community & Arabic or French in Morocco
2008: Sunday July 20th - Saturday August 2nd / Sunday August 10th - Saturday August 23rd
Although geographically Morocco lies closer to Europe; culturally, politically and economically it has far more in common with the Middle East. Arabic is the official language of the country, giving you an ideal opportunity to make real progress as you are immersed both inside and outside the classroom. As the second most widely spoken language, French is also very easy to learn here.
Our language courses will provide you with 20 hours of classroom time with a skilled language professional. Alongside these classes, you and your fellow volunteers will work on vital community projects in one of our partner day care centers in Rabat. Daily tasks include playing games with the children and helping them with basic education.
Throughout your placement and visit to Morocco, you will have ample opportunity to practice the Arabic or French you are learning. You will live with an Arabic or French speaking family who will encourage you to practice at home as much as possible. During the weekend, a trip to the beach will be arranged.
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Archaeology in Romania
2008: Sunday July 20th - Saturday August 2nd / Sunday August 10th - Saturday August 23rd
Our archaeology program in Romania is based around the historic towns of Alba Iulia and Bourdosani in Transylvania, which are considered areas of huge archaeological importance. Artifacts dating back to 4,000 BC have been excavated as well as Greek, Roman, and Dacian remains. It is a region steeped in history and volunteers will be able to join some of the many excavations taking place.
The work you will be involved in varies. There will be opportunities to help out on an archaeological dig and assist in the restoration of a medieval church. Other tasks involve cleaning pottery, visits to museums, and recording items found during digs.
Our archaeology coordinator, George Ciotlausi, provides full training for volunteers. Accommodation is in local hostels, with local families or on site depending on the location of the project you are working on. Prepare to get your hands dirty!
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Care in Sri Lanka
2008: Sunday July 20th - Saturday August 2nd / Sunday August 3rd - Saturday August 16th
Based in many small towns along the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, south of Colombo, and in the mountain top hill station town of Kandy - care work in Sri Lanka is a multifaceted experience offering an enormous variety of choice.
However, all the work has one basic requirement in common: a love of working with children.
You will work with your fellow volunteers in orphanages and day care centers helping children learn the alphabet or organizing activities like arts and crafts. In the afternoons, volunteers assist in numerous areas with the children -- from helping with homework to organizing and playing sports and games to reading with a child individually.
Volunteers will also have the opportunity to visit a Tsunami affected area. Work has been ongoing since the Tsunami hit in 2004 and thankfully most of the affected families have been re-housed. Still, a lot of work is needed to regenerate local communities and provide extra educational support to children affected by the tragedy. These projects will give you a great chance to continue the good work done by our past volunteers. You might be helping with basic conversational English lessons or organizing a sports day where children from local communities can get involved.
Depending on the weather during the weekend, we will either take you rafting or to one of the many beaches in the region for water sports.
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Medicine in Argentina
2008: Sunday July 20th - Saturday August 2nd / Sunday August 10th - Saturday August 23rd
Based in a number of different hospitals in Unquillo, this placement offers volunteers an excellent opportunity to observe the medical profession first hand. Argentina shares many similarities to Europe and the modern techniques used in hospitals will be extremely relevant for anyone looking to study medicine at university.
Volunteers have the chance to witness all aspects of working in a hospital. You will visit a variety of different departments to give you practical insight into observing procedures, surgeries, maternity units, and ward rounds. Some Spanish would be useful, but don't worry if your level is not very high - we will provide a translator to accompany you.
During the weekend, we will take you into the Andes Mountains to see traditional villages and huge condors. There will also be opportunity to visit the house which once belonged to the famous Argentine socialist revolutionary Che Guevara.
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Cooking Lessons in India
2008: Sunday July 20th - Saturday August 2nd / Sunday August 10th - Saturday August 23rd
Indian cuisine is not just delicious and wonderfully spicy; it is also highly nutritious and steeped in tradition. South Indian cooking from Tamil Nadu uses the widest variety of spices and flavors of any cuisine in the world. This is an opportunity to learn how to make all the different curries that make up a Thali, to perfect a Dosa or to create mouth-watering coconut chutney.
At the same time, this is much more than a cookery course. You will learn some of the traditions and ideas behind an elaborate South Indian feast, experience catering for large numbers in a hotel kitchen and maybe even help to prepare a wedding dinner. We will also provide one-to-one instruction on specific dishes, their preparation and presentation.
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Conservation in South Africa and Botswana
2008: Sunday July 20th - Saturday August 2nd / Sunday August 10th - Saturday August 23rd
Even on route to our Conservation project in Southern Africa you will see some stunning landscapes. You will fly into Polokwane, in the northern region of South Africa where a member of the Projects Abroad team will meet you. Your final destination is Legodimo - a large nature reserve about three hours drive just over the border into Botswana.
You will stay at the conservation lodge, which is well facilitated to accommodate volunteers. It has large dorm rooms, hot showers underneath the stars, and a large open-air communal area complete with a fire circle and braai pit (similar to a BBQ). All of this is against a truly remarkable backdrop -the beautiful scenery and impressive wildlife of the Limpopo River.
Participating on this project will be hard work, good fun, and extremely interesting as you are moving from place to place. You will wrap trees to prevent damage from elephants, remove alien plants, and collect scientific data on birds and elephants in the reserve. One day will also be spent learning how to do GPS tracking of elephants and wild dogs at the Venetia Nature Reserve in South Africa. A few days camping at the Mapungubwe Nature Reserve will follow.
Our conservation project leader, Gerrit, will accompany at volunteers all times. He has a great knowledge of the region's geography and a thorough understanding of all animals the group will encounter. He should though, he did grow up in the bush raising snakes after all!
This project will appeal to practical, energetic and enthusiastic volunteers.
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