International Volunteer Opportunities for High School Students

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2-Week High School Specials - Summer 2010

Volunteer with baby

If you're in the 16 to 19 age group and in full-time education, why not join us on our short programs designed for you? Aimed to give you valuable 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.

The basic program involves two weeks for work and a weekend tourism excursion. There is the option to extend to a third week of work for an additional $795.

You will be with a small group of fellow students. With a mixture of taught sessions, hands-on and observational work, as well as evening activities and weekend excursions, this is a perfect way to have some fun while contributing massively to your resume or college applications!

Programs marked with a * offer the option of joining an escorted flight from New York - JFK (and, in some cases, from Toronto - YYZ) with a trained Projects Abroad staff member.

We have a diverse range of 2-Week Specials available in Summer 2010:

Care & Conservation in Costa Rica
• Sunday, July 18^th – Saturday July 31^st
• Sunday August 1^st – Saturday, August 14^th
If you're interested in working with children, joining a conservation project, practicing your Spanish skills, and living in a gorgeous country, then look no further than this trip! Costa Rica is one of the most stable and well-developed countries in Central America, creating a perfect mix for volunteers who want to experience Latin America.
Volunteers can choose to spend a week on both the Conservation and Care projects or spend the two weeks just at the Conservation project. Please let us know which you prefer when you apply.
During your time at the conservation project at Barra Honda National Park you will be given an extensive tour of the area, including its famous caves. You'll also be involved in a variety of on going projects, which may include reforestation work, mammal study, butterfly and bat study, painting buildings, and maintaining and restoring trails.
The volunteers going on to join the Care project will then spend the second week working at one of our care projects in the city of Liberia, Projects Abroad’s main base in Costa Rica. Volunteers can help out by playing games with the children and giving them attention they would otherwise not receive. There is also the opportunity to provide some basic English lessons if you'd like to take part in classes. You will work at the one of the care centers during the day and your evenings will be filled with activities ranging from dance lessons to quizzes. Living in Liberia provides a great opportunity to speak Spanish with local people if you’re interested in improving or picking up some language skills.
A weekend trip to an outdoor destination is included for all 2-Week Special volunteers. Experience all the beauty this magnificent country has to offer while helping out on a volunteer project. Pura Vida!
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Care & Community in Ethiopia
• Sunday, July 18^th – Saturday, July 31^st
• Sunday, August 1^st – Saturday, August 14^th
By volunteering on a Care and Community project in Ethiopia, you will be offering children care and attention that they desperately need. Volunteers are based in an orphanage or care center in the capital city of Addis Ababa
Depending on your interests and skills, you will also have the opportunity to teach the children a wide variety of subjects. Your time will be split so that in addition to spending time with the children you will also be able to have a lasting impact on the orphanage or center itself by helping with painting and renovation work.
Over the weekend you will get a chance to visit the countryside outside of Addis on a trip to Entoto Mountain or relax at some hot water springs. You will also have the opportunity to visit a monastery and learn about Ethiopia’s history.
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Care in Fiji
• Sunday, July 18^th – Saturday, July 31^st
• Sunday, August 1^st – Saturday, August 14^th
Volunteering on a care project in Fiji is an ideal way to get involved in the local community of this fascinating island nation while improving conditions for disadvantaged children. Volunteers are based in the capital of the main island, Nadi.
Your time will be split between playing with and caring for the children in the mornings and renovating and redecorating a kindergarten in the afternoon.
Although this project is relatively short, it gives you the opportunity to make a significant difference in other people’s lives as well as broaden your own horizons.
During the weekend you can either relax on one of Fiji’s renowned island beaches or take a trip inland to visit a traditional Fijian village.
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Care & Community work in Ghana
• Sunday, June 27^th – Saturday, July 10^th
• Sunday, July 18^th – Saturday, July 31^st*
• Sunday, August 1^st – Saturday, August 14^th
Our 2-week Care & Community Projects in Ghana are based in either Cape Coast or 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 have a unique international experience yourself. 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.
Volunteers based in Cape Coast will spend two weeks working in an orphanage. You will be 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.
Volunteers in the Akuapem Hills will become part of a small friendly community. In the mornings you will be working on a community project, helping paint and renovate a local school. In the afternoons you will work at one of the care projects in the Hills, playing games and arranging activities for the children.
Wherever you volunteer you will leave a lasting impression on the children by giving them the extra attention, love, and care that is lacking in their daily lives.
Over the weekend we'll take you to visit Kakum Rainforest Reserve near Cape Coast 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.
*Escorted flight available from New York - JFK and Toronto - YYZ.

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Care & Community Work in Jamaica
• Sunday, June 27^th – Saturday, July 10^th
• Sunday, July 18^th – Saturday, July 31^st
Volunteers will improve the lives of children living in a local orphanage by running a summer camp program. The aim of our Care & Community 2-Week Special is to foster social development and cultural exchange through art, drama, dance, and sports.
Volunteers work on scheduled activities like arts & crafts, imaginative games, and performing arts such as dance and drama during their time in Jamaica. They will be able to arrange both indoor and outdoor games like softball, soccer, netball, and track & field.
Volunteers will help paint fences, walls, and create colorful murals around the orphanage. You will also plant vegetables and fruits in the home’s garden. At the end of the two weeks there will be a mini-concert and an arts & crafts exhibition where the children will get to showcase their talents and art pieces that you helped them work on.
During the weekend you will go on a trip to one of the island’s famous beaches or caves. This will be coupled with a rich immersion into the music, dance, food and other cultural aspects for which Jamaica is known.
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Care in Moldova
• Sunday, July 18^th – Saturday, July 31^st
• Sunday, August 1^st – Saturday, August 14^th
If you have plenty of energy and enthusiasm, you can help give Moldovan children a summer vacation to remember. Moldova is the poorest country in Europe and many of the children we work with 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.
Working at a summer camp on the outskirts of Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, you will organize games and activities for groups of young children as well as 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 volunteering 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 like banks of the River Bic. This is a great chance to socialize with other volunteers and Moldovans alike while tasting a few of the local delicacies.
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Care & Arabic or French in Morocco
• Sunday, July 4^th – Saturday, July 17^th*
• Sunday, July 25^th – Saturday, August 7^th
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 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’re 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; you will also have the opportunity to see the historic sites of Rabat.
*Escorted flight available from New York - JFK
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Care & Community Work with French in Senegal
• Sunday,July 11^th – Saturday,July 24^th
• Sunday,July 25^th – Saturday,August 7^th
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 three 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’re mastering the basics or improving the French you already know, the lessons will be adjusted to your level.
During your placement you will be involved in renovating and decorating classrooms in a local kindergarten. This will help create a clean and colorful environment for children to return to after their summer 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 football tournament.
Your weekend trip takes you over the border into the Mauritanian desert. You will have plenty of opportunities to relax and socialize inside a tented camp in the beautiful area of blue sea and pristine sand dunes.
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Care & Community Work in Sri Lanka
• Sunday, July 4^th – Saturday, July 17^th
• Sunday July 25^th – Saturday, August 7^th
Based in several small towns along the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, south of Colombo, care work in Sri Lanka is a multifaceted experience offering an enormous variety of choice. However, all the work has one basic requirement: 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 sports games to reading with a child individually.
You will live with a local host family, which allows you to be fully immersed in the Sri Lankan way of life.
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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Community Building in South Africa
• Sunday, July 11^th – Saturday, July 24^th
• Sunday August 1^st – Saturday, August 14^th
If you want to get your hands dirty and see physical results from a short volunteering experience abroad, our community-building project may be right for you. This project offers volunteers the chance to get involved in building cinder block homes for the less fortunate residents in the township of Mfuleni.
This is a very poor township with a number of pressing problems. Within the village and surrounding areas many families live in inadequate accommodation. This project enables volunteers to play a key role in the building of new better quality homes, making Mfuleni a more comfortable and safe place to live. Daily activities include digging foundations, mixing and pouring cement, building a roof, or putting the finishing coat of paint on the completed house.
Volunteers live with local host families, giving a unique insight into this fascinating country.
Over the weekend, you’ll go on a trip with other volunteers and our local staff to famous Table Mountain and Cape Point National Park. You may even have the chance to go whale watching at nearby Hermanus!
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Spanish & Turtle Conservation in Mexico
• Sunday, June 27^th – Saturday, July 10^th
• Sunday, July 18^th – Saturday, July 31^st
• Sunday, August 8^th – Saturday, August 21^st
Located at the Campamento Tecoman biological station on the Pacific Coast, you will spend your two weeks learning Spanish and helping out on a variety of conservation projects. This project offers you opportunities like no other, including assisting in the protection of the rare Olive Ridley turtle.
You will receive up to four hours of Spanish tuition a day. Classes are extremely interactive and you will be encouraged every step of the way. Whether you want to master the basics or improve your current level of 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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Conservation in Peru
• Sunday, June 27^th – Saturday, July 10^th
• Sunday, July 18^th – Saturday, July 31^st
• Sunday, August 1^st – Saturday, August 14^th
For a chance to truly get away from it all this summer, join us for two weeks in the Peruvian rainforest, located deep in the heart of the Amazon. This project offers a unique opportunity to experience the rainforest environment and participate in important conservation activities.
Upon arrival at our jungle base at the Taricaya Lodge, 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 our 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 managing a pilot farm we’ve created.
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 Volunteer Conservation Peru website.
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Conservation in South Africa and Botswana
• Sunday, July 18^th – Saturday, July 31^st
• Sunday, August 8^th – Saturday, August 21^st
Even before you arrive at our Conservation project in Southern Africa, you will see some stunning wilderness on your journey to base camp. You will fly into Polokwane, in the northern region of South Africa, and then drive across the Botswana border. Your final destination is Legodimo – our large nature reserve.
You will stay at the well-facilitated conservation lodge we have set up. It has large dorm rooms, hot water showers that are open to the stars, a big outside communal area, and a fire circle with a braai pit (similar to a BBQ). All of this is set against beautiful scenery and the impressive wildlife of the Limpopo River.
Volunteering on this project is hard work, a lot of fun and extremely interesting. You will be involved in wrapping trees to prevent damage from elephants, removing alien plants, and collecting scientific data about the birds and elephants living on the reserve.
Our conservation leader, Gerrit, will accompany volunteers as all times. He has a great deal of experience with the tasks and activities volunteers are involved in as well as extensive knowledge about the region’s geography. Having lived in the area his whole life, he has a good understanding of the animals you will encounter. Gerrit will pass on his expertise and enthusiasm to volunteers, who can learn a lot from his experience of living in the bush.
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Diving & Marine Conservation in Thailand
• Sunday 11^th July – Saturday 24^th July
• Sunday 25^th July – Saturday 07^th August
If you’re interested in marine life and want to try living on the beach, this project is perfect for you! All volunteers on our conservation project in Thailand will be met by one of our staff members in Krabi, just 20km from Ao Nang where the project is based. 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’ll learn how to breathe, clear your mask, and equalize pressure. You will also become familiar with the buddy system and using underwater sign language. By observing and analyzing reef damage and fish populations, you play a part in conserving this precious ecosystem off the coast of South West Thailand.
Once you have your diving qualifications, your efforts are rewarded by descending into a stunning underwater world of tropical fish, turtles, sea urchins and corals. You will also help with a beach clean up and take part in some mangrove reforestation work.
After your two 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.
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Cooking Lessons in India
• Sunday, July 18^th – Saturday, July 31^st*
• Sunday, August 8^th – Saturday, August 21^st
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 a tasty opportunity to learn how to cook all the different curries that make up a Thali, create the perfect Dosa or put together mouth-watering coconut chutney.
At the same time, this is much more than a cooking 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-on-one instruction on specific dishes, their preparation and presentation.
There will be a weekend break to Kanyakumari at the southern tip of India. You will have the chance to laze around one of the many sun-soaked beaches, watch its famed sunsets and visit the massive Thiruvalluvar statue.
*Escorted flight available from New York - JFK and Toronto - YYZ
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Community Building in Jamaica
• Sunday, August 8^th – Saturday, August 21^st
Volunteers are needed in Jamaica to work on a 2-Week Special Community Building Project to help repair and build homes in Manchester. Volunteers work with local builders as part of a committed team that does minor repairs to aluminum roofs, put in louver windows, mix mortar, and lay blocks.
Jamaica is a tropical island situated on the hurricane belt. Manchester has had a fair share of damage from hurricanes over the years and we are constantly looking at preventative measures to lessen their impact on the poor and elderly. This has led to the partnership of Projects Abroad Jamaica and the ADRA, two organizations that share a similar vision.
ADRA International operates as an independent humanitarian agency focusing on development and relief work. The collaboration of Projects Abroad Jamaica and ADRA will result in changing the lives of the poor and needy by repairing homes in Manchester. Come and be a part of this life changing experience by making a valuable contribution to the improved standard of living of those in need.
During the weekend you will go on a trip to one of the island’s famous beaches or caves. This will be coupled with a rich immersion into the music, dance, food and other cultural aspects for which Jamaica is known. All volunteers will receive a certificate at the end of the project.
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Inca Projects & Archaeology in Peru
• Sunday, June 27^th – Saturday, July 10^th
• Sunday July 18^th – Saturday July 31^st
• Sunday August 1^st – Saturday August 14^th
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 and will be surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Andes. On the Inca Project, you will help with our archaeological activities and community work.
Your trip will begin in Cusco with an introduction to the grandeur of the Inca Empire. You will then be driven to the small Andean hamlet of Huyro where you will work with our local archaeological experts. Here we collaborate with the Peruvian Historical Institute by helping uncover and clear Inca terraces and buildings in an area that was recently discovered as an Inca settlement.
Volunteers also assist with work around the volunteer house and run community projects in the local area.
*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 white water raft down the Urubamba River and have a last night out in the Inca capital, Cusco.
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Journalism in Romania
• Sunday July 18th – Saturday August 1st
• Sunday August 8th – Saturday August 21st
For those looking to break into the competitive world of journalism, this is for you! You will be working on ‘The Village’ magazine, an English and Romanian language magazine targeted at both expatriates and local Romanians. As a writer, you will work on specific assignments, focusing on village issues with guidance from the editor. You will be interviewing local people, reviewing events, writing features and taking photographs. As you work alongside the local experts you can put your passion into practice.
Before leaving Romania you should have several articles ready to be published in the next edition.
A trip to Dracula's castle, a visit to a UNESCO church and time visiting a traditional Romanian village 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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Photography in Romania
• Sunday, July 18^th – Saturday, July 31^st
• Sunday, August 8^th – Saturday,August 21^st
A photojournalist will help you put together your own portfolio on this placement. You will get guidance with techniques such as lens operation through to the more advanced “depth of field” practice. In the mornings, you’ll concentrate on theory and technique while the afternoons provide you with the chance to shoot around the city. You can experiment with what you’ve learned 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 and you might even be able to get a shot of the wild bears and wolves that inhabit this rural location. If you have a special interest in photographing people and architecture you can head to Bucharest, Romania’s capital.
With the assistance of a trained journalist, you'll complete an assignment for a local magazine. You will return home with in-depth knowledge of your camera, a diverse and colorful portfolio, and your work in print.
Your middle weekend will be spent with your fellow journalism volunteers visiting a UNESCO church and a traditional Romanian village.
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Law in China
• Sunday, June 27^th – Saturday, July 10^th
• Sunday, July 18^th – Saturday, July 31^st
• Sunday, August 1^st – Saturday, August 14^th
For anyone considering a career in law, spending two weeks visiting a firm in Shanghai will offer you unique international work observations. Your time will include visits to a law firm and various legal departments.
Upon arrival, you will receive a briefing on the legal system in China from your supervisor; they will speak excellent English and be happy to answer any of your questions. During your two week placement, you will get a broad overview of law in China, spanning the entire legal spectrum of commercial and corporate law.
Your work may include researching case studies, proof reading documents and making comparisons between the Chinese, British, and other worldwide legal systems.
You will 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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Human Rights in South Africa
• Sunday, July 11^th – Saturday, July 24^th
• Sunday, August 1^st – Saturday, August 14^th
If you are passionate about Human Rights and want to experience working with disadvantaged children in Africa, then this is the project for you! This truly amazing placement will have you living in Cape Town and working alongside Theodore Kamwimbi. Mr. Kamwimbi is one of South Africa’s most experienced Human Rights lawyers and has worked with the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
Theo will use the two weeks you have to show you as much as he possibly can about the work he does in the poorer areas of Cape Town. You will have to be prepared for some rather harrowing cases as you meet with orphaned, neglected, and abandoned children.
At the other end of the scale, Theo meets with people who can play a role in trying to improve the lives of these kids, including the politicians and civil servants who make and implement laws. He will also organize for you to attend lectures and meetings with people who can give you inside knowledge on what Human Rights work is all about.
Over the weekend you’ll go on a trip with other volunteers and our local staff to famous Table Mountain, Cape Point National Park, or perhaps even whale watching at nearby Hermanus!
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Medicine in Argentina
•Sunday, July 4^th – Saturday, July 17^th
•Sunday, July 25^th – Saturday, August 7^th
Based in a number of different hospitals, this placement offers interns 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 to anyone studying medicine in the future.
Interns have the chance to witness all aspects of working in a hospital. You will visit a variety of different departments that allow you to observe procedures, work in maternity units, and perhaps even help out on ward rounds. There is also the opportunity to visit medical lectures during your stay. Some Spanish would be useful but don’t worry if your level is not very high – we will provide a translator to accompany you.
Over the weekend we will take you into the Andes Mountains to see traditional villages and huge condors. There may also be an opportunity to visit the house that once belonged to the famous Argentine revolutionary, Ernesto “Che” Guevara.
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Medicine in India
• Sunday, June 27^th – Saturday, July 10^th
• Sunday, July 18^th – Saturday, July 31^st*
• Sunday, August 8^th – Saturday, August 21^st
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.
Throughout the two weeks you’ll have the chance to spend time in a variety of medical institutions. You may start off at the busy Saravana hospital where there can be up to 500 consultations a day or at the modern multi-specialty Vadamalayan hospital.
During the two weeks, you will also have the opportunity 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 Sree Ramakrishna Naturopathy and Ayurvedic Resort.
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 Kanyakumari at the southern tip of India. You will have a chance to laze around one of the many sun-soaked beaches, watch its famed sunsets and visit the massive Thiruvalluvar statue.
*Escorted flight available from New York - JFK and Toronto - YYZ
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Healthcare in Jamaica
• Sunday, July 18^th – Saturday, July 31^st
In the land of Usain Bolt, Marcus Garvey and Bob Marley there is an overflow of adolescent talent in sports, academics, creative arts and science. However, even in this country teeming with talent there is a great need for these same adolescents to be taught and guided into proper health practices from their peers.
The Manchester Day Camp is where volunteers can learn more about health issues in Jamaica that affect adults and adolescents.
The 2-Week Special volunteers will be part of the day camp coordinated by the Manchester Health Department in partnership with Projects Abroad. The camp will be held at the Manchester Comprehensive Clinic. The aim is to provide teens with a creative outlet for the summer while offering health education courses. The staff includes a camp director, counselors, as well as volunteers to facilitate discussions and activities. Most of the exercises are aimed at educating adolescents about healthy lifestyles and behavior change. External speakers are also invited to lead talks on specific health issues in adolescence such as sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, asthma, sickle cell, and heart disease.
Many practical activities that make the educational topics fun such as songs, dance, drama, visual arts, and movies are included in the process. The theme for this camp is “Putting health education into practice”. What better way to spend your summer than sharing your experiences with other teens while learning from them? If you are interested in healthcare or just want to be part of helping promote healthy living then this is a great opportunity for you!
In addition to the day camp, volunteers will have the opportunity to tour the Mandeville Regional Hospital, the largest of its kind in Manchester. It has four main departments: medicine, general surgery, pediatrics and obstetrics, and gynecology. It also has a critical care unit, accident and emergency, and an outpatient clinic.
Volunteers will also receive a one-day workshop about actively taking and monitoring vital signs, first aid, and the Jamaican healthcare system. You will then have the chance to use your new skills with a community outreach mobile clinic based in a poor community.
During the weekend you will go on a trip to one of the island’s famous beaches or caves. This will be coupled with a rich immersion into the music, dance, food and other cultural aspects for which Jamaica is known. A certificate of participation will be given to all volunteers who take part in this project.
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Medicine in Mongolia
• Sunday, June 27^th – Saturday, July 10^th
• Sunday, July 18^th – Saturday, July 31^st
• Sunday, August 1^st – Saturday, August 14^th
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 may help you secure a place studying medicine at university.
You will be interning 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 discuss 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 will be taken to Terelj National Park where you will be able to see wild horses and ride a camel. The sights are spectacular! You will also get to experience a traditional Mongolian barbecue, which is a great time to socialize with the other volunteers and local staff.
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Medicine or Physical Therapy in Nepal
• Sunday, June 27^th – Saturday, July 10^th
• Sunday, July 18^th – Saturday, July 31^st
• Sunday, August 1^st – Saturday, August 14^th
This 2-Week Special program is designed to give you an unparalleled overview of physical therapy or medicine in Nepal. Based in the intriguing Nepalese capital Kathmandu, physical therapy and medical interns will spend time in the Hospital and Rehabilitation Center for Disabled Children. This is always an inspiring placement thanks to the fantastic work that goes on at the center. Medical interns will also spend time in a maternity clinic and visit a number of different hospital departments.
You will live with a host family close to the areas where you will be working and will participate in evening activities planned by our local staff.
Over the weekend there will be a trip to the central markets and local temples as well as the option to explore the hills around Kathmandu by mountain bike.
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Sports in Ghana
• Sunday, July 18^th – Saturday, July 31^st*
• Sunday, August 1^st – Saturday, August 14^th
Spend two weeks coaching sports in friendly West Africa! In Ghana you can use your sporting talents to teach new skills and train children at a soccer project in the Akuapem Hills. You’ll spend your first week learning coaching techniques in Accra before heading to the semi-rural Akuapem Hills to work with local children.
You can show off your coaching skills by preparing children for matches, which you can help referee. By interacting with the children on a personal level, you will develop their skills and confidence while having fun playing soccer at the same time.
During 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. If Accra's soccer team, Hearts of Oak, is playing we'll take you along to see the game.
*Escorted flight available from New York - JFK and Toronto - YYZ
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Teaching in Jamaica
• Sunday July 11^th – Saturday July 24^th
The focus of this 2-Week Special teaching project is to promote the concept of holistic learning and education. Here you will expose children to other areas of learning such as drama, language, arts, music, technology, and sports.
The McIntosh Memorial Primary School runs an integrated Summer School Program each year. Teaching volunteers will work for four hours a day and are needed to assist in teaching core courses to remedial students. The majority of lessons will be basic reading and mathematics, however you may get involved in geography, cultural exchange through song and dance, arts and crafts, and physical education.
Volunteers should have a love of children, be patient, tolerant, and flexible. If you have any specific skills please let us know, however no experience is required. As volunteers you should be willing to lead an activity if requested or assist the teacher in charge.
Activities include: treasure hunts, teaching basic literacy, teaching sports and sportsmanship, teaching drama, music, song and dance, improving the class environment through crafts and cultural activities.
To conclude the summer school, a parents open day will be held where parents can come in and view their children’s work and meet volunteers. We will also put on a concert for the children to showcase their song and dance skills.
During the weekend you will go on a trip to one of the island’s famous beaches or caves. This will be coupled with a rich immersion into the music, dance, food and other cultural aspects for which Jamaica is known. Each volunteer will receive a certificate of participation at the end of the program.
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Veterinary Medicine in India
• Sunday July 18^th – Saturday July 31^st*
• Sunday August 8^th – Saturday August 21^st
If you're thinking of becoming a vet or veterinary nurse then this is the perfect project for you. You will have the chance to work with domestic and farm animals in the city of Madurai as well as in the countryside.
As you deal with vaccinations, birthing problems, artificial insemination and surgery, you will gain tons of knowledge while working at our veterinary placements.
Your two weeks will be divided primarily between the Madurai Veterinary Dispensary in the mornings and the Deen Pet Clinic in the afternoons and evenings. You will work closely with a local vet who will guide you and answer your questions.
Throughout your placement, you will gain insight into working with domestic animals such as dogs and cats as well as deal with goats, cattle, and perhaps even elephants!
There will be a weekend break to Kanyakumari at the southern tip of India. You will have a chance to laze around one of the many sun soaked beaches, watch its famed sunsets and visit the massive Thiruvalluvar statue.
*Escorted flight available from New York - JFK and Toronto - YYZ
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