Description:
Come and volunteer with United Planet in Switzerland and you will receive the experience of a lifetime! Switzerland has much to offer with its beautiful scenery of the meadows and Alps, and while it is a breathtaking landscape, there is still need amongst the people in the communities. Volunteering in Switzerland will give you the opportunity to experience a warm-hearted culture and make an impact on the lives of those living there.
United Planet's Volunteer Abroad Quest program, celebrating 60 years of long-term voluntary service, offers signature pre-departure and in-country training, personal volunteer support, meaningful volunteer opportunities, diverse cultural and learning activities, local excursions, a strong host family network, and much more.
Highlights:
Long-term Volunteer Quests are available for 6 months and 1 year. Volunteers receive personal and customized support and take part in intensive pre-departure training and in-country orientations as well as mid-year and final year camps with other volunteers from all over the world. You do not need any specific skills or language abilities to take part. You will attain new skills, competencies, and broadened global perspectives through your involvement in the long-term Quest program!
As a long-term volunteer, you will have the exciting opportunity to gain an even deeper understanding and appreciation of a foreign land and culture through service, language and inter-cultural training, cultural learning activities, and exploration.
United Planet is the proud US and Canadian partner within the International Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE) Federation, the oldest long-term volunteering federation in the world. With over 60 years of experience, the ICYE Federation has a proven track record and upholds the highest standards for excellence in serving both the volunteers and the communities involved.
There are many interesting destinations both in developed and developing countries. You can support children in communities throughout France and Italy; assist in agricultural, environmental, and community projects in New Zealand, Nepal, and India; help with AIDS/HIV programs in Uganda, Russia, Nigeria, or assist in human rights issues in Brazil, Bolivia, Mozambique, and Lithuania. These are just a few of the many opportunities that we offer!
United Planet is committed to the accessibility of programs for all. For less than the cost of living independently in many of our program countries, you can participate in a fully supported and well-structured international voluntary exchange program with over 60 years of experience. We hope that you will recognize and take advantage of this special opportunity.
Switzerland:
Located in the heart of Europe, Switzerland is landlocked between Austria, Germany, France and Italy. Switzerland is perhaps best known for its political neutrality and its highly effective political process. It will no doubt leave a deep impression with you after living in the glorious Alps, the lush forests, or the alpine meadows.
* Social Projects: Volunteers work at a school or an organization that works with children who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. These projects aim to provide their inhabitants with family-like surroundings, close contacts, as well as advance their development and sense of security.
* People with Disabilities: Volunteers work with physically and mentally disabled adults at a center that aims to empower its members by helping them become more self-sufficient, dispelling prejudices and providing activities for them to do that involve the local community.
* Working with the Elderly: Volunteers provide these individuals company, a listening ear, and assistance with getting around to various daily activities.
* Cultural and Administrative Projects: Volunteers assist in a cultural center with tasks such as taking phone calls, office work and organizing cultural events.
* Radio and Theater Projects: Volunteers help with administration work to support the staff at local radio and theater organizations.
Language:
English
Cost Includes:
Emergency evacuation services,
Food
and Housing
* Food & lodging in your host country (host family or residential live-in at project)
* Local transportation to the volunteer site
* Health, accident, and third party liability insurance
* Preparation before departure/ evaluation on return
* In-country orientation, language course, mid-year camp, and final evaluation
* Intensive support and supervision during your year
* Monthly stipend for incidental expenses
* Diverse cultural and learning opportunities
Credit Available: yes
Experience Required: no
Typical Volunteer Projects:
childcare/children,
community development,
community health,
disability issues,
education,
health,
health care,
health education,
media work,
teaching,
volunteering
and youth
Typical Volunteer: People of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to join us. We are extremely proud of our international volunteers. Each and every volunteer strives to be a good ambassador through their flexibility, courage, open-mindedness, positive spirit, and genuine desire to make a difference. To help prepare you for the predictable and unpredictable aspects of your time abroad, you will be offered comprehensive pre-departure training and in-country orientations, as well as personal support from our Program Coordinators. We will work with you to help you gain the tools you need for a fun, safe and successful volunteer abroad experience.
This Program is open to
American
and Canadian
Participants.
.
Typical Living Arrangement:
Home-stays
Participants Travel to Switzerland
Independently
Typically Participants Work
Independently
Application Process Involves:
- Phone Interview
- Written Application
Typically The Application Process Time Is 24hours
Post Services Include:
Alumni Network
Job and Internship Network
United Planet's Mission Statement: As an international non-profit organization, United Planet (UP) strives to create a world in which all people understand, respect, and support one another. United Planet's global network of leaders and volunteers fosters cross-cultural understanding and addresses shared challenges to unite the world in a community beyond borders. In 2008, United Planet was one of only ten organizations selected by CNN to be part of its "Be the Change" initiative.
Year Founded: 2001