Description:
The world becomes your classroom and experience your greatest teacher!
Through a combination of volunteer community service work, homestays, outdoor adventure, and intense developing world travel, each Youth International participant is set up for a dynamic first-hand learning experience about the region in which they are traveling. At the same time, they are presented with a unique environment and opportunity for self-discovery.
Teams of up to 14 people between the ages of 18 and 25 travel together, with two group leaders. For a full 12 week semester they explore three different countries in one region of the world.
Youth International has been sending groups on learning adventures abroad since 1997, and offers three separate trips: Asia (Thailand, India, and Vietnam), South America (Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador), and Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and Namibia).
All three trips are offered twice each year: once in the fall semester which runs from September to December, and once in the spring semester which runs from February to May.
(*Youth International does not affiliate with, or adhere to, any specific religious or philosophical doctrine, and has no political affiliations or agenda.)
Highlights:
Help to build an orphanage in Bolivia, learn to speak Spanish while living with local families, hike the Inca trail through the Peruvian Andes to Machu Picchu, do conservation work in the Ecuadorian rainforest, search for wildlife while sailing through the Galapagos Islands, and much more... These are just a few highlights on a trip that holds new adventures around every corner!
Youth International sends teams to South America every year from Sept. to Dec. and Feb. to May. Each team travels together for 12 weeks through Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador.
The next available South America program is in the spring of 2009. The full tentative itinerary for that trip is as follows:
Colorado, USA (February 12 to 15):
Rocky Mountains in Estes Park, Colorado (Feb. 12 to 15):
For three days team members will live together in residence at the YMCA of the Rockies Conference Centre in Estes Park, Colorado. In the midst of this spectacular Rocky Mountain setting they will take part in a series of orientation workshops covering topics such as team building, health and safety, cultural sensitivity, and more, in preparation for their time abroad.
*A detailed orientation schedule will be handed out upon arrival in Colorado.
Flight to South America (Feb. 15):
The Team will depart Colorado's Rocky mountains on the morning of Feb. 15. They will fly together from Denver to Lima, Peru.
*Participants will receive a detailed flight itinerary before the start of the program.
Lima, Peru (February 15 to 16):
Lima (Feb. 15 to 16):
Time to begin exploring Peru's capital city, and sites such as the Church of San Francisco & Catacombs, the Central Market, and the National Museum. Fly from Lima to La Paz, Bolivia, on the night of Feb. 16.
*Participants will receive a detailed flight itinerary before the start of the program.
Bolivia (February 16 to March 22):
La Paz (Feb. 16 to 17):
Time to begin exploring Bolivias largest and perhaps its most colorful, city.
On the afternoon of the 17th, the team will depart La Paz, and travel south by bus and/or train to Uyuni.
Uyuni and the Southern Altiplano (Feb. 17 to 20):
The team will have a day to explore the outpost town of Uyuni and prepare for their safari into Bolivias remote southern Altiplano. For three days they will ride jeeps across spectacular salt plains and high mountain deserts, visiting volcanoes and flamingo lakes scattered about one of South Americas most rugged landscapes.
Overnight travel north by train and/or bus from Uyuni to Oruro on the 20th.
Oruro (Feb. 21 to 22):
Carnaval is considered the biggest annual event in Bolivia, and Oruro is the best place to be for it! This celebration in Oruro has been declared one of "Mankind's Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO. The team will be in Oruro during the height of celebrations on Saturday, Feb. 21, when a huge parade with about 40,000 dancers and musicians will march through the city streets all day and night. On Feb. 22, the team will travel by bus about four hours east to the city of Cochabamba.
Cochabamba (Feb. 22 to 28):
For one week the team will live in the city of Cochabamba, tucked in a picturesque valley in Bolivias beautiful central highlands. Everyone will live with a host family and will attend intensive Spanish language lessons. Outings will also be taken to explore the many interesting sides of this lively Bolivian city.
On March 1, the team will move to Malcorancho, about 45 minutes outside of Cochabamba.
Malcorancho (Mar. 1 to 12):
For a week and a half, the team will live with host families in this small rural village just beyond the outskirts of Cochabamba. Days will be spent helping to build a local school, as well as doing some teaching of the school children. A day trip will also be taken to visit a nearby rainforest.
Travel by bus from Cochabamba back to La Paz on the 12th.
La Paz: (Mar. 12 to 15):
The team will have some more time to continue exploring La Paz, with its lively streets, endless bustling markets, and many museums. There will also be a day trip to visit the nearby ancients ruins of Tiahuanaco.
On the morning of the 15th, the team will fly from La Paz, in the high mountain planes, down to the rainforests of the Amazon River Basin and the town of Rurrenabaque.
Rurrenabaque and the Amazon River Basin (Mar. 15 to 21):
A day to explore Bolivia's northern frontier town of Rurrenabaque, followed by a five day safari in which the team will travel together in simple wooden boats along rivers in the Amazon Basin searching for wildlife. Hikes will also be taken into the pampas and rainforest. The group will camp overnight in tents and cabins along the banks of the river, and inside the rainforest.
Fly from Rurrenabaque back to La Paz on the morning of 21st, and continue directly to Copacabana.
Copacabana (Mar. 21 to 22):
Travel by bus from La Paz west to Copacabana on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The balance of the day on the 21st and the morning of the 22nd will be available to explore this pretty little pilgrimage town by the border of Peru.
Continue west by bus from Copacabana across the border to Puno, Peru on the 22nd.
Peru (March 22 to April 13):
Puno (Mar. 22 to Apr. 1):
For a week and a half, the team will live with host families in the small city of Puno, on the shores of one the world's highest navigable bodies of water, Lake Titicaca. They will learn about typical life in Peru, by living it themselves. Days will be spent volunteering on a community project. (The project is still to be finalized, but will most likely involve both construction work and child education. Final project details will be given to team members before the start of the program.)
A weekend boat trip will also be taken out on Lake Titicaca. During that weekend outing the team will learn about island life and will stay overnight with host families on the small island of Amantani.
Travel by bus northwest from Puno to Cuzco on Apr. 1.
Cuzco (Apr. 1 to 3):
This capital city of the old Inca Empire is tucked beautifully in an Andean Mountain valley in southern Peru. The team will have some time as a group, and individually, to explore Inca ruins in and around the city while resting up and preparing for their upcoming trek.
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (Apr. 3 to 6):
From near Cuzco the team will set out on the famous Inca Trail. For three days they will hike along the remains of this stone paved path created by the Inca people. They will follow it deep into the Andes mountains, past small contemporary villages, and the remains of old Inca forts, through lush vegetation and over snow covered passes.
On the fourth morning the team will journey the final hours of the path to Machu Picchu. The remainder of this day will be spent exploring this "Lost City of the Incas", the most incredible, and deservedly most famous, site in South America.
Overnight on the 6th in the village of Aguas Calientes near Machu Picchu.
Cuzco (Apr. 7 to 8):
Return to Cuzco by train and bus on the morning of the 7th. Remainder of the day in Cuzco to rest and recover from the trek.
On the 8th the team will fly from Cuzco west across the Andes to Lima.
Lima (Apr. 8 to 9):
Siteseeing and free time to continue exploring Peru's capital city.
Depart Lima on the evening of the 9th, traveling by bus up the north coast to Trujillo.
Trujillo (Apr. 10 to 11):
A day to explore this large city on Peru's northern coast, including nearby "Chan Chan", the ruins of the Chimu Empire's capital city.
Travel by bus from Trujillo to Mancora on the 11th.
Mancora (Apr. 11 to 13):
The team will have a much-deserved day to relax on one of Peru's most beautiful northern beaches. Overnight for two nights in a hostel near the beach.
Continue traveling by bus on Apr. 13th north up the coast from Mancora into Ecuador, and on to the city of Cuenca.
Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands (April 13 to May 6):
Cuenca (Apr. 13 to 16):
The team will have more than two full days to explore this beautiful colonial city.
On Apr. 16th, they will travel by bus from Cuenca to the tiny village of Quilotoa.
Quilotoa Crater Lake (Apr. 16 to 18):
The team will spend the night of the 16th staying in a family-run guest house on the edge of this gorgeous volcanic crater lake in Ecuador's central highlands. The next day, the team will hike around part of the rim of this massive volcanic crater lake, and across the rural Ecuadorian countryside from Quilotoa to Chugchillan. They will stay in a simple guest house in Chugchillan.
On the morning of the 18th, they will travel by bus from Chugchillan to Banos.
Banos (Apr.18 to 20):
A day and a half to explore this pretty little town, in a lush setting at the base of a volcano, on the group's journey toward the rainforest.
Continue by bus from Banos to jatun Sacha rainforest on Apr. 20th.
Jatun Sacha Rainforest Reserve (Apr. 20 to 27):
During this week, the team will live in small huts in the middle of the Ecuadorian rainforest. Here they will work on a variety of conservation projects with the Jatun Sacha Foundation. Some recreational and educational outings will also be taken into the rainforest and along nearby rivers.
Travel from the rainforest back to Quito on the 27th.
Quito (Apr. 27 to 30):
Time for group and individual exploration of Ecuador's beautiful capital city.
On the morning of Apr. 30th, the team will fly from Quito to the Galapagos Islands.
Galapagos Islands (Apr. 30 to May 5):
On the equator, in the Pacific Ocean, 1000 Kms off the coast of Ecuador, the group will do a four day sailing safari through several islands within Ecuadors Galapagos Archipelago. This is the spot where Charles Darwin found some of the most important evidence in the development of his theory of evolution.
Here, in one of the most diverse and dynamic wildlife habitats on the planet, the team will search for and observe an endless of array of mammals, birds, and marine life; from swimming with Seals and Penguins to walking within a few feet of Giant Tortoises, Pelicans, and Blue Footed Boobies.
After their sailing safari the team will stay in the town of Puerto Ayora for a final day in the Galapagos to enjoy the spectacular beaches, rest up, and begin reflecting on the entire trip and preparing for their return home.
Fly from the Galapagos Islands back to Quito on May 5th.
Quito (May 5 to 6):
Final evening in Quito on May 5th for program wrap-up and preparation for returning home on the 6th.
Flight back to the USA (May 6):
The team will fly together from Quito to Denver, Colorado. The group's journey will be finished upon arrival back in Denver.
*Participants will receive a detailed flight itinerary before the start of the program.
Qualifications / Skills Needed:
Anyone who will be between 18 and 25 years of age when travelling is welcome to apply to join a Youth International trip. (*Some flexibility with this age restriction does exist.)
Minimum Education: High School
Travel Types:
4th World Studies,
BackPacking,
Birdwatching,
Camping,
Canoeing,
Eco Tours,
Ecology,
Hiking,
Homestay,
Language Immersion,
Nature Tours,
Overland Tours,
RainForest Tours,
Safari,
Snorkeling,
Tours,
Trekking
and Volunteering
Type of Programs:
Adventure Travel,
Community Service / Volunteerism,
Cultural Exploration,
Language Immersion
and Student Tours
Languages:
Aymara,
English,
Quichua
and Spanish
Cost in US$: US$8,500
Cost Includes:
Excursions,
Food,
Housing,
In-country orientation/Training,
In-country staff support,
International travel,
Language instruction,
Living stipend,
Pre-departure orientation/Training,
Registration fees,
Travel while in host country,
Written materials abroad
and Written materials pre-departure
The Youth International program cost covers all program expenses, including all flights and overland travel, all food and lodging, all scheduled program activities, (including the cost of all outdoor adventure activities and site seeing etc.), team leaders and in country staff, educational material and other miscellaneous expenses related to the program.
The only costs that the program fee does not cover are personal items and individual free time activities. Personal items would also include health insurance and any medical expenses, travel visas, as well as transportation to and from orientation, in the USA, at the beginning and end of the program.
Experience Required: no
Typical Volunteer Projects:
academic reinforcement,
adult education,
agriculture,
AIDS,
animal welfare,
building maintenance,
building schools,
childcare/children,
community centers,
community development,
community health,
community organizing,
computer training,
conservation,
economic development,
education,
elderly,
English teaching,
environment,
health,
health care,
health education,
human rights,
literacy,
minority groups,
nutrition,
organic farming,
orphans,
painting,
parks,
primary education,
public education,
recreation,
reforestation,
refugee relief,
renovation,
repairs,
restoration,
sanitation,
street kids,
teaching,
trail building,
tree planting,
tutor,
volunteering,
water,
women,
youth
and youth development
Typical Volunteer: Q: What types of people join Youth International teams? A: This is a very common question, and is perhaps the most difficult to answer as there is really no "typical" Youth International participant. Each is unique! Our participants bring with them a wonderful diversity of backgrounds and interests. Team members share a like mindedness, and bond well, through their common interest and enthusiasm toward the activities and ideals which have drawn them all toward the Youth International program. All, in some way or another, are eager to step outside of the path they are on at the moment. To challenge themselves to get out and learn more about the world, and about who they are in relation to that world. Many are taking a "gap" year, or semester, off in the middle of college, or between graduating high school and beginning college. Several have recently graduated college, and want to experience some of the world before starting a career or going on to graduate school. A few are taking time out from a career. The vast majority of our participants come from the United States. From all corners of the country. We also have several participants join from across Canada. Youth International also has some members that have joined us from a number of other countries around the world.
Age Range: 18 to 25
This Program is open to
American,
Australian,
Canadian,
European,
Kiwi,
South African
and World Wide
Participants.
.
Typical Living Arrangements:
Group living
and Home-stays
Participants Travel to - Multi-Country
in Groups
Typically Participants Work
Independently
Or
in Groups of up to 14
Application Process Involves:
- In-Person Interview when Feasible
- Letters of Reference
- Phone Interview
- Written Application
Post Services Include:
- Alumni Network
- Exit DebriefingAbroad
Youth International's Mission Statement: Youth International opens the doors for young people to actively explore and discover a broader perspective on the world while developing a deeper understanding of who they are and what their place is within the world. Developing more personally and socially aware future leaders, Youth International also hopes to take small steps toward bridging the gap between people and nations and making the world a better, more peaceful place in which to live.
Year Founded: 1995