Description:
Gain a new perspective on your life by volunteering in Bolivia. Experience the opportunity to enjoy the rich local way of life while assisting the community with pressing issues. We offer social volunteer opportunities in different locations as well as environmental projects in partnership with local organizations in Bolivia.
* Social Projects
Volunteers will learn firsthand about the educational system through classroom placements in kindergartens and primary schools. The work consists of supporting the teachers with activities and classes, as well as playing with the kids. Volunteers also help in the administration's office, with specific responsibilities being defined with the school staff.
* Development Projects
Volunteers help children from a variety of disadvantaged backgrounds including street children, disabled children, children from troubled families, those who have suffered abuse and orphans. Volunteers can assist organizations with fund raising, supervising children's play time, developing activities and workshops, or supporting families from some of the poorest areas through counseling.
* Human Rights Projects
This volunteer work consists of assisting with local non-profit organizations doing a mixture of text translation and general office support, with some travel. These projects usually require an intermediate level of Spanish. The organizations vary in targeting human rights infringements in areas such as racism, women's rights, gay & lesbian rights, children's rights and Indigenous Community Development.
* Health Projects
This project aims to promote healthy living among low-income families. Volunteers may work in hospitals or drug rehabilitation centers with men, women or children. This project requires that the volunteers have a certain level of knowledge or experience in this area, or that their future motivations are work in this field.
* Environmental Projects
Volunteers work with local NGOs to develop programs related to eco-tourism. Volunteers are not only involved in the protection and care of the environment, but also assist with workshops that are organized to educate the local communities about healthy care of their environment.
Highlights:
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.
Long-term Volunteer Quests are available for 6 months and 1 year. Volunteers receive personal and customized support and take part in an intensive pre-departure training weekend 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 broaden your 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.
United Planet is committed to the accessibility of programs for all. For less than the cost of living independently in your own country or abroad, 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.
Bolivia
Bolivia is an intriguing and unique landlocked country, wedged between Peru and Brazil. Its diverse landscape lends itself to varied climates, humid and tropical in some areas while cold and arid in others. The rugged Andes mountains guide the eyes of travelers upward while the plains of the Amazon basin pull the travelers' attention in a different direction. The majority of the population is indigenous (primarily Quechua and Aymara) resulting in a fascinating and unique Bolivian culture.
Languages:
English
and Spanish
Cost Includes:
Emergency evacuation services,
Food,
Housing,
In-country orientation/Training,
In-country staff support,
Pre-departure orientation/Training
and Registration fees
* Extensive pre-departure preparation including a training weekend with UP staff in the United States
* Food & lodging in your host country (host family or shared residence)
* Diverse cultural and learning opportunities
* Airport transfers
* Emergency medical insurance
* In-country orientation, language training, mid-year camp (for 1 year volunteers only), and final camp
* On-going support and supervision
* Monthly stipend for incidental expenses
Credit Available: yes
Experience Required: no
Typical Volunteer Projects:
childcare/children,
community development,
education,
environment,
health,
health education
and human rights
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.
This Program is also open to
Families, Couples and Individuals.
Typical Living Arrangement:
Home-stays
Participants Travel to Bolivia
Independently
Or
in Groups
Typically Participants Work
Independently
Or
in Groups
Application Process Involves:
- Online Application plus Application Assessment
- Phone Interview
Typically The Application Process Time Is 24hours
Post Services Include:
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