Boomers Abroad

Highlights

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.

There are many interesting destinations both in developed and developing countries. You can support children throughout Brazil, South Africa and the Philippines; assist environmental and wildlife projects in Australia, Costa Rica, New Zealand, and Nepal; help with health programs in Uganda, Russia, and Nigeria; and raise awareness for human rights in Bolivia, Mozambique, and Lithuania. And these examples represent just a sampling of the many opportunities that we offer! Please visit our website for more information.

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.

Indonesia:

With its history as an important trade route and destination going back as early as the seventh century, Indonesia is brimming with cultural diversity. Over 300 ethnic groups adapting to Indian, Arabic, Chinese, Malay and European influences make Indonesia overwhelmingly multicultural. With 17,508 islands and a population of 230 million people, Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago country, the fourth most populous country, second only to Brazil in its biodiversity. Despite having previous political difficulties, Indonesia is currently enjoying a stable political climate and increasing regional political importance. Volunteers in Indonesia are invited to assist the improvement of living standards of local communities in Indonesia.

Projects in Indonesia:

* Education/Teaching English: Volunteers will assist English language teachers in schools, ranging from kindergartens to universities. Volunteers are also expected to contribute to activities organized by the schools. In village schools where funding is limited, volunteers may be asked to help clean/repair the facilities (like painting) together with other staff.

* Healthcare Projects: Volunteers will not only help patients coming from disadvantaged economic backgrounds in local public health clinics, but will also assist doctors and nurses in organizing medical checks for the local community. Volunteers will need to provide proof of medical school attendance or of medical practice.

* Children with Disabilities: Volunteers work in government funded schools for disabled children. Volunteers are expected to assist teachers with general class supervision as well as being involved in extra curricular activities such as cooking lessons, computer class, music, handicraft, English lessons etc.

* Community: Volunteers work in local community centers with various possible tasks such as teaching English, assisting local families in tasks on their farm/ranch or organizing cultural activities for the community.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Credit Available

yes

Volunteer Types

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.

Age Range

18 and older

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participant. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel to Indonesia

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Phone/Video Interview
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

24hours

Post Services Include

• Alumni 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