Boomers Abroad

Highlights

United Planet Short-term Quest (1-12 weeks) offers 16 destinations in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and Middle East. Volunteers can choose a project from a wide range of projects, such as orphanage care, teaching English, environmental work, healthcare and more. You will be 100% immersed in the local culture though cultural activities, excursions, and host family stays. You will also be supporting essential community development work.

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 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!

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.

Mexico:

Home to both the Aztec and Maya civilizations, Mexico has a long, rich history. Today, Mexico is perhaps best known for its beautiful coastlines, luring hordes of tourists from northern climes every year. As one of the fastest growing industrial powers with vast cities boasting world-class architecture, Mexico is also a modern marvel. However, despite its status as an emerging power, income is still unevenly distributed and development varies highly from region to region. While tourism is a boon to Mexicos economy, the recent swine flu epidemic has devastated economic growth. As a volunteer in Mexico, you can experience the real Mexico, beyond the margaritas, nightclubs, beach bars and concrete monoliths of Cancun or Tijuana.

Short Term (2-12 weeks) Projects:
Work with children in Mexico

* Ecological Center Los Cuartos: The project offers environmental education to youth from 6 to 16 years old, coming from the city and from vulnerable nearby communities.The project aims to raise awareness and educate children and youth about nature through different recreational activities. 4 weeks minimum stay and volunteers need to be age 22 to 32 to join this project. Volunteers in Mexico stay at volunteers' house at the project site.

* Casa Hogar Rafael Hernandez Villar: This orphanage in Puebla is home to about 120 abandoned children between the ages of 6 and 12, many of whom are from families with problems of addiction, single parent homes or with access to limited economic resources. Volunteers will have the chance to teach English in the mornings and help the children with their homework in the afternoons. Volunteers stay with host families in the community.

* Comamos y crezcamos con Alegria A.C.: This non profit organization is dedicated to eradicating malnutrition, illiteracy, and health disorders for children with low economic resources. It aims to help children achieve good physical and mental development. Volunteers will serve lunch, help children with their studies and play with them. The project is located in an urban area of Puebla. Volunteers stay with host families in the community.

* Albergues Infantiles: This project gives volunteers an opportunity to assist in local orphanages located in urban and rural areas of Chiapas. Volunteers can design activities to do with the children as well as assist with computer lessons, handcrafts workshops, dance and music workshops, and even educational workshops for mothers. This project requires 4 weeks minimum stay.

* Ciudad de los 500 H-roes: This project offers children from the city of Puebla the opportunity to develop their creativity with different workshops.The project aims to complement children's education with new knowledge, abilities and attitudes that reinforces their intelligence. Volunteer stay with host families in the community.

Long Term (6 or 12 months) Projects:

* Education projects: Volunteers are involved in actively aiding children and young people to stay in school, providing care and creating social workshops. Activities include working in kindergartens or in schools as a teacher's assistant. Rural placements include educational projects which assist in the local development of the community.

* Health projects: Volunteers assist in local hospitals, in mostly rural communities, where activities include vaccination campaigns, informational meetings about contraceptive methods, and proper health care. The aim is to reach remote or immobile individuals through aiding in the day to day running of mobile clinics.

* Social projects: Volunteers help children from a variety of disadvantaged backgrounds including abandoned street children, disabled children, children from troubled families, those who have suffered abuse, and orphans. Assist in fund raising, supervising play, developing activities and workshops to support families from some of the poorest communities.

* Cultural projects: Volunteers have opportunities to be involved in different kinds of work including museums, handicraft workshops and libraries. In addition, volunteers also have a chance to develop a special project related to the arts so it can be implemented in a region.

Spanish Language Immersion Option
Volunteers staying 4 weeks or longer in Mexico can choose to add 15 hours of Spanish language classes per week to the first 2 weeks of their Quest! Volunteers who choose this option will volunteer at their project in the mornings, then take 3 hours of Spanish classes in the afternoons. After these first 2 weeks, volunteers will work full days at their project for the remaining weeks.

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

prices starting at USD 945

Cost Include Description:

* Full lodging and meals for length of stay (host family or shared residence)
* Extensive pre-departure preparation, including a training weekend with United Planet staff in the United States for long-term volunteers
* In-country orientation, mid-year camp (1 year volunteers only), and final camp/farewell dinner
* Language training
* Cultural activities and excursions
* On-going support
* Monthly stipend for incidental expenses (6 month and 1 year volunteers only)
* Medical insurance

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.

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 Mexico

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Phone/Video Interview

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