2-Week High School Specials - Summer 2012

Volunteer with baby

If you are in the 16 to 19 age group and in full-time education you can join us on our short programs designed just for you. Aimed to give you valuable work experience or develop a particular skill in two weeks, these placements are structured to allow you to make the most of a short time abroad.

The basic program involves two weeks for work and a weekend tourism excursion in the middle. You will be with a small group of fellow students. With a mixture of taught sessions, hands-on and observational work, as well as evening activities and weekend excursions, this is a perfect way to have some fun while contributing massively to your resume or college applications!

For those who would like to stay a little longer, all projects have the option of adding an additional week. For Care & Community in Ghana and Care & Community in India, there is also the option to do a 1-Month Special on select dates. See the individual project descriptions for more information.

Programs in Ghana (Care & Community and Sports) that are marked with an * offer the option of joining an escorted flight from New York - JFK with a trained Projects Abroad staff member. Programs in Ghana (Care & Community and Sports) and Argentina (Care & Spanish and Medicine) marked with a † offer the option of joining an escorted flight from Toronto - YYZ with a trained Projects Abroad staff member.

Please tune in to one of our upcoming 2-Week High School Specials webinars, interactive online presentations by US and Canadian staff.

We have a diverse range of 2-Week Specials available in Summer 2012:

Archaeology
- Inca Projects & Archaeology in Peru
  • Sunday June 10^th – Saturday 23^rd 2012
  • Sunday July 8^st – Saturday July 21^st 2012
  • Sunday August 5^th – Saturday August 18^th 2012
  Do you want to find out more about the amazing history of the Inca civilization? You will arrive in the Inca's Sacred Valley of Peru to work outdoors and will be surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Andes. On the Inca Project, you will help with our archaeological activities and community work.
  Your trip will begin in Cusco with an introduction to the grandeur of the Inca Empire. You will then be driven to the small Andean hamlet of Huyro where you will work with our local archaeological experts. Here we collaborate with the Peruvian Historical Institute by helping uncover and clear Inca terraces and buildings in an area that was recently discovered as an Inca settlement.
  Volunteers also assist with work around the volunteer house and run community projects in the local area.
  You will be taken to see many of the archaeological wonders of Peru including the magnificent Machu Picchu and Ollantaytambo where the Inca fought their last battle with the Conquistadores. You will be able to visit the ruins and see the markets of traditional Peruvian towns and have a last night out in the Inca capital, Cusco.
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- Archaeology in Romania
  • Sunday July 22^nd – Saturday August 4^th 2012
  By taking part in our Archaeology Project in Romania you will gain hands-on experience of archaeology and learn many practical skills relevant within this field. You'll work on an excavation and restoration site in a small settlement called Porolissum near the city of Cluj.
  Working at this ancient Roman settlement is a great way to learn about civilizations that have long since disappeared. Through clues, investigations, and practical research you can attempt to reconstruct many aspects of their way of life. The range of work is diverse, and though the majority of your time will be spent on site excavation, you'll also be involved in the analysis of findings, attend workshops, and conduct presentations.
  Your accommodation at a shared volunteer house is located only five minutes walk from the excavation site.
  Your weekend will be spent exploring a beautiful nearby village surrounded by mountains.
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Building
- Community Building in Jamaica
  • Sunday July 1^st – Saturday July 14^th 2012
  Volunteers are needed in Jamaica to work on a 2-Week Special Community Building Project to help repair and build homes in Manchester. Volunteers work with local builders as part of a committed team that does minor repairs to aluminum roofs, puts in louver windows, mixes mortar, and lays blocks.
  Jamaica is a tropical island situated on the hurricane belt. Manchester has had a fair share of damage from hurricanes over the years and we are constantly looking at preventative measures to lessen their impact on the poor and elderly. This has led to the partnership of Projects Abroad Jamaica and the Adventist Development Relief Agency (ADRA), two organizations that share a similar vision.
  ADRA International operates as an independent humanitarian agency focusing on development and relief work. The collaboration of Projects Abroad Jamaica and ADRA will result in changing the lives of the poor and needy by repairing homes in Manchester. Come and be a part of this life changing experience by making a valuable contribution to the improved standard of living of those in need.
  During the weekend you will go on a trip to one of the island's famous beaches or caves. This will be coupled with a rich immersion into the music, dance, food, and other cultural aspects for which Jamaica is known. All volunteers will receive a certificate at the end of the project.
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- Community Building in South Africa
  • Sunday July 15^th – Saturday July 28^th 2012
  • Sunday August 5^th – Saturday August 18^th 2012
  If you want to get your hands dirty and see physical results from a short volunteering experience abroad, our community-building project may be right for you. Based in Cape Town, volunteers help construct buildings for local orphanages and care centerswithin the local communities we work in throughout the year.
  This project enables volunteers to play a key role in the building of new, better quality facilities, making the care homes and early learning centers more comfortable and safer places. Daily activities include digging foundations, mixing and pouring cement, roofing, or putting the finishing coat of paint on a completed building.
  Volunteers live with local host families, offering a unique insight into this fascinating country.
  Over the weekend, you'll go on a trip with other volunteers and our local staff to famous Table Mountain and Cape Point National Park. You may even have the chance to go whale watching at nearby Hermanus!
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Care
- Care & Spanish in Argentina
  • Sunday June 17^th – Saturday June 30^th 2012
  • Sunday July 15^th – Saturday July 28^th 2012 †
  • Sunday August 5^th – Saturday August 18^th 2012
  This project combines intensive Spanish lessons with the chance to experience a taste of Argentine culture while contributing to the local community. It is great for language students and anyone wanting to experience cultural immersion. You will be based in Cordoba, a vibrantcityset in the foothills of the Sierras Chicas mountain range.
  Volunteers will receivethree hours of Spanish lessons a day. Classes are interactive and you will be given encouragement every step of the way. You can put your new knowledge into practice on a daily basis as you get to know Cordoba and mix with local people. Whether you want to master the basics or improve on the Spanish you already know, the teaching will be adjusted to your level.
  After your Spanish lessons you will have the opportunity to volunteer with children in the local community. Many children have been abandoned by their parents who can no longer care for them. As a volunteer you will spend time with the children doing fun educational activities, games, and sports.
  Over the weekend volunteers will take a trip to the hills to see traditional villages. There may also be an opportunity to visit the former house of the famous Argentine revolutionary, Che Guevara.
  † Escorted flight available from Toronto - YYZ.
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- Care & Community in Cambodia
  • Sunday June 17^th – Saturday June 30^th 2012
  • Sunday July 15^th – Saturday July 28^th 2012
  • Sunday August 12^th – Saturday August 25^th 2012
  The Care & Community program in Cambodia combines working with underprivileged children in one of Cambodia's many orphanages or care centers with some hands-on work within these communities. Volunteers will live and work in the capital city of Phnom Penh.
  The work will involve fun educational activities with the children and your ideas for games, songs, and arts and crafts will be welcomed. You will also work on some painting and decorating projects to improve the conditions of our partner centers, which will be greatly appreciated by both the children and the local staff.
  No trip to Cambodia is complete without a visit to the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat, so the weekend trip will allow you time to view several of the main temple sites.
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- Care & Conservation in Costa Rica
  • Sunday July 22^nd – Saturday August 4^th 2012
  If you're interested in working with children, joining a conservation project, practicing your Spanish skills, and living in a gorgeous country, then look no further than this trip! Costa Rica is one of the most stable and well-developed countries in Central America, creating a perfect mix for volunteers who want to experience Latin America.
  During your time at the conservation project at Diria National Park you will be given an extensive tour of the park, including the waterfalls that the park is famous for. You'll also be involved in a variety of ongoing projects, which may include reforestation work, mammal study, butterfly and bat study, painting buildings, and maintaining and restoring trails.
  You will then spend the other week working at one of our care projects in the city of Liberia, Projects Abroad's main base in Costa Rica. Volunteers can help out by playing games with the children and giving them attention they would otherwise not receive. There is also the opportunity to provide some basic English lessons if you'd like to take part in classes. You will work at the one of the care centers during the day and your evenings will be filled with activities ranging from dance lessons to quizzes. Living in Liberia provides a great opportunity to speak Spanish with local people if you're interested in improving or picking up some language skills.
  A weekend trip to an outdoor destination is included for all 2-Week Special volunteers. Experience all the beauty this magnificent country has to offer while helping out on a volunteer project. Pura Vida!
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- Care & Community in Ethiopia
  • Sunday July 8^th – Saturday July 21^st 2012
  • Sunday July 29^th – Saturday August 11^th 2012
  By volunteering on a Care and Community project in Ethiopia, you will be offering children care and attention that they desperately need. Volunteers are based in an orphanage or care center in the capital city of Addis Ababa.
  Depending on your interests and skills, you will also have the opportunity to teach the children a wide variety of subjects. Your time will be split so that in addition to spending time with the children you will also be able to have a lasting impact on the orphanage or center itself by helping with painting and renovation work.
  Over the weekend you will get a chance to visit the countryside outside of Addis on a trip to Entoto Mountain or relax at some hot water springs. You will also have the opportunity to visit a monastery and learn about Ethiopia's history.
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- Care & Community in Fiji
  • Sunday July 8^th – Saturday July 21^st 2012
  • Sunday July 29^th – Saturday August 11^th 2012
  Volunteering on a care project in Fiji is an ideal way to get involved in the local community of this fascinating island nation while improving conditions for disadvantaged children. Volunteers are based in Nadi on the main island, Viti Levu.
  Your time will be split between playing with and caring for the children in the mornings and renovating and redecorating a kindergarten in the afternoon. Although two weeks is relatively short, it gives you the opportunity to make a significant difference in other people's lives as well as broaden your own horizons.
  During the weekend you can either relax on one of Fiji's renowned island beaches or take a trip inland to visit a traditional Fijian village.
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- Care & Community in Ghana
  • Sunday June 10^th – Saturday 23^rd 2012
  • Sunday July 1^st – Saturday July 14^th 2012
  • Sunday July 15^th – Saturday July 28^th 2012 * †
  • Sunday August 5^th – Saturday August 18^th 2012
  Our 2-week Care & Community Projects in Ghana are based in either Cape Coast or the Akuapem Hills. In both locations, you will be hosted by a local family, which allows you to become fully immersed in the Ghanaian way of life. As a volunteer you will make significant difference in other people's lives while you explore and get to know Ghana.
  Volunteers based in Cape Coast will spend two weeks working in an orphanage or a local school. You will be renovating and decorating the building in the mornings and playing with and caring for the children in the afternoons. By putting in a new floor or painting a mural on a neglected wall, you will be making a valuable and lasting contribution to the children's daily lives.
  Volunteers in the Akuapem Hills will become part of a small friendly community. In the mornings you will be working on a community project, helping paint and renovate a local school. In the afternoons you will work at one of the care projects in the Hills, playing games and arranging activities for the children.
  Wherever you volunteer you will leave an enduring impression on the children by giving them the extra attention, love, and care that is lacking in their daily lives.
  Over the weekend we'll take you to visit either one of Ghana's palm fringed beaches for some well deserved rest and relaxation or the Kakum Rainforest Reserve near Cape Coast, where you can hike through the jungle and experience the canopy walkway high in the trees. You will also have the opportunity to visit Cape Coast's famous slave fort.
  For those who want to do a stay for a whole month, you can sign up for a 1-Month Special from July 1^st to July 28^th. On the one month special, volunteers will get to expeirience both the regions of Cape Coast and the Akuapem Hills, switching bewteen the two halfway through the month.
  * † Escorted flight available from New York - JFK and Toronto - YYZ.
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- Care & Community in India
  • Sunday June 17^th – Saturday June 30^th 2012
  • Sunday July 8^th – Saturday July 21^st 2012
  • Sunday July 29^th – Saturday August 11^th 2012
  • Sunday August 12^th – Saturday August 25^th 2012
  Taking part in our Care & Community project in India is a great way to experience firsthand this fascinating country and make a significant impact in other people's lives as well as your own.
  The project is based in the southern India in Madurai, also know as the Temple City, due to its gigantic Meenakshi temple complex. During your 2 weeks here, you will work either in a local orphanage or school, painting or doing building work in the mornings and getting the children involved in educational activities and games in the afternoons. Your work will make a valuable and lasting contribution to a placement that would otherwise be unable to afford a new coat of paint or renovation of a room.
  You will stay in hostel accommodation close to the area where you are working. Evenings are set aside for cultural or leisure activities organized by our local staff. At the weekend we will organize a trip that will allow you to experience the real beauty of India and enjoy the breathtaking views provided in a country famed for its temples, waterfalls and its scenic natural environment.
  For those who want to do a stay for a whole month, you can sign up for a 1-Month Special from July 29th to August 25th. Staying for a month will allow you to make more of an impact and gain a broader perspective of southern India.
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- Care & Community in Jamaica
  • Sunday June 17^th – Saturday June 30^th 2012
  • Sunday July 15^th – Saturday July 28^th 2012
  Volunteers on this project will dedicate their time to helping children in a local orphanage by running a summer camp program. The aim of this project is to foster social development and cultural exchange through art, drama, dance, and sports.
  Volunteers will be involved in scheduled activities with the children including arts and crafts activities, debates, quizzes, photography, sign language, and performing arts like dance and drama. Volunteers also arrange both indoor and outdoor games including soccer, hide and seek, and treasure hunts.
  Volunteers will be trained in first aid and help to teach health and hygiene practices to the children. If you are musical you may also teach the children how to play an instrument such as the piano, violin, guitar or drums.
  Where possible, volunteers will help paint fences and walls to create colorful murals in the grounds of the placement. Volunteers will also help plant vegetables and fruits in the home’s garden. At the end of the two weeks there will be a mini-concert and an arts and crafts exhibition where the children will get to showcase their talents and their art pieces. Volunteers can also choose to perform their own talent alongside the children.
  On the weekend you will go on a trip to one of the island’s famous beaches or caves. This will be coupled with a rich immersion into the music, dance, food, and other cultural aspects for which Jamaica is known.
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- Care in Moldova
  • Sunday July 8^th – Saturday July 21^st 2012
  If you have plenty of energy and enthusiasm, you can help give Moldovan children a summer vacation to remember. Moldova is the poorest country in Europe and many of the children we work with are orphans or have special needs. While they are housed and looked after, they do not receive much attention or affection, which is where you come in.
  Working at a summer camp on the outskirts of Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, you will organize games and activities for groups of young children as well as teach them a little English through fun, informal lessons. Volunteers are welcome to use their own ideas and interests, whether your strong point is in sports, music, or arts and crafts. While volunteering you will also be learning about life in a rarely-visited country with a fascinating history.
  During the weekend you will be able to explore the beautiful countryside by visiting a traditional village and learn about Moldovan history and culture.
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- Care & Community in Morocco
  • Sunday July 15^th – Saturday July 28^th 2012
  Although geographically Morocco lies closer to Europe, culturally, politically, and economically it has far more in common with the Middle East. Arabic is the official language of the country, with French the second most widely spoken language.
  During your stay you and your fellow volunteers will work on vital community projects in one of our partner care centres in Rabat. Daily tasks include playing games with the children and helping them with basic education.
  You will also have the chance to spend a day learning some traditional Moroccan artisan skills, shopping in the market, and making a typical Moroccan meal, preparing the food in a riad house. You'll then get to sample your culinary efforts while being serenaded by a Moroccan quartet!
  Throughout your stay in Morocco you will live with an Arabic or French speaking host family who will help you learn all about Morocco's traditions.
  During the weekend a citytripwill be arranged andyou will visit the historic sites of Rabat, Morocco's capital city.
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- Care & Arabic or French in Morocco
  • Sunday July 1^st – Saturday July 14^th 2012
  • Sunday July 15^th – Saturday July 28^th 2012
  Although geographically Morocco lies closer to Europe, culturally, politically, and economically it has far more in common with the Middle East. Arabic is the official language of the country, giving you an ideal opportunity to make real progress as you are immersed both inside and outside the classroom. As the second most widely spoken language, French is also very easy to learn here.
  Our language courses provide you with 20 hours of classroom time with a skilled language professional. Alongside these classes, you and your fellow volunteers will work on vital community projects in one of our partner care centers in Rabat. Daily tasks include playing games with the children and helping them with basic education.
  You will also have the chance to spend a day learning some traditional Moroccan artisan skills, shopping in the market, and making a typical Moroccan meal, preparing the food in a riad house. You'll then get to sample your culinary efforts while being serenaded by a Moroccan quartet!
  Throughout your time in Morocco, you will have ample opportunity to practice the Arabic or French you're learning. You will live with an Arabic or French speaking family who will encourage you to practice at home as much as possible.
  During the weekend a citytripwill be arranged andyou will visit the historic sites of Rabat, Morocco's capital city.
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- Care & Community in Nepal
  • Sunday June 17^th – Saturday June 30^th 2012
  • Sunday July 8^th – Saturday July 21^st 2012
  • Sunday August 5^th – Saturday August 18^th 2012
  Our Care & Community Project in Nepal is based in the Kathmandu valley - an area rich in ancient temples reflecting the countries great wealth of culture and tradition. Although two weeks is relatively short, it gives you the opportunity to make a significant difference in other people's lives as well as your own.
  You will discover another culture as you explore and learn more about this great country. You will stay in hostel accommodation close to the areas where you are working and will participate in evening activities planned by our local staff.
  Volunteers will spend two weeks working in an orphanage or a local school, renovating and decorating the building in the mornings and playing with and caring for the children in the afternoons. By putting in a new floor or painting a mural on a neglected wall, you will be making a valuable and lasting contribution to the children's daily lives.
  Over the weekend you may have the chance to visit the central markets and local temples of Kathmandu as well as explore the hills around the city by mountain bike, or you could take a trip to the huge and beautiful nature reserve of Chitwan National Park.
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- Care & Community in Senegal
  • Sunday June 17^th – Saturday June 30^th 2012
  • Sunday July 22^nd – Saturday August 4^th 2012
  • Sunday August 12^th – Saturday August 25^th 2012
  Based in the picturesque town of St. Louis in northern Senegal you will have the opportunity to experience a taste of Senegalese culture and contribute to the local community.
  You will live with a local host family and your days will be spent doing a variety of different activities in and around the area of St. Louis. Some of your time will be spent renovating and decorating a local school or center. With the help of your fellow volunteers you will be able to transform the building, providing a fresh and colorful environment for the children.
  Over the weekend you will visit the desert where you will have the opportunity to relax and socialize in a tented camp surrounded by pristine sand dunes. There are also social activities arranged throughout the two weeks including drum and dance lessons and a meal at a local restaurant.
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- Care & Community with French in Senegal
  • Sunday June 17^th – Saturday June 30^th 2012
  • Sunday July 22^nd – Saturday August 4^th 2012
  • Sunday August 12^th – Saturday August 25^th 2012
  Based in the picturesque town of St Louis in northern Senegal, this placement combines intensive French lessons with the chance to experience a taste of Senegalese culture and contribute to the local community. This is a great project for language students and anyone wanting to experience a cultural immersion.
  You will receive three hours of French classes every morning, five days a week. Classes are interactive and you will be given encouragement every step of the way. You can put your new knowledge into practice on a daily basis as you get to know St. Louis and mix with local people. Whether you're mastering the basics or improving the French you already know, the lessons will be adjusted to your level.
  During your placement you will be involved in renovating and decorating classrooms in a local kindergarten. This will help create a clean and colorful environment for children to return to after their summer vacation.
  During the weekend you will visit the desert, where you can relax and socialize in a tented camp surrounded by pristine sand dunes. There are also social activities arranged throughout the two weeks including drum and dance lessons and a meal at a local restaurant.
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- Care & Community in Sri Lanka
  • Sunday July 1^st – Saturday July 14^th 2012
  • Sunday July 22^nd – Saturday August 4^th 2012
  Based in several small towns along the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, south of Colombo, care work in Sri Lanka is a multifaceted experience offering an enormous variety of choice. However, all the work has one basic requirement: a love of working with children.
  You will work with your fellow volunteers in kindergartens and day care centers helping children learn the alphabet or organizing activities like arts and crafts. In the afternoons, volunteers assist in numerous areas with the children - from helping with homework to organizing sports games to reading with a child individually.
  You will live with a local host family, which allows you to be fully immersed in the Sri Lankan way of life.
  Depending on the weather during the weekend, we will either take you rafting, to one of the many beaches in the region for water sports, or to visit an ancient city.
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- Care & Community in Tanzania
  • Sunday July 1^st – Saturday July 14^th 2012
  • Sunday July 22^nd – Saturday August 4^th 2012
  Based in the town of Arusha in northern Tanzania, this placement offers the chance to immerse yourself in local culture and work with disadvantaged young children.
  During your time volunteering in Tanzania you will work in an orphanage. Your day will be split between practical activities like building, renovating, painting and decorating, and more care based activities including looking after and playing with the children.
  English is becoming vital in the Tanzanian economy and the orphanages want the children to start learning English as soon possible. During your placement you and your fellow volunteers will be able to plan fun and interactive educational activities to do with the children to help and encourage them to learn English.
  During the weekend you will have the opportunity to experience the breathtaking scenery in one of Tanzania's national parks.
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- Care & Community in Vietnam
  • Sunday July 8^th – Saturday July 21^st 2012
  • Sunday July 29^th – Saturday August 11^th 2012
  On this Care & Community project you will spend your time volunteering at one of our partner care placements in Hanoi. Your experience will be packed full of activities at the placement and around Hanoi, enabling you to learn about another culture while helping and immersing yourself in the Vietnamese way of life.
  You will work alongside other volunteers assisting with lessons for the children and organizing activities like arts and crafts or playing sports. You will also spend time helping on a painting and refurbishment project, creating a lasting impact at the placement. Your contribution will be greatly appreciated by both the children and local staff.
  Over the weekend you will take a trip to visit the countryside and learn about Vietnam’s history.
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Conservation & Environment
- Conservation in South Africa and Botswana
  • Sunday June 24^th – Saturday July 7^th 2012
  • Sunday July 15^th – Saturday July 28^th 2012
  • Sunday August 5^th – Saturday August 18^th 2012
  Even before you arrive at our Conservation project in Southern Africa, you will see some stunning wilderness on your journey to base camp. You will fly into Polokwane, in the northern region of South Africa, and then drive across the Botswana border. Your final destination is Legodimo – our large nature reserve.
  You will stay at the well-facilitated conservation lodge we have set up. It has large dorm rooms, hot water showers that are open to the stars, a big outside communal area, and a fire circle with a braai pit (similar to a BBQ). All of this is set against beautiful scenery and the impressive wildlife of the Limpopo River.
  Volunteering on this project is hard work, a lot of fun and extremely interesting. You will be involved in wrapping trees to prevent damage from elephants, removing alien plants, and collecting scientific data about the birds and elephants living on the reserve.
  Our conservation leader, Gerrit, will accompany volunteers as all times. He has a great deal of experience with the tasks and activities volunteers are involved in as well as extensive knowledge about the region's geography. Having lived in the area his whole life, he has a good understanding of the animals you will encounter. Gerrit will pass on his expertise and enthusiasm to volunteers, who can learn a lot from his experience of living in the bush.
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- Conservation in Costa Rica
  • Sunday July 22^nd – Saturday August 4^th 2012
  If you're interested in joining a conservation project and living in a gorgeous country, then look no further than this trip! Costa Rica is one of the most stable and well developed countries in Central America, ideal for volunteers who want to experience Latin America.
  Volunteers work at the conservation project at Diria National Park, about two hours drive from Liberia. Diria is made up of 13,400 acres of tropical dry forest with some cloud forest in the higher areas. The park hosts an extensive series of trails, which you will help to maintain and clear.
  The park is home to howler and capuchin monkeys, peccaries, coatis, small cats, and a wide variety of birds and reptiles. It also features many breathtaking look-out points that offer impressive views of the surrounding valleys and rivers.
  During your stay you will be given an extensive tour of the park, including the waterfalls that the park is famous for. You'll also be involved in a variety of on-going projects, which may include reforestation work, a mammal study, butterfly and bat study, painting buildings, and restoring trails.
  Volunteers live in shared dormitory accommodation in the park itself and there is a large communal area where everyone eats together. An adventurous weekend trip to an outdoor destination offers you the chance to experience another aspect of Costa Rica's natural beauty.
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- Spanish & Turtle Conservation in Mexico
  • Sunday July 15^th – Saturday July 28^th 2012
  • Sunday August 5^th – Saturday August 18^th 2012
  Located at the Campamento Tecoman biological station on the Pacific Coast, you will spend your two weeks learning Spanish and helping out on a variety of conservation projects. This project offers you opportunities like no other, including assisting in the protection of the rare Olive Ridley turtle.
  You will receive two hours of Spanish lessons five days a week, taught in small groups. Classes are extremely interactive and you will be encouraged every step of the way. Whether you want to master the basics or improve your current level of Spanish, the teaching will be adjusted to your level.
  During many of the evenings you will be working on our turtle project - helping count, collect, and bury the precious eggs in a safe enclosure to protect them from predators and poachers. Once the eggs have hatched you will help release the newborns into the sea. Volunteers also look after the adult turtles that we have in pools; these turtles have been injured and would not survive in the wild.
  Volunteers will also be involved in our crocodile conservation work, a study of the wildlife in the local lagoon, and a variety of building and maintenance work. Volunteers live in shared tents under a palapa on the beach. The weekend trip will be to a local beach resort, where you can relax and swim in the sea.
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- Conservation in Peru
  • Sunday June 24^th – Saturday July 7^th 2012
  • Sunday July 22^nd – Saturday August 4^th 2012
  • Sunday August 12^th – Saturday August 25^th 2012
  For a chance to truly get away from it all this summer, join us for two weeks in the Peruvian rainforest, located deep in the heart of the Amazon. This project offers a unique opportunity to experience the rainforest environment and participate in important conservation activities.
  Upon arrival at our jungle base at the Taricaya Lodge, you will be given a full orientation and receive an introduction to the project from one of our conservation staff. You will spend the two weeks working on the same schedule as our regular and more experienced volunteers. Projects currently include wildlife observations from our viewing platform high in the jungle canopy, night observation walks along the extensive network of trails, work on our animal release program, and managing a pilot farm we've created.
  All volunteers live together at the lodge in shared rooms or small bungalows. Your weekend trip will either be a camping trip down river or a visit to Puerto Maldonado where you can relax in more luxurious surroundings and have a fun night out.
  For more information about our work at Taricaya Lodge and monthly updates on all the projects in the rainforest check out our Volunteer Conservation Peru website.
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- Diving & Marine Conservation in Thailand
  • Sunday July 8^th – Saturday July 21^st 2012
  • Sunday July 29^th – Saturday August 11^th 2012
  If you're interested in marine life and want to try living on the beach, this project is perfect for you!
  All volunteers on our conservation project in Thailand will be met by one of our staff members in Krabi, just 20km from Ao Nang where the project is based. You will complete a four-day Open Water course to qualify you to dive. In the initial stages when you're in shallow water, you'll learn how to breathe, clear your mask, and equalize pressure. You will also become familiar with the buddy system and using underwater sign language.
  Once you have your diving qualifications, your efforts are rewarded by descending into a stunning underwater world of tropical fish, turtles, sea urchins, and corals. By observing and analyzing reef damage and fish populations, you play a part in conserving this precious ecosystem off the coast of South West Thailand. You will also help with a beach clean up and take part in some mangrove reforestation work.
  During the two weeks you may also have chance to visit a market, have a Thai massage, and gokayaking.
  After your two weeks you will return home with a universally recognized qualification, a wealth of diving experience, and the knowledge that you have made a useful contribution to the preservation of a wonderful marine ecosystem.
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Culture & Community
- Inca Projects & Archaeology in Peru
  • Sunday June 10^th – Saturday 23^rd 2012
  • Sunday July 8^st – Saturday July 21^st 2012
  • Sunday August 5^th – Saturday August 18^th 2012
  Do you want to find out more about the amazing history of the Inca civilization? You will arrive in the Inca's Sacred Valley of Peru to work outdoors and will be surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Andes. On the Inca Project, you will help with our archaeological activities and community work.
  Your trip will begin in Cusco with an introduction to the grandeur of the Inca Empire. You will then be driven to the small Andean hamlet of Huyro where you will work with our local archaeological experts. Here we collaborate with the Peruvian Historical Institute by helping uncover and clear Inca terraces and buildings in an area that was recently discovered as an Inca settlement.
  Volunteers also assist with work around the volunteer house and run community projects in the local area.
  You will be taken to see many of the archaeological wonders of Peru including the magnificent Machu Picchu and Ollantaytambo where the Inca fought their last battle with the Conquistadores. You will be able to visit the ruins and see the markets of traditional Peruvian towns and have a last night out in the Inca capital, Cusco.
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- Khmer Project in Cambodia
  • Sunday July 15^th – Saturday July 28^th 2012
  The Khmer Project 2 Week Special allows volunteers to experience a taste of Cambodian culture and learn about the local way of life.
  You will visit many of the main sites of Phnom Penh. Discovering historical places like the National Museum and the Killing Fields with our Khmer Project supervisor will give a thorough insight into the history and culture of Cambodia and its people.
  Volunteers also take part in a variety of both practical and observational sessions which may include Khmer language classes, puppet-making classes, cookery lessons, a copper molding workshop, and traditional music and dance classes. Volunteers may also spend a couple of days living in a rural village community.
  No overview of Cambodian culture would be complete without visiting the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat. Your weekend trip will allow you time to visit several of the main temple sites.
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Journalism
- Journalism in Romania
  • Sunday July 22^nd – Saturday August 4^th 2012
  For those looking to break into the competitive world of journalism, this is for you! You will be working on 'The Village' magazine, an English and Romanian language magazine targeted at both expatriates and local Romanians. As a writer you will work on specific assignments, focusing on village issues with guidance from the editor. You will be interviewing local people, reviewing events, writing features, and taking photographs. As you work alongside the local experts you can put your passion into practice.
  Before leaving Romania you should have several articles ready to be published in the next edition.
  A visit to a UNESCO church and time visiting a traditional Romanian village should inspire your writing! Finally, no trip to Brasov would be complete without opportunities to explore the town where Austrian, Hungarian and Romanian cultures meet.
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Law & Human Rights
- Law in China
  • Sunday July 1^st – Saturday July 14^th 2012
  • Sunday July 22^nd – Saturday August 4^th 2012
  • Sunday August 12^th – Saturday August 25^th 2012
  For anyone considering a career in law, spending two weeks visiting a firm in Chengdu will offer you unique international work observations. Your time will include visits to a law firm and various legal departments.
  Upon arrival, you will receive a briefing on the legal system in China from your supervisor, who will speak excellent English and be happy to answer any of your questions. During your two week placement, you will get a broad overview of law in China, spanning the entire legal spectrum of commercial and corporate law.
  Your work may include researching case studies, proof reading documents, and making comparisons between the Chinese, US, and other worldwide legal systems.
  During the weekend you will have a chance to experience different aspects of Chinese life through a visit to the surrounding countryside.
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- Human Rights in South Africa
  • Sunday June 24^th – Saturday July 7^th 2012
  • Sunday July 15^th – Saturday July 28^th 2012
  • Sunday August 5^th – Saturday August 18^th 2012
  If you are passionate about Human Rights and want to experience working with disadvantaged children in Africa, then this is the project for you! This truly amazing placement will have you living in Cape Town and working alongside Theodore Kamwimbi. Mr. Kamwimbi is one of South Africa's most experienced Human Rights lawyers and has worked with the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
  Theo and the Human Rights Team will use the two weeks you have to show you as much as they possibly can about the work they do in the poorer areas of Cape Town. You will have to be prepared for some rather harrowing cases as you meet with orphaned, neglected, and abandoned children.
  At the other end of the scale, Theo meets with people who can play a role in trying to improve the lives of these kids, including the politicians and civil servants who make and implement laws. He will also organize for you to attend lectures and meetings with people who can give you inside knowledge on what Human Rights work is all about.
  Over the weekend you'll go on a trip with other volunteers and our local staff to famous Table Mountain, Cape Point National Park, or perhaps even whale watching at nearby Hermanus!
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Medicine & Healthcare
- Medicine & Spanish in Argentina
  • Sunday June 17^th – Saturday June 30^th 2012
  • Sunday July 15^th – Saturday July 28^th 2012 †
  • Sunday August 5^th – Saturday August 18^th 2012
  This project combines intensive Spanish lessons with an excellent opportunity to observe the medical profession first hand. Argentina shares many similarities to Europe and North America and the modern techniques used in hospitals will be extremely relevant to anyone studying medicine and healthcare in the future.
  You will receive three hours of Spanish lessons a day. Classes are interactive and you will be given encouragement every step of the way. The lessons will involve medical vocabulary so you will be more at ease when you are in the hospitals. You can also put your new knowledge into practice on a daily basis through the immersion experience of living with a host family, getting to know the city of Cordoba, and mixing with local people. Whether you want to master the basics or improve on the Spanish you already know, the classes will be adjusted to your level.
  During your time at the hospitals you will be exposed to a many aspects of professional medicine in practice. You will visit a variety of different departments to allow you to observe procedures, work in maternity units, and help out on ward rounds. You will also get the opportunity to attend medical lectures as part of the program.
  Over the weekend we will take you into the hills outside of Cordoba to see traditional villages. There may also be an opportunity to visit the house that once belonged to the famous Argentine revolutionary, Che Guevara.
  † Escorted flight available from Toronto - YYZ.
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- Dentistry in India
  • Sunday June 17^th – Saturday June 30^th 2012
  • Sunday July 8^th – Saturday July 21^st 2012
  • Sunday July 29^th – Saturday August 11^th 2012
  Based in a number of different hospitals, this placement offers volunteers an excellent opportunity to observe the dental profession first hand. You will be placed in and around Madurai. The supervising dentists at these placements are very willing to teach volunteers about their work and to test their knowledge about dentistry.
  Volunteers have the chance to witness all aspects of working in both dental hospitals as well as smaller clinics. You will visit a variety of different departments to allow you to observe procedures.
  A weekend trip is included for all 2 Week Special volunteers. Here you can experience the real beauty of India and enjoy the breathtaking views provided in a country famed for its temples, waterfalls, and scenic natural environment.
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- Medicine in India
  • Sunday June 17^th – Saturday June 30^th 2012
  • Sunday July 8^th – Saturday July 21^st 2012
  • Sunday July 29^th – Saturday August 11^th 2012
  This placement is an eye-opener, an amazing opportunity for anyone who wants to study medicine. It offers you a unique insight into medicine in the developing world.
  Throughout the two weeks you'll have the chance to spend time in a variety of medical institutions. You may start off at a busymulti-speciality hospital where there can be up to 300 consultations a day or at one of the many specialist hospitals based in and around Madurai.
  During the two weeks, you will also have the opportunity to visit the Leprosy clinic in Manamadurai where you will see how this disease gets treated and how surgery and physical therapy are carried out. As a contrast, you will also have the chance to experience 5000 year-old traditional Ayurvedic medical treatments at the Sree Ramakrishna Naturopathy and Ayurvedic Center.
  The doctors are eager to show you all they can and share their knowledge. On arrival you will be briefed on India's medical system and taught basic physical examination skills.
  A weekend trip is included for all 2-Week Special volunteers. Here you can experience the real beauty of India and enjoy the breathtaking views provided in a country famed for its temples, waterfalls and its scenic natural environment.
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- Medicine in Jamaica
  • Sunday July 1^st – Saturday July 14^th 2012
  The majority of our medical interns find that the facilities in Jamaica are of a good standard; in fact Jamaica was one of the first countries to establish a national health service. However, on this Medicine project in Jamaica you are likely to encounter many conditions that are less common than in North America and Europe.
  On the Medicine in Jamaica project you will get a chance to observe doctors and nurses in a hospital and a health center setting, experiencing one week at each. At the hospital you will spend time at the medical, surgical, and pediatric wards as well as in the laboratory, x-ray department, and pharmacy. The health center offers a variety of services including an adolescent health clinic, wellness clinic, child health, curative health, family planning and health program and sexually transmitted infection clinics.
  The group will also be a part of a workshop and community health clinic during their two weeks in Jamaica. The workshop involves presentations and training in basic procedures such as measuring height and weight, blood pressure and sugar checks, taking vital signs, and first aid responses. The community health clinic will allow you to assist healthcare professionals with health education, screening, testing, and routine checks of patients in areas of the local community where healthcare may not be readily accessible.
  As a Medicine intern on this project you will gain a great deal of valuable work-experience alongside some of the most skilled and inspirational doctors in the country.
  Over the weekend you will go on a trip to one of the island's famous beaches or caves. This will be coupled with a rich immersion into the music, dance, food, and other cultural aspects for which Jamaica is known.
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- Medicine in Mongolia
  • Sunday June 24^th – Saturday July 7^th 2012
  • Sunday July 15^th – Saturday July 28^th 2012
  If your passion is medicine then this is a great opportunity to further your knowledge and gain practical experience. The time you spend on this project will be of huge benefit for when you go to medical school or may help you secure a place studying medicine at university.
  You will be interning in one of Ulaanbaatar's leading hospitals under expert supervision. On arrival in Ulaanbaatar, an introductory session will cover basic professional skills as well as discuss Mongolian attitudes and ideas. The focus of the practical work will be at the Central University Hospital of Mongolia, the largest hospital in the country. You'll leave after experiencing medicine in the most remote city on earth and gaining valuable insight into rural community issues.
  Over the weekend you will be taken to Terelj National Park where you will be able to see wild horses and ride a camel. The sights are spectacular! You will also get to experience a traditional Mongolian barbecue, which is a great time to socialize with the other volunteers and local staff.
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- Medicine in Nepal
  • Sunday June 17^th – Saturday June 30^th 2012
  • Sunday July 8^th – Saturday July 21^st 2012
  • Sunday August 5^th – Saturday August 18^th 2012
  This 2 Week Special program is structured to give you an incredible insight into medical practices in Nepal. Your project will begin in the intriguing Nepalese capital Kathmandu where medical volunteers will spend time in a maternity clinic and visit a number of different hospital departments. Volunteers may also get the opportunity to visit a multi-specialty hospital in Chitwan and take part in lectures at the local teaching hospital.
  You will live either with a host family or in hostel accommodation close to the areas where you are working and will participate in evening activities planned by our local staff.
  Over the weekend you may have the chance to visit the central markets and local temples of Kathmandu as well as explore the hills around the city by mountain bike, or you could take a trip to the huge and beautiful nature reserve of Chitwan National Park.
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- Physical Therapy in Nepal
  • Sunday June 17^th – Saturday June 30^th 2012
  • Sunday July 8^th – Saturday July 21^st 2012
  • Sunday August 5^th – Saturday August 18^th 2012
  This 2 Week Special program is designed to give you an unparalleled overview of physical therapy in Nepal. Based in the intriguing Nepalese capital Kathmandu, physical therapy volunteers will spend time in a variety of different placements including hospitals and local rehabilitation centers for disabled children. These are always inspiring placements thanks to the fantastic work that goes on there.
  You will live with a host family close to the area where you will be working and will participate in evening activities planned by our local staff.
  Over the weekend you may have the chance to visit the central markets and local temples of Kathmandu as well as explore the hills around the city by mountain bike, or you could take a trip to the huge and beautiful nature reserve of Chitwan National Park.
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- Medicine in Tanzania
  • Sunday July 1^st – Saturday July 14^th 2012
  • Sunday July 22^nd – Saturday August 4^th 2012
  This program allows volunteers to experience many different aspects of medical treatments and healthcare in Tanzania. Groups are based in Arusha or Dar es Salaam. The work will be varied and rewarding; you could be shadowing local doctors in a large hospital one day and treating local Masai in a rural location the next.
  You will have the chance to attend medical workshops and learn more about current local issues such as HIV and tropical diseases. Over the years Tanzania has tried hard to teach the younger generation about health awareness and disease prevention. We hope that during your two weeks you may be able to go to the local orphanages and carry out fun and interactive presentations to the children regarding different healthcare issues.
  During the weekend you will get the opportunity to experience the breathtaking scenery in one of Tanzania's national parks.
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Sports
- Sports in Ghana
  • Sunday July 15^th – Saturday July 28^th 2012 * †
  • Sunday August 5^th – Saturday August 18^th 2012
  Spend two weeks coaching soccer in friendly West Africa! Soccer is everywhere in Ghana. From the flags on cars, stickers in taxis, locals wearing jerseys, and kids playing in the street, it is immediately apparent that Ghanaians are extremely passionate about soccer. Working alongside a UEFA-licensed coach, you will spend your two weeks based at our sports placement in Accra learning soccer coaching and developing your skills alongside the locals.
  You can work on your coaching ability by preparing children for games, which you can help referee. By interacting with the children on a personal level, you will develop their skills and confidence while having fun playing soccer at the same time.
  During the weekend we'll take you to Cape Coast to visit Kakum Rainforest Reserve where you can hike through the jungle and experience the canopy walkway high in the trees. You will also have the opportunity to visit Cape Coast's slave fort and learn about the history of the region.
  * † Escorted flight available from New York - JFK and Toronto - YYZ.
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