“My CCS experience helped me comprehend my reach as a

human being, and it redefined my view of myself as a

citizen of a global community.” – Lisa, China Volunteer

Volunteer Abroad Program

Experience a country from a whole new perspective through our Volunteer Abroad program in Brazil, China,
Costa Rica, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Morocco, Peru, Russia, South Africa, Thailand, or Tanzania. You can work
side-by-side with local people and experience another culture like never before.

Our Approach to Volunteering

Cross-Cultural Solutions (CCS) recognizes that local people are the experts, and that most communities have
already developed their own answers to local issues. Our philosophy is that true service comes with recognizing
and honoring these solutions. That’s why each community’s needs and goals are woven into the very fabric of
each volunteer program.

To ensure all of our volunteer work is always locally designed and driven, as well as sustainable, we only partner
with existing local organizations. These organizations, also known as CCS Partner Programs, have worked
together with us for many years and as a result, we have built incredible relationships based on deep mutual
respect and a passion for progress.

Individual Attention
For CCS, individual attention means helping each volunteer integrate into his or her local setting and work
placement while providing the flexibility necessary to meet individual needs.

Prior to departure, you'll speak with one of our U.S.-based Program Managers, also alumni of CCS. They are able
to respond to specific questions about the community and the programs because they’ve been there. They can
inform you about the local culture and day-to-day life within the community, as well as give you a sense of what
you might expect as an international volunteer. Our Program Managers and in-country staff are in constant
contact with each other and will help match your skills with the needs of the local organizations.

The CCS Experience

The Volunteer Abroad program is available for 2-12 weeks. Longer stays may be arranged. While many
international volunteer programs require a year or more of your time, our program allows you to immerse yourself
into the local culture over a relatively short period of time.

Volunteer Work with our Partner Programs: Placements are always with sustainable community development
projects. These include orphanages and childcare centers, schools, health clinics and hospitals, homes for the
elderly, centers for people with disabilities, and other community organizations. Your Volunteer Placement is the
framework of the experience, allowing you to participate in meaningful work while gaining access to a new culture
attainable only by working side-by-side with local people.

Cultural & Learning Activities: CCS has found that when you are given the opportunity to learn about the local
culture and customs, and understand community development, your volunteer experience is truly complete. To
gain this inside perspective, we provide Cultural & Learning Activities. You’ll enjoy a detailed orientation, language
training, field trips, guest speakers, participation in local activities and feedback sessions. Together, these
activities give you an inside perspective of the community and culture, within and beyond the context of your
volunteer experience.

USA UK Canada Australia

2 Clinton Place
New Rochelle, NY 10801
Phone: 1-914-632-0022
Toll Free: 1-800-380-4777
Fax: 1-914-632-8494
info@crossculturalsolutions.org
Tower Point 44, North Road
Brighton BN1 1YR
Phone: 44 (0)1273 666392
Toll Free: 0845 458 2781/2
Fax: 0845 458 2783
infouk@crossculturalsolutions.org
215 Spadina Avenue, Suite 406
Toronto, ON M5T 2C7
Phone: 1-905-487-7372
Toll Free: 1-800-380-4777
Fax: 1-905-487-6352
infocanada@crossculturalsolutions.org
PO Box 581
Sydney Markets, NSW 2129
Phone: (02) 4305 2242
Fax: (02) 4302 0956
infoaustralia@crossculturalsolutions.org

www.crossculturalsolutions.org
© Cross-Cultural Solutions 2009
Free Time: Free Time is available some afternoons and evenings, and every weekend. During your weekend
you can take excursions to other parts of the country, or you may choose not to travel and stay in town to get to
know the community and new neighbors.

Home-Base: After a day of volunteering or a weekend of travel, it is important to know that you have a
comfortable place to return to. That's why we provide a Home-Base for all of our volunteers. Here, all of your daily
needs are taken care of, including lodging, meals and transportation. The CCS Home-Base is designed to help
you enjoy all the country has to offer without the frustrations or time spent on day-to-day logistics. It also means
that we are not burdening the local community with supporting or caring for the needs of our volunteers.

• Staff: Volunteers have constant access to our local staff. Our staff is from the community and can therefore
answer questions, share perspectives, provide security, and offer advice.
• Lodging: CCS’ typical housing consists of a comfortable house in a safe, conveniently-located
neighborhood. Clean, modest accommodations with shared occupancy rooms are the standard. The Home-
Base always has basic amenities such as linens and running water.
• Meals: As part of the CCS program, local cooks prepare and serve daily meals and snacks based on the
regional cuisine. This is an opportunity to get an authentic taste of the culture. The food is healthy, safe, and
volunteers always have plenty to eat.
• Transportation: From the moment you arrive in the country until your return flight, CCS licensed drivers are
there to provide you with safe transportation to all volunteer sites and activities.

The Volunteer Abroad Program Fee

The peak program fee of US$2,864 or CAN$3,580 applies to start dates between May 2, 2009 and August 14,
2009. The off-peak program fee of US$2,664 or CAN$3,330 applies to all other start dates.
For the full list of program fees, payable in US or Canadian dollars or Great British pounds, go to
www.crossculturalsolutions.org/how_to_enroll/the_program_fee/default.asp.

A wide range of services are covered, including lodging, meals, and transportation. Additionally, you get individual
attention and guidance from an experienced and knowledgeable Program Manager, all pre-departure and in-
country literature, individualized coordination, and volunteer placement with our Partner Programs, travel medical
insurance, and all Cultural & Learning Activities.

Volunteer Placements
While all of our placements are individually determined based on each volunteer’s skills and interests, most
placements fall into one of the categories listed below.