Crossing cultures through understanding and service

These days it's pretty hard to come up with solutions to not lend a helping hand. Whether there's a tornado that rips through town, a hurricane washing homes out to sea, or an after school program short of helpers, opportunities to volunteer at non-profits are overflowing. Cross-Cultural Solutions, a non-profit organization was founded in 1995. It has been focusing on operating and facilitating international volunteer programs for over 10 years, with over 4,000 volunteers participating each year. With a worldwide staff of over 300 people in 12 countries, and offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, crossing cultural paths has never been easier.

The organization offers volunteering abroad opportunities as well as interning abroad, and insight abroad, a shorter version of the intense, volunteer abroad program. Comprised mostly of students and young graduates, participants can choose where to volunteer as well as when, and there are chances for scholarships. Programs range from a week long stint to over 12 weeks. And work consists of helping at orphanages and childcare centers, teaching english in schools, helping at HIV/AIDs health clinics and hospitals, building homes for the elderly, working with centers for people with disabilities, and helping at other community organizations. Cross-Cultural Solutions works with Partner Programs on projects to make sure that volunteer opportunities directly contribute to the objectives of the local community.

The blanket organization operates in 12 countries ranging from Ghana to Russia, Thailand to Brazil, with various cities in each country. Volunteers come back with a greater sense of community in what's becoming a small world, while their work impacts the locals they get to know. Often times volunteers return for more, thanks to it's short time commitment, Cross-Cultural Solutions maximizes the time actually there. And for everyone involved, it's worth the service.

More info: www.crossculturalsolutions.org

posted by Brigid Marshall on 11/10/2008 6:05 pm | COMMENTS (1)
Comments (1)

Thank you so much for introducing this organization! You have planted seeds in my heart for a possible future vernture and adventure. Anne in Japan

posted by Anne Thomas on 11/12/2008 5:11 am

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