Vibrant Nation

5 global volunteer opportunities to expand your horizons

Prill Boyle's avatar Posted on Thursday, February 05, 2009 by Prill Boyle Prill Boyle's book Defying Gravity: A Celebration of Late-Blooming Women tells the story of 12 women who overcame a variety of obstacles in midlife to achieve their dreams. Prill lists five global volunteer organizations that welcome volunteers of all ages.
Each of these five international organizations offers volunteer opportunities to expand your horizons--and they welcome volunteers of all ages! Commitments range from one week to two years. Descriptions of the groups come directly from their websites or from USA Today.
  1. Cross Cultural Solutions
    Programs run from 1-12 weeks and focus on everything from working in orphanages to teaching English. 12 countries including Guatemala, India, Thailand, and Costa Rica. Work side by side with local people and experience another culture like never before! Commitment: Anywhere from 1 week with the "Insight Abroad" program to two years.

  2. Global Volunteers
    Volunteer vacations to 16 countries. Activities include caring for at-risk children, teaching English, repairing community buildings, etc. Visit www.globalvolunteers.org.

  3. Appalachian Trail Conservancy
    Offers 1-6 week trips to rebuild and maintain the 2,100-mile Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Visit www.appalachiantrail.org.

  4. The Peace Corps
    Share a lifetime of work and wisdom with people of developing nations who respect and appreciate age. There's no upper age limit to serve. Commitment: 2 years.

    Note: If you’re a former Peace Corps volunteer, you might consider Peace Corps Encore! which sends former Peace Corps Volunteers and staff members back into the field on short-term assignments typically 3 weeks to 3 months) that match their professional expertise with specific social needs.

  5. Habitat for Humanity International Volunteer Program (IVP)
    Travel to another country, eat strange new foods, and connect with people all around the globe. Best of all, wake up in the morning knowing that by the end of the day you will have lent a hand to eradicating poverty housing. Commitment: Anywhere from 3 months to 2 years.

  6. American Red Cross International
    Help people around the world prevent, prepare for, and respond to disasters, complex humanitarian emergencies, and life-threatening health conditions. International Services initiatives focus on primary health care, emergency response and preparedness, and restoring family links.

responses (4)

StephE's avatar StephE
StephE said to Prill Boyle
undefined method `created_at' for nil:NilClass
 new!
I did a week of volunteer work in the hills of Costa Rica through Cross Cultural Solutions and have never seen a better run operation as they were.  Everything was done in consideration of the volunteer and I had a wonderful time.  We worked in the morning, and then had some type of cultural trip planned for the afternoon.  We also had Spanish lessons at night which was great fun.  We could go out on our own if we didn't want to take part in the afternoon plans, but I loved seeing the area and learning more about the country and the people.  We stayed in  what used to be a small school and it was clean and run well.  The people who worked there were terrific.

On the other hand, I was the oldest person on the trip and although I didn't mind, I don't think I would go with them again given this situation. There were about twelve of us with several ladies in their 20s, a few in their 30s and two in their 40s and me in my 50s.  There were also four ladies staying there for several months, all in their early 20s.  I asked if the age level was younger in all their areas, and they admitted that it usually was, with the exception of Tanzania.  As I said, it was a great trip, and I love being with all ages, but would like to have some comtemparies to speak with as well.

What used to be a small school and it was clean and run very well.
Prill Boyle's avatar Prill Boy…
Prill Boyle said to StephE
undefined method `created_at' for nil:NilClass
 new!

StephE--  Thank you so much for responding in such depth.  Very helpful, balanced information for anyone considering Cross Cultural Solutions.  Let me know if you'd be comfortable having me include your critique on my blog.  I won't do so without your permission.  --Prill

Doryce's avatar Doryce
Doryce said to StephE
undefined method `created_at' for nil:NilClass
 new!

How large was the group you were with? Maybe it would more comfortable if you organized your own group of older women to do it at the same time. I have looked at this organization but never made a move to do it. Tanzania would be fun and I think their need is greater that Costa Rica.

 

Prill Boyle's avatar Prill Boy…
Prill Boyle said to Doryce
undefined method `created_at' for nil:NilClass
 new!

That's exactly what I was thinking, Doryce--that Steph, or anyone who wanted to do such a trip, could sign up with some contemporaries.

Pure and Natural