Why Pay to Volunteer Abroad?

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

3:30-4:30 p.m. EST

WEBINARS

w w w . c r o s s c u l t u r a l s o l u t i o n s . o r g

Agenda

• Introductions

• About CCS

• The Value of CCS

• What Our Volunteers Can Expect

• Invaluable Staff Experience

• The Value of the Program Fee

• How To Enroll in a Program

• Ways To Fund Your Program

• Fundraising Tips

• Volunteer Voices

• Questions?

• Next Steps

Introductions

Ansley Easterlin Program Advisor

Alumna of CCS Tanzania

Pete Bryan Program Advisor (Team Leader)

Alumnus of CCS Brazil, China, Costa Rica,

Ghana, Guatemala, India, and Morocco

About CCS

• Types of Programs

• Volunteer Abroad (2-12 weeks)

• Intern Abroad (3-12 weeks)

• Insight Abroad (1-week)

• Teen Volunteer Abroad (1-3 weeks)

• 12 Countries

• Program Fee (Starts at $1,700)

• China, Russia, Guatemala at a

discounted rate!

• The CCS Experience

• Volunteer Work, Cultural & Learning

Activities, Free-Time & Home-Base Our Vision is of a world where people value cultures different from their own, are aware of global issues, and are empowered to effect positive change.

The Value of CCS

• CCS’ Vision, Mission & Values

• Pre-Departure Staff

• CCS In-Country Staff

• Our In-Country Partner Programs

• The Volunteer Placement Process

• Sustainability for the Local Community

• Evaluation and Feedback

Our Approach & Why it Works Safety and support is our #1 priority

Our Mission is to operate volunteer programs around the world in partnership with sustainable community initiatives, bringing people together to work side-by-side while sharing perspectives and fostering cultural understanding. We are an international not-for-profit organization with no political or religious affiliations.

What Our Volunteers Can Expect

• CCS HQ staff were all volunteers before they were staff

• We work closely with local organizations to match

volunteer skills with the needs of the community

Support From Start to Finish

Program Site Specialists Program Site Specialists will prepare

you for your CCS experience &

answer your questions along the way.

Program Advisors Our Program Advisors are here

to help you decide which country,

date & duration is best for you.

In-Country Support All our in-country staff members are

from the communities where we work,

living and working there year-round.

Alumni Action Network Become a life-long learner

about international issues.

Getting All The Facts

• Program Advisors are ready to answer your

questions via phone and email

• All Program Advisors are former CCS

volunteers

• Alumni References available

• Info Sheets, Guidance, and Fundraising

Resources

• CCS Community – Connect with current

and former volunteers

Before Enrolling Choosing the right country, program, & length of stay

What Our Volunteers Can Expect

Before going in-country

• One-on-one support

• Dedicated Program Site Specialist acts as a

liaison between volunteer & in-country staff

• Volunteer Placement Process

• Skills & Interests survey

• Based on community needs

• Fully informed on cultural taboos, customs,

appropriate clothing, packing suggestions,

etc.

• Resources for travel, visa, and

immunization information

• Connecting with fellow volunteers

Volunteer Preparation Getting the most out of your experience

What Our Volunteers Can Expect

Supporting Your Volunteer Work

• All hired staff members are from the local

area and are knowledgeable experts,

authentic meals, etc.

• Partner Program relationships and

community assessments

• The Home-Base

• Three full meals a day

• Clean towels and linens

• Comfortable environment

• 24-hour staff support

• Transportation

• To/From airport, volunteer placement,

and CCS activities

The In-Country Experience Getting the most out of your experience

What Our Volunteers Can Expect

Invaluable Staff Experience

Upon arrival, the CCS driver greets you at the

airport and brings you to the CCS Home-Base.

The Program Director walks you through an in-

depth orientation. All of our in-country staff

members are warm, loving people who want

you to feel right at home and will make sure you

are well cared for.

Each Program Site includes:

• Country/Program Director

• Program Site Manager

• Program Officers

• Program Administrators

• Cooks

• Housekeepers

• Drivers

• Security

Team of Experts

Averaging over 10 years of experience, our Country Directors are recognized and respected leaders in international development, education, social services, and more.

• Volunteer placement & coordination

• 24-hour in-country staff support

• Orientation, placement, and regular

feedback sessions

• Safe & comfortable Home-Base

• Three full meals a day prepared by CCS

staff cook

• Transportation by trained CCS drivers

• Cultural & Learning Activities

• Comprehensive travel medical insurance

• Local phone calls, incoming international

phone service, and a 24-hour emergency

hotline in the U.S.

Learn more: crossculturalsolutions.org/program-fee

What Your Program Fee Covers Food, Lodging, Transportation, & Staff Support

The Value of the Program Fee

What It Doesn’t Cover

• International and domestic airfare and

corresponding airport departure taxes

• Costs associated with obtaining a visa

or immunizations (when needed)

• Long distance phone calls and internet

(in some sites)

• Laundry service

The Value of the Program Fee

Learn more: crossculturalsolutions.org/program-fee

• Peace of mind knowing you’re in good

hands

• Everything is taken care of once you

step off the place

Overall Benefits

How To Enroll in a Program

• Choose a program, location, start date, and

length of stay

• Enroll online or over the phone

• Enrolling requires a US$275, CAN$300, or

£UK150 deposit which will be applied

toward your overall program fee

• Program Advisors are available to assist!

• Methods of payments and due dates

Additional Information: • Peak and off-peak rates

• Lower program fees for Russia,

Guatemala, China

• Discounts available for volunteering as a

group, family, or CCS alum!

• Fundraising and fundraising due date

The Basics About Enrolling

“Some of the children in public schools will now visit us to interact with the orphans and learn songs,

rhymes, poems, and games that they've learned from the

volunteers. To us, this is a huge impact – other children now realize

that orphans have something to share, too... Also, people in the

community have begun volunteering to help at the

orphanage.” Volunteer Voices

• Scholarships, Grants, etc.

• Corporate Matching Programs

• Current opportunities available: • Travelocity's Change Ambassador Grant

Program http://www.travelocity.com/TravelForGood

• Volunteers for Prosperity Service Incentive

Program http://www.globalgiving.com/cb/vfpserv/

• The National Geographic Glimpse

Correspondents Program http://glimpse.org/the-correspondents-program/

• Spring 2012 applications now available

Funding Your Program

How to Fund Your Program Additional Options for Paying Your Program Fee

Fundraising Tips

Key Tips • Know your audience

• Get creative

• Be knowledgeable about issues and

the need in the community you’ve

chosen

• Show your passion

• Tracking Success: myCCS,

Facebook Causes, IndieGogo,

Crowdrise

• Use CCS Fundraising Resources:

widgets, sample letters, and

templates

Fundraiser Examples • Dance-off

• Local Restaurant Sponsorships

• Raffles

• Tournaments

• Mailing Campaign

Volunteer Example

“Skating to Tanzania”

http://youtu.be/9Z3Tc8FMdQY

(VIDEO)

http://www.crossculturalsolutions.org/resources/fundraisers

Volunteer Voices

“After numerous hours spent researching sites that offered this opportunity I chose Cross Cultural Solutions. This company provided detailed information about the

goals, destination, requirements, necessities, and personal information needed to qualify etc.” MOROCCO 2012

“The in-country staff's excellence could not be described in words. They are the ones who made the trip what it was. I had an excellent time with … ALL of them.” TANZANIA 2012

“I found with the constant support from the New York office, everything was going to be okay… [The Program Advisor] put me in contact with alumni who got back with me quickly and greatly encouraged me to take the leap!” COSTA RICA 2012

“You know, it is amazing to think that I actually raised more than my program fee ... My biggest tip for anyone is not to stress about

fundraising; if the first thing you try doesn't work, there are so many options.” RUSSIA 2011

Questions?

Next

Steps

Determine where, when, and for how long you

want to volunteer: http://www.crossculturalsolutions.org/enroll/enroll-checklist

Contact a Program Advisor

1-800-380-4777, Monday-Friday 9am-6pm EDT

Ansley: ansley@crossculturalsolutions.org

Pete: pete@crossculturalsolutions.org

EXPLORE OUR WEBSITE

w w w. c r o s s c u l t u r a l s o l u t i o n s . o r g

Upcoming Info Sessions

• Mesa, AZ (4/25)

• Philadelphia, PA (4/27)

• Phoenix, AZ (4/28)

• New York, NY (4/28)

• Charlottesville, VA (4/28)

Find More Events:

www.crossculturalsolutions.org/events

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