Global Crossroad Language and Cultural Immersion Program- Delhi

Language and Cultural immersion Program is a one week adventure in cross-cultural learning, language study, and travel. The program features orientation of Indian cultural, religions, politics, climates, and other issues related to volunteering in India . In this program, volunteers will learn the basic phrases and verbs that are commonly used by Indians in their daily lives. As a part of program, you will explore the vibrant city of Delhi covering the most popular tourist destinations of old and New Delhi . In summary, this one week program offers you intriguing glimpses of India and an in-depth understanding of the country and peoples before you start your volunteering project.

http://www.globalcrossroad.com/india/culturelanguage.php

Highlights of Global Crossroad Program

Language and Cultural Orientation
Our program begins with 1-2 weeks of language and cultural orientation where the volunteers are immersed in the local language, and begin their stay with a welcoming host family. Our volunteers also have time to hike in local areas, join cultural activities, and experience daily local life before beginning their volunteer project. Prior to the placement, we make sure each volunteer is adequately supplied with information about his/her local country and life with a host family.

Highly Affordable Program Fees
 For as little as $199, Global Crossroad offers 1to 2 week program featuring unique and delightful cultural experiences and informative language instructions. Other organizations based in the United Kingdom and the United States also work with our partner groups overseas. The programs offered by these organizations are similar to ours in many of their features and quality. However, our volunteers will find a difference when it comes to our program fees. Global Crossroad, because of its low administrative overhead and use of in-country resources, will help save our volunteers 30-60 percent of the average program fee compared to any other volunteer organizations.

Well Researched Placement Projects
 Global Crossroad works with established volunteer associations-Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), schools, and grassroots organizations. Our national co-coordinators have years of combined experiences working with volunteers and development projects. Our programs are also well-screened before they begin. For example, before initiating our Asia volunteer programs, we extensively visited each country, approved projects, and accepted potential host families. Also, we located safe and convenient villages and neighborhoods where our participants are housed for their volunteer services.

Variety of Programs
In Global Crossroad, you can choose the program that meets your needs and fulfills your interests. Presently, we are offering 7 different programs: volunteer abroad, internship abroad, mini-venture, summer escapes, humanitarian trip, paid teaching, and scientific research expeditions.

                         

Global Crossroad Staff

Global Crossroad has an extended family of more than 100 hard-working em ployees from across the globe. Global Crossroad maintains a central office in Dallas, TX (U.S.), and our family includes the staffs in the United States, our in-country coordinators, and associated staffs in 18 countries.

• Global Crossroad family is committed to offer our volunteers high quality and enriching volunteer and/or internship experiences, along with captivating travel and work abroad opportunities.
• In each of our partner countries, Global Crossroad maintains an office of a local in-country coordinator whose job is to support our volunteers. Our coordinators have a distinguished and successful history of working with international volunteers. Most of our in-country coordinators have served in a variety of service-oriented occupations: as expedition leaders, social workers, trek leaders, teachers, and other professions before they joined Global Crossroad. 

                         

Global Crossroad Internship Ecuador Orphanage-Teaching-Conservation

The Global Crossroad Internship program in Ecuador is organized especially for international students. The Ecuador Internship Program gives International students the possibility to participate in some of Global Crossroad's exciting projects. Global Crossroad can offer an internship in Ecuador in any area, related to Ecuador, in collaboration with our local partners. Areas of Ecuador internship include (but are not limited to):

- Orphan Children Project
- Disabled Children project
- Teaching English
- Environmental Education
- Work in community Organic Farm
- Conservation Project (Cloud Forest)
- Environmental awareness

Under the Ecuador internship program, the intern engages in daily project activities. In most cases, interns develop a report paper in a particular area of interest by working closely with the Ecuador internship project staff. Generally, the director of this project serves as a supervisor for the intern. As an intern, you stay with host families or hostel. Most of the time, the director of the project will work to help you successfully complete your field report.

• Program: Internship in Ecuador
• Start dates: 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month
• Departure and End Point: Quito International Airport
• Language Requirement: None
• Accommodation and meals: Mostly eco lodge or Host family and local foods three times a day
• Working hours: 25-35 hours per week

You may also contact country coordinator of Global Crossroad directly if you need any further help locating information and materials for your internship program. Many times, language difficulties hinder the effectiveness of interning. Thus, in order to maximize of your internship experience in Ecuador, Global Crossroad recommends at least two weeks of Spanish language programs. These programs will provide you with a necessary, comprehensive start in exploring the every day issues and realities of Ecuador. Furthermore, it is possible to organize extra tutorials with experts of particular areas with additional fees. Global Crossroad suggests that you correspond with us if you have special needs for your internship

Global Crossroad Volunteer In China

Volunteer in one of the largest and most densely populated countries in the world and home to mysterious and influential cultures, exotic religions and a colorful and engaging history. A country of striking natural formations, China is an awe-inspiring, friendly and delightful land with its beauty and diversity at every turn. China is a popular destination for international volunteers wishing to make a dramatic difference in one corner of the world. Global Crossroad’s Volunteer in China Program is based in Xi’an, providing a unique perspective to this marvelous and vast country. Choose from a wide range of volunteer activities, allowing you to experience unique lifestyle of local people as you work to improve the life of children, wildlife and communities. A warm welcome awaits you from our local in-country coordinator, the local Chinese people, foreign and native teachers, charming parents and delightful children. Enroll in our volunteer work in China and leave a positive mark on this fascinating land as it simultaneously makes an impression on you.

5 Things Global Crossroad Volunteers Should Have Before Going Abroad

All necessary paperwork

You need to check with your Global Crossroad coordinator as well as the state department to find out what types of paperwork and visas is necessary to enter your host-country. A simple passport may not be enough, and Global Crossroad should know what you will need as well as how to obtain it. You will more than likely be responsible for all paperwork and fees associated with applying for a visa so keep copies for your records and allow yourself plenty of time before your trip to get your documents in order.

Conservative clothing in neutral colors

Not observing the socially accepted dress code can make you the target of anti-foreigner sentiments or petty theft. Do what you can to blend in. Wearing conservative, neutral colored clothing is your best bet, at least initially. Do some research and observe how the locals dress to go grocery shopping, go out to dinner, or go out with friends. You do not want to draw attention to yourself or inadvertently offend your new community.

A goal, a plan to reach that goal, and the willingness to accept the fact you probably will not accomplish it

This sounds really pessimistic, I know, but it is true nonetheless. Having a goal and a plan to get there will help keep you focused on your work. Having an agenda for the day and a weekly goal will help get you through the challenges and rough patches that will surely occur. Things will not always go according to plan as outside factors will have an influence on even the best laid plans. Be willing to accept that things will not always go smoothly and you will not always accomplish what you set out to do. You may not achieve your end goal, but the small strides you made along the way really count. Do not dismiss anything you’ve done or accomplished as a Global Crossroad volunteer.

 A sense of humor

I think a big mistake people make is thinking that volunteering abroad is easy. Volunteer work is exactly that: work. Every volunteer experience is different, but every volunteer that works abroad encounters at least one challenge or frustration. You have to learn to laugh at your mistakes and don’t take any set-backs too seriously. Failures and delays very rarely have to do with you and more to do with the fact that you are working in a developing country. For example, as a Peace Corps Volunteer I was engaged in a community-wide home garden project. One day, after three hours of driving a pick-ax through rock-hard, clay-based soil, I accidentally hit the main water line. For the entire community. I not only created a home garden but also a very muddy water park.  After we found the key to turn the water off, found PVC tubing, and replaced the broken section, it rained so hard it washed the entire garden away. There was nothing I could do but laugh at the power of the storm and the fact that the day’s efforts were completely wasted. Keeping a positive mindset got me through that frustration and the next day we went back at it and created a beautiful vegetable garden that is still yielding fresh produce to this day.

 Pictures from home

You will cherish these pictures when you are having a rough day or when you just want to see a familiar face. Volunteering abroad can get lonely and overwhelming. Bringing something from home can help ground you, support you emotionally, and get you through the hard times. Pictures also serve as great conversation pieces. Want to practice your new language skills or get to know your host family better? Whip out a few photos of your friends and family and talk to your new co-workers and neighbors about what life is like back home. Not only will you get to know the people around you, but you will participate in cross-cultural learning, an experience that will benefit you abroad as well as back home.

Volunteering abroad with Global Crossroad is as exciting as it is life-changing. You will experience things you never have before and never will again. Be sure to get all your paperwork arranged ahead of time. You want your trip to be as stress-free as possible, so waiting until the last minute to get your visa is not advisable. Bring conservative clothing. Your way of dressing can have a direct impact on the way people perceive you, so tone your wardrobe down and look at what the locals wear. Set goals for time abroad, but know that you may not reach them. They will nevertheless keep you focused on your work and help you overcome obstacles and challenges. Laugh in spite of any set-backs; getting mad or frustrated will go you nowhere and may even set you back further. Bring photos from home. You will want to see familiar faces every once and while and they serve as a great way to get to know your host-family and neighbors.

Global Crossroad Summer Escapes

Dates: June 25 – July 22, 2012

Experience an exciting 4-week cultural and educational adventure to beautiful Costa Rica, Peru, Kenya, Tanzania, Nepal or India with Global Crossroad’s new Summer Escapes. These unique programs combine language orientation, culture immersion and village stays with the opportunity to volunteer on local village service projects and exotic journeys off the normal tourist routes, along with visits to popular tourist destinations. Join Global Crossroad’s Summer Escapes for the truly amazing adventure of a life time.

• Summer Escapes-Nepal
• Summer Escapes-India
• Summer Escapes-Costa Rica
• Summer Escapes-Peru
• Summer Escapes-Ghana
• Summer Escapes-Kenya
• Summer Escapes-Tanzania

                                    

How Expectations Can Affect Global Crossroad Volunteers

Volunteering abroad can introduce you to once-in-a-lifetime experiences and eye opening discoveries. It is a time to give back, a time for personal growth, and a time to explore. As a volunteer abroad, you will have the opportunity to gain job skills, confidence, and hands-on work experience that few others can claim. However, I am not going to kid you, volunteers abroad face a plethora of challenges, frustrations, and set-backs. Your mindset and expectations are the deciding factors in whether you will prevail or let the situation get the best of you.

Expectations can be a Global Crossroad volunteer’s worst enemy. Having high or unrealistic expectations about project results can impact how you view yourself, the people around you, and the project you’re working on. When volunteering in a developing country, the progress is going to be slow, no matter what project you are working on. As a Peace Corps Volunteer, I worked in the rural countryside of Panama for over two years. As with the majority of Peace Corps Volunteers, I will never see the results of my work. What we worked on in my community may not come to fruition for several years, if at all. Volunteers who travel abroad should not expect to change the world in a day. Just because it is not possible to create and implement a sustainable project in four weeks does not mean you will not make a difference.

Many people think about volunteering abroad in terms of the physical project they will be working on. Their concept of success is dependent on how many sea turtle eggs they save or how many rain water catchment systems they make. I can tell you right now the secret to success as a Global Crossroad volunteer does not lie in the project, it lies in the people. A successful project does not just function while you are there, but continues to function after you have gone. This will only happen if you empower the people. Success is not the number of trees you planted on a reforestation project, but the number of community members you included in the project, the number of community members you educated about reforestation practices, the number of community members you’ve helped to feel more confident about themselves and their work. And do you know how many community members it takes to make a difference? Do you know how many people you need to empower and educate for your project to become sustainable? One. Just one.

There are a few expectations that Global Crossroad volunteers should have. They should expect to meet great people. From the local Global Crossroad staff to community counter-parts, volunteers will meet new people that they will not soon forget. Volunteers should also expect to enjoy their surroundings. Take advantage of the fact that you are in a foreign country. Travel on the weekends, take pictures, and explore! You never know if you will get this opportunity again. Volunteers should also expect that their short time abroad will have an impact on the people they work with. The words you say and the actions you take will stay with these people forever. It doesn’t matter if you plant 1,000 trees or just one- it is the confidence and education you instill on the people that are the real indicators of success.

Global Crossroad introduces new program in Beautiful Panama

Global Crossroad has added a new destination to its roster of programs. Panama is Global Crossroad’s newest volunteer tourism site, offering projects related to education, conservation, and youth advocacy. With its diverse wildlife, pristine beaches, and breath-taking landscapes, Panama is an ideal country for meaningful travel.

Volunteers have their choice of five different projects. Teaching English and helping at-risk children are two options offered at an orphanage near the capital city. Those interested in animal and environmental conservation have their choice of two projects located on the coast of the Azuero Peninsula. Spend your time on a black sand beach helping with sea turtle protection and awareness and maybe even learning how to surf. Or head to an island to fish with the locals, reforest the coastal mangroves, and set up a protected sea turtle nesting area. For those interested in the medical field, Global Crossroad also offers a project in family health. Volunteers will help run the youth group focused on advocating HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention for young people. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to help in the health clinic and with teen counseling. 

Global Cross Road Summer Escapes Ghana

Explore the Jewel of Africa

Dates: June 25 – July 23, 2012

• Program: Summer Escapes
• Arrival and departure: Accra International Airport
• Duration: 28 Days
• Accommodation and Meals: Simple Hostel, host family, Ghanaian food three times a day
• Program Fee: $1899 for 4 weeks including 7 days guided tour 

One of the most beautiful and flourishing lands on earth, Ghana is popularly known as the jewel of Africa. The sun dappled beaches, the lush green landscape with evergreen palm trees and the ethno-linguist groups like the renowned Ashanti, make Ghana a truly interesting travel destination. With Global Crossroad's Summer Escapes in Ghana, participants will have the opportunity to volunteer for a great cause and visit the tempting locales that surround Ghana - getting a true-to-life picture of Ghana and enjoying and experiencing Ghanaian hospitality and generosity.

Global Crossroad Internship Abroad

Global Crossroad’s internship abroad program offers 2-12 weeks of customized internship opportunities for students, researchers, and explorers in Argentina, China, Costa Rica, Ghana, India, Kenya, Nepal, Peru, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda with projects in more countries becoming available soon. Most past participants have joined internships in health care, journalism, women’s issues, culture, sustainable development, and business. However, Global Crossroad can craft an internship projects in nearly any area you wish. Continue a lifetime of learning and self-improvement – arrange your internship with Global Crossroad today.

 

Global Crossroad Volunteer In Uganda

Discover Uganda in East Africa! Global Crossroad's volunteer in Uganda program is located in the southern portion of Uganda and this area includes a major portion of beautiful Lake Victoria speckled with numerous islands and is home to a cornucopia of wildlife. With borders of Kenya to the east and Tanzania to the south, a unique environment results as the East African savannah and the West African jungle merge in Uganda. An abundance of animals – lions, chimpanzees, hippos, crocodiles, gorillas – and thousands of bird species – await outdoor and animal enthusiasts.

While volunteering in Uganda participants can choose from wide range of opportunities to explore some of Uganda's most interesting attractions – all while helping the impoverished communities of Uganda and children who have been orphaned by losing parents to AIDS. Our Uganda volunteers encourage a brighter future for all involved in Uganda.

 

Global Crossroad Volunteer Abroad

Global Crossroad offers numerous and exciting abroad experiences to international volunteers in 18 marvelous countries of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Our highly-affordable, unique, life-changing and stimulating programs engage volunteers in an adventure with a purpose.

We invite you to join any of our 6 amazing programs - Volunteer Abroad, Internship Abroad, Mini-Venture, Summer Escapes, Asia Combo - embarking on the most meaningful volunteer abroad programs serving poor communities and children while experiencing cross-cultural exchanges and breath-taking journeys to mystic and exotic lands.

Global Crossroad Achievements

• In its first year of operation (2003), Global Crossroad placed only 23 volunteers. In 2004, nearly 600 volunteers participated in our overseas volunteer projects, making Global Crossroad the most successful volunteer organization of its kind.
• In 2005, we traveled 20 different countries of the world, searched for the meaningful projects, and established volunteer abroad programs across Asia, Africa, and Latin America . The most remarkable program of 2005 was Tsunami Reconstruction Project of Sri Lanka. Nearly 700 volunteers participated in Sri Lanka project. However, total number of volunteers was increased by nearly 200% totaling to 1768 volunteers in 2005.
• Nearly 95 percent of our participants give our programs high ratings. We have hundreds of letters and e-mails from satisfied volunteers who have lauded our high quality programs, our excellent services, our host family accommodations, and the knowledgeable support of our in-country coordinators. Please contact us if you would like to speak to our former volunteers.
• Volunteers have averaged 6 weeks at a project, giving 20 hours a week of their precious time and talent. In total, Global Crossroad volunteers have given more than 212,160 hours to local communities in developing nations by assisting in schools and orphanages, working to protect and conserve forests, and improving the lives of disadvantaged men, women, and children. The immeasurable value of our volunteers' contributions will be realized for years to come.