Global Crossroad Review Michael Bird India

My experience working with the women’s group has been extremely rewarding. They are so eager to learn and to improve not only their own lives but also the lives of their families. They work very hard on their embroidery and show great attention to details. These sewing sessions also provide a great time to socialize as they form a wonderful bond of sisterhood. They help each other with the embroidery and make sure everyone is included. I am privileged to teach English to these amazing ladies after their sewing session. I teach them for one hour. We have reviewed and continue to build upon – phonetics, spelling and the use and meaning of adjectives. When they don’t quite understand the meaning of the work, my humble attempt at drawing does the trick. They write down the English accompanied by the Hindi. So they can review their work at home. Many of them show what they have learned at school with their children. So not only do the lessons greatly benefit the women, they also benefit their children as well. We have also continued with maths, addition and subtraction in particular. They have a very good grasp of ‘plus’ and ‘minus’ and have a good foundation on which to build.

My only regret is that I have such a short time to spend and to work with women.

Thank you for everything!

Michale Bird, Delhi India

GLOBAL CROSSROAD GEARS UP FOR TURTLE SEASON

Two Global Crossroad Projects Offer Volunteers a Chance of Lifetime With nesting season quickly approaching, two Global Crossroad projects prepare for an influx of sea turtles and volunteers. Between the months of July and October, five species of sea turtles return to the beaches where they were born to lay their eggs.





 Volunteers coming to work with the sea turtle protection project or the eco-tourism project will get to see the arrival of hundreds of sea turtles, something few others will ever experience. Every year, Panama sees the arrival of five species of threatened or endangered sea turtles: Green, Hawksbill, Leatherback, Olive Ridley, and Loggerhead. In Panama, sea turtle eggs, and sometimes the turtles themselves, are considered a delicacy, and the eggs are often stolen by poachers and eaten, greatly diminishing the number of turtles that make it to the ocean. Panamanians, and Global Crossroad volunteers, are working to protect these gentle creatures. Volunteers working with the eco-tourism group will get to witness first-hand the arrival of these marine animals. Volunteers will help community members clean the beach and protect the turtle eggs from natural predators. While the turtles and their eggs have been at the heart of a struggle between government agencies and the people of the island, the turtles remain a big part of the lives of the islanders. Volunteers heading to the turtle conservation project will have more opportunity for hands-on learning. The turtle conservation group patrols the beach a few nights a week, looking for sea turtles that have dug a nest to lay eggs. Volunteers will help the group members collect the eggs and bury them in the artificial nursery. When the baby sea turtles hatch, volunteers can witness the hatchlings beginning their journey across the beach and into the ocean.

Global Crossroad Summer Escapes of Costa Rica

Come to beautiful Costa Rica - a tropical paradise and one of the world's best destinations for both socio- and eco-tourism. An abundance of opportunities for conservation amid white sand beaches makes Costa Rica an excellent destination for everyone from sunbathers and surfers to scientists and teachers. Excitement awaits either the adventurer - in the country's rainforests and on top of its steaming, active volcanoes - or those seeking relaxation and the enjoyment of "la pura vida" - the good life in Costa Rica! Global Crossroad's Summer Escapes in Costa Rica provide volunteers with a month-long adventure in Costa Rica - splitting time between volunteering in community services projects, cultural immersion and amazing travel to some of this country's most amazing sites.

Global Crossroad Volunteer Emmy Nepal Volunteer Testimonial

Global Crossroad Volunteer Emmy Nepal Volunteer from Global Crossroad on Vimeo.

Global Crossroad organizes internship Nepal program especially for international students in the differing areas of orphanages, sustainable agriculture and conservation, English teaching, and health care.

Global Crossroad Volunteer Christine Peru Review

Name: Christine Mitchell
Country of Program:Cusco, Peru

How would you rate the following (please mark X):	Very Satisfied	Satisfied	Neutral	Unsatisfied
Services of USA staff	x
Orientation/ Airport Pick up	x
Language and Culture or Spanish Language	x
Living Accommodations/ Meals	x
Volunteer/Internship Project		x
Response/Cooperation from local Staffs	x
Overall Volunteer Experience	x

Please summarize your volunteer/internship experience:
I worked in a school called Tankarpata. It was a really poor school and I helped teach English. I was in a 5th/6th grade classroom. My only complaint is that my Spanish is not that efficient anymore, I would’ve preferred to be with younger children. My only suggestion is that placement is determined by level of Spanish skill. The children were so eager to learn though, I really felt like I was making a difference. They were so excited everyday that I showed up and always wanted to know about my life and tell me about theirs. I really fell in love with all of them.

Would you recommend Global Crossroads programs to others? Yes
Would you mind serving as a reference for future volunteers? No
mitchece@indiana.edu

Christine Mitchell

Global Crossroad Volunteer Sharon Sri Lanka Mini-Venture Review

I touched down in Sri Lanka on Friday 6th October and from the second I arrived Michael and his family made me feel extremely welcome and looked after me like one of their own!! Michael made a special effort to include me in everything and at weekend when we were not in the orphanage he took us off to see many of the beautiful sights in Sri Lanka which I thoroughly enjoyed. His wife made sure we had ample food and always had a beautiful breakfast, lunch and dinner ready plus she gave us lots of little treats too. His three children were so so friendly and kind, we played games and chatted in the evening and got to know each other. The family went all out and I really enjoyed my stay with them, I will definitely keep in touch. They couldn't have done anything else to make me feel more at home.

The trip of the Island Michael organised was really action packed, we got to see all the major tourist attractions plus a lot more as our tour guide stopped in many other beautiful places that were not on the agenda. He was a very friendly guy and took time out to explain everything. The hotels we stayed in were very welcoming and the owners would take time out to chat to us, it was nice to get to know the local people. It was a fantastic trip and I couldn't believe we got so much packed into the four days. I would definitely recommend the Sri Lanka mini-adventure, I had a fantastic trip.

Global Crossroad Internship in Nepal

Global Crossroad organizes internship Nepal program especially for international students in the differing areas of orphanages, sustainable agriculture and conservation, English teaching, and health care. Global Crossroad can offer internship in Nepal in any area, related to Nepal, in collaboration with our local partners. Areas of Nepal internship include (but are not limited to): 

- Traditional Nepali Arts
- Natural Medicine and Ethno- botany
- Environment and Conservation
- Health
- Teaching
- Women studies
- Development studies
- Journalism
- Nepali language
- Report Writing
- Handicraft
- Buddhism (and many others)

Global Crossroad Volunteer Abroad Travels and Tours in India

India’s natural beauty is unmistakable, but there are still many more factors that separate this country from all others. In reference to biodiversity, India is the second largest country in the world and contains an almost unmatched amount of wildlife, cultures, and geography. India is made of numerous low-lying, fertile, coastal regions with islands - all amongst slightly ascending coastal plain and a dry region filled with Rajasthan. India is home to tropical beaches and luscious scenery with a culture that combines to make all visitors feel as welcome as in their own home. GLOBAL CROSSROAD’s travels to India provide endless opportunities to explore this south Asian country filled with adventure.

Global Crossroad Volunteer Sarah South India Review

My name is Sarah Muhlenberg and I decided to see and experience India as well as help as much as I can I volunteered at the Mother Teresa's Orphanage as well as a little bit at CREST which is a project for the Girl Child.

At first I went to Mother Teresa's Orphanage I though I was going to cry. It was during summer so the children that were not handicapped got to go to families for the holiday. But for the ones that were severely disabled. The first day I had to wash and feed these children and no one was around to help because they were busy. But you will get used to it and things start getting easier. The orphanage need more help and you might catch yourself thinking of reasons and how to fix the place but really the sisters do know what's best for the children and what is needed is you help. You will find many other volunteers and probably make a friend or two.

Now crest is another story it has a good heart but you'll feel it is all talk sometimes. The idea behind the project is wonderful but you will find yourself being forced to do things when least expected.

The children are mostly from the slums and love meeting new people and learning about new countries, so you may enjoy it but, will give you a heads up, it is very religious and pro-life.

The coordinator J R Dwarakanath was wonderful and answered every question I asked. Don't be afraid to tell him how you feel because he loves honesty and wants to help us as much as he can. He can tell you places you should go and he will try to find the best accommodation for you. CREST isn't that wonderful to stay in since it's kind of far from everything but it still is a place to sleep. Don't be afraid to say no and learn to ask questions as well as bargain. You should prepare yourself to see some corrupt things in Bangalore and see many poor situations. But you will feel wonderful to make the children smile at the orphanage and you will leave a stronger, more patient, more aware person.

Expect to live in rough situations sometimes but realize everywhere in India there are people who have it worse. Trust J R Dwarakanath and trust yourself - you will have an experience you will never forget..

Global Crossroad Teach English in Sri Lanka

The importance of conversational English is very significant in Sri Lanka, like in most developing countries throughout the world. People are reaching towards prosperous lives and English fluency helps secure higher-paying jobs. The young students of Sri Lanka are in search of a strong English foundation. Sri Lanka is economically and educationally disadvantaged and is constantly struggling to become a nirvana for international travelers and English fluency amongst encourages Western travelers’ interest. Sri Lankans are hopeful and working towards a more prosperous life. Most see English fluency as an important gateway to further their dreams.

Our volunteers in teaching English in Srilanka support local established English schools in Galle and rural areas of Sri Lanka by providing basic English education to the students between 6 and 16-years-old. Additional subjects like math, science and physical education can also be taught to the enthusiastic students, depending on the interest of volunteers.

Global Crossroad Internship in Costa Rica

Global Crossroad organizes professional Costa Rican internship programs for international students who want to gain valuable work experience in an international setting. Projects include, but are not limited to the following areas:

- Teaching English
- Tourism/Eco-tourism
- International Business
- Healthcare/Medical
- Journalism

In our Costa Rica internship program, the intern engages in daily work activities and in most cases, interns develop a final project or report with respect to their experience. Generally, the local director or manager of the organization where the intern is working serves as a supervisor for the intern. As an intern, you stay with a host family who lives near the organization you are working for. As well, it is possible to organize extra tutorials with experts in particular areas (additional fees may apply). Global Crossroad suggests that you correspond with us if you have special needs for your internship.

• Program: Internship in Costa Rica
• Start Dates: 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month
• Departures: San Jose International Airport (Juan Santamaria)
• Language Need: Basic/intermediate Spanish fluency
• Accommodation and meals: Host Family and Costa Rican meals three times daily
• Working Hours:None
• Activities: Vary with projects

In order to get the most out of your internship position in Costa Rica , Global Crossroad strongly recommends at least two weeks of Spanish language study, which will provide you with the necessary start in every day work life in Costa Rica .

Please note that Costa Rica is a developing country, which means its economy is not as strong or as well developed as the United States or Europe . Because of this, Costa Rican companies do not pay salaries to foreign interns who wish to work with them. That said, interns are warmly welcomed by Costa Rican companies with the goal of knowledge exchange and international experience for everyone involved.

A working experience in Costa Rica will give you the knowledge and tools you'll need to face the reality of increasingly global and intercultural work environments. At the end of your internship, your employer will provide you a letter explaining your internship and the role you played in the organization, and Global Crossroad provides you with a Service Certificate commemorating your internship in Costa Rica .

Global Crossroad Summer Escapes Kenya

One of the most stunning countries in Africa, Kenya is full of natural wonders. From tropical beaches to spectacular scenery to rich cultures and unparalleled wildlife, Kenya has it all in abundance. In Global Crossroad's Summer Escapes Program, you will meet the traditional Masai dwelling in their ancestral lands, and watch millions of wild animals in their natural habitat at Kenya's renowned game reserves. Explore the beautiful range of Kenyan habitats while experiencing the Kenyan rural life. Global Crossroad's Summer Escape Program in Kenya is a great opportunity to taste the mosaic of East African cultures and traditions.

                         

Global Crossroad Sri lanka was one of the best trips

I am Lauren Cook from New York. Going to Sri lanka was one of the best trips I have had.I came to Sri lanka to help with the Sambodi Orphanage,which Orphans are Physically & Mentally handicapped. When I got here I worked not only with the Orphanage, But also teaching English to Buddhist Monks who were ranging from 12 - 14 years of age and also Partially helping to rebuild homes for Tsunami victims reconstruction project. 

A typical day ranged from me teaching English in the morning for about 3 hours to Buddhist monks and going back to my host family for lunch, and then Traveling to the Orphanage and working, volunteering for about 3 hours. Although both projects were often challenging, there was always a sense of Reward at the end. 

I lived in a host family in Michaels house ( My coordinator ) who not only provided me with meals and accommodation, But also treated me like one of the family members. The host family was very good and Michael also looked after me very well by giving all necessary information. it gave me a sense of Sri Lankan Culture, While also making me feel at home. I was able to learn some Sinhalese and also study about Sri lankan culture which is entirely different. 

I would recommend to anyone to traveling to Sri lanka and helping to rebuild the community. Whether you go Through an organization such as Global Crossroads It does cost a fair amount of money to go through Global Crossroads, Because you do receive the control of a Coordinator and host family, And get to see the culture first hand through the eyes of a Sri Lankan home. So at last I would like to recommend to anyone to travel to Sri Lanka and help to rebuild the community and its very safe place in southern Part of Sri lanka, Galle. 

                         

Global Crossroad Volunteer Nepal Grant Parisi Testimonal

Global Crossroad Nepal Volunteer Grant Experience and Testimonal from Global Crossroad on Vimeo.

Our Volunteer in Nepal Program offers volunteers the rewarding opportunity to teach English to native children, bring hope to the orphanages in Nepal, improve the conservation efforts of this noble land, bring health and healing to the sick and disabled, and assist in work at Nepal’s reverent Buddhist monasteries.

                         

Global Crossroad 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.