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 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 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.

                         

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 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

                                    

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.