Wednesday, April 11, 2012

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..

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

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.

Friday, April 6, 2012

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 .

Thursday, April 5, 2012

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.


                         

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

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. 


                         

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

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.

                         

Monday, April 2, 2012

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.