the adventure of a lifetime that changes lives. · adventure, but the real difference with ccs is...

The Adventure of a LifetimeThat Changes Lives.

High SchoolVolunteer Abroad

MESSAGEFROM THEFOUNDER

Steve RosenthalFounder of Cross-Cultural Solutions

Over 20 years ago, I took off on a trip around the world, during which I volunteered in a Kenyan village, working with the local community members to build a health dispensary. When I returned, I felt inspired to create an organization that would allow others to participate in short-term service projects and connect with people from other cultures. My first year, one volunteer traveled to India; now, Cross-Cultural Solutions is a trusted leader in international volunteer work, with expert in-country staff and over 35,000 alumni.

Our team has carefully crafted this piece to show you who we are and what we value: our community-based approach, our incredible directors, our high safety standards, and our life-changing programs. Parents, sending your child abroad is a big step, and we want to help you feel confident about this important decision. High school volunteers, I hope you set out curious and open-minded and return instilled with a stronger sense of purpose and direction, and with a deeper appreciation of our shared humanity.

The CCS High School Volunteer Abroad program empowers people to take part in solving global issues. Young people don’t have to wait until they’re older to create change; they can start now, and we’ll help them get there—trust me, I’ve learned that a drive to see the world combined with a desire to help others can take you further than you ever dreamed possible.

THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING.

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When you join our High School Volunteer Abroad program, you will work with local people to help energize their community—finding wisdom and beauty in a way of life different from your own

and discovering the vital role that every individual plays in achieving lasting change.

Change their world. Change yours.


YOUR JOURNEY STARTS HERE.

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Table of ContentsOur Mission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Our Impact & Credentials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

The CCS Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Our Programs Costa Rica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Ghana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Guatemala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Morocco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Safety – Our #1 Priority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Meet the Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Why Volunteer Abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Funding the Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

FAQs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Other CCS Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Volunteer Voices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Next Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

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A WORLD LEADER IN RESPONSIBLE VOLUNTEERING

As a leader in the field of international volunteering since 1995, we know what works: The only responsible approach to international volunteer work is one designed by the community. We believe that local people are the experts, and the most

productive way to address economic inequality and promote social justice is to empower community members.

Our mission is to empower cross-cultural service that improves the health, education, and economic opportunities for vulnerable women, children and elderly.

Ultimately, our vision is of a world where people value cultural differences,

are globally aware, and are empowered to create positive change.

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We have continually refined our programs to ensure we serve in the right way. In order to hold ourselves accountable to the communities we serve, we ask our partners to rate us annually and tell us what we do well, what we can improve, and how our volunteers can best contribute.

Thanks to more than 35,000 alumni

who dedicated over 2,000,000 service hours, CCS volunteers achieved the following over the past 20+ years:

MORE THAN 20 YEARS OF IMPACT

Provided teaching support to

132,000 CHILDREN

Supported 25,000 people

with disabilities

Cared for 51,000 infantsand CHILDREN

Provided service to15,000 elderly

people

Cared for13,000 PATIENTSIN HEALTH CARE

FACILITIES

Contributed$40 MILLIONTO LOCAL

ECONOMIES

Assisted12,000 PEOPLEAFFECTED BY

HIV/AIDS

Supported10,000 members

of women’sgroups

O U R C R E D E N T I A L S

“My participation with my grandsons, and their subsequent participation in Cross-Cultural Solutions Peace Corps-type service programs, with their cultural immersion and community impact,

was one of the highlights of our travels around the world.”

–Senator Harris Wofford Special Assistant to President Kennedy; Founding architect of the U.S. Peace Corps

We’ve been the choice of top universities such as Duke, Princeton Bridge Year, West Point, and the University of Michigan, as well as corporations including OppenheimerFunds and Eli Lilly and Company.

The United Nations Economic and Social Council granted CCS Special Consultative Status in 2003, recognizing CCS as an important leader in the field of international volunteering.

GreatNonprofits recently awarded CCS its top-rated award based on volunteer reviews for the third year in a row!

CCS is a Founding Sponsor of the Building Bridges Coalition (BBC), a project of the Brookings Institution that aims to improve cross-cultural understanding.

CCS is a charter member of The International Volunteer Programs Association (IVPA), a group of NGOs involved in establishing principles and standards for international volunteer work.

CCS is a BBB Accredited Charity, meeting all 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.

CCS has been profiled in more than 500 news outlets, including: CNN, The New York Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, Time, Newsweek, The Chicago Tribune, The Toronto Star, The Today Show, USA Today, National Geographic Traveler, and the ABC Nightly News.

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When you travel abroad with Cross-Cultural Solutions, you aren’t merely joining a tour group and observing another place; you engage in genuine cultural immersion, meaningful volunteer work, and transformative experiences with the amazing people you meet. Volunteers work side by side with local people and new friends on teens-only projects in Costa Rica, Ghana, Guatemala, India, or Morocco.

SERVICEJoin with community leaders to serve others and directly engage in important social issues through hands-on volunteer activities with a local partner organization. There will be plenty of fun and adventure, but the real difference with CCS is the one-of-a-kind connection with the local people: the culture, the history, and the rhythm of their lives.

ADVENTUREIgnite your curiosity with authentic cultural, learning, and adventure activities each day, including incredible excursions on weekends. You have the chance to experience another culture in thrilling ways. Zipline through a rainforest, hike the Himalaya, or join a Ghanaian dance circle. Feel the thrill of encountering another place and culture as it’s meant to be - first-hand.

LEADERSHIPOur future world leaders must have 21st-century skills, such as critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity, as well as deep character traits, including personal responsibility and open-mindedness. This experience will help you become the leader you’ve always yearned to be, the kind of leader our world needs.

OPTIONAL ADVENTURE WEEKENDAdventure Weekends are designed for volunteers who want to take their experience even further: you will explore other amazing parts of the country and engage in social action under the guidance of CCS staff members. Adventure weekends are only available for volunteers staying 2 weeks or longer.

THE CCS EXPERIENCE

“ Not only did I have a great time, but I had a great time

expanding my cultural horizon and learning a lot

about myself in the process.” –Mponya A

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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A CCS VOLUNTEER

Volunteers rise at around 7:00 AM to get ready for the day and enjoy a delicious breakfast. Our cooks are pros at preparing delicious meals, so if there’s a favorite food you can’t live without (or that you’ve just discovered!), be sure to let them know so they can keep it coming in the days ahead.

At about 8:00 AM, fill up your water bottle, pack a bag, and head to your volunteer assignment to serve the community in areas such as global education, health, or sports leadership. Connect with the people you serve, who will likely inspire you just as much as you will uplift them. When it’s time to wrap up, hop back in the CCS van and head to the Home-Base for lunch.

Every afternoon at about 1:30 PM, participate in a special cultural activity. Explore nearby neighborhoods and markets, or get your blood pumping with dance workshops and outdoor excursions. We also arrange fascinating guest speakers, language lessons, and cooking classes at the CCS Home-Base. Following your afternoon activities, relax with fellow volunteers, send a message to family and friends, or join in a community soccer game!

Dinner is usually served at 6:00 PM. After dinner, you can prepare for the following day’s volunteer work, participate in another cultural or adventure activity, join in on a movie night, relax around a campfire, or spend some time reflecting and journaling.

ON THE WEEKENDS even more excitement awaits as you set out on your weekend excursions. Take off with your fellow volunteers for an unforgettable adventure.

. . .

Check the destination pages for details on volunteer assignments and cultural, learning, and adventure activities. All activities and excursions are fully supervised by CCS staff.

#CCSCOSTARICA“It’s humbling to see how much of an influence we’ve had here in Cartago in such a short time.” @benscott7

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Orosi Valley, Costa Rica“¡Ay sí, atrévete! (Oh yes, be daring!) ”

. . .Lyrics from “Drummer Boy,” song by famous Costa Rican singer, Debi Nova

THE LAND OF PURA VIDAIn the Orosi Valley, you’ll be immersed in a picturesque landscape, surrounded by lakes, rivers, mountains, and hot springs. Costa Rica is a worldwide leader in ecotourism, recognized for its rich biodiversity—but it’s also well known for its warm and welcoming people who live by pura vida. Directly translated to English, pura vida means “pure life,” but the meaning for local people is far more powerful: depending on the context, pura vida can mean “Hello,” “Everything’s good,” or “This is living!” You can know the definition, but you won’t truly feel it until you join a High School Volunteer Abroad adventure in Costa Rica.

YOUR VOLUNTEER IMPACTIn Costa Rica, many schools, especially those beyond urban epicenters, are under-resourced, lacking adequate staff and physical resources for desired improvements. Work alongside local people and your fellow volunteers to run English workshops, public health and vision campaigns, or sports activities. Help with school maintenance activities like painting educational murals, planting and tending gardens, updating hygiene stations, and creating sports fields. Afterwards, you’ll be able to look back at both a tangible impact you’ve made in your project, and the personal connections you’ve formed through your volunteer work there. Through all of it, you’ll be helping students stay healthy and in school, providing them with opportunities for a better future.

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COSTA RICA

GAME CHANGER

www.crossculturalsolutions.org

C A L L T O A C T I O N

Globalization: the Interchange of People & PerspectivesCosta Rica faces serious social and economic challenges related to an increasing number of regional immigrants, the highest rate in Latin America. Due to its reputation for social stability and support, particularly for free education and universal health care, Costa Rica has captured the attention of international trading partners, as well as people from other Central American countries seeking better lives. However, immigrant populations face discrimination and are often left with limited access to health care, education, or social services. Additionally, Costa Ricans face challenges with rampant alcoholism and orphaned or neglected children. As a CCS high school volunteer in Costa Rica, you’ll have the opportunity to work with local organizations to improve the quality of life for marginalized populations.

“The question is not whether you will be involvedin the ethical challenges of globalization, but what

your contribution will be.”

–Oscar Arias Sánchez Former Costa Rican President, Peace-Broker for Central America

1987 Nobel Peace Prize, 2001 National Freedom AwardSource: Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice & Human Rights

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COSTA RICA

When you think of Costa Rica, imagine a lush and secluded paradise with towering trees and curling vines. When you traverse the Costa Rican rainforest, you’ll feel as though you’ve fallen into an adventure story. The Costa Rican national authorities protect their rainforests, so these treasured lands are filled with life: they’re home to two-thirds of Earth’s plant and animal species. You’ll hike through the forest floors—hearing strange sounds from wild animals and smelling exotic flowers. Then you’ll cross the tree canopies on suspension bridges and glide amongst the trees on a zipline, waving to a three-toed sloth or rainbow-billed toucan as you pass by!

You have an opportunity to summit an active volcano: the Irazú volcano (Irazú translates to “thundering mountain”). The volcano is broken into five craters; from the top, you’ll look down into one enormous volcanic crater, which is almost 3,500 feet wide. The last time Irazú erupted was in 1963, when JFK was visiting Costa Rica!

Hike Orosi Valley, one of the first settled places in Costa Rica. Here you’ll tour the mountain valley—

relaxing and bonding with other volunteers, meeting farmers and artisans, visiting very old churches, and maybe sampling guava, a tropical fruit with a fusion of tastes like pear and strawberry.

In Cartago, you’ll see Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles (Our Lady of the Angels Basilica), Costa Rica’s most famed basilica, where people from all over Central America pilgrimage to receive miraculous healing from Costa Rica’s patron saint, La Negrita (Black Madonna).

“La Paz” translates to peace, and that is exactly what you’ll find when you visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens: awe-inspiring waterfalls and flowing white rivers, as well as the largest butterfly conservatory on the planet. This highland jungle area is a mixture of rainforest and cloud forest, a special forest with 100% humidity, surrounded by mist. You’ll truly feel the power of nature when you’re here.

Cultural, Learning, & Adventure Activities

COSTA RICA

Orosi Valley

. . .

June 23 Global Education

July 7

Global Education

July 21Health

August 4Sports Leadership

. . .

**Each project runs for 2 weeks.

Volunteers can enroll for 1-4 weeks.

Every 2 weeks a new project will begin.


2018 START DATES

“ I learned so many important things about parts of the rest of the world that would be impossible to learn in a classroom.”

–Brianne M.

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Available Weeks

. . .

June 23 July 7July 21

August 4

ADVENTURE WEEKEND

Costa Rica

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A DAY IN THE LIFE

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Be sure to bring an alarm clock, because you’ll want to be up early to grab a delicious and nutritious breakfast at 7:00 AM before heading to your volunteer work assignment. Travel with your group, including CCS staff, to a local school for your hands-on volunteer work addressing needs in global education, health, or sports leadership.

Around 12:00 PM , enjoy a brown bag lunch while working on an important, community-driven project, like building a playground or sports field.

Head back to the CCS Home-Base at 1:30 PM for rest, relaxation, and amazing Cultural Learning & Adventure Activities, from dance lessons and cooking classes to volcano hikes and zipline tours.

Return with your group to the Home-Base by 6:00 PM for dinner, followed by Spanish lessons and informal activities to help you unwind, like campfires or game nights. Try to get some rest after such a busy day; you’ll need the energy to do it all again tomorrow!

If you’re staying for 2 or more weeks, you’ll also have the opportunity to experience an optional ADVENTURE WEEKEND , complete with exciting activities like surfing, dolphin spotting, or hiking through the rainforest with your new friends!

of a CCS Costa Rica Volunteer. . .

#CCSGHANA“Missing every piece of my heart that was left in Ghana.” @kaleigh_donn

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GHANA

Ho, Ghana“A single tree cannot make a forest.”

. . .Ewe Proverb

FEEL THE RHYTHM OF WEST AFRICAOn the west coast of Africa lies a beautiful country with expanses of wilderness and coastline: Ghana, meaning “Warrior King,” is a place known for its warm national character, where visitors are always welcomed as friends. Above all, the Ghanaians are peaceful, caring, and hospitable. Ghana maintains a stable government, as well as one of the strongest economies in West Africa thanks to its abundance of natural resources. Over 100 different ethnic groups call Ghana home. During your CCS High School Volunteer Abroad experience, the Ewe people of the Volta Region will become your family and will make this unique place unforgettable.

YOUR VOLUNTEER IMPACTThroughout Ghana, schools, community groups, and child care centers are severely under-resourced and understaffed. Work with your group to teach English, math, science, hygiene, or sports to children in an under-resourced community. Help construct a playground, sports field, or hygiene station to create healthy, warm, inviting atmosphere for school children. Afterwards, you’ll be able to look back at both a tangible impact you’ve made in your project, and the personal connections you’ve formed through your volunteer work there. Through all of it, you’ll be helping students stay healthy and in school, providing them with opportunities for a better future.

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GAME CHANGER


Growing PainsWe are based in Ho, the regional capital for the Volta region. As the population of the Volta Region grows, there is a notable strain on vital social resources. In recent years, the government has improved health care, hygiene, and education significantly. Gender equity has improved in Ghana, and more mothers are working to support their families. However, Ghana’s progress has been hindered by malnutrition, disease, and wide economic division between well-paid and low-income workers. As a high school volunteer in Ho, you’ll have an opportunity to affect social change in a community dealing with the growing pains experienced by a region in flux.

“Education is a human right with immense power to transform. On its foundation rest the

cornerstones of freedom, democracy and sustainable human development.”

–Kofi AnnanGhanaian diplomat, 7th Secretary-General of the United Nations,

2001 Nobel Peace Prize.Source: UNICEF’s THE STATE OF THE WORLD’S CHILDREN 1999 Education Report

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GHANA

Ho. . .


July 7 Global Education and

Sports Leadership


Health

. . .





The local community puts on an exclusive collaborative presentation just for CCS volunteers to formally welcome you, and you’ll get to join in on a traditional drum and dance circle, a very important cultural practice for the Ghanaian people.

Embark on an intense hike and bond with the CCS staff as you climb Mount Afadja, the highest mountain in Ghana. When you reach the top, you’ll take in a gorgeous view of rural Ghana—not to mention, you’ll feel invincible.

Plunge into a natural pool at the base of the Wli Waterfall, the highest waterfall in West Africa. You’ll take a short hike to the falls where you’ll witness the rainbows forming in the mist, and then paddle out to experience the refreshing spray of the falls up close. After drying off, stop by one of the best spots in Ghana for a chance to buy wood carvings and batik clothes directly from the artisans who crafted them.

Lake Volta, one of the world’s largest man-made lakes, dominates the landscape of eastern Ghana at over 3,000 square miles. Boat across Lake Volta and watch as fishermen tow in the day’s catch.

Meet important figures in the Ewe community, from a chieftain who will tell you about their traditions and tribal rules, to a traditional witch doctor and a bonesetter—both roles are essential to the Ghanaian health care system.

Ghanaian folklore isn’t a strictly oral tradition; it’s conveyed through traditional “adinkra” symbols as well. You’ll quickly begin to notice adinkra in pottery, wood work, business logos, and fabrics. Visit a local seamstress to learn about these symbols, as well as the traditional batik fabric dyeing process. Make your own batik handkerchief as a small but meaningful keepsake of all you’ve learned and seen.

Cultural, Learning, & Adventure Activities2018 START DATES

“ There is a perfect balance between structure, learning, and fun.The memories you gain will change you and all those around you.”

–Megan H.

Available Weeks

. . .

June 23

July 7

July 21

ADVENTURE WEEKEND

Ghana

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of a CCS Ghana Volunteer. . .

A DAY IN THE LIFE

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Be sure to bring an alarm clock, because you’ll want to be up early to grab a delicious and nutritious breakfast at 7:00 AM before heading to your volunteer work assignment. Travel with your group, including CCS staff, to a local school to work on a community-driven project, like constructing a playground, sports field, or hygiene station.

Around 12:00 PM, enjoy lunch before more hands-on volunteer work addressing needs in global education, health, or sports leadership.

Head back to the CCS Home-Base at 1:30 PM for rest, relaxation, and amazing Cultural Learning & Adventure Activities, from traditional drum & dance lessons and batik dyeing workshop to waterfall hikes and market visits.

Return to the Home-Base by 6:00 PM for dinner, followed by Ewe language lessons and time to prepare for your volunteer work the next day. Try to get some rest after such a busy day; you’ll need the energy to do it all again tomorrow!

If you’re staying for 2 or more weeks, you’ll also have the opportunity to experience an optional ADVENTURE WEEKEND, complete with exciting activities like hiking Ghana’s tallest mountain or splashing around in its largest lake with your new friends!

#CCSGUATEMALA“Due to this trip, I’ve learned to appreciate everything that I have, take risks, and face my fears. The friendships I made on this journey do not end with this program, they will continue forever.”Sydney Blackwell Stern

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GUATEMALA

“All rise and nobody is left behind, neither one person nor two nor three.”. . .

From the Popol Vuh, a sacred book of the Maya Quichés

THE HEART OF MAYA CIVILIZATIONIn the modern Maya Highlands community of Tecpán, the former capital of Guatemala, you’ll find yourself nestled in a vast and lush volcanic valley. Here you will be welcomed by the hospitality of the Guatemalan people who are usually mestizo, a mix of Spanish and Maya ancestry, or are direct descendants of the Maya. Guatemala is rich with the history and traditions of Maya culture—the Maya population alone is made up of 22 different ethnicities, each with its own unique dress and language. You’ll spend your days volunteering alongside the Kaqchikel Maya people, as well as delving into ancient civilizations at the Maya ruins of Iximche. You’ll experience the vibrant culture of Guatemala, a land where the ancient and modern converge.

YOUR VOLUNTEER IMPACTIn Guatemala, 33% of children do not complete primary school, let alone high school. The CCS High School Volunteer Abroad program in Guatemala partners with a local K-6 school that particularly encourages Maya girls to continue their education. Teach English, sports, or dental hygiene in an under-resourced community, and paint educational murals, create sports fields, or upkeep decks to create a safer, warmer learning environment. Afterwards, you’ll be able to look back at both a tangible impact you’ve made in your project, and the personal connections you’ve formed through your volunteer work there. Through all of it, you’ll be helping students stay healthy and in school, providing them with opportunities for a better future.

Maya Highlands, Guatemala

GUATEMALA

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GAME CHANGER


A Brutal War, A New BeginningFollowing a military coup in 1954, Guatemala plunged into a brutal civil war between government military forces and left-wing guerilla groups. Starting in 1960 and ending in 1996, this horrific conflict lasted 36 years and killed more than 200,000 people, making it the longest and most violent civil war in Latin American history. Though the conflict is now long over, the country still suffers from high rates of poverty and instability. The indigenous Maya population struggles with social and legal discrimination, including limited access to agricultural land, low wages, and poor working conditions. In many rural locations today, Maya girls find themselves among the most vulnerable and marginalized populations; they are often pressured to drop out of elementary school to help support their families.

“We are not myths of the past, ruins in the jungle, or zoos. We are people and we want to be respected, not to be victims

of intolerance and racism.”

–Rigoberta Menchú TumQuiché Maya woman, Guatemalan Indigenous Rights Activist,

1992 Nobel Peace Prize, 2002 National Freedom Award.Source: Nobel Women’s Initiative

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GUATEMALA

Maya Highlands

. . .

June 30 Global Education and

Sports Leadership


Health

July 28Global Education

. . .





Imagine a gorgeous aqua lake surrounded by three stunning cone volcanoes, with tiny villages perched on the mountainside. You will get to navigate the waters of Lake Atitlán and then stop along the way to explore colorful Maya communities—learn about people, visit their churches, and venture on tours with local people. When you journey to Guatemala with CCS, you aren’t signing up for corporate tourism. When you visit a coffee plantation, you will have the opportunity to meet the family who runs the farm. Beyond a demonstration, you’ll be welcomed into this family’s home where you’ll sit down and talk while eating real chocolate and drinking coffee together.

Take on the Guatemalan outdoors by hiking the mountain outside of Tecpán, ziplining through a natural reserve, and swimming in restorative hot springs.

Visit the Maya ruins at Iximche and see stone relics and human sacrifice sites. Learn about the people who stood in your spot over 500 years ago.

You’ll roam through the cobblestone roads of Antigua, the grand capital of the Spanish Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Say “I do!” and get married in a traditional Maya ceremony! Your group will visit a tiny shop where the local women will take you through the steps.

Corn is gold to the Maya people. As part of your trip to Antigua, you’ll walk through the corn fields and learn why corn is important to the Maya, as well as how it’s harvested and what it’s used for—then a Guatemalan woman will teach you how to make corn husk figurines and how to prepare tortillas over an open fire at the base of an active volcano.

Engage with an expert on Maya history and then kick back with your new CCS family at a Guatemalan campfire where the staff will play guitars and you’ll all play games together.


“ My volunteer work in Guatemala has made me re-evaluate my priorities and has made me want to affect the world and change it for the better . ”

–Jennifer T.

Available Weeks

. . .

June 30

July 14

July 28

ADVENTURE WEEKEND

Guatemala

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of a CCS Guatemala Voluneer. . .

A DAY IN THE LIFE

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Be sure to bring an alarm clock, because you’ll want to be up early to grab a delicious and nutritious breakfast at 7:00 AM before heading to your volunteer work assignment. Travel with your group, including CCS staff, to a local school for hands-on volunteer work addressing needs in global education, health, or sports leadership. You’ll also work on a community-driven project, like constructing a playground or sports field.

Enjoy lunch around 12:00 PM, and head back to the CCS Home-Base by 1:30 PM for rest, relaxation, and amazing Cultural Learning & Adventure Activities, from Spanish classes and an introduction to Kaqchikel, to tours of town and history & culture workshops.

Return to the Home-Base by 6:00 PM for dinner, followed by informal activities to help you unwind, like campfires, board games, or sending postcards back home. Try to get some rest after such a busy day; you’ll need the energy to do it all again tomorrow!

If you’re staying for 2 or more weeks, you’ll also have the opportunity to experience an optional ADVENTURE WEEKEND, complete with exciting activities like ziplining, boating on Lake Atitlan, or hiking up a volcano with your new friends!

#CCSINDIA“Summer of 2014. Probably the best experience my daughter has ever had. She wants to go back!” BuffalosMom @BuffalosMom

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INDIA

The Himalaya, India “ Speak like a parrot; meditate like a swan; chew like a goat; and bathe like an elephant.”

. . .Indian Proverb

NAMASTE (“I BOW TO YOU”)Perched among the clouds on the Himalayan mountainside, the rural locale of Dharamsala has a moving and mysterious quality. The misty highlands of Dharamsala are a stark contrast to the buzzing cities found elsewhere in India. You’ll gaze out over gorgeous alpine pastures, oak and pine tree forests, and mountain streams. “Dharamsala” loosely translates to “spiritual dwelling,” a resting house for pilgrims. The area is home to a lively Indian community and several thousand Tibetan refugees, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama. While living here, you’ll learn first-hand how religion and culture are intimately connected. You can even spend an afternoon reflecting and sipping tea with local people of Indian and Tibetan descent.

YOUR VOLUNTEER IMPACTIn the Himalayan town of Dharamsala, there are 30-35 different daycare centers within 10-15 minutes of the CCS Home-Base. By volunteering in a daycare center, preschool, or primary school, you will not only help to improve education for children—you will spark their imaginations, bolster their self-esteem, and provide the essential building blocks for development. You will provide individualized attention, design educational activities, and engage in creative play. You might sing nursery rhymes, help with craft activities, paint a classroom mural, teach a dance, or even challenge the kids to a game of cricket! Through all of it, you’ll be helping students stay in school, providing them with opportunities for a better future.

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GAME CHANGER


In the Shadow of the SpotlightIn Dharamsala, you’ll find two very distinct neighborhoods: Lower and Upper Dharamsala. As the official seat of the exiled Tibetan government and the Tibetan community, the upper region receives far more access to resources and services than Lower Dharamsala, including numerous celebrities who support the Tibetan refugee cause. In Lower Dharamsala, you’ll find an Indian community that, in comparison, gets little to no attention from international aid organizations; as a result, they lack some of the most basic social services. As a volunteer in Dharamsala, you’ll work in this lower section alongside organizations whose efforts support children’s education—a powerful mission in one of the world’s most awe- inspiring, historically significant settings.

“World peace must develop from inner peace. Peace is not just mere absence of violence. Peace is, I think,

the manifestation of human compassion.”

–His Holiness the Dalai Lama XIV1989 Nobel Peace Prize, 150+ awards for his message of nonviolence,

interreligious understanding, and universal responsibility.

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INDIA

The Himalaya. . .

June 23 Global Education*

July 7 Global Education**

. . .

*2-4 week available duration

**2 week available duration

Set out on a legendary hike through the Himalaya, the great mountain range separating Tibet and India that is sacred to both Buddhism and Hinduism. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or spiritual pilgrim, the epic scenery of mountain vistas and snowcapped Himalayan peaks are a must-see.

See how the Tibetan exile community have preserved _____their culture by visiting McLeod Ganj, the famous home to a substantial Tibetan refugee population. You’ll get to stop by the Tsuglagkhang Complex and leave the Dalai Lama’s Temple with a sense of inner peace and universal love.

Venture to the Kangra Fort, the largest fort in the Himalaya and possibly the oldest in India. The fort was built around 3,500 years ago by the Katoch Dynasty, which is the oldest surviving dynasty in the world. Alexander the Great name-dropped this place in his war journal back in 4 BC, saying that whomever could take this fort would rule the entire valley.

Visit a Tea Garden in Palampur, the renowned “Tea Capital of Northern India,” and learn how their tea is made. The town has countless streams which flow across the region (palum actually means “abundant water”), which makes the land perfect for tea plantations.

There’s no mistaking the majestic architecture of the Taj Mahal. In 1632, the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan commissioned the Taj Mahal in memory of his favorite wife. Visit this awe-inspiring structure, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Learn all about Odissi, an Indian classical dance, from a renowned Indian dance instructor. She’ll share the significance of each part of the dance, from the clothing and instruments to the music and the moves; then, you’ll learn the basics of the oldest surviving dance in all of India.


“ I feel so connected to India ... I especially love the fact that I didn’t feel like a tourist.”

–Alex W.

Available Weeks

. . .

June 23

July 7

ADVENTURE WEEKEND

India

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of a CCS India Volunteer. . .

A DAY IN THE LIFE

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Be sure to bring an alarm clock, because you’ll want to be up early to grab a delicious and nutritious breakfast at 7:00 AM before heading to your volunteer work assignment. Travel with your group, including CCS staff, to a local school for hands-on volunteer work addressing needs in global education. You’ll also work on a community-driven project, like painting an educational mural.

Enjoy lunch around 12:00 PM, and head back to the CCS Home-Base by 1:30 PM for rest, relaxation, and amazing Cultural Learning & Adventure Activities, from Hindi lessons, yoga, and cooking classes to temple and market visits.

Return to the Home-Base by 6:00 PM for dinner, followed by informal activities to help you unwind, like a Bollywood movie night or learning Mehndi (henna) designs. Try to get some rest after such a busy day; you’ll need the energy to do it all again tomorrow!

If you’re staying for 2 or more weeks, you’ll also have the opportunity to experience an optional ADVENTURE WEEKEND, complete with exciting activities like visiting the Golden Temple of Amritsar, sipping tea in Palampur, or marveling at the Taj Mahal with your new friends!

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#CCSMOROCCO“One of the most amazing summers of my life! Frome tea time at the home base, to the cultural activities, to helping out some amazing kids...I can’t wait to return one day!” @catiebeal

Atlas Mountains, Morocco““Never say I regret. Always say I learned.”

. . .Moroccan Proverb

THE HILLS OF THE ATLAS MOUNTAINSIn the hills of the Atlas Mountains, the Berber town of Azrou will immerse you in daily mountain life with bustling markets and small medinas, all set against a backdrop of awe-inspiring cliffs. Azrou is only a short distance outside of Fez, renowned for its medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest pedestrian zone in the world, and home to the first university in the world. If you’re looking for something entirely different that will leave you in awe at the history, culture, religion, and gorgeous views, then Morocco is for you.

YOUR VOLUNTEER IMPACTIn Morocco, you’ll work with a local school in Azrou which serves 380 children and has a small cohort of devoted staff. Despite the tremendous efforts of a local parent association to improve the conditions at the school, there are many issues that the students and staff deal with on a daily basis, including lack of safe places to play, insufficient bathroom facilities, and improper heating during the winter. You’ll work alongside locals to tackle these problems while improving educational access, quality, and equality. Afterwards, you’ll be able to look back at both a tangible impact you’ve made in your project, and the personal connections you’ve formed through your volunteer work there.

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MOROCCO

GAME CHANGER



Rural Struggles with InequityChildren in Azrou face many challenges in their home and school lives. Coming from families that support themselves through farming or woodworking in the nearby cedar forests, these students often don’t have the clothing necessary during harsh winter months. With class sizes of nearly 40 students per room, educational resources are scarce and the school lacks appropriate infrastructure, including a library and playground. As a teen volunteer at this Moroccan school, you’ll make an enormous impact supporting sports leadership programs to enhance the confidence of these children as they grow into leaders within the community, and through supporting educational programs to provide access to books and other resources, as well as English lessons for the students’ future employment.

“Dignity means to have a dream, a powerful dream that gives you a vision, a world where you have a place,

where you engage, no matter in how small a way, in changing something.”

–Fatima MernissiMoroccan feminist and socioligst

Source: Huffington Post

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Lose track of time visiting the famous Fez medina. Soak up its rich history and culture as you share

the narrow lanes with Moroccan shopkeepers, school children, and even the occasional donkey or cow. Visit Fez’s giant tanneries, the only place left in the world where traditional leather is crafted, or wander past the oldest university on the planet. Wherever you turn in this historic city, you’ll witness the past converging with the present in a rich and vibrant culture.

From Arabic lessons -- learning basic phrases to converse with new local friends, as well as Arabic

script calligraphy -- to henna and artisan craft workshops, we’ll help you immerse yourself in Moroccan culture. Through specially-tailored activities, you’ll become more and more acquainted with your new home-away-from home, and better able to engage deeply at your volunteer work assignment.

Lace up your boots for a hike through a nearby cedar forest, famous for its stunning panoramic

views, soothing cedar scents, traditional sheepherders, and even occasional glimpses of monkeys!

Journey to Chefchaouen, a northern city famous for the blue hues of its buildings. Explore this historic

city, walking past leather tanners and weavers working out of shops along cobblestone streets. Be sure to bring a camera for Chefchaouen’s Instagram-worthy views!

Cross a desert camel trek off your bucket list! Put on your favorite scarf and bright outfit for awesome

photographs against a stunning desert backdrop. Then, climb aboard your new dromedary friend for a one-of-a-kind -- and environmentally friendly! -- ride through the Sahara.

Morocco is famous for its cuisine, and you’ll soon see why. Don’t stop at just eating delicious Moroccan

food though; make it yourself through our CCS cooking classes. Learn how to use a traditional clay tagine, and even buy one in the market to replicate your new recipes back home.

Cultural, Learning, & Adventure Activities

Atlas Mountains. . .


July 7

Sports Leadership

. . .





2018 START DATES

“My time in Morocco changed everything. Nothing in my life has ever made me feel as important as I did every morning at my volunteer placement.”

–Jessie C.

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MOROCCO

Available Weeks

. . .

June 23

July 7

ADVENTURE WEEKEND

Morocco

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of a CCS Morocco Volunteer. . .

A DAY IN THE LIFE

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Be sure to bring an alarm clock, because you’ll want to be up early to grab a delicious and nutritious breakfast at 7:00 AM before heading to your volunteer work assignment. Travel with your group, including CCS staff, to a local school for hands-on volunteer work addressing needs in global education or sports leadership.

Enjoy lunch around 12:00 PM, and head back to the CCS Home-Base by 1:30 PM for rest, relaxation, and amazing Cultural Learning & Adventure Activities, from Arabic lessons and cooking classes to mountain hikes with monkeys and making your own mosaic lamp.

Return to the Home-Base by 6:00 PM for dinner, followed by informal activities to help you unwind, like making t-shirts or learning Moroccan card games. Try to get some rest after such a busy day; you’ll need the energy to do it all again tomorrow!

If you’re staying for 2 or more weeks, you’ll also have the opportunity to experience an optional ADVENTURE WEEKEND, complete with exciting activities like riding camels over sand dunes, visiting the blue city of Chefchaouen, or hiking to stunning waterfalls with your new friends!

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SAFETY: OUR #1 PRIORITYOur attention to detail sets us apart from any other international volunteer organization. In fact, we exceed

the requirements set by the International Volunteer Programs Association (IVPA). We have an impeccable safety record to prove that our attention to detail works. Here are just some of the many safety features CCS covers.

S E T T I N G T H E S T A N D A R D S I N I N T E R N A T I O N A L V O L U N T E E R W O R KThe Essentials: Food, Water, Your Home-Base Fresh food prepared by CCS cooks who are trained in 3 food safety and prepared to meet dietary restrictions and preferences Unlimited, safe drinking water 3 Gender-separated rooms 3 Security guard on duty 3 Smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, 3 and at least 2 fully stocked first aid kits in every Home-Base

A Strong Foundation: Expertly Trained Local Staff Country Presidents with an average of 15+ years of experience 3 Experienced full-time staff from the local community 3 with full background checks CPR certified and first-aid qualified staff members 3 Continuous training and professional development 3

Getting Around: Secure, Easy Transportation All in-country transportation provided 3 CCS vehicles equipped with seat belts and first-aid kits 3 Vehicles inspected daily 3

On the Lookout: Supportive Supervision 24/7 supervision, including excursions 3 Minimum 6:1 student-staff ratio 3 Excursions at safe locations with CCS staff and 3 reputable tour operators At least 2 fluent English-speaking CCS staff members, 3 one male and one female, with volunteers at all times

Just in Case: Total Emergency Preparedness 24-hour access to CCS staff, medical and travel specialists, 3 and emergency response teams Comprehensive disaster and evacuation plan 3 Regular contact with embassies and foreign offices 3

Don’t Forget: Important Provisions & Protocol Travel-medical and evacuation insurance provided 3 List of in-country policies all teens must sign 3 Full in-country orientation, including safety training 3 Confidentiality to protect volunteer information 3 Emergency protocol and safety standards that are 3 consistently reviewed

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YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME

One of our most important safety features is the CCS Home-Base. Here you’ll connect with staff and volunteers, enjoy authentic meals, reflect on your experience, or just chill out. The CCS office is located in the Home-Base, giving you unlimited access to our full-time staff. Each CCS team is from the communities where we work. They’re dedicated to making you feel at home and are always on-hand to support and guide your experience.

“ I think that the concept of the Home-Base is brilliant. The house quickly became a sanctuary for myself

and the other volunteers, and at the end of the day I truly felt like I was coming home.”

–Mirelle L.

At each of our worldwide destinations, accomplished CCS Country Presidents lead our in-country teams. All directors are from the communities where we serve; with their first-hand knowledge and experience, they effectively assign volunteers to sustainable projects. They have spent years working in community development and are committed to the success of each program. Once you get to know your CCS Country Director, you’ll begin to understand why CCS is so special.

Meet the Experts

Jose Hernández-UgaldeCountry President, CCS Costa Rica16 years’ experience with CCS

Jose has a hunger to learn and a desire to share: he’s truly a lifelong student and educator. As a teacher, Jose worked with high school students in both Costa Rica and the United

States, and led civic education programs for students in Washington D.C.

Jose is also a fierce advocate for children’s rights and opportunities. Jose collaborated with the Foreign Service Foundation for Peace and Democracy to reduce child labor and to protect the environment across Central America. With Defense for Children International, Jose worked to reduce sexual exploitation and child labor, and to improve access to education and health care for children across Latin America.

Jose was honored with a George F. Walter ’36 Service to Society Award from Lawrence University in Wisconsin, where he earned a B.A. in English Literature. Jose also holds a technical degree in Business Administration, and he’s completing his M.A. in International Relations and Diplomacy with a focus on nonprofit organizations. He speaks five languages: Spanish, English, Portuguese, and some German and sign language.

Makafui AmenuvorCountry President, CCS Ghana10 years’ experience with CCS

Makafui Amenuvor is kind, patient, and wise—an innovator and a go-getter. He often teaches volunteers how to hilife dance—not because he is a dance expert,

but because he fully embraces life, which you’ll see in his dancing and in everything he does.

Makafui advocates for sustainable volunteer work and development in his home community of Ho, Ghana. He is particularly engaged in girls’ and women’s empowerment issues. Makafui worked with the Municipal Office of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice to facilitate discussions and develop community outreach campaignsaimed at educating women and girls about their rights and resources in regard to domestic and sexual violence. With the Voluntary Counseling and Outreach committee, Makafui speaks to girls and women about their health care resources in the community.

His international experience includes several years abroad where he earned a B.S. in Management Information Systems from North Dakota State University. Makafui is trilingual, speaking English, Ewe, and Twi.

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Juan Carlos BuonafinaCountry President, CCS Guatemala7 years’ experience with CCS

Juan Carlos Buonafina is known for his kind personality and for his dedication to the people of his home country of Guatemala. Juan Carlos is an educator, an intercultural

exchange professional, and an expert at guiding international volunteer experiences.

Juan Carlos first worked for CCS running Guatemala’s High School Volunteer Abroad program, later becoming our Guatemala Country President! Before working with CCS, Juan Carlos worked as a tourism manager, gaining degrees in Customer Service at the Centro Internacional de Desarrollo and Business Administration at Atlantic International University.

He is passionate about sustainable volunteer service, especially projects in rural schools like those in Tecpan. Join Juan Carlos on your Guatemala journey to gain a unique and unparalleled insight into life in the mountainside towns of Guatemala.

Bela SinghCountry President, CCS India21 years’ experience with CCS

The first thing you will notice about Bela Singh is that she has a fiery spirit with a mysterious spark. She’s always asking volunteers about their observations and teaching

about cultural nuances. Bela is a community leader with extensive knowledge and experience in women’s issues, education, and support for those with intellectual/cognitive disabilities. She founded the Sahan School for the Mentally Challenged; she started the Vatsalya Counseling Center in Jaipur for first-time learners; and she’s provided counseling to a wide variety of individuals as a school counselor, a clinical psychologist, and a psychotherapist. Bela also has a wide variety of experiences as a volunteer, lecturer, nutritional consultant, and proponent of women’s literacy.

Bela holds a B.S. in Nutrition from the University of Udaipur, a M.A. in Psychology from Rajasthan University, and a postgraduate degree in the Scientific Study of Developmentally Handicapped. She has continued her studies at the Jamia Milia University in New Delhi.Bela is multilingual, speaking Hindi, English, Rajasthani, Gujrati, Punjabi, as well as some Pahari and Spanish.

Mohamed MhmmoudiCountry President, CCS Morocco11 years’ experience with CCS

One of the first things you’ll notice about Mohamed is his infectious smile and sense of humor. He has a way of setting volunteers at ease, even in a totally

new environment. Add to that his passion for addressing social and economic inequities, and you’ll find in Mohamed a selfless humanitarian and educator dedicated to promoting peace and understanding across a broad range of cultures.

Originally from a small mountain town where illiteracy is common, Mohamed was inspired by a meeting with a Peace Corps volunteer when he was a teen. Mohamed’s dreams began to come full circle when he served as the Moroccan Peace Corps’ Safety and Security Officer for six years before joining the CCS team. He also taught Business and Law at ESIAS High School, and fights daily for the education of vulnerable women, children, and those with developmental disabilities to combat illiteracy and increase opportunities to continue formal schooling.

Mohamed holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Mohammed III University in Fez, and has taken Master’s Level Courses in Economic Policies. He is passionate about sharing Moroccan culture with volunteers!

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5 REASONS TO VOLUNTEER ABROAD IN HIGH SCHOOLTeens who participate in the CCS High School Volunteer Abroad program are better prepared for

success in the 21st century—not just by honing academic and career skills, but by empowering themselves to become more passionate and active global citizens. The CCS high school volunteer program is designed for future change agents—for curious, passionate, adventurous high school students who want to engage

in meaningful volunteer work, learn about complex social issues, connect with people from differentcultures, and journey to places they’ve only read about in a textbook or seen on Instagram.

Make a difference.You don’t have to be a politician, a Hollywood star, or a billionaire to change the world. Change begins with you making a direct impact on someone else’s life through a personal act of kindness.

See the world. Challenge yourself to expand your comfort zone and explore places some can only imagine. By better understanding people in other countries, you can help spread tolerance and compassion.

Get inspired.Get out of class, connect with other passionate volunteers, andlearn from the wisdom of the local people by engaging in hands-on activities and discussing topics with inspirational guest speakers.

Be different.Discover your strengths, develop character qualities and experience that colleges and employers look for in graduates, and gain insight about your academic direction and career goals.

Have fun!With the perfect balance of service, learning, and adventure activities, you will have both a meaningful and thrilling experience with your new friends!

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“Like most teenagers, I did not know where I wanted to go or who I was. It may sound very cliché, but ... I found what I wanted to do and who I wanted to be.

I walked out strong and open to the world and its diversity.”–Morgan W.

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Rewards Programs

Mileage programs are one of the most common ways to offset the cost of volunteering abroad, and there are tons of other points programs out there. Many credit card companies offer points programs that can be converted into cash.

Bring a Friend

1 week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,8622 weeks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,8763 weeks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,7974 weeks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,704

Program Fees

If you want to share your amazing High School Volunteer Abroad experience with your best friend or your sibling (as long as they’re a fellow high school student), you’ll get a discount for each person you bring!

Online Fundraising Tool

Some fundraising websites actually take a cut of the donations toward your cause. We’ve made it easier: With the free CCS Fundraising Tool, you can create your own unique fundraising webpage (complete with pictures, videos, or even a blog of your journey!) which you can send via email and share on social media. You can collect donations and inspire others by spreading the word about international volunteering, and 100% of what you raise goes toward reducing your program fee.

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FUNDING THE EXPERIENCE

Cross-Cultural Solutions is a social enterprise; our work is driven largely by volunteer contributions. The program contribution ensures that the local communities we work with are not financially burdened by our volunteers. Many CCS volunteers fundraise for their program contribution—some even fundraise their entire program contribution! We will help you navigate funding tools, tap into financial resources, and find creative ways to raise money in order to turn this amazing experience from a possibility to a reality. You can read successful fundraising stories on our blog, check out some ideas below, and talk to one of our Program Specialists directly by calling 1-800-380-4777.

E A S Y W A Y S T O R E D U C E P R O G R A M C O S T S

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What type of volunteer work will I be doing?CCS partners with sustainable community organizations to participate in community-driven volunteer work to ensure the work you are doing is sustainable and truly needed by the community. As a CCS international volunteer, your work will focus on important social issues like global education, health, and sports leadership. You might find yourself teaching English at a school in India; coaching soccer in Ghana; or painting a mural with local children in Costa Rica. In all of your volunteer work, you can be assured that your time will make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, as well as your own!

Who participates in a High School Volunteer Abroad program?CCS participants are exceptional teens with an interest in service and international issues, all of whom have been individually selected through our application and interview process, and have been trained before arriving in-country. These teens include a mix of young people from around the world. In fact, CCS alumni represent over 100 countries in total, adding a unique blend of cultures and perspectives to your international experience.

How will you help me prepare for the program?Within 24 hours of enrolling in your program, one of our Program Specialists will call you to begin advising you on getting ready for your adventure. If you have any questions about the country or program, your Program Specialist is an expert on your destination (and a CCS alum!). Your Program Specialist will provide advice on booking flights, help you brainstorm fundraising ideas, and discuss your interests to determine the best volunteer work assignment for you and the local organization. You’ll receive emails and calls throughout the prep process. You can always call and talk with a Program Specialist about any questions or concerns regarding your CCS program.

What resources will CCS provide me before I go?Through the myCCS Portal, you will have access to useful information and tools: basic language lessons and recommended language learning tools, such as websites and phone applications; a forum to meet and discuss topics with other volunteers pre-departure; suggested reading materials, including cultural background information; a free CCS Fundraising tool to create your own unique fundraising webpage; and in-country staff videos to watch so you can get to know the team.

FOR STUDENTSF R E Q U E N T L Y A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S

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FOR PARENTSWho supervises this program in-country? What training is provided?Our programs are led by Country Presidents with an average of over 15 years of experience in international volunteering. Our directors lead teams of professional staff, which include cooks, drivers, guards, and Program Officers. CCS has a full training program in place for our worldwide staff that runs continuously throughout the year, making sure that our high program quality and stringent safety standards are consistent worldwide.

How do you ensure the CCS experience is safe?Our safety process starts with the selection of our program sites: every location is chosen with security in mind. We think about the big things, like building relationships with local doctors and hospitals and providing drinking water safe for travelers. We’re also thinking about the details, including comprehensive daily vehicle inspections and installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors within each Home-Base. Our experience and commitment to safety make us the safest international volunteer program out there, and we invite you to ask us more about our detailed safety standards.

How do the flights work?CCS volunteers come from around the world, so we allow you the flexibility in determining the flight that works best for you. Since volunteers arrive on the same start date, you’ll often be on a flight with other volunteers. We connect you with those volunteers and their parents well in advance of the program, so that you can plan to fly together, if you wish. Though many teens opt to arrive independently, we also offer a flight option for teens from a U.S.-based gateway city where you can meet up and board the flight together to arrive in-country as a group. Once you arrive in-country, you’ll be greeted at the arrivals gate by a CCS staff member who’ll transport you to the Home-Base.

How can teens and parents stay in contact during the program?We realize it’s important to stay in touch during your program, and for parents to have a way to reach us day and night. At every Home-Base, there is a volunteer phone that accepts international calls, and that number will be provided to parents of volunteers. In addition, internet access is available in the Home-Base so that you can stay in touch via email, social media, and Skype. Finally, to add to your peace of mind, a 24-hour hotline to CCS staff members is available for emergency questions. Of course, your Program Specialist will be available before, during, and after the program to address any concerns and questions.

F R E Q U E N T L Y A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S

“My daughter is loving it. It is much more than she thought— more fascinating, amazing people and awesome experiences. It’s a life-changer.”

–Mindy R., Parent.

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CCS High School GroupsGet out of the classroom and get out into the world! We work with teachers to customize the CCS experience for their student groups—and tell your teacher that required chaperones go free! So why not get a group together, write yourself a hall pass, and set out on your volunteer adventure together?

CCS Volunteer Abroad Cross-Cultural Solutions isn’t only for high school students. We work with college students, work-ing professionals, families, 50+ volunteers, and groups to create 1-12 week meaningful experiences through our year-round Volunteer Abroad program.

CCS Gap Year Abroad If you’re looking for an intensive experience after high school to explore want you want “to do” and who you want “to be,” consider joining CCS for a Gap Year Abroad. Across the U.S., more students than ever are looking for a Gap Year experience before, during, or after college—not to mention that top universities like Harvard, Princeton, and New York University strongly encourage students to defer enrollment in pursuit of a meaningful gap experience.

CCS Intern Abroad While you’re at college or university, you’ll want an internship experience that is immersive, challenging, and relevant—something that will set you apart from your peers in an increasingly global workplace. The CCS Intern Abroad program is designed for students seeking real-world international experience in their chosen field of interest that’s grounded in community service. Our internships provide dynamic opportunities to learn, explore, and address critical social issues affecting communities around the world.

WAIT, IT’S NOT OVERIf you would rather volunteer with a group from your school or with your family,

then we’ve got you covered. You can also check out our Gap Year and Intern Abroad programsfor after you graduate. Choose what program works best for you!

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FROM THE CCS BLOG

VOLUNTEER VOICES “At first, we were all shy to make friends with the kids, but as soon as they saw us, they ran up and gave us the warmest, tightest, and loveliest hugs. The kids were bundles of joy to work with, and they were also very bright as they rapidly improved their English skills throughout the week of conversing with my group of volunteers. In return, I personally picked up a huge amount of Spanish and was able to make short conversations instead of answering ‘Si!’ and ‘Como estás?’ to everything, like I did at the beginning of the trip.”

—Ai B., Costa Rica

“This past summer, I volunteered in Ghana’s Volta Region, and it was the most incredible two weeks of my life. After volunteering with CCS in Guatemala the year before, I knew I wanted to do it again, but in Africa this time. I fell in love with Ghana as soon as I got there. The people are so friendly and it is a gorgeous country. I volunteered in a school teaching first and second graders. They all have so much energy and they are so fascinated with the volunteers.”

—Katie R., Ghana

“My trip made me fully realize that I definitely want a career where I can help people, especially by traveling abroad. My ultimate goal is now to do Doctors Without Borders, or something similar. My trip also helped a lot with my Spanish language skills, which I plan on studying in college.”

—Catherine B., Guatemala

Read More www.crossculturalsolutions.org/blog

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NEXT STEPS


Explore online.Then call one of our expert Program Specialists to learn more, answer any questions, and figure out the best program for you/your teen.

Choose your destination. Then go online and apply for your program. Fill out the application and participate in a brief phone or Skype interview.

Get accepted. Receive a code to enroll, then reserve a spot online or over the phone by paying a deposit of $350 (parent or guardian must be present).

Prepare for your journey.Your Program Specialist will guide you through the experience. Log in to your myCCS Portal and review all of our resources for you to “know before you go.”

Go abroad.Have an eye-opening, mind-blowing, heart-warming, and life-changing experience!

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Cross-Cultural Solutions2 Clinton PlaceNew Rochelle, NY 10801U.S.A.Toll Free: [email protected]

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