Global Citizens Network

  Ecuador

  Guatemala

  Kenya

  Mexico

  Nepal

  Peru

  Tanzania

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks and 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Various

Description: Global Citizens Network (GCN) sends small teams of participants to rural communities around the world where the participants are immersed in the daily life of the community. Trips last one, two or three weeks, depending on the site, and each team is led by a trained GCN team leader. The team works on projects initiated by people in the local community, for the benefit of the community. Such projects could include setting up a library, teaching business skills, building a health clinic, or planting trees to reforest a village.

A unique and integral component of your experience includes daily activities of cross-cultural learning. You may test your skills making tortillas, visit a nearby tea factory or the family farm, learn a local dance, and discover the history and rich traditions of the area.

When you have the chance to learn first-hand about people from other cultures, you will feel connected to others in ways you may have never experienced before.

Current sites include Guatemala, Ecuador, Kenya, Nepal, Mexico, Peru, Tanzania, Thailand, Washington, Arizona and Kentucky.

Qualifications: Although no special skills are required to participate, we believe everyone has skills--some yet to be discovered. Each participant contributes what they can. If any expertise is needed for a project, the local community will provide these skills. We simply ask you to come with an open mind and flexibility.

Cost in US$: $800-$2200

Many people ask why they have to pay to volunteer. GCN receives no outside funding or grants and other than two part time time staff people is completely volunteer driven. Also, while individuals may be able to travel for less to many of these places, GCN provides the entrance into a village and exposure to a culture that one could not receive if traveling solo to these places. Through the long-term partnerships that GCN has established with communities around the world, volunteers gain a unique perspective into life in a Guatemalan village or on the Navajo Indian Reservation.

Credit Available: yes

Salary / Pay: Experience of a lifetime.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: A typical GCN participant shares values of peace, justice, tolerance, cross-cultural understanding and global co-operation to the preservation of indigenous cultures, traditions and ecologies; and to the enhancement of the quality of life around the world. Participants range in age from 8-80+ and come from the U.S., Canada and beyond. People from various backgrounds and skills go on trips; there isn't one specific requirement. Our participants are simply driven by a strong desire to learn from, and have, a cross cultural experience in a rural community.

Age Range: 8-88+

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 8-12 participants, one team leader

Scholarships are Available. - Global Citizens Network scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial & circumstantial need. Because our Scholarship Fund is very limited, we generally award scholarships to those who would otherwise not be able to participate without financial help; please keep this in mind when you are applying. Scholarships are awarded for up to $250(domestic) $400(international) per individual, $500 per family per year.

Application Process Involves:

• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Global Citizens Network's Mission Statement: Global Citizens Network recognizes the interdependence of people around the world, and that social and economic injustice, racial and ethnic inequality, and ecological loss affect all people. But through cooperative effort, individuals of all cultures can experience and enhance their ability to make a difference in their community and their world. To foster that cooperation, Global Citizens Network sends short-term teams of volunteers to communities in other cultures where participants immerse themselves in the culture and daily life of the community. Each volunteer team is partnered with a local grassroots organization active in meeting local needs. Global Citizens Network creates a worldwide network of people and organizations committed to addressing global issues. By providing participants the opportunity to learn about the society, knowledge, art and livelihood of other cultures, Global Citizens Network seeks to honor and help preserve those cultures. By providing the resources of participating volunteers and project grants, Global Citizens Network seeks to assist human and community development in those cultures. By creating a network of people and organizations, Global Citizens Network also seeks to enhance participants' impact on issues of local and global concern.

Year Founded: 1992