Projects Abroad in Bolivia

  Bolivia

Cochabamba

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 1-2 years and over 2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: All year round

Description: Bolivia is a fantastic option for your volunteer project or internship abroad. Landlocked Bolivia occupies the heart of South America. Its attractions include Andean Peaks, tropical Amazonian forests, bustling cities and peaceful traditional communities. Bolivia will give you a real taste of this varied continent, usually a long way off the tourist trail.

Squeezed between five other countries, its unsurprising that Bolivia's history is full of border disputes. Consequently, Bolivian culture is a melting pot of Amerindian and European. On any visit to Bolivia you will encounter local festivals and activities; people might be throwing water-balloons at each other, or there could be street processions full of color and vibrancy.

Voluntary work placements in Cochabamba are available in Teaching, Care, Medicine, Journalism and Sports. Projects are available for anyone interested in volunteering in the developing world, including those on a college summer break, gap year, career break or volunteer vacation.

Projects Abroad projects in Bolivia are based in Cochabamba, a town over 2500m above sea level in the central highlands. Cochabamba has been described as having the worlds best climate dry, warm days and cool nights. This vibrant university town is a magnet to students from all over South America. Living in Cochabamba, you'll have all the benefits of a historic town which has also prospered commercially.

Volunteering on a Placement in Bolivia

* Care- We cannot pretend to remedy the serious social and economic conditions in the countries where we work and send volunteers. But the care work placements we arrange - in orphanages, day care centers, hospital wards and homes for the elderly - make a difference to children and older people who would otherwise lack opportunities for one-on-one social interaction.

* Medicine - Working in the Burns Unit in the Hospital of Cochabamba or in a local health clinic you can learn a great deal about medicine. With hard working local staff yet quite basic medical facilities, you'll find there is a lot you can do to help.

* Teaching - In Bolivia we work mainly with the University of San Simon, Cochabamba, to teach English to University students. You can expect to teach between 14 and 20 hours a week, but remember you'll need more time to prepare a structured lesson.

* Journalism - Volunteering abroad on our Print Journalism internships not only gets you an insider's view of how publications are run; they also give you the chance to put together a portfolio of work. Alternatively, a Radio internship offers the opportunity to gain broadcasting or production experience overseas. We also have radio placements at Radio Del Valle, which is based just 10 minutes from the Projects Abroad Bolivia office. Dr. Antonio Revollo, the owner of the radio station, is eager to welcome volunteers. The radio station broadcasts 24 hours per day and has three staff members. The station plays music and broadcasts sports events, youth programs and news.

* Sports - If you are a volleyball player and would like to volunteer with children overseas, our volleyball sports placement in Bolivia is an excellent fit. Ever since Bolivia hosted the South American Nations Championship in 2004, volleyball in Bolivia has been thriving. The Federacion Bolivana de Voleibol, like all other South American volleyball organizations, has been steadily developing the game within the country to reduce Brazil's domination of the sport within South America.

Highlights: Landlocked Bolivia is at the heart of South America, squeezed between five other countries. It has Andean Peaks, tropical forests, bustling cities and peaceful traditional communities, making up a real taste of South America.

Bolivia's history is full of border disputes with neighbors wanting to acquire a chunk of the country. Its civilization dates back to the pre-Columbian cultures and the Incas, followed by centuries of colonial rule from Spain. Bolivia achieved independence through Simon Bolivar. Bolivian culture today is a melting pot of Amerindian and European.

Cochabamba is where Projects Abroad is based. It is in the central highlands with a superb climate - dry, warm days and cool nights. This vibrant university town is a magnet to students from all over South America. Living in Cochabamba, you'll have all the benefits of a historic town, which has prospered commercially.

Living in Cochabamba is also a great way to improve or discover your Spanish skills. And why not try to learn some Quechua, the language indigenous to the area - you will hear it spoken alongside Spanish in the markets of the city. Whenever you visit Bolivia you will come across a festival, whether it is locals throwing water filled balloons at each other or processions through the Plaza to the Cathedral.

Cochabamba is a short trip from the National Park of Toro Toro, a primeval environment of waterfalls, caves, magical landscapes and dinosaur footprints - a real life Jurassic Park. Further afield, you can trek in the Andes, relax by the shores of Lake Titicaca, visit volcanoes, salt lakes and ancient archaeological sites, or explore the tropical forests of the Amazon Basin, rich with distinctive jungle wildlife.

Qualifications: Volunteers must be 16 years old and submit 1 letter of recommendation

Cost in US$: from USD 2,195 and up

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Anyone with an open mind and a desire to travel.

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Bolivia Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement: As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded: 1992