Nomadic Experience in Mongolia with Projects Abroad

  Mongolia

Gobi

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: All Year Round (you set the start and end dates)

Description: If you've ever fancied really getting away from it all, forget exotic beaches or desert islands: volunteering in Mongolia on our Nomad Project is the thing for you! Forty percent of the population of Mongolia are from nomad families; people who wander the endless steppe on camels or horses, with their livestock. Sign up for our Nomadic Life placement and you'll join a group of Mongolian nomads and experience a way of living that has barely changed in a thousand years.

Our cultural project in Mongolia is a unique volunteering opportunity. Working and living with some of Mongolias nomads allows you to learn about a unique group of people and their ancient way of life through your own personal experiences. It is also a good opportunity to gain experience of looking after animals such as goats, cows, yaks and horses.

Volunteering on the Mongolian Nomad Project: Horse Riding and Farming

Volunteers live with a family in large round tents known as Gers which are surprisingly cozy and comfortable. Your daily life may include riding horses to move herds of yaks or cattle, caring for livestock, helping to produce dairy products such as butter and cheese and maybe teaching a little English. It is a great way to learn more about this ancient way of life and how it is being affected by modern-day Mongolia. In exchange for helping with the animals or playing with the children, your host family will fully involve you in their domestic life.

Volunteers with an interest in sports will find themselves very popular if they join in with games of basketball and volleyball. You can get to know your nomad family better by playing traditional Mongolian games, teaching some English and perhaps learning a bit of the Mongol language. In addition to this, you are sure to get involved with the milking of the livestock. And all the while you will be enjoying the spectacular scenery of the Mongolian Steppe.

Experience the Gobi Desert in Outer Mongolia

While you are on the project you will have the chance to spend a few nights camping in an area of the stunning Gobi Desert.

Highlights: Home of one of the last truly nomadic peoples, Mongolia is a land of wide open spaces unbounded by fences with barren desert, wild fertile steppe and imposing mountains. Mongolia's ancient history dates back to the once great empire of Chinggis Khaan and you may even find relics of a prehistoric nature in the great expanse of the Gobi!

All accommodation and food you receive is arranged and monitored by Projects Abroad. All projects placements are regularly visited and checked.

In addition, this project offers the opportunity to become fully immersed in the culture in a manner which even the most hardened backpackers could never hope to do.

Qualifications: No qualifications or experience necessary.

Cost in US$: From USD 3,145 and up

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Open-minded with a desire to travel.

Age Range: 16-70

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Mongolia Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

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