Volunteer in the Philippines

  Philippines

• Visayas: 
Tacloban City

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Throughout the year

Description: Volunteer on the island of Leyte in the South Philippines and have the opportunity to teach children, work with orphanage assistance, give street children assistance, work with the deaf, and participate in Social Welfare projects.

The Philippines is made up of over 7,000 tropical islands stretching across a vast expanse of ocean in Southeast Asia. Its diverse ecosystems along with its even more diverse cultural history make it one of the most fascinating destinations in the world. As home to lively festivals, friendly people, cities and villages, beautiful beaches, tropical rainforests, volcanoes, waterfalls, and coral reefs all teeming with life, the Philippines is truly a unique jewel in the South China Sea.

Its incredible bio-diversity combined with its equally incredible cultural diversity make the Philippines one of the most fascinating places on earth. Yet, while this beautiful country has attracted tourists for decades, there is still widespread poverty. Over 40% of the 80 million inhabitants of the Philippines live below poverty level. The majority of these people live in rural areas in much the same way their ancestors did, without running water, electricity, phones, or doctors.

Highlights:
* Explore the Visayan Islands
* Visit rural fishing and rice villages
* Join in local fiestas
* Be welcomed by a Filipino family
* Build lasting friendships with locals
* One hour by plane to Manila
* In-country volunteer support
* Experience life as a Filipino
* Change your world and the life of people around you
* Receive community service hours
* JU students may receive up to 3 credit hours of academic credit based on placement and faculty agreement

"Coming home from this trip, I feel like I learned a lot from Filipino society. The Filipino people are so welcoming and friendly. I will never forget my experiences there." - Todd Phillips

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: $950 (2 weeks); $1,250 (1 month); $1,550 (2 months) Longer Placements Available

Not Included: airfare, some meals, personal expenses, visa expenses

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 16 + years old

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

Participants Travel to Philippines Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Transcript
• Written Application

International Education Programs at Jacksonville University's Mission Statement: International Education Programs (IEP) at Jacksonville University promotes global experiences by engaging students and faculty in study, internship and volunteer programs that will expose them to other countries, cultures, languages and people. International Education Programs (IEP) at Jacksonville University promotes cultural immersion through challenging study programs, relevant internship placements, and life-changing service learning opportunities in 19 different countries around the world. Our number one priority is to consistently offer the support services and resources that enable participants to immerse in the local culture, contribute to the local community, and learn more about themselves and the world through their travel experiences. IEP programs cater to individual needs based on desired length of stay, language competency, location, and academic discipline.

Year Founded: 2000