International Partners

  El Salvador

Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks and 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: posted on website

Description: People in a remote Salvadoran village will welcome you and your team of 12 volunteers. You'll share their lives and houses, eating and working as they do. You'll hear their personal stories of survival. You'll enjoy the love, play, and laughter that animates them.

Trips may be organized to this country on an individual request basis.

Qualifications: Groups (university groups, clubs, religious organizations) with at least 8 participants may form a special delegation and negotiate times, locations and activities directly with International Partners.

College Trips may be organized in collaboration with a study abroad experience and tailored to the individual interests of the faculty members or students involved.

International Partners also operates at least one open trip every summer which is open to anyone 16 years of age or older. Dates for open trips are published at least 9 months in advance of the trip.

All participants must submit an application, sign a behavior agreement, sign necessary waivers, and submit required medical forms. Applications will be reviewed and all participants will be interviewed by telephone or in person prior to acceptance.

Individuals and groups wishing to establish a delegation should contact us for information about applications, trip dates and costs.

Cost in US$: 1500 plus airfare

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Most volunteers are high school or college students, though we do have a substantial number of adults who participate -- either in all adult trips or on trips with youth.

Age Range: 16 - 70

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

Participants Travel to El Salvador Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 10-15

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

International Partners's Mission Statement: The mission of International Partners is to cultivate leadership capacity and create personal partnerships with grass-roots leaders in developing countries to bring education, health, and opportunity to people in impoverished communities. To accomplish our mission, International Partners manages six interrelated programs: * Service Delgations are intended to cultivate leadership capacity in delegates, promote cultural understanding through personal partnerships, and empower grassroots leaders in developing countries. * Projects are community-identified projects that are identified by our leaders and delegates which improve the capacity of local leaders in developing countries to build their dream that enhances opportunity in a small community. * Technical Assistance and Training gives delegates a way to share their knowledge and expertise with community members who would not otherwise have access to the information. * Leadership Programs develop the leadership capacity of delegates, youth leaders, and leaders from local communities. * Supplies Collection helps provide books, school supplies and basic medicines to poor schools and communities. * Education Scholarships and Loans are occasionally provided to village leaders identified by our delegates who are making a difference in their communities.

Year Founded: 1998