Robert, one of our volunteers, just recently returned from a United Planet quest to Nepal. He had originally planned on staying for three months, but he ended up extending his stay in Nepal an extra two months. Four of those months were spent working in a local village school.

Robert has always had a passion for volunteering and travel. Since graduating college, he has wanted to volunteer with the Peace Corps, but needing some financial stability he began working for Microsoft as a program manager with internal applications. He worked there for ten years and his knowledge of computers was put the test in Nepal!

He was quickly immersed in the diverse Nepali culture, from different kinds of food to different kinds of religions. Robert had planned to teach the students how to use the computers but when he got there they were experiencing a power outage that lasted for a few weeks and the computers they had were in need up updating.

The server was fried on the main computer and none of the others had been activated. He ran into a few issues with lack on Internet and power but he was able to overcome these challenges and got the lab up and running. He essentially created a functioning computer lab where there was none before. This new computer lab had eleven computer stations, one administration computer and one shell which he redid on his own. Some of the computers were ones that Robert donated. This was an unbelievable help for the community.

When power was eventually restored, it continued to be shut down in certain sections of the village in order to preserve energy. They use hydro-power from the dams to create energy so when there is less rainfall they need to preserve power. Robert was challenged get creative while teaching classes in case the power went out and the computers wouldn’t work.

The area Robert worked and lived was very rural so they rarely backed up power sources. Robert put together a proposal for power consumption to request backup power for the school so the computer lab would have power more consistently.

Robert’s main task while in Nepal was teaching computer lectures. He installed Rosetta Stone onto the computers to help the kids improve their English. Many of the students needed assistance with spoken English and this program provided them with a fun and engaging way to learn.

In Nepal, school funding is based on their standardized testing, so the more successful they were on the tests, the more money their school would receive. Robert incorporated this into his teaching to help prepare the students for these tests.

Another method Richard used to help teach the students was with visual aids. Teaching kids how to use computers and other electronic devices can be tricky if they are only able to hear how to do it and not see it.

The students age and skill level ranged from anywhere to nursery school to level 10 and they came from all over. Some students traveled up to two hours to get to school and it was not always an easy journey. He remembers one trip on a damaged road, filled with potholes and destruction left from landslides. Education is a privilege in Nepal, so students will do whatever it takes to have the opportunity to learn.

The school is mainly kept afloat by the support of the parents and the community. They pay the teachers and help out the school as much as they can. Some teachers work in local farms so they can make enough. Since the parents and teachers put in so much effort, any extra help they get is greatly appreciated. Robert exceeded their expectations with all the hard work and effort he put into the school and the students. At the end of his trip, his project gave him a plaque to honor how much he impacted the school and community.

Robert’s trip to Nepal was a great prep for his future work with the Peace Corps. “I’m still optimistic I’ll be able to use my business consulting type work from my quest as a great intro into the type of work I’ll be doing.” Robert will be working with NGO’s in Kyrgyz to help people develop small businesses and he’s confident that United Planet will have been a great introduction and preparation for that type of work.

To learn more about Nepal or United Planet, contact us today!

Every year many young volunteers from around the globe decide to come to the USA with the ICYE program not only to immerse themselves in the English language and American culture, but also to live a different experience and most importantly to help local communities.   The International Cultural Youth Exchange, better known as ICYE, is an international volunteer and cross-cultural exchange program that connects 40 countries worldwide.

Over the years United Planet has received volunteers from many countries such us Switzerland, Costa Rica, Austria, South Korea, Mexico, and Brazil.

Usually Volunteers arrive in the US in August or January and stay for six months or one year. A few months ago I had the chance to meet some of the long-term volunteers who enrolled in the ICYE program with United Planet (UP). UP welcomed Patrick from Switzerland, Lena from Austria and Ileana from Costa Rica to the US. These new volunteers had the opportunity to meet Kris from Switzerland, Yu-ri and Munseok from South Korea, Paula from Mexico and Camila from Brazil who

New incoming volunteers get to know each other at our Boston orientation!

are current volunteers and have been in the USA for several months.

As a part of the United Planet team, I have the opportunity to spend some time with incoming and current volunteers during their week long orientation in Boston. I decided to interview them because I was curious to hear their stories and understand what made them choose such a unique experience that is volunteering abroad and what they are doing while they are in the US.

Upon arrival in Boston for orientation, the two groups of volunteers had the opportunity to meet and chat. They explored Boston, one of America’s oldest cities, learned more about US culture, American stereotypes and holidays, played games and went shopping! Volunteers also met and chatted with the United Planet team, gave them a presentation about their hometowns, their families and their culture, and even brought some gifts such as exquisite chocolates from Switzerland.

Incoming volunteers explore the city of Boston for the first time!

United Planet has many projects across the United States where our incoming volunteers are placed. Some volunteers I met were located in the beautiful New Hampshire in a home for the disabled. Usually volunteers live with the residents, assisting them with life-enhancing activities, including fitness activities, arts and crafts, cooking, and singing.

I learned that the homes host parties for some holidays or big events like birthdays, Halloween (where everyone dresses up), and the Superbowl and many more to try and have fun every day with the residents!

One of the volunteers was placed in a project that focuses on agriculture and sustainability. At this project, volunteers assist with the maintenance of the lands, the animals, and the “live off of the land” mission of the project.

Another volunteer was placed in a project in New York shelter, homes for abused or disadvantaged women, families, and children. Here, volunteers assist in supporting the residents and the general upkeep of the homes.

If you are interested in volunteering abroad and you want to know more about a real life experience you can visit the United Planet Youtube channel! Here you can watch and listen to the stories of our volunteer in 2012. Click here to learn more about United Planet‘s other short term and long term programs.

This March our very own Theresa, the Vice-President of Global Operations at United Planet, went to Romania to check up on our project in Romania. Although she was only able to stay for a few days, she spent some time in the orphanage with the kids, saw how the rebuilding from the fire was going, and even made a trip out to Dracula’s Castle!

Last December a fire hit the orphanage, thankfully no one was hurt, but it took one building completely. This building is where the kitchen and dinning room was so they have been forced to find new ways to cook and serve food. They have built one stove where they cook every meal and instead of everyone coming to the dining room to eat, they prepare the food and deliver it to each house.  After observing how they have adapted, Theresa said, “they have a system, and it works, but it’s not ideal.”

Homemade stove!

With only one stove, they are very limited in what they can cook and eat. While Theresa was there, they were fasting for Lent and not eating any dairy or meat so almost every meal was soup.

There is still some debris left over from the fire but they do have plans to rebuild the lost building as well as two new houses that are in progress now. Many of the rooms are very crowded at the moment and having two more houses would give them the space they need. There are two more UP groups going to Romania and hopefully a few volunteers that will be able to help in this effort!

Spending time at the project, Theresa was able to see all that they do for the community and she describes it as “really amazing work”. Even though they have limited space, they don’t turn anyone away. They have a spot for anyone who may need it. They have houses for the elderly, orphans, pregnant teens, teen mothers, battered women and children, ect. Many of the children are orphans and live at the project full time and some that have families still spend the majority of the week there because their family cannot support them.

Some kids in the orphanage!

The weather while Theresa was there was in the 60’s and the kids were running around in shorts. Even though the weather was warm, they were hit with a rough winter and there was still snow on the ground. Thankfully, the snow has started to melt and given the land the water it needs to help with farming.

Although Theresa was only there for a short amount of time, she was able to visit Dracula’s Castle in Transylvania. This is one opportunity that our volunteers in Romania have as well!

Dracula's Castle!

To learn more about Romania, or United Planet, contact us today!

As we mark the one-year anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, we keep the people of Japan in our daily thoughts. While Japan has made enormous strides toward recovery and rebuilding, the road is long and full of obstacles, and many huge challenges still remain. Reverberations from the disaster will echo for many years, taking emotional, physical, social, and economic tolls.

United Planet continues to strive to make a difference in Japan and in many other areas around the world.  Together, we truly can unite the world one relationship at a time.

Kathleen, a business woman from New York, shares her personal experiences  while volunteering with United Planet with the tight-knit community at an orphanage in Romania.

“The children were incredible. So inspiring and welcoming. I felt my trip was a vacation for my soul.”

Kathleen, a New York professional in communications was apprehensive about her upcoming volunteer trip to work at an orphanage in Romania.  Her trip was scheduled for the Thanksgiving holiday season, a time typically enjoyed with family and old friends.

Beautiful Scenery in Romania

Yet, in pursuit of helping children and families in need, Kathleen took the risk and ventured across the globe to a new culture and a new language with an open mind and heart.

Kathleen never expected to find herself so welcomed and integrated into the extended and tight-knit community in Romania.

“It really is like a big family; such a community-minded group of people,” Kathleen explains.

Kathleen’s main responsibilities during her time there included caring for the 8-12 children in day care ages two to three years old while their mothers worked in the kitchens and fields. When the teenage girls returned from school, Kathleen would help them with their English homework.

Kathleen spent most of her time playing with the kids!

Kathleen found the language barrier a challenge, but started to pick up words and phrases after a few days in Romania. While her interactions were demanding, the locals were always patient with her.

Kathleen left Romania incredibly touched by the orphanage’s teamwork and unique bond. The orphanage functions like one massive family, sharing all responsibilities, from feeding a hungry baby to disciplining a fresh teenager.

Looking back, Kathleen’s time in Romania brought her tranquility and wisdom. “Far removed from my day to day life in New York City,” Kathleen shares, “I could focus on others and leave every worry behind.”

Kathleen felt like part of the family!

Not only was she able to make a difference with the families in Romania, she made a difference in herself.

In her post-trip survey, Kathleen concludes, introspectively, “the clarity, perspective and maturity I gained over my one week stint is noticeable, by others and by most importantly me.”

As many of you may know, the orphanage in Romania is still recovering from a fire in December 2011. Our volunteers have donated over $3,000 to help re-build the orphanage. Their efforts speak to the incredible international and long-term family which this community in Romania fosters.  If you’re interested in volunteering in Romania, please contact us at United Planet.