Many of those who have traveled to South America will know that some regions of the continent have high levels of abandoned cats and dogs roaming free on the streets. It was in Peru that I experienced the highest number of street dogs, and I found it incredibly sad to witness them living in the streets, malnourished and ill-tempered because of bad treatment from humans. Slowly but surely, the problem is being addressed, and charities and organisations are working on solutions to reduce the number of street dogs and educate the public to keep it that way.

Why does this problem exist?

As an outsider, it’s hard to understand why local communities can let the street dog problem carry on, but for them, it’s completely normal. Many Peruvians have a different attitude toward animals: they don’t domesticate them in the same way we do and do not own dogs for companionship. Families take a much more functional and practical slant on pet ownership – dogs are owned to chase off intruders or other animals from their homes. Once the dog is older and no longer useful to the family, owners leave the dog to fend for itself. The poverty found in many parts of Peru means that many families can’t afford to keep the dog anymore if it has outlived its use. These dogs often pick up diseases which can spread to humans, another reason why locals don’t want to adopt pets. This is an attitude and way of thinking that has been passed down from generation to generation and has been normalised, but the time has come for the problem to be solved before it gets even worse.

What is being done to help the problem?

In January 2013, I worked at an animal shelter in northern Peru for a month, caring for 10 dogs and 40 cats. The owner is a half-Peruvian, half-South African woman who has a deep connection with animals and decided to set up a shelter because she couldn’t take the sight of the street dogs anymore. Her funding comes from a couple of charities in other parts of the world, and she relies on help from volunteers to maintain the shelter and to care for the animals.

The shelter has a resident vet that comes in a few days a week and spays or neuters dogs that are living on the streets. Anywhere between 8 and 15 dogs are brought to the shelter from the neighbouring towns and villages on the days that the vet is working, and she deals with them all in one day before they are returned to the place they were found. It might seem strange that the dogs are returned to the streets, but spaying or neutering is really the best solution to try and stop more dogs being born into a world that doesn’t have enough room to keep them. Unfortunately, there aren’t enough resources to find homes for the dogs or enough people willing to take them in, so eliminating the problem from the source is the best way to make sure that there aren’t future generations that could suffer.

How can I get involved?

There are spay and neuter projects operating all over the country, as well as in other parts of South America and the world, that can always benefit from extra help. Many projects have sponsorship sections on their websites which take donations, and you could pay for a dog to be spayed or neutered for as little as $15. There are also other donation packages that will pay for a vet to go to Peru to help the dogs, or pay for other health procedures for the animals.

Plenty of volunteer projects that require a more hands-on approach are available as well. Vets are almost always welcome to help at these projects, but volunteers without veterinary qualifications are still welcome, as the clinics need support for general upkeep of shelters and rescue homes.

It’s going to be a very long and hard battle to change attitudes towards animals in Peru, but it is one that can be solved in the long-run with spay and neuter programs and by helping people to see the benefits of caring for the animals around them. These efforts create a healthier environment for both animals and humans, eliminate diseases that can spread from street animals, and help future generations to live peacefully with their four-legged friends.

Looking to expand your mind, visit the world, and make a difference at the same time? Volunteering locally or internationally, studying, travelling, or living in other countries gives you an opportunity to view life through a different lens.

Being originally from France, having studied in Israel, and now living in the United States for quite a number of years, I have had the opportunity to view life through many lenses. How has this journey shaped me, and how could I share what it has brought into my life?

As far as I can remember, perhaps because I come from a multicultural/multi-lingual family, I was curious about other places, other cultures, and other languages. So prior to heading to college, I took a road trip to Eastern Europe with my sister and a friend in a mini Cooper. We traveled from France to Switzerland, Lichtenstein, Austria, Hungary and Romania (still behind the iron curtain at the time) and back via Yugoslavia, as it was then. When crossing the Hungarian border, we picked up a hitch hiker and proceeded to converse in English, which was helpful since we did not speak Hungarian. This young man had never left Hungary, and yet we were able to communicate with each other. We were both surprised and, at a certain level, in awe.

Once in Budapest, we set up our tent in a local campground and visited the city, ending up in a restaurant off the beaten path. The menus were only in Hungarian, a very different language. Dilemma: what should we order?  We looked around at what other patrons had ordered, and we just pointed to their dishes. I settled for a Hungarian goulash (stew) -delicious!  The patrons, in turn, looked back at us smilingly, and one even offered me a necklace made out of coffee beads…kindness, generosity, and humanity in this simple gift! These are extraordinary, simple moments that stay printed in one’s heart and mind forever. In Romania, we were able to communicate in French and Italian but, due to the very repressive regime at the time, could not really mingle much with the locals.  So, we visited and observed; we hired a fisherman to take us on his small boat on the Black Sea and proceeded to be bitten by the biggest mosquitoes I had ever seen!

Deciding to study abroad came after I visited Israel, and the experience was life-changing. The energy, the beauty of it all – won me over. Though English is widely spoken in Israel, learning Hebrew, the official language, was mandatory in order to attend lectures and get a degree. So, for one school year, I was part of an immersion program along with other students from all over the world. It was exhilarating and, at times, a little confusing when all those different languages came crushing into my mind. The result: make a sentence with a few of them and, of course, use my hands!

Israel was truly a magical time: going to the market place and bargaining with the merchants, smelling the spices and taking in all the colors, traveling to the desert, sleeping under the stars and being awoken by a camel starring right at me! This experience became part of me. Living abroad helped me integrate here in the United States, the biggest “melting pot” in the world. Professionally, it translated into working in international settings and being able to communicate with co-workers and customers around the world in different languages. I now share my multicultural experience as an extracurricular program assistant at an international French immersion school, where every day, I learn as much from my students as they do from me. I experience this same multicultural environment as a volunteer at United Planet and look forward to going on my own United Planet Quest to India in the near future.

So what would happen if you decide to go teach or volunteer for one week or one year in another country with United Planet? You will certainly make a lasting impact on those whom you decide to help, but the impact they will have on you, I am venturing to think, will be even greater.

Through these experiences, we are able to connect with people, places, smells etc. We even seek them out long after the experiences have passed.  We seek, often unconsciously, to rekindle those feelings that arise when we, through childlike innocence, allow ourselves to be vulnerable and to step out of our comfort zone, to hear the music of a different language, to marvel at the beauty of people and places. It is then that we understand our universality as human beings- we no longer see what separates us but, rather, the humanity that unites us.

Thank you Martine for the beautiful sentiments! If you were to take a road trip, which countries would be first on your list? Leave us a comment to let us know!

Environmental Volunteering Opportunities, Responsible Tourism, & Green Travel

In today’s global climate (and with the looming threat of climate change hanging over our heads!) it is vitally important that we take a step back and think about where our planet, and humanity, will be in the next twenty, fifty, one hundred years…what kind of world do we want to leave for our children, so that they may enjoy the same natural resources and relative comfort that we have grown up with? Our natural environment is shrinking and our greenhouse emissions are not – and this could spell disaster if we do not take action now. On a grand scale, the problem of climate change and environmental destruction can seem overwhelming – how can one person hope to make a difference when the world is so large, and individually, we are so small? At United Planet, we prefer to live by the powerful words of Ryunosuke Satoro: “Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.”  Imagine the global change we could generate if every single person in the United States took action right now – that’s over 300 million people!

Of course, this is a lofty goal to pursue. However, only by taking action ourselves can we hope to inspire others to do the same. So what exactly can you do?

If you are an adventurous soul who wants to see the world, you can volunteer in a local community in a number of global locations, working to protect the environment and educate others on how to live sustainably and respect our precious natural resources. United Planet is an international nonprofit organization specializing in volunteerism and cross-cultural understanding. We work to create a world in which everyone respects not only one another, but their surroundings and all of the living organisms that share our earth. Our organization offers a variety of volunteer abroad Quests focused on sustainability, conservation, and ecotourism in Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Jordan, Mexico, Nepal, New Zealand, Sweden, and Uganda. These volunteer trips, ranging in length from one week to one year, allow individuals to get right into the thick of things, working directly to keep our planet healthy and promote awareness about environmentalism and sustainability.

One of our most popular environmental Quest destinations is Ecuador, where individuals can volunteer for up to three months in either the Cloud Forest of Nanegal, or in the Galapagos Islands off the coast of the mainland. The Galapagos Islands boast a particularly intriguing ecosystem. Because of the islands’ distance from the mainland, many species have evolved there in isolation and therefore cannot be found anywhere else in the world! Volunteers in the Galapagos assist with organic agriculture, restoration of endemic species, invasive species control, or environmental education projects. On weekends, volunteers are free to explore the magnificent island and bask in the beauty of such an environmentally unique location.

If you are looking to volunteer for longer than three months, you can immerse yourself in environmental volunteerism for up to a full year on a Quest in New Zealand. United Planet works with ICYE (International Cultural Youth Exchange) to pair volunteers with local environmental organizations in this breathtaking country off the coast of Australia.Volunteer work includes local environmental maintenance and restoration and community education. Some volunteers may even choose to work with the native New Zealand wildlife, which is an essential part of each finely balanced ecosystem.

United Planet is dedicated to the sustainability of our volunteer projects in each of our destination countries, whether the projects are environmental in nature or not. A portion of each volunteer’s Quest fee is put into a country fund for their destination country and is used to fund sustainable development in that location. Furthermore, United Planet encourages its volunteers to eat local food, use public transportation, purchase locally made goods, and drink from reusable water bottles, among other things, to keep our environmental footprint as small as possible. We also recommend purchasing carbon offset credits for international flights. The wonderful thing is, these recommendations are easy to implement and can be taken to heart by any international traveler, not just United Planet volunteers!

Environmental volunteering is a fantastic way to make an impact for a safer, greener world while learning about a foreign culture and making friends in communities around the world. However, it is important to remember the ecosystems right in our own backyards. During those times you are not adventuring abroad, consider finding a conservation project in your local community – they are everywhere! Brainstorm ways to reduce your energy and resource consumption, and finally, step outside and revel in the magnificence of the natural world around you – this above all will make you realize the importance of conserving the environment. Alone, we can make a small difference. But together, we have the power to preserve our delicate ecosystem for generations and generations to come.

How have you committed to living a sustainable lifestyle? Have you volunteered to help protect the environment? Leave a comment and let us know!

Curious to discover an Asian culture while climbing the highest peaks in the world? Seeking adventure and excitement? Imagine walking through a forest of banana trees on a warm, sunny day. As you look into the distance, you are taken by the awe-inspiring landscape of snowy peaks surrounding you – a vision of paradise. Welcome to Nepal!

Located in the Himalayas, bordered to the north by China and to the South by India, Nepal was ruled by the Shah dynasty during most of its history. However, a decade-long Civil War involving the communist party of Nepal and several weeks of mass protests by all major political parties led to the 12-point agreement in 2005. The ensuing elections favored the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of a federal multiparty representative democratic republic.

Nepal has a large variety of landscapes, extending from tropical forest of Terai in the south up to the highest mountains of the world, including Mount Everest. The country is famous for the possibilities it offers for tourism, trekking, alpinism, bicycle, safaris, and rafting. As a volunteer in Nepal, you will have the chance to trek in the wonderful Kathmandu valley. You will love hiking in the mystic Himalaya, where you will enjoy the grandiose landscapes all around you and the beauty of a small monastery nestled away from the rest of the world!

You will also have the opportunity to go on extraordinary excursions to Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, to see the monkeys that roam through it; and to Bodhnath, the largest Stupa in Nepal (mound-like structure used by Buddhists as a place of meditation).

Aside from the beautiful nature and temples, Nepal is a culturally exciting country, home to traditions, celebrations, music, and food. In fact, there are 60 distinct ethnic groups in the country today, including the Newan, considered the first inhabitants of Kathmandu valley. United Planet Quests to Nepal feature a city tour of Kathmandu, which will allow you to discover the city’s perfumed markets, traditional Buddhist music performances, street festivals, and more.

Oh, and did we tell you about the Momo, a kind of dumpling that is a popular local fast food, and the delicious Dal Bhat soup? You’ll definitely have to taste! Also, how better to get to know a new culture than to learn one of the 90 languages spoken in the country? Don’t be afraid – as a United Planet volunteer, you will have the opportunity to take Nepali language classes, which can include cooking and dancing lessons!

Says United Planet volunteer Leah Carlon, “Overall my experience was the most life-changing thing I’ve ever been through. Going to the festivals and visiting temples was really fascinating. I loved being in such a different culture, and it really was eye-opening to live with an actual Nepali family.”

As you can see, you have many things to learn about and to explore in Nepal. But you can give back as well! Despite the yearly influx of tourists experiencing the rich culture of Nepal and meeting its friendly people, 40% of the population live in poverty. As a volunteer, you have the opportunity to help local communities, engaging in cross-cultural dialogue while assisting with challenging social projects.

United Planet offers both short-term and long-term Quests to Nepal. Below, we highlight a few volunteer opportunities for you to help local communities.

Orphanage Quest: Volunteers are needed to help at a local orphanage in Kathmandu. There are 47 children at the orphanage, ranging in age from four months to 13 years old. Currently, over 30 of the children are infants; volunteers at the orphanage provide attention and enrichment to the children and tend to their basic needs. As a volunteer, you can also help the older children with educational activities such as arts and crafts, and helping with homework and basic English teaching.

Teaching Quest: Volunteers are needed to teach at local schools in various areas of Nepal, including Kathmandu and more rural locations. Volunteers may teach their own class or assist a local English teacher in a classroom. But if you are interested in teaching other subjects such as math, science, money management, and public speaking, your ideas are welcome! No language requirement or previous experience needed.

These are just a few of the projects available in Nepal. Whether you travel for one week or one year, volunteering with United Planet will give you the chance to return rich of souvenirs and cultural discoveries, and will change your outlook on life. Carrie Schramm says about her experience volunteering with United Planet in Nepal: “I am a very different person back in America because I understand the importance of accepting people’s differences and appreciating what you have. [...] Take the leap and don’t look back – you will never regret helping to make the world a better place. And somewhere along the way you will become a better person.”

Source: Tengasepresente

Volunteering in Nepal is a life experience you will never forget! If you are interested in volunteering in Nepal on either a short-term or long-term Quest, visit our Nepal homepage to read more about each volunteer project. If you would like to volunteer in another country, check out our interactive map to see where we offer volunteer trips!

After the rivers surrounding our home on the outskirts of the city of Marikina, Philippines, suddenly and unexpectedly overflowed during Typhoon Ketsana, the ground floor of our house was half flooded. My husband managed to bring up a few appliances and fragile items before we evacuated, but had to leave most of our collection of books on the shelves.

Books bound us together from the day we met as young English teachers. Both of us had been passionate about books since we were children, and throughout our relationship we shared our favorites with each other. When we married, at times we would even read books together, taking turns reading chapter by chapter. When we built our home, we chose to devote one room to books.

Just the day before the great storm, I had chosen to devote my time to organizing books in my library, unpacking boxes of my old favorites my mother had sent me. We had a daughter now, a little more than a year old, and books meant even more to us now. We could hardly wait to pass on our childhood books and we had amassed new ones for our daughter up to a second-grade level. We had read to her since she was born and the benefits showed as she was already speaking in sentences at sixteen months.

Now our shambles of a home was littered with the muddy volumes I had just the day before shelved and piled in the library. The beautiful new picture book I had been reading to my daughter was a ruined mess. We did our best to save the flood-drenched books but most of them were beyond repair. With every sodden volume that fell apart, every muddied page that ripped as I tried to wipe it clean, my heart broke a little more.

I had just started a writer’s blog and a prize was being given for blogging on the topic of escape. How appropriate. I poured out the story of our evacuation. I did it as much for therapy as to win.

My blog, even in its hasty, unedited state, won me the prize of a book—Zeitoun, the fascinating account of a family whose home was flooded during Hurricane Katrina. The perfect new addition to our library.

That book was the first to be flown to us by a stranger to replenish our much depleted library, but it wasn’t the last. I shared the blog with a number of our friends, and it got to Gill Tennant, head of BookMooch charities. I had never met her, of course. She lived in rural Wales, a place I could hardly imagine. I pass fields plowed by water buffalo daily while she lives among sheep on a hillside. But she was deeply affected by my story, and rallied members of BookMooch, an online book trading community which we had occasionally participated in, to help us rebuild our library. Soon books began pouring in. A psychology book came to us from Israel. Melinda, a lawyer from New York, went to dealers of remaindered books to find a number of out-of-print titles for us, and threw in a lot more picture books for our daughter—and she even thanked us because she had such fun shopping for these books! A woman from Australia, hearing our daughter had a mania for dance, sent her daughter’s outgrown ballet clothes as well as some books about ballet. Gill not only went out of her way to fulfill our requests, but divining our interests from our list of lost books threw in a few extra volumes in our favorite genres as gifts. And she wrote a story about our daughter’s thoughts during the flood, a story we hope will someday see publication.

Our library is now back to the state it was previous to the flood, now with most of the books placed above the level the flood had reached. We have survived three more storm seasons without another flood, though there have been close calls. We now feel secure about loading our shelves with books, and derive a sense of security once more in seeing them there. There are a few books that we have still not replaced, but we are comforted by the presence of the new ones that have been given to us, along with our occasional new purchases. We can spare little money for books now, with our daughter in pre-school and with the recent addition of a baby boy to our family. But we grown-ups now have more than we can find time to read, thanks to the books given to us. We buy our children books when we can, and just this week there was a special book sent to our daughter by Gill Tennant about a girl and her new baby brother.

As attached as we are to our books, now and then we do pass some on. It is not easy, not just because of our love for printed volumes but because we need so many in our occupations as teacher and as student and writer. But we do give when we can—to relatives, to libraries, to poor schoolchildren. We know how much the gift of books can mean, and we do have limited space.

Remembering the kindness of the people who restored our beloved books to us adds to our pleasure in perusing our shelves. Our library is a small room, but within it is a world. A world of books, of kindness and of friendship extended to us by people whom we’ve never met. Geographically, we are oceans apart but we have touched each other due to our shared love of books.

As the travel industry has evolved, the phrase ‘responsible tourism’ has been increasingly used, so much so that it’s almost become an obligation for companies and tourists alike to keep it in mind for any trip. But how many of us know what responsible tourism actually is? Well, it encompasses many aspects of travel, but there are a golden few that will apply to all kinds of tourists on any trip. The main objective is to ensure that your travels do not have a negative impact, in terms of the environment, economy, conservation, and more. You’re a guest in the country you’re visiting, and having the respect for the place you’re in is high on the list of priorities for responsible travel.

Flights

Traveling responsibly starts from the second you book your flights. To be the best green tourist possible, it would actually be better to not fly at all, but in a lot of cases, that’s not really an option. Try to use flight companies that make an effort to offset their carbon emissions and use biofuels. Unfortunately, some of these methods have proven to be insufficient in neutralising a plane’s energy use, but it’s a start.

If you’re on a longer trip and traveling through a country or continent, use public transport like buses or trains as  much as possible, instead of short flights. These will obviously take you longer, but the difference inenvironmental impact is phenomenal; in some cases, they can be a lot cheaper than flying. You may even have the added bonus of going through some beautiful scenery that you can enjoy along the way.

Green hotels

The hotel industry is probably one of the fastest evolving sectors in terms of responsible tourism. Hotels have now caught onto the fact that their more eco-conscious customers will look for what hotels do to help their area before booking a room. When searching for accommodations, have a look on hotel and hostel websites to see if recycling programs exist for both the hotel and for customers’ personal use. Also, check to see that hotels of interest have methods of making sure they use their resources wisely, like water and electricity, a team of local staff and locally-sourced food or drink, and ways in which they help the surrounding areas in terms of conservation. All of these factors are basic starting points for an eco-friendly hotel, and if the information isn’t on their website, don’t be afraid to email the hotel directly and ask. If the hotel really is green, its representatives should be knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions.

Local Economy

It is extremely important to use resources and businesses from the local area as much as possible when you’re abroad. Supporting the local economy will help the people from that place support themselves and sustain their livelihoods for years to come. If you’re going on a tour, request a local guide. Not only will this contribute to local economy, the guide will also know the sights better than anyone else and be able to give you his or her own personal account and experiences. In poorer countries, these people need the income more than the expat guides working in the area, and by helping one person, you’re helping the community.

Responsible tourism really boils down to developing a greater understanding of where you are and leaving that place without a negative trace. As travelers, we want to ensure that the world continues to see tourism as a positive thing, and that can’t happen if people are traveling and leaving the locals disappointed with travelers’ actions. Keep in mind all of these things to make your travel experiences positive, and your trips abroad will benefit far more people than just yourself.

Read about United Planet’s Responsible Travel and Sustainability Policies on our website.

After graduating from The Ohio State University in 2011, Nesha Usmani spent 6 months on the Teaching Quest in Indonesia. What was the most fulfilling part of her quest? “I enjoyed learning the language and spending time with the kids at my school,” explains Usmani.  As a volunteer, Usmani went above and beyond during her Quest. Back home, she persuaded family to fundraise for her elementary school in Indonesia. With this money, she bought new school furniture and various multimedia, and she even sponsored a new English curriculum. On top of this wonderful achievement, she was able to pay the tuition for two students. “I learned the value of helping other people. Living in an environment completely different from my own taught me to appreciate what I have and to have confidence in my abilities,” she explains. Usmani went abroad to help the elementary school, but the volunteer experience equally impacted her: “My quest gave me an interest in Public Health. I intend to pursue a Master’s in Public Health at University of Illinois at Chicago.”

On the other side of the world in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, fellow council member Kate LeGrand volunteered in the United Planet Healthcare Quest. LeGrand believed that the most rewarding part of the Quest was the beautiful balance of experiences: “I was able to get hands-on medical experience under the guidance of a local doctor, but also was touched by the kindness and generosity of the local Guatemalan people.” Before travelling with United Planet, LeGrand knew she was interested in becoming a professional in the medical field. However, since the Guatemala Quest, she has a more focused agenda: “I have developed a keen interest in not only direct patient care, but also the accessibility to healthcare in developing regions. Inspired by United Planet, my future plans of becoming a medical professional are rooted in cross-cultural understanding.”

Excited to join the Alumni Council, LeGrand plans to make a positive impact: “I hope to connect with other alumni to learn more about the United Planet community and to share stories about experiences abroad. I was able to see first-hand how a small gesture, such as teaching a child the proper way to use a toothbrush, can positively impact a whole community.  The Quest was an eye-opening and life-changing experience that encourages me to continue helping those in need and to encourage others to volunteer.”

Nearby, Audra Borden, another Alumni Council member, was volunteering in the small but vibrant community of Cai Cay, Peru. In the winter of 2012-13 with a group of 14 amazing people from the University of Idaho, Borden had an eye-opening quest experience: “My time in Peru was challenging, yet fulfilling in so many ways. The part that left the greatest impression on me was the local community’s willingness to see the positive in every situation and to expect the best of people.” Prior to embarking on her Peruvian adventure, Borden was considering a career in medicine for some time. She found her answers in the tiny Peruvian community: “Peru reinforced my passion for service and steered me towards a path in international medicine, specifically with a medical aid organization.” Borden is eager to connect with other alumni whose eyes have also been opened and changed by their experiences abroad. She explains, “By sharing our stories and experiences together, we can inspire hesitant individuals to take the next step towards volunteering abroad and exploring the world.”

After working for years, Adam felt it was time for a change. He planned an eight-month trip around the world, and he wanted one of the stops to be in a challenging environment where he could give back. So he decided to volunteer in Tanzania teaching English and chose United Planet for its flexible program options.

On Adam’s first day volunteering in Tanzania, the head of his host family walked him to his project. The children were gathered for an assembly in the dirt lot adjacent to the school building. Adam was introduced, handed a teaching schedule, and given control of an entire 2nd grade class. He had no idea what they were studying– the only direction was “teach the kids when to use ‘has’ and when to use ‘have.’” Using as many resources as he could find and his creativity, he came up with a lesson plan. The first couple of days were difficult, but he quickly adapted and was always prepared for class thereafter. His mother was a teacher, and he sought inspiration from the years of observing his mother prepare for her own lessons.

One of the great challenges Adam faced was the lack of available resources. There was a chalkboard and chalk, and a tiny exercise book. If he wanted the kids to have worksheets, he would have to go to the computer lab, print the pages, and pay for them himself.

Even with the limited resources, Adam quickly got the hang of teaching English. However, he found that merely being exposed to someone from such a different culture was a great learning experience for the children. He encouraged them ask him anything about America; the children curiously inquired about his family, friends, and even about his job back in America. Since Adam was in Tanzania in the summer of 2008, the children were infatuated with Barack Obama and the American presidential election. Running with the children’s enthusiasm, Adam held a mock election with his class, which turned out to be everyone’s favorite lesson.

Volunteering in Tanzania exposed Adam to much more than teaching experience. He discovered many interesting aspects of Tanzania, including the surprising solidarity of its people and the differences in its educational system. Adam lived with a Muslim family. He worked at a Christian school with many Muslim students. With so much conflict between people of different religions portrayed in the media, Adam expected tension between different religious communities. But Adam didn’t see that conflict at the local level. In the community in which he lived and worked, people primarily identified themselves as Tanzanians. Parents’ primary concern was their children’s education. A Muslim family, such as his host family, would gladly send their children to a Christian school if it meant their children would get a good education.

Adam also found it surprising that there was no concept of public school in Tanzania. Parents had to pay for all seven years of elementary school at a cost of around $10,000 per child – a steep cost in Tanzania. As a result, the children were really grateful to be able to go to school; they understood education to be a privilege, and they were focused and ready to learn.

Adam learned so much from his time in Tanzania and explained, “You are taking away more from it than you feel like you are giving.” So, naturally, when his company surprised him with the Outstanding Contribution to the Firm Award and a $10,000 charity fund, Adam immediately called United Planet to see how he could help the Tanzanian school. The school drafted a plan for a new computer lab, and Adam donated the full $8,000 needed to make the plan happen (the rest of his award money went to a local charity).

He spoke excitedly about the resources that will become available with a new computer lab in the school. Not only will the children gain the computer skills necessary for the modern world, but they will also have unlimited access to all the available free educational resources online. The benefits, he mentioned, will extend to the teachers as well. The teachers he worked with had limited training- with a computer lab, the resources can enhance teacher training and provide teachers with more ideas and class material for lessons.

Advice for people who are thinking about taking time off work to give back? Adam says, for him, the perfect time to take the leap was between switching jobs. He says, “It sounds like it’s really hard to do, but when you take a step back and look into it, it’s really a lot easier than you think.” Adam took eight months off to travel and volunteer, and his time in Tanzania, he says, was clearly the highlight of the trip.

Thank you, Adam, for your generous donation to the school and children in Tanzania, and for your commitment to United Planet’s mission of cross-cultural understanding. If you would like visit the school firsthand and volunteer in Tanzania, visit our website for more information or contact us at quest@unitedplanet.org.

Recently, a group of pre-medical and other pre-professional healthcare students from Arizona State University’s Alpha Epsilon Delta Club traveled to Peru on a Healthcare Quest.  When they came home, Jon, the group leader, spoke to us about the group’s amazing experience. During their Quest, these future healthcare providers gained invaluable insights into healthcare in another country and enjoyed learning about Peruvian culture.

Like all students participating in a Healthcare Quest, the Arizona volunteers spent most of their time observing in the clinic. Jon found the observation truly useful. It was eye-opening to see firsthand how the healthcare system works in another country.  The students learned about both the challenges and successes of healthcare in Peru. A Peruvian physician came to speak with the group about the Peru’s health care system and was proud to show them two advanced Peruvian clinics.

In their four days of volunteering, the volunteers spent time in many different areas of the clinic. The director even allowed them into the maternity ward, where they observed ultrasounds and evaluations of newborn babies. They also witnessed three trauma cases at the same time–a burn victim, a motorcycle accident victim, and an intoxicated man with a head trauma–an experience that pre-med students would rarely have in the States.

Even though the volunteers mostly observed, they still had opportunities to make connections with the patients. One day, a special needs child came into the clinic with his mom. Jon could tell that the boy needed something to play with while waiting for the doctor. Jon had just the solution: he gave the boy a toy basketball he had brought along. The boy was delighted with the gift, and it made his wait so much more enjoyable! Ian, another group member who has a phlebotomy certification, was able to help give vaccination injections.

The Arizona group enjoyed exploring the city and participating in activities and excursions to learn more about Peruvian culture. The local community warmly welcomed the group. Local businesses even gave them discounts for being volunteers! The volunteers took Spanish lessons where they learned medical terminology–Jon was amazed at how much progress they made in just three two-hour sessions and did not find the language barrier much of a problem. One of their favorite activities was visiting a nice restaurant where they learned how to cook a Peruvian appetizer. They also enjoyed their salsa lesson at a local salsa club. The highlight of their whole trip was their excursion to Machu Picchu. They explored Aguas Calientes, a beautiful little town, enjoyed the hot springs in the morning, and hiked up the spectacular Huayana Pichu with an amazing tour guide.

Their trip ended with a great farewell dinner organized by Manfred, our in-country coordinator, who Jon reported was really helpful throughout their Quest. Overall, the volunteers from Arizona State University had a fantastic time volunteering in the healthcare clinic.  Jon only wishes that they could have volunteered longer!

Are you interested in organizing a group Quest? Check out our group page or our free e-book on how to organize a student group trip abroad. To learn more about healthcare Quests, visit our Healthcare Quest page. If you are not traveling with a group, you can still volunteer! Explore our projects in over 40 destinations around the world!

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