Construction Volunteer Quest
Volunteer Abroad Construction Programs: 1-52 weeks

United Planet’s unique Volunteer Abroad Quest program combines volunteering abroad, language learning, cultural activities, learning excursions, and special Cultural Awareness Projects to provide an incredibly fulfilling experience for volunteers and valuable support for communities in need.

Many of the communities in which United Planet works lack basic buildings and infrastructure—particularly homes, schools, and libraries. United Planet sends volunteers to build homes in partnership with people and communities in need.

Construction Quest Locations

United Planet undertakes much-needed construction projects around the world, including:

Chile

United Planet volunteers work alongside Chilean volunteers to build homes for low-income families in Santiago and rural villages.  The homes are basic constructions that replace the families’ current shelters, which are often made of temporary materials such as cardboard and plastic.  Volunteers participate in all aspects of the construction and have the opportunity to meet the family who will live in the home they are building.

Peru

In Peru, United Planet construction volunteers have helped to build a youth center in the remote village of Cai Cay, outside Cuzco, which will provide educational programs for the town’s children.

Romania

United Planet works in partnership with an orphanage in a remote town in Romania, sending volunteers to help care for the children, provide basic healthcare, and construct essential buildings as the orphanage struggles to accommodate its ever-growing population. There is a critical need for more housing units, as four young girls must share a single bed in some of the orphanage’s residential houses. Currently, United Planet is also working to raise the funds and provide the volunteers needed to build a library and study room for the children. 

United Planet is currently exploring new projects around the world, particularly the renovation and construction of schools in Ghana, Cambodia, Nepal and other possible locations.

Construction Volunteer Abroad Programs:

Short-term Quest (1-12 weeks):

Chile, Peru, Romania

• Popular with students and families during summer, winter, and spring breaks. Adventurers and retirees may join programs year-round.

Group Quests:

Universities, Schools, Corporate, Youth Groups, Spiritual Organizations

• Create your own customized Group Construction Volunteer Abroad Programs such as alternative breaks.

Long-term/Gap Year Quest (6 months; 1 year):
Long-term healthcare programs vary by country.

More Information:

• Frequently Asked Questions about Volunteer Programs

• Volunteer Testimonials

• Why pay to volunteer abroad?

• About United Planet

• Parent’s Page

• Contact Us

Dates, Program Fees and Fundraising
Short-term Quests are available year-round with two start dates per month. Specific start dates vary by location. Long-term Quests begin in January and August of 2009.

• Short-term Quest fees start at: $1445
• Long-term Quest fees start at: $5285

Program Fees Include:

• Preparation & training before departure
• Food & lodging in-country (what’s included may vary by country, call for details)
• Airport transportation
• Cultural activities and excursions
• Emergency medical insurance
• Ongoing support from Coordinators in each country.

Fees do not include:

• Visa processing charges
• International airfare
• Any required vaccinations or immunizations
• Local transportation

Apply Now:

1. Choose your Volunteer Quest Country and then fill in the online application. 
2. Submit your deposit together with the application.
3. The Regional Coordinator in the Boston office will contact you to arrange a phone interview.