Tweet Roll
- Some great volunteering abroad tips from UP alum Abbie Mood! ht.ly/2wYz6
- Cool photos! via @MatadorNetwork ht.ly/2wHnW
- Interesting article. Can anyone trace their family's name changes? ht.ly/2va3z
United Planet Gap Year Volunteer Programs
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United Planet offers gap year volunteer abroad opportunities in over 30 countries through the International Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE) Federation's exchange member network. Founded after World War II as part of an international reconciliation program between the United States and Germany, ICYE is well-established in the field of cultural exchange. As the North American associate member of ICYE, United Planet sends gap semester and gap year volunteers on Long-term Quests to a variety of projects in exchange member countries, and in return, accepts overseas volunteers to its programs in the United States. |
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Why Should I Take a Volunteer Gap Year?
Gap year or interim semester programs provide high school and college students as well as recent grads and professionals looking for a new experience with a chance to be inspired and gain valuable international experience. United Planet gap year volunteer programs enable individuals to volunteer abroad, while learning a new language, developing practical skills, and gaining insight into another way of life.
Making the Transition
Gap year volunteer programs allow you to take time off from the pressures of school or work. They afford far greater life lessons that can not be taught in the classroom or on the job. Many “gappers” find that they return after a year out more mature, independent and with greater drive, focus, and appreciation of the world and our neighbors abroad.
What do I gain from a gap year volunteer program?
A long-term volunteer experience is vastly different from a structured study abroad program or a backpackers’ tour of distant continents. During a gap year, volunteers become deeply involved in a host community, immerse in a new culture, and ultimately, a different way of life. Gap year volunteers are able to come to understand the host culture on a deeper level, such as the values and identity of a new culture and how they differ from American or Western perspectives.
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Life Lessons An experience abroad places the individual in unfamiliar situations and forces him/her to make decisions independently, to learn to contextualize a scenario within the framework of a different set of values. Learning to make decisions without the comfort of falling back on your usual support network of family and friends at home can be a very empowering experience and builds strong leadership skills. This process and exchange allows for real, personal growth—gap year volunteers come out of the experience with greater maturity, self-esteem and focus. Returned volunteers often find that they no longer take what they have for granted now that they have gained a new outlook on life. |
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International Experience A volunteer abroad experience also affords great lessons in humility, empathy, and interpersonal conflict resolution. Learning how to debate cultural differences is a positive lesson in tolerance, compassion and appreciating different perspectives. The experience opens volunteers’ eyes to a different way of thinking—one that is not influenced by American values or identity. Seeing the United States through the lens of a foreign culture is important for Americans to better understand how their country is perceived abroad. |
Gap Year Finances: Investing in Your Child's Future
Given that one third of all U.S. students now take more than four years to finish college—after changing majors, making up credits missed while abroad, etc.—the investment in a gap year appears to be financially rewarding as well. Click here to read the NY Times article on gap year programs.
Gap year volunteer programs prepare students to be responsible global citizens. Moreover, volunteers often find this kind of overseas experience enlightening—many have found their life’s passion, hidden talents and skills, and the path to future vocations during a gap program.
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For detailed information on start dates, fees, fundraising and countries offered, please visit the Long-term Quest page
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For 1 to 12 week opportunities, please visit the Short-term Quest page
