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United Planet Volunteer Abroad Group Quests

As an international non-profit organization, United Planet (UP) strives to create a world in which all people understand, respect, and support one another. United Planet's global network of leaders and volunteers fosters cross-cultural understanding and addresses shared challenges to unite the world in a community beyond borders. The unique Volunteer Abroad Quest program provides an incredibly fulfilling experience for volunteers and valuable support for communities in need through:

• Language immersion
• Cultural activities
• Learning excursions  

United Planet's offers you and your group a life-changing opportunity to interact with local communities on a Quest Volunteer Abroad Quest program. Highlights of United Planet Group Quests are:

• Customized work experiences
• Home stays
• Flexible schedules

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Create your own Group Quest!

United Planet works with self-formed groups to take part in rewarding community service projects around the world. This is truly a great opportunity for your group to make a difference in a community overseas, immerse in another culture, explore a new part of the world and learn new things about each other! All United Planet Group Quests combine meaningful service work with exciting excursions and cultural activities!

United Planet works closely with all groups to design an itinerary that suits their needs and requirements. Start dates and the length of our Quests are flexible depending on the destination.

Current Group Quest destinations are:

Cambodia

Groups are split into smaller groups to work with local schools and orphanages in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Projects include teaching basic English and vocational skills and working in the orphanage tending to the needs of the children. Excursions include spending a day or more at the Angkor Wat Temple – a UNESCO World Heritage Site; a boat ride to a nearby floating village; a tour of a silk-making plant; and, a visit to a Buddhist pagoda where you can have lunch with the monks.

Chile

Groups work in the Santiago region building homes. Groups build temporary, natural, basic housing for local people who at present are living in very poor conditions, often just a dwelling made from cardboard and plastic. Excursions include a city tour of Santiago, a day tour to Vina del Mar and Valparaiso and also a day tour to the El Teniente underground copper mine and historic mining town of Sewell. This Quest is only available from April until November.

Costa Rica

Groups work with environmentally-focused non-profits and nature reserves to help build infrastructure. Volunteers build trails and help with maintenance and other need construction projects.. Excursions are varied and can include jungle walks, beach visits, zip lining, canopy tours, hot air ballooning, a day tour of San Jose and white water rafting. Accommodation is with host families.

Ghana

Groups are based in the village of Putubiw in the Cape Coast region of Ghana. Groups support the Chief and the Youth Association to assist their people’s work in developing their community according to their unique needs. Projects change regularly, but there are many areas for which they have requested assistance including: business development, building a school, HIV/AIDS education, educational consulting and more. Excursions include going to the beach on Cape Coast and also participating in a elevated canopy walk through the jungle.

Guatemala

Groups work on a variety of projects in Quetzeltenango (Xela for short!). Projects include working at a boys orphanage, a women's shelter and small health clinics. There is also the possibility of a more rural placement in a small farming community. Excursions include an overnight trip to Antigua, with optional trips to the hot springs and Lake Atitlan!

India

This is a unique opportunity for a self formed group to experience the amazing sights, sounds and culture of India. Group work includes construction and health care campaigns in small villages in either Rajasthan or Himachal, working with sea turtles in Goa and more! Incredible excursions depend on the location but can include jungle safaris, trips to the Taj Mahal and hikes in the Himalayas!

Nepal

Groups work with local villages and communities in the Kathmandu area on a variety of education-related projects, one option is the ‘adopt a school’ program where your group could help construct needed buildings such as a library for a local school, and also bring books to fill it. Working at an orphanage and doing construction work is also a possibility. Excursions include hikes in the surrounding mountains and valleys. Volunteers can also learn the art of Nepalese cooking and take dance lessons.

 

Peru

Groups work in either a remote village called Cai Cay doing construction work and working with the local children there, working in Cuzco with street children organizations or orphanages. If your group has a helathcare focus, it is also possible for medical students and medical professionals to work in clinics in Cuzco. Cultural activities and excursions include an overnight trip to Macchu Picchu, salsa dance lessons and four hours per week of Spanish language classes.  In your free time, you can tour churches and museums, explore the wonder of Incan ruins, shop for goods made by talented local artisans, and experience Cusco’s nightlife!

 

 

Romania

Groups work with children in a large orphanage in a remote village in the Transylvanian region of Romania. Typical work includes construction work, farming, and of course, playing with/tutoring the orphanage adorable children. Excursions include day trips to cities nearby such as Bresov and to Bram’s Castle (also known as Dracula's castle) and other sites of interest in the surrounding areas.

Tanzania

Groups work in a remote village with a local school in the Kwala Ward of Tanzania. Work includes teaching at the school and assisting with construction projects as needed. Excursions include a day tour of Dar Es Salaam, an overnight excursion to the beautiful island of Zanzibar and more!

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Program Cost:

The cost per volunteer is dependent upon the location of the project and any additional needs that are requested by the group. The estimated cost per volunteer for a one week program starts at $1, 275.

This fee includes the following:

Extensive pre-departure training from United Planet Quest Team Full orientation upon arrival by United Planet in- country coordinator Travel Insurance Round trip airport transfers Accommodations/Meals   Full Coordination on the ground by United Planet in-country coordinator Excursions Cultural activities such as dancing or cooking classes Language lessons in some destinations Optional excursions and activities as requested

* All Quests are tax deductible.

If you have a group of students, professionals, family members, friends or colleagues interested in volunteering abroad, please contact us at Request Info, 1-800-292-2316, or 1-617-267-7763 to learn how you can take part in an extraordinary Quest experience. The United Planet team will work closely with you both before your departure and during your stay to provide a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience for your group. 

Learn more about United Planet's Volunteer Abroad Programs in 50 Countries from 1-52 weeks