United Planet Long-term Quests
Volunteer Abroad Programs (6 months and 1 year)

"My Quest has been truly amazing... and I thank you on behalf of the students I am working with. We have built wonderful relationships! "

- Taylor, Long-term volunteer in Ecuador

...

United Planet and the ICYE Federation

United Planet is an associate member of the International Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE) Federation which was founded after World War II as part of an international reconciliation program between the United States and Germany. Today there are over 30 country members of the ICYE Federation who work in partnership to exchange volunteers internationally for 6 months and 1 year placements.

Browse available projects in partner countries by clicking country links in the right-hand column.

Visit the United Planet YouTube page
to view long-term volunteer videos and more.

Volunteer with child

Minimum age: 18, some countries may
have a higher minimum age

Who Can Apply

The men and women who join United Planet long-term Quests come from all walks of life and reflect a diverse range of personal, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. United Planet Volunteers share a deep concern for our world, a true desire to make a difference, and a passion for cultural discovery and exploration. Language fluency is not required but basic knowledge of the local language is helpful.

As the ICYE United States and Canada partner, United Planet can only send citizens and residents of these countries. Residents and citizens of other countries should contact the ICYE member organization in their country.

Maximum age: Age requirments vary per country. Please inquire for more details.

Dates

Long-term Quests begin in January and August of each year. Specific start dates for each country may vary. A non-refundable $350 deposit is due with your application.

August 2009 Deadlines
Friday May 15, 2009 – application deadline
When accepted into program - $500 deposit to ensure participation in host country

Friday May 29, 2009 – 50% of total fee
Wednesday July 8, 2009 – Remainder of fee

January 2010 Deadlines
Friday Sept 25, 2009 - application deadline

When accepted into program - $500 deposit to ensure participation in host country

Friday October 23, 2009 - 50% of total fee
Friday Nov 20, 2009 - Remainder of fee

Fees

August 2009 & January 2010 Fees

There is a 2-tiered program fee structure. Your program fee depends on your program location.

12 months abroad - $7,965.00*

6 months abroad - $5,265.00*

This fee applies for all programs in Africa, Latin America and South East Asia (India & Nepal)

12 months abroad - $8,965.00*
6 months abroad - $5,965.00*

This fee applies for all programs in Western Europe, Eastern Europe, East Asia and the Pacific

Volunteers

* Please note: the deposit amounts are subtracted from the total program fee.

Program Fees Include:

Preparation before departure
Food & lodging in your host country (host family or shared residence)
Airport transportation
Emergency medical insurance
In-country orientation, language training, mid-year camp (for 1 year volunteers only), and final evaluation
On-going support and supervision
Monthly stipend for incidental expenses

Fees do not include:

Visa processing charges (volunteers are responsible for aquiring the necessary Visa)
International airfare (volunteers are responsible for coordinating travel itineraries with expected program start dates)
Any required vaccinations or immunizations

Fundraising

For fundraising tips, and instructions on how to set up your Quest fundraising webage, visit: http://www.unitedplanet.org/fundraising.html

Special Discounts and Combining Quests

If you are participating in a long-term Quest and refer someone who participates in a short-or long-term Quest, you will receive 5% off your total program fee
Participate in 2 long-term Quests (or short-term Quests followed by a long-term Quest) and receive 5% off of your second Quest.

Pre-departure training - New for August 2009 volunteers!
As a Quest participant volunteering abroad for 6 months or 1 year, you will be required to attend a pre-departure training. You are responsible for the cost of getting to the meeting place. All costs of the training are covered by United Planet. You will receive more detailed information about the trainings when you are accepted into the program.

June 15 – 17, 2009 – Boston, MA

Three Easy Steps To Apply:

1. Choose your top three Quest destinations, select an August or January start date, and then fill in the online application.

2. Submit your $350 deposit at the time of application. You may pay the deposit on-line with a credit card as part of your application process, call our office at 1-800-292-2316 to provide your credit card information or send a check to our Boston office.

3. A Coordinator from the United Planet team will confirm your application and deposit and arrange a phone interview with you to discuss your Quest of interest and motivations.