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Group Quests

There are 2 ways for you to participate in an exciting UP Group Quest:

1. Create your own Group Quest by working with our Quest Director to create a one-of-a-kind experience in one of our many locations with your own group.

2. Join in a Quest designed by UP and led by a UP representative.

   
1.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 the Quest are flexible depending on the destination. Current Group Quest destinations are:

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

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 medical 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!

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 site – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also a boat ride to a nearby floating village, tour to a silk making site and a Buddhist pagoda where you can have lunch with the monks.

Costa Rica: Groups work with environmentally focused non-profits and nature reserves to help build infrastructure. This is usually done physically through trail creation and maintenance and construction work. Excursions are many and 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.

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 many hikes in the surrounding mountains and valleys, and also Nepalese cooking and dancing lessons.

Chile: Groups work in the Santiago area on a home building construction project. 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.

Program Cost:

The cost per volunteer is dependent upon the location of the project and any additional elements that are requested by the group. The estimated cost per volunteer for a 1 week program starts at $1,175.

This fee includes the following:

• Extensive pre departure training from United Planet head office
• 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

If you have a group of students, professionals, family members, friends or colleagues, please contact us at Request Info, 1-800-292-2316, or 1-617-267-7763 to learn how you can take part in this 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. 

 

Costa Rica Group Quest '07 with newly painted walls in
the elementary school cafeteria!

2.Summer 2008 UP Group Quests:

Cambodia Photography Group Quest: June 29 - July 9, 2008. NOTE: All places on this Quest are now full. Please feel free to apply for one of our other Group Quests.
Interested in learning more about photography and how it can make a difference in the world? Join Dr. Jon Ryder as he leads this group through culturally rich Siem Reap, Cambodia to explore this world through the camera lens while volunteering to make a difference in the lives of children. For More information click here!

Cambodia Dental Group Quest: July 20 - July 30, 2008
If you are in the dentistry field or are studying to be, join this Group Quest for the chance to treat and educate children who have no access to dental care. While in Siem Reap, you will have the opportunity to explore the amazing history and culture of Cambodia!
For more information click here!

 

On behalf of all the communities in which we work, thank you for your interest in building cross-cultural friendship and supporting communities in need.  We look forward to working together to make the UP mission a reality - one step at a time.