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Welcome Friends and Family of Quest Volunteers!

Volunteering abroad is a unique and exciting opportunity, and we know that family and friends of Quest volunteers may have questions regarding this experience. Parents of Quest volunteers are often the first to call with questions, so this information is really provided to answer questions parents often have, although we invite all family members and friends of United Planet Quest volunteers to read the following information:

'My two children participated in a United Planet Quest to Peru last summer.They enjoyed their experience so much that this summer they are both going to Guatemala. Both of them truely loved what United Planet organized for them in Peru. Not only did they feel that they were helping underprivileged children in Peru, and making a difference in their lives, but they also bonded with their local host families, became more fluent in Spanish, and were able to travel throughout the incredible countryside of Cuzco. To feel that way is a very empowering experience for teenagers. It has opened their eyes to the world and given them more respect and

understanding for other cultures.'

Renata De Dalmas - Parent of two United Planet volunteers.

Congratulations! Your son or daughter has chosen an exciting opportunity - volunteering abroad with United Planet! Through this experience, your son or daughter will have the chance work in collaboration with a local community on a service project while immersing in a different culture and learning about a new country. Working in partnership with the local community is at the heart of every United Planet Quest and adhering to their needs is the first priority for our organization.

In addition to gaining a better understanding of our diverse world through volunteering, you son or daughter will also learn a lot about themselves, develop greater independence, enhance their communication skills and gain greater maturity. United Planet (UP) volunteers are independent, flexible, open minded, and willing to conquer any challenges that may arise during their time abroad. Being a United Planet volunteer is one of the best ways your child can learn about themselves and others!

Your son or daughter will need your support through this experience. They will appreciate any advice you can share from your own life experiences, abroad or otherwise. However, this is also a time to let you child take the reins! This is their experience, and in order to be able to handle life on their own in a new country and culture, they will need to have done the pre departure preparation themselves. This way they know when they arrive in country, THEY have the resources and confidence to cope on their own – without mum or dad! The opportunity for them to grow in confidence, independence and maturity needs to start as soon as they apply.

 By giving your son or daughter the chance to ask us the questions you want answers to, and do the administrative work necessary, you are providing them with the skills they will need to have a successful experience in country. Let your child be the 'ambassador' for the family - they will need the information we provide (and you require!).

Of course we understand that there are many questions surrounding volunteering abroad. Below is a link for you to click on and download an important list of Frequently Asked Questions, along with the answers! We have tried to be as thorough as possible with the list, however if you do have additional questions, please direct them to your son or daughter to ask us. Also be sure to ask your child to share any information we have provided them with you, as the answers to additional questions you may have will be given to your son or daughter as they move through the pre departure period.

Please click on the Parent's FAQs link below to download important information regarding Quests, includng pre departure questions, post Quest questions, and questions that can arise during a volunteer's Quest.

Click here to download the Parent's FAQs!

Volunteers of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds are invited to join 1-52 week volunteer abroad programs in over 40 countries worldwide in: