Welcome Friends and Family of Quest Volunteers!

Volunteering abroad is an exciting opportunity, but it's also challenging! Family and friends of volunteers probably have questions lots of questions about what it will be like. We hope we can provide some useful answers, and a lot of support.

"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 truly 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 Cusco.

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

While on a United Planet program, 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.

Volunteers learn a lot about a new culture and about themselves, develop greater independence, enhance their communication skills and gain greater maturity. United Planet volunteers are independent, flexible, open minded, and willing to conquer any challenges that may arise during their time abroad.

Volunteers need support through this experience, along with advice. However, this is also a time to let them 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 you! The opportunity for them to grow in confidence, independence and maturity needs to start as soon as they apply.

Of course we understand that there are many questions surrounding volunteering abroad; we've created some documents that provide some answers! We've tried to be as thorough as possible, but if you do have additional questions, please direct them to your son or daughter to ask us.

•  Download Parents' Frequently Asked Questions (and Answers)
• Parents' Guide: Short-term Volunteers
• Why choose United Planet?
• Health and Safety Information
• Read some testimonials from returned United Planet volunteers! 

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