Colombia Volunteer Quest
Volunteer in Colombia: 6 or 12 months
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“You always know what you are going to miss... your family, friends, even your bed. What you don’t realize is how much you will gain from volunteering abroad. It has been one of the hardest and absolute best experiences of my life.” - Caitlin, United Planet volunteer |
United Planet and the ICYE Federation
| The International Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE) is an international non-profit youth exchange organization promoting intercultural learning and international voluntary service. United Planet represents the U.S. and Canada as an associate member of the ICYE Federation which was founded after World War II as part of a reconciliation program between the U.S. and Germany. Today there are over 30 country members of the ICYE Federation who work in partnership to exchange volunteers for 6 months and 1 year placements. |
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Visit the United Planet YouTube page to view Quest videos and more. |
Country Information
Colombia, in the northwest corner of South America, holds many resources and natural beauty including the Andes Mountains, stunning volcanoes and tropical rain forests. With a population of over forty-four million people, there are social problems that welcome input from volunteers through assistance with orphanages, environmental legislation, non-profit organizations and more. While exploring beauty of Colombia and immersing in a local community, you will become a son or daughter of a Colombian household. After a good day’s work, you can spend time with your local friends and family, dance the meringue, play the popular sport of soccer, dodge a few bulls, hike in the mountains or practice your Spanish! |
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Volunteer Opportunities in Colombia (6 or 12 months)
The purpose of this Quest is to promote a deeper level of cultural exchange and understanding through meaningful volunteer work at local organizations and immersion in the host community. |
| Volunteer opportunities begin August and January of each year: 1) Education Projects - Volunteers work with organizations that help children and teenagers to stay in school and off the streets. Tasks may include creating or running workshops for language, computer, sports or music instruction with the goal of encouraging at-risk youth to stay in school and gain new skills. 2) Social Projects - Volunteers help children from a variety of disadvantaged backgrounds including street children, disabled children, children from troubled families, those who have suffered abuse and orphans. Volunteers can assist organizations with fundraising, supervising children's play time, developing activities and workshops, or supporting families from some of the poorest areas through counseling. Volunteer Accommodations Volunteers live with host families. Are you interested in volunteering in Colombia? Read more about ICYE Colombia! |
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Read about the application process, deadlines and program fees for the Colombia Quest.
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Visas
United Planet sends volunteers from many countries around the world. Obtaining a Visa (if necessary) is therefore the responsibility of the volunteer. U.S. citizens can visit the website of the U.S. State Department to learn more about foreign entry requirements. For citizens of all other countries, please contact your destination country's embassy in your home country or your government website. If you need a letter from United Planet to verify your participation in our volunteer program, please e-mail us with this request and we will be happy to provide one.
Health Issues and Vaccinations
Some countries require or suggest that volunteers have certain vaccinations before entering the country. Please consult your country's government website for more information regarding the health of travelers. U.S. citizens can visit the website of the Centers for Disease Control to learn more about vaccinations and staying healthy while traveling. It is also recommended that you visit the nearest travel clinic several months prior to departure.
Living and volunteering abroad, often in conditions you are not used to, can take a toll on the body and mind. In addition to the information that is provided in your pre-departure package, please research how to stay healthy in your country of destination. It could make all the difference!
Request Info
Any questions? Please contact us online at Request Info or call 1-800-292-2316 or 1-617-267-7763. United Planet is open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm EST.
Apply Now
Fill out the online application and start to make a difference as a volunteer!
Why Pay to Volunteer
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Fundraising
Need help with your fundraising activities? Check out our fundraising kit.
Short-term Locations
(1-12 weeks)
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Cambodia Chile Costa Rica Ecuador Ghana Guatemala India Italy Japan |
Jordan Mexico Nepal Peru Romania Tanzania Thailand Tibet USA |
Long-term Locations
(6-12 months)
Skills and Interest
Quests projects vary by location and are offered to both skilled and unskilled volunteers. Read more at:
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