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Volunteer Vacations

Volunteer abroad from 1 - 52 weeks

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Unite d Planet is proud to be one of 10 organizations chosen for CNN's

"Be the Change" Initiative. 


 

See the United Planet YouTube page
to view volunteer abroad program videos.

 

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As an international non-profit organization, United Planet (UP) strives to create a world in which all people understand, respect, and support one another. United Planet's global network of leaders and volunteers fosters cross-cultural understanding and addresses shared challenges to unite the world in a community beyond borders. United Planet’s Volunteer Abroad Quest program provides an incredibly fulfilling experience for volunteers and valuable support for international communities through local partnerships and:

  • Language immersion
  • Cultural activities
  • Learning excursions

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


What is a Volunteer Vacations

When you hear the word “vacation” some of the first images that come to mind is time spent away from work or school.  To some of us, vacation conjures up thoughts of lounging on warm, sandy beaches somewhere on a tropical island.  Others think of swooshing down a ski slope or exploring some of the world’s most famous ruins, museums, historical sights and so forth. However, today people of all ages are looking to combine time away from work or school by mixing pleasure with purpose. For this group of people, “volunteer vacations” are exactly what they are looking for as a getaway.

According to the Travel Industry Association (TIA), more than one quarter of Americans are interested in spending their vacations volunteering – and this number continues to grow.   Click here to read The Washington Times article “Volidays”.

 
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As the world gets smaller with each advance in telecommunications and our global awareness grows, tourism in its traditional sense starts to feel empty of meaning. Volunteering is one way to travel responsibly—but it is not a vacation! Immersing oneself in a culture by living with a host family and working at local community centers can be both amazing and challenging at the same time. We actively seek individuals who are dedicated to volunteering and furthering UP’s mission of fostering cross-cultural understanding for our Quest volunteer abroad program. If this is the kind of meaningful experience you are searching for, then we encourage you to contact us for more information.

Overview

United Planet offers people of all ages and nationalities, both skilled and unskilled, the unique opportunity to volunteer abroad, and at the same time, enjoy the beauty, environment, people and history of the country where they choose to volunteer.  Through our Quest volunteer abroad program, individuals can choose to take part in: Short-Term Quests (1-12 weeks), Long-Term Quests (6 months to 1 year) or in customized Group QuestsWith the help of local partners, UP’s Quest program provides volunteers with life-changing experiences via cultural immersion while supporting communities in more than 40 countries. United Planet volunteers can expect to work between 30 and 40 hours per week at their project placement. As part of your program fee, you will also take part in cultural activities and go on excursions to sites of historical and archaeological importance, such as Petra or Machu Picchu.
 
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Program Costs

The costs for United Planet’s volunteer abroad programs are dependent upon the location of the project and duration of your stay. The estimated cost per volunteer for a one week program starts at $1,445.

This fee includes the following:

  • Full orientation upon arrival by United Planet in-country coordinator
  • Accommodations/Meals  
  • Excursions
  • Cultural activities such as dancing or cooking classes
  • Optional excursions and activities as requested
  • Full Coordination on the ground by United Planet in-country coordinator
  • Round-trip airport transfers
  • Language lessons in some destinations
  • Travel Insurance
  • Extensive pre-departure training from United Planet Quest Team

If you are interested in finding out more about United Planet’s volunteer abroad programs, please contact us at Request Info, 1-800-292-2316, or 1-617-267-7763 to learn how you can take part in an extraordinary 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. 

Learn more about United Planet's Volunteer Abroad Programs in over 40 Countries from 1-52 weeks


 

 

 

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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

Learn how your program fee is spent.

Fundraising

Need help with your fundraising activities? Check out our fundraising kit.

Short-term Locations
(1-12 weeks)

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)

Australia
Bolivia
Brazil
Colombia
Costa Rica
Denmark
Ecuador
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Honduras
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Italy
Kenya
Mexico
Moldova
Mozambique
Nepal
New Zealand
Nigeria
Philippines
Russia
South Africa
South Korea
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Uganda
United Kingdom

Skills and Interest

Quests projects vary by location and are offered to both skilled and unskilled volunteers. Read more at:

Groups

Are you interested in going as a group? Learn more on our groups page!

FAQS

Click here to find out answers to many frequently asked questions about United Planet Quests.

Picture Gallery

View pictures taken by our volunteers and staff.

Volunteer Testimonials

Hear what United Planet volunteers have to say about their Quests.

Family and Friends Page

Are you a parent, family member or friend of a UP volunteer? Read this important information!

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