Women's Empowerment Volunteer Quests
Volunteer Abroad Programs: 1-52 weeks

United Planet’s unique Volunteer Abroad Quest program combines volunteering abroad, language learning, cultural activities, learning excursions, and special Cultural Awareness Projects to provide an incredibly fulfilling experience for volunteers and valuable support for communities in need.

Despite progress towards women’s rights, many women still lack sufficient access to education, employment, and health care. Women remain among the most vulnerable members of society, all too often subject to the trappings of poverty and abuse.  Women’s empowerment and vocational training programs offer sustainable solutions, giving women the tools necessary to gain social and economic independence to lift them and their families out of unhealthy circumstances. 

"My trip to Peru has changed my entire perspective on life, and the experiences and faces of those I worked with are in my heart forever. I can only hope that the help I gave may equal the love and friendship that was given to me." -Caitlin Erinn O'Neill, Peru Women's Shelter Volunteer 2008

Supporting Women's Empowerment Worldwide: 1-12 weeks

United Planet supports many women’s empowerment programs, including:

Guatemala

Since 2005, United Planet has partnered with a Guatemalan shelter and orphanage for women and children who have suffered from domestic violence.The shelter needed a reliable revenue stream to sustain and expand its efforts to care for its residents, as many women and children are forced to return to abusive situations because of overcrowding at the shelter and lack of other alternatives. Together, United Planet and the shelter developed a business plan for Lavandería Planeta Unido, a laundromat that produces revenue for the shelter while providing employment—and thus, the means for economic self-sufficiency—for the women.  The Lavandería, which opened in January 2008, has helped the shelter’s women take charge of the business, and their lives.

United Planet continues to support the shelter and Lavandería, providing ongoing entrepreneurial training, mentorship and skilled volunteers.

Peru

United Planet supports a home for teenage women and their children who are placed there by a family judge and stay 4-5 years. The children go to school and get after school help and babies stay in day care.  While in residence, mothers work on-site, learn how to care for their babies, take classes, are taught trades, and receive psychological counselling and health care. The goal is to break the cycle of violence by giving them the self-confidence and skills for better jobs. 

Nepal

In Kathmandu, United Planet partners with a counseling center for victims of abuse. Female volunteers are needed to help the girls recover at this organization run by women for women. United Planet volunteers live and work alongside the girls at the center. Professionals may also conduct community workshops educating local communities on many topics from parenting to the effects of abuse.

Women's Empowerment Programs:

Short-term Quest (1-12 weeks):

Peru and Guatemala

• Popular with students and families during summer, winter, and spring breaks. Adventurers and retirees may join programs year-round.

Group Quests:

Universities, Schools, Corporate, Youth Groups, Spiritual Organizations

• Create your own customized Group Volunteer Programs.

Long-term/Gap Year Quest (6 months; 1 year):
Long-term programs vary by country.

More Information:

• Frequently Asked Questions about Volunteer Programs

• Volunteer Testimonials

• Why pay to volunteer abroad?

• About United Planet

• Parent’s Page

• Contact Us

Dates, Program Fees and Fundraising
Short-term Quests are available year-round with two start dates per month. Specific start dates vary by location. Long-term Quests begin in January and August of 2009.

• Short-term Quest fees start at: $1445
• Long-term Quest fees start at: $5285

Program Fees Include:

• Preparation & training before departure
• Food & lodging in-country (what’s included may vary by country, call for details)
• Airport transportation
• Cultural activities and excursions
• Emergency medical insurance
• Ongoing support from Coordinators in each country.

Fees do not include:

• Visa processing charges
• International airfare
• Any required vaccinations or immunizations
• Local transportation

Apply Now:

1. Choose your Volunteer Quest Country and then fill in the online application. 
2. Submit your deposit together with the application.
3. The Regional Coordinator in the Boston office will contact you to arrange a phone interview.