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An internationalnot-for-profit501(c)(3) organization

Arecognized leaderin the field of international volunteering

Operating volunteer programs since1995

No political or religious affiliations

UN Special Consultative Status

Nearly25,000 volunteers

Who is CCS? 3.

Our Vision

Our vision is of a world where people value cultures different from their own, are aware of global issues, and are empowered to effect positive change .

Our Mission

Our mission is to operate volunteer programs around the world in partnership with sustainable community initiatives, bringing people together to work side-by-side while sharing perspectives and fostering cultural understanding. We are an international not-for-profit organization with no political or religious affiliations.

What is our Philosophy? 4. Latin America Brazil Costa Rica Guatemala Peru One of the most memorable parts of volunteering for me was just how receptive everyone at the school was to me. They were all very interested in getting to know me, especially in the preschool. The students didn't even care that I didn't know much Spanish. They loved to try to tell me things and teach me games. The teachers and students were very understanding of the language barrier, and we all made up creative ways to communicate when we weren't understanding something. - Lisa Eugea, Costa Rica 5. Asia China India Thailand I can't thank CCS enough for this fantastic experience. I'm leaving Xi'an a better informed citizen of the world, having glimpsed a bit of China. I'm leaving Xi'an knowing myself a bit better -- having learned some of my personal limitations and what I can personally draw on to exceed them. I'm leaving Xi'an hopefully as a better person having seen such open kindness, and really learning about accepting and respecting others' cultural heritage. I'm sad to say goodbye to China, but I know I'll be back, and I can't wait to plan my next CCS volunteer trip! - Veda, China 6. Africa

This experience completely exceeded all my expectations. I was amazed at how friendly and welcoming the people of Tanzania were to us. They were happy to see us and share stories with us and interested to learn about our culture, too. The other volunteers were also great. It was valuable as a cultural, professional and personal experience. It has opened my eyes to new possibilities and opened my mind to new cultures. I will never forget Tanzania or the people there and I can't wait to do another CCS program.

- Sarah, Tanzania

Ghana Tanzania South Africa Morocco 7. Eastern Europe My four-week stay in Russia was intense and enlightening. During the week, my days were full of challenging activities and cultural events which required me, above all, to try new things. The weekends allowed me to explore the country on my own. The experience was incredibly rewarding. Working with the children was great, and I got to learn more about Russia than I thought was possible in only four weeks. Jonathan McLaughlin, Russia Russia 8. Our Program Design

Volunteer Work

Cultural & Learning Activities

Free Time

Home-Base

9. What can you do?

Volunteer Work

• Caregiving

• • Caring for Infants & Children

• • Caring for the Elderly

• • Caring for People with Disabilities

• Teaching

• • Teaching Children

• • Teaching Conversational English

• • Assisting Teachers of Special Education

• Healthcare

• • Observing and Assisting Local Healthcare Professionals

• • Working with People Affected by HIV/AIDS

• Community Development

• • Working Toward Womens Empowerment

• • Sharing Your Professional Skills & Experience

10. Cultural & Learning Activities

Inside perspective of the community and culture, within and beyond the context of your volunteer experience

Learn about the local culture and customs

Volunteer experience is more well-rounded and complete

Examples:

• City Tour

• Guest speakers

• Language instruction

• Cooking lessons

• Dance classes

• Excursions to Historical & Cultural Sites

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Explore the country at your own pace

• Some afternoons and evenings

• All weekends

Build relationships with local people

Connect with fellow volunteers

Free Time 12. CCS Home-Base

Your home away from home

We take care of all of your daily needs

Full staff with CCS office located in Home-Base

Lodging

• comfortable house in a safe, conveniently-located neighborhood

• 3 meals daily, 7 days a week

• Unlimited safe-drinking water

Transportation

• CCS licensed drivers

• Airport pickup and drop-off

13. CCS Staff

Highly qualified staff provide support and guidance to our volunteers

Always locally born and based

The staff includes a country director, program director, program officers, drivers, cooks, cleaners, and guards

Virginia Burmester Guatemala Country Director Virginias academic studies, experience in rural Guatemala, and 25-year career as an English teacher in Guatemala City has brought her recognition and respect as a leader in intercultural exchange and expert storyteller of the history and development of Guatemala. Virginia worked with the American Field Service to place high school students with host families in Guatemala, and prepare Guatemalan students to study abroad. 14. Why CCS?

Volunteer Impact

• We work with sustainable community initiatives

• Ensuring impact on the community remains positive

Comprehensive Services & Support

• Pre-Departure and In-Country Support

Dedication to Safety & Security

• Extensive travel medical insurance

Great Value

• Program fee covers all meals, housing, transportation to and from placement, and more

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Volunteers pay a 100% tax-deductible program fee that includes:

• Personalized volunteer placement

• Cultural & Learning Activities

• Lodging at a CCS Home-Base

• All meals and bottled water

• In-country ground transportation

• Experienced and professional full-time staff

• Pre-departure materials and support

• All local and incoming international phone calls

• A 24-hour emergency hotline

• Comprehensive travel medical insurance

How are programs funded? 16. Fundraising

CCS Provides:

Personal fundraising coach

Fundraising guide

Sample fundraising letter

Widgets

Fundraising flyers

Scholarships & grant resources

Practical information for sponsors

17. Programs to Choose From

• Volunteer Abroad

• • 2 to 12 weeks

• • 12 countries

• • Individual volunteer placement

• Intern Abroad

• • 3 to 12 weeks

• • 9 countries

• • Individual volunteer placement

• • Social services, education, health

• Insight Abroad

• • 1 week

• • 8 countries

• • Group volunteer project

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To enroll, choose:

• Where to go

• • 12 countries, 20 program sites

• When to go

• • Start dates year-round

• For how long

• • 1-12 weeks

Enroll online atwww.crossculturalsolutions.org

or by phone at 1-800-380-4777

Whats next? 19.

Join the CCS Community (www.ccscommunity.org)

• Connect with other people interested in volunteering, enrolled volunteers and alumni

• Find us on these other sites:

Connect with us!