With CCS webinars, you can get in insider’s perspective on volunteering abroad. You have the opportunity to hear from CCS staff, and ask questions with other prospective volunteers. Check out past webinar recordings and presentations below, and look out for upcoming webinars.
Past Webinar Recordings
Watch all webinar recordings on YouTube
Getting to Know Cartago, Costa Rica
May 16th, 2012
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Presenters:
Summer Wick, Program Advisor
Molly Hampton, Program Site Specialist
Amanda Rosen, Program Advisor
Skip to indicated time to learn more on specific topics:
00:10 - Introductions
03:42 - Agenda
04:18 - About CCS
07:31 - About Costa Rica
09:53 - Fun Facts About Cartago
11:48 - The CCS Experience
12:45 - Volunteer Placements in Cartago
21:38 - CCS Home-Base, living arrangements, meals, & more!
26:58 - CCS Cartago Staff
33:27 - Cultural & Learning Activities
36:10 - Free Time
38:18 - Type of Support CCS Provides
40:44 - Question and answers from the audience
48:07 - Next Steps
Helpful Links:
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Why Pay to Volunteer Abroad?
April 24th, 2012
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Presenters:
Ansley Easterlin, Program Advisor
Pete Bryan, Program Advisor
Skip to indicated time to learn more on specific topics:
01:23 - Review of Agenda
02:03 - Introductions
03:07 - Different ways to responsibly help overseas
04:58 - About CCS
06:47 - The Value of CCS
07:09 - Type of Support CCS Provides
09:13 - What our volunteers can expect before enrolling
11:45 - What our volunteers can expect when preparing to travel
15:30 - What our volunteers can expect when in-country
21:48 - More about the CCS In-Country Staff
27:43 - What Your Program Fee Covers
39:00 - What It Doesn't Cover and Overall Benefits
41:39 - How to Enroll in a Program
46:29 - Additional Options for Paying Your Program Fee
49:00 - Fundraising Tips and Volunteer Examples
53:07 - Volunteer Voices
53:37 - Questions and answers from the audience
57:28 - Next steps, contact information, and upcoming events
Helpful Links:
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Summer Volunteering: Teen Adventures and Summer Excursions
March 20th, 2012
With the most start dates and program sites offered, summer is the most popular time to volunteer abroad! In this webinar we will review what CCS has to offer, highlight volunteering as a family, and discuss the Teen Volunteer Abroad program. Families trust CCS to provide safety, cultural immersion, and the best volunteer experience for all ages. Our Teen Volunteer Abroad program, exclusively available during the summer, allows teens to volunteer independently in one of six countries. Both of our presenters have traveled with their own families and can offer plenty of insight on the experience.
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Presenters:
Claire Boyce, Program Advisor
Alexandra Raab, Program Advisor
Skip to indicated time to learn more on specific topics:
00:28 - Agenda
01:41 - Introductions
04:29 - About CCS, A Recognized Leader
06:18 - About CCS Programs
07:55 - Summer Volunteering Advantages
09:22 - Our Program Design
10:00 - About the CCS Home-Base
12:27 - Dedication to Safety
14:56 - Types of Volunteer Work
18:16 - Cultural & Learning Activities
20:59 - Free Time
22:09 - Families in Action! About family volunteering
25:48 - What impact do families have when volunteering abroad?
29:30 - Presenters' experiences volunteering with family
34:00 - The Teen Volunteer Abroad Experience
38:20 - Types of Volunteer Work for Teens
39:45 - Value of a CCS Program
42:04 - Questions from the audience such as: How to enroll as a family, can my child who is a vegetarian be accomodated? Can volunteers participate from countries other than the USA? Are we able to contact our families back home, once in-country?
51:58 - Upcoming events and next steps
Helpful Links:
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Fall in Love with Russia! (Alumni Panel Discussion)
February 16th, 2012
The stories we hear from our volunteers about Russia are always the same -- how friendly, warm, safe, and welcoming the experience is. One phrase always stands out: “I have to come back.” This webinar talks about what makes the largest country in the world, also one of the most mysterious countries. There's also an alumni panel discussion with CCS Russia alumni Joseph Reeves (four-week volunteer) and Janice Drake (two-week volunteer).
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Presenters:
Cassandra Tomkin, Director of Operations
Kemper O'Neill, Program Advisor
Skip to indicated time to learn more on specific topics:
00:12 - Overview of the agenda
00:43 - Introductions
01:57 - Eliminating the Mystery: Why Russia is so mysterious
02:18 - The Romanovs: Peter & Catherine the Great
03:47 - The Revolution: Beginning of the 1900s
04:55 - Soviet Rules: 1920s and 1930s
05:41 - Russia in World War II: The Effects on Russia and St. Petersburg
06:31 - The Fall of Communism: The 1990s & Economic Shocks
07:58 - Present Day Russia: How Russia volunteers help the social culture in Russia
08:30 - Russian Culture: World-Famous Ballets, Concerts, Festivals, and Architecture
09:21 - Russian Culture: Storytelling
10:08 - What is "The Russian Soul" - Breaking down the stereotypes of Russia
10:57 - The truth about Russian climate
12:23 - Start of Alumni Panel Discussion (APD)
13:01 - APD: What were your biggest concerns about volunteering abroad?
14:49 - APD: How much Russian did you need to know for the travel and for your volunteering placement?
17:12 - APD: Why did you choose Russia considering all the other countries CCS offers?
20:00 - APD: How was the food in Russia?
22:30 - APD: What kinds of activities did you engage in with the people at your [volunteer] placements?
24:45 - APD: How would you describe living in the [CCS] Home-Base and how easy was it to contact your family?
26:24 - APD: Talk about the In-country staff and how they supported your trip.
29:27 - APD: What type of clothing should you bring so you don't look like a foreigner?
32:15 - APD: Free Time is so important to the CCS experience, what activities did you end up doing?
36:00 - About traveling to St. Petersburg on the weekends
36:54 - APD: What made you decide to volunteer for a long length of stay? (4 weeks and 2 weeks)
39:16 - APD: Any cultural sensitivities or unique customs that future volunteers should be aware of or that you found surprising?
42:20 - APD: Final thoughts or any advice you would give to prospective Russia volunteers?
46:23 - Why CCS Russia Program is so different from other CCS countries?
49:07 - About Yaroslavl, Russia and the CCS Program Fee
50:32 - Volunteer Placements in Russia
52:37 - Why Winter is Better! A second Christmas and 5-day New Year's celebration!
53:57 - Volunteer quotes
54:17 - Next Steps
54:56 - Questions and answers from audience
Helpful Links:
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Volunteering as a Group - Alternative Break and Summer Experiences
January 25th, 2012
This CCS webinar presentation will discuss the benefits of volunteering as a group with friends, family or co-workers.
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Presenters:
Hien Thach, Program Advisor
Alexandra Raab, Program Advisor
Skip to indicated time to learn more on specific topics:
00:05 - Introductions
01:06 - Agenda
02:32 - Overview of the Volunteer Abroad program
04:53 - Overview of the 1-week Insight Abroad program
08:00 - What is a Group?
10:35 - Who volunteers as a Group?
12:00 - Who volunteers as a Group? (Corporate Social Responsibility)
13:43 - Benefits of volunteering during Peak (summer) and Off-Peak (fall, winter, spring) season
15:07 - How to start planning to enroll as a Group
15:38 - What happens after you enroll and fundraising tips
18:43 - Alternative Break with CCS
19:31 - What is an "official" alternative break group?
20:30 - Applying to an alternative break program
21:07 - What CCS can provide alternative break groups
21:59 - Specialized focus for groups such as Social Sciences
23:28 - Discounts for student and alternative break groups
23:46 - Scholarship available for student group leaders
24:41 - Costa Rica volunteer group story
29:37 - Group volunteer placements
37:20 - CCS Campus Clubs
38:51 - Questions from the audience
49:22 - Contact info for starting a Group, Corporate Group or Campus Club
Helpful Links:
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Volunteer Abroad in India - 16 Years and Counting
December 15th, 2011
This CCS webinar presentation will discuss the two India program sites, the types of volunteer placements offered, and the personal experiences from CCS India alumni.
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Presenters:
Pete Bryan, Program Advisor
Alex Brandt, Program Site Specialist
Skip to indicated time to learn more on specific topics:
00:25 - Review of Agenda
00:35 - Introductions
02:50 - Overview of CCS India & In-Country Staff
05:35 - Quick Facts about CCS India
10:12 - Overview of a CCS Volunteer Abroad program
13:54 - About New Delhi, India
16:37 - Volunteer Placements in New Delhi
21:00 - Cultural & Learning Activities in New Delhi
24:46 - Free Time in New Delhi
27:57 - New Delhi Home-Base
29:24 - About Dharamsala and the Dharamsala Home-Base
32:15 - Volunteer placements in Dharamsala
36:06 - Cultural & Learning Activities in Dharamsala
38:48 - Free Time in Dharamsala
42:47 - Question & Answers from the audience including the type of food in India, program fee, and language
01:04:57 - Next steps and contact information
Helpful Links:
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Why Volunteer Abroad? A Look at FAQs
October 25th, 2011
CCS webinar presentation on volunteering abroad with Cross-Cultural Solutions and an overview of some of the most frequently asked questions.
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Presenters:
Claire Boyce, Program Advisor
Sharon N'Diaye, Program Site Specialist
Skip to indicated time to learn more on specific topics:
02:34 - Review of the Agenda
03:14 - Introductions of presenters
04:58 - AUDIENCE POLL: How knowledgeable do you feel about volunteering abroad?
07:33 - Why Choose CCS? A Recognized Leader in the Field
12:13 - Why Choose CCS? Our Approach to Volunteering Abroad
12:45 - Our Approach: In-Country Staff
15:16 - Our Approach: Local Partner Programs
20:27 - Audience question: What type of help can a volunteer offer?
23:31 - Our Approach: Cultural Immersion
23:51 - Our Approach: Home-Base Living
26:01 - Our Approach: Cultural & Learning Activities
30:02 - Our Approach: Dedication to Safety
31:50 - Our Approach: Healthy Meals and Bottled Water
34:55 - Why Choose CCS? Flexibility
38:39 - AUDIENCE POLL: How long can you plan to volunteer?
40:44 - Typical Experience as a CCS Volunteer
42:14 - Value of a CCS Program: What Your Program Fee Covers
47:05 - Program Quality & Satisfaction
48:54 - Some Ways to Fund Your Program
50:41 - AUDIENCE POLL: What type of prospective volunteer are you?
51:41 - Who are CCS Volunteers?
52:59 - What's New in 2012?
56:50 - AUDIENCE POLL: When were you planning to volunteer abroad?
59:14 - How Do I Choose the Right Program?
1:00:45 - Outline of the CCS Support Offered
1:02:59 - Questions from Registration Form including dietry needs, language fluency and disability needs
1:10:28 - Next Steps / Contact Information
1:12:14 - Questions from the Audience including volunteering with young children, weekend activities, and volunteer work questions
Helpful Links:
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Volunteer in Africa - A Continent of Contrasts
August 31st, 2011
CCS webinar presentation on volunteering in Africa in one of program sites: Ghana, Morocco, South Africa and Tanzania.
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Presenters:
Claire Boyce, Program Advisor
Alexandra Raab, Program Advisor
Skip to indicated time to learn more on specific topics:
01:05 - Agenda
01:28 - Introduction of presenters
03:05 - Why CCS Africa?
03:58 - Why CCS? The CCS Model
07:21 - Ensuring safety for our volunteers
08:32 - Overview of Morocco
12:54 - Overview of Ghana
14:31 - Cultural & Learning Activities in Ghana
16:45 - Overview of Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
19:49 - About Travelocity's Travel for Good grant
20:18 - Overview of Bagamoyo, Tanzania
23:35 - Overview of South Africa
26:13 - Cultural & Learning Activities in South Africa
29:01 - Next steps on enrolling in a CCS program
31:40 - Questions and Answers from the audience
Helpful Links:
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The CCS Experience in China
July 7th, 2011
CCS webinar presentation on what it's like to volunteer in Xi'an, China with Cross-Cultural Solutions.
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Presenters:
Pete Bryan, Program Advisor
Alex Brandt, Program Site Specialist for China
Skip to indicated time to learn more on specific topics:
01:05 - Agenda
01:49 - Introduction of presenters & CCS China Country Director
04:18 - About Xi'an, China
06:26 - Volunteer placements in CCS China
09:24 - Example of volunteer impact: Skill-based training
13:25 - About local volunteers in China
17:02 - Photos of volunteer placements
19:38 - Volunteer requirements for volunteer placements
20:43 - About the CCS China Home-Base
24:21 - Home-Base photos
28:01 - Cultural & Learning Activities: Museums, calligraphy, traditional Chinese medicine, badminton, Tai Chi and dumpling-making
39:43 - Free-Time activities: Traveling within China (Beijing, Shanghai, etc.), temples, shopping, karaoke, and massages
43:14 - Questions and answers from the audience
44:05 - Available lengths of stay for CCS China
45:30 - CCS China year-round program, more opportunity to attend festivals
46:41 - About average age of volunteers
Helpful Links:
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Volunteer in Russia - Learn from CCS alumni
May 25th, 2011
CCS webinar presentation on what it's like to volunteer in Russia with Cross-Cultural Solutions and questions answered by CCS Russia Alumni.
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Presenters:
Alexandra Raab, Program Advisor
Gwyn Knauer, Program Advisor
Skip to indicated time to learn more on specific topics:
00:42 - Introductions
01:34 - About Yaroslavl, Russia
04:18 - About recent volunteer travel to Russia
04:47 - The arts in Russia
05:10 - CCS program structure
07:45 - About the in-country Russia staff
09:34 - The benefits of having the CCS in-country staff
11:26 - About the CCS Russia Home-Base
15:53 - About volunteer placements
20:13 - About the Russia volunteer program: Arts & crafts
24:25 - More about the volunteer placement process
24:55 - Examples of recent Cultural & Learning Activites
28:29 - About Cultural & Learning Activies, Overview
31:55 - Examples of recent Free Time & weekend travel
34:40 - More examples of Free Time & weekend activities
35:23 - Russia in the Winter!
38:21 - Information on passports, visas, and health screening processes
42:08 - Questions and answers from the audience
44:15 - How to enroll in a CCS Volunteer program in Russia
45:18 - How to dress when volunteering in Russia
Helpful Links:
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Become an International Teen Volunteer!
April 28th, 2011
CCS webinar presentation explaining how to become a Teen Volunteer with Cross-Cultural Solutions and the value the experience has on a teen.
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Presenters:
Alexandra Raab, Program Advisor
Gwyn Knauer, Program Advisor
Skip to indicated time to learn more on specific topics:
00:56 - Teen Volunteer Abroad (TVA) program structure
02:26 - Safety and supervision
05:04 - Value of being an International Teen Volunteer
07:27 - Overview of TVA in Xi'an, China
10:19 - Overview of TVA in Hohoe, Ghana
12:34 - Overview of Noordhoek, South Africa, our newest TVA location
14:23 - Overview of Orosi, Costa Rica (1-6 weeks)
16:05 - Overview of Tecpan, Guatemala
17:44 - CCS Home-Base pictures from each country
19:59 - Volunteer placements and activites
23:37 - Application process
25:15 - Pre-departure support and volunteer placement information
26:59 - Questions and answers from the audience
Helpful Links:
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National Volunteer Week - A Spotlight on Guatemala
April 12th, 2011
CCS webinar presentation on volunteering abroad in Guatemala with Cross-Cultural Solutions, as a part of National Volunteer Week.
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Presenters:
Katie Nichols, Program Advisor
Alex Brandt, Program Site Specialist for Guatemala
Skip to indicated time to learn more on specific topics:
02:18 - CCS Guatemala overview
05:14 - CCS Home-Base in Guatemala
08:20 - Volunteer placements
13:56 - Volunteer placements for Insight Abroad, 1 week, program
15:56 - Presenter's personal experience in volunteer placement
17:54 - Cultural & Learning Activities
19:59 - Free Time activities
25:58 - Guatemalan holidays and celebrations
26:45 - How to volunteer abroad in Guatemala with CCS
27:41 - Questions and answers from the audience
Helpful Links:
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Volunteering in Costa Rica
March 22nd, 2011
CCS webinar presentation on volunteering in Costa Rica during the summer time with Cross-Cultural Solutions.
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Presenters:
Pete Bryan, Program Advisor-Team Leader
Molly Hampton, Program Site Specialist for Costa Rica
Skip to indicated time to learn more on specific topics:
01:07 - CSS Home Base-San Carlos, Costa Rica
05:38 - CSS Home Base-Cartago, Costa Rica
08:08 - Volunteer placement
13:13 - Volunteer placement in schools
19:35 - Volunteer placement in eldercare facilities
25:44 - Volunteer placement in special education schools
27:48 - Volunteer placement process
29:11 - Cultural & Learning Activities
34:28 - Free Time activities
39:53 - CCS Costa Rica staff
41:03 - Start dates and how to get more information
42:23 - Questions and answers from the audience
Helpful Links:
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Learn more about upcoming webinars and events.
