As a student leader of a group, you will have the unique opportunity to work with CCS’ Group Enrollment Specialist, a Program Site Specialist, and in-country staff — experts in community development and cultural exchange — to develop a volunteer experience that matches your group’s specific interests. In addition to helping to create your program, you will also have the responsibility of recruiting and inspiring others to engage in global issues. Mobilizing a group of participants for a student-led program involves dedication and a commitment to international service; by coordinating a group to volunteer abroad you will develop leadership skills to last throughout your lifetime.
Creating Your Program
You choose the Area of Impact, start date, and CCS program site for your student-led group’s volunteer abroad experience. Contact our Group Enrollment Specialist today to talk about the program that best fits your group’s needs and interests. Together, we will design a program that meets your needs, while contributing to meaningful work that has a positive impact in the community.
Mobilizing Your Team
Student leaders are responsible for recruiting a group of dedicated, passionate international volunteers looking to have the experience of a lifetime! Student leaders often find success by coordinating their program through their Alternative Breaks office on campus, hosting informational recruitment sessions, speaking with motivated student groups and clubs, and posting information about your program on campus. If you are interested in hosting a recruitment session to gather a group for a CCS program, please contact us for information and materials.
Pre-Departure Coordination
Student leaders will work with their Program Site Specialist to prepare themselves and their group for their international volunteering experience. Program Site Specialists will speak individually to each participant in the group; however, student leaders will be responsible for:
- Motivating the group through in-person meetings
- Coordinating group conference calls with the Program Site Specialist
- Ensuring that all group paperwork has been submitted on time
- Leading and guiding fundraising efforts
- Being the primary financial contact
In-Country Support
CCS has a full in-country staff in each of the countries where we work, who are experts in international volunteer work and community development. Student leaders will have the opportunity to work directly with our in-country staff to plan a unique experience for their student-led group that focuses on the group’s Area of Impact and other interests/goals. Activities may include guest speakers, a trip to meet with a local organization that works within your focused Area of Impact, or a specialized learning experience.
Re-Orientation
Returning home as the leader of your student-led group is an incredible opportunity to build upon the action you took in country, spread awareness about global issues, and inspire others to get involved and effect positive change.
Each student leader is encouraged to meet with their group following their volunteer abroad program to discuss and process the experience, and also organize follow-up activities to stay involved in global issues. For many groups, this includes domestic service projects that are held throughout the remainder of the year to continue your work within your Area of Impact. It can also mean assisting the next student leader as they begin to plan their international student-led volunteering experience. CCS provides the Alumni Action Network to help guide individuals and student leaders in furthering their commitment to international issues and staying involved with CCS. You can host a CCS information session, serve as an alumni reference, be a campus ambassador, and more.
