Our Approach

"Adapting to a new culture and working in such a meaningful and challenging capacity was one of the most satisfying and important events I have experienced and has changed my life forever."

Rob, India volunteer

Volunteer Work Overseas Cross-Cultural Solutions believes that the most successful approach to international volunteering is one that defers to the needs and goals of the local community. We recognize that local people know what is valuable and appropriate for their own community, and we're committed to providing volunteer work that helps them carry out their own set of objectives, rather than imposing another one.

Our in-country staff are always highly experienced members of the local community who are responsible for setting up and running programs in their region. They are from the region in which our programs operate, and therefore have a vast knowledge of the local community and its needs.

Cross-Cultural Solutions works with dynamic and inspiring community-led organizations that we call "Partner Programs." These organizations appreciate the energy and commitment that CCS volunteers give to their work. CCS only partners with existing local organizations so that our volunteers provide a meaningful contribution. CCS volunteers are always working with local people, and their work is both relevant to the community as well as sustainable.

Through this approach, CCS volunteers and our partners are given the opportunity to work side-by-side and connect, one person to another. The work is mutually inspiring, and volunteers really get to experience another culture like never before.

Read about the contribution that CCS volunteers make in the local community.