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VOLUNTEER ABROAD

STUDENT VOLUNTEER ABROAD PROGRAMS

It's so cliche to say that this ‘changed my life’ but I feel like it enriched my life in ways I'm still discovering. The most prominent thought in my mind as I was preparing to leave [Costa Rica] and in the days after I returned home was ‘I need to do this again.
— Anne, Volunteer
What is success? Is it having a stellar resume and a top-notch career, or a sense of connection, community, and love? Why not both? Students who volunteer abroad are better prepared for success in the 21st century—not just by honing academic and career skills, but by empowering themselves to become more passionate and active global citizens. CCS volunteer programs are designed for future change agents—for curious, passionate, adventurous students who want to engage in meaningful volunteer work, learn about complex social issues, connect with people from different cultures, and journey to places they’ve only read about in a textbook or seen on Instagram.

I decided to take a break from school and my parents suggested to me, going to Costa Rica for 3 months with CCS. I am so happy I did, I have taken away and learned so much from my time spent there... Personally it confirmed what career I wanted to pursue and taught me so much about myself and the world I live in.

— Mary, Volunteer

Volunteer Abroad in Ghana

Volunteer Abroad in Guatemala

Volunteer Abroad in Peru

There is a perfect balance between structure, learning, and fun. The memories you gain will change you and all those around you. Be a beacon to humanity and join!

— Megan, Volunteer

WAYS TO RECEIVE ACADEMIC CREDIT

Do you want credit for serving abroad? Here are some ways that can happen! You can register for an independent study or a service learning course, complete a CCS internship, or fulfill any community service graduation requirements. Some academic and licensure programs require a supervisor, which we can provide. Contact your academic advisor, education abroad office, or career services office to review your options. If you need guidance with this process, you can email our CCS Campus Engagement guru, Carlton Rounds, to help figure out your options! Email: carlton@crossculturalsolutions.org.

It's so cliche to say that this ‘changed my life’ but I feel like it enriched my life in ways I'm still discovering. The most prominent thought in my mind as I was preparing to leave [Costa Rica] and in the days after I returned home was ‘I need to do this again.

— Anne, Volunteer

Blog Posts

The Volunteer Blog from CCS Staff and Alumni

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Pushing Your Boundaries

by Cassandra, CCS Staff
High School VolunteeringMorocco

Sorting through the endless summer opportunities for teens is a daunting task, so why is Morocco exactly where they belong this year? I spent five months living and working at our program site in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco working at the local school, helping to run a CSS-funded summer camp, and chaperoning our teens through the winding streets of the Fez medina and the beaches of Rabat, to the scorching hot sands of the Sahara where we arrived on camel-back and slept under the stars.

KEEP READING

More from the Blog

The Teen Ghana Experience
April 06, 2018
A Teen Who Changed Lives
July 11, 2017
A month in Costa Rica
April 15, 2015
My summer volunteering in Ghana
October 11, 2013
HSVA Documentarian of the Summer
October 09, 2013
Read Our Blog »

It's so cliche to say that this ‘changed my life’ but I feel like it enriched my life in ways I'm still discovering. The most prominent thought in my mind as I was preparing to leave [Costa Rica] and in the days after I returned home was ‘I need to do this again.

— Anne, Volunteer

Other Options

International Internships

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Gap Year Programs

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High School Volunteer Abroad

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WHO VOLUNTEERS

    Fun Facts

    Did you know...

    The top 3 reasons students choose to volunteer abroad are 1) make a difference, 2) cultural immersion/travel, and 3) personal growth, according to a Go Overseas survey.

    Did you know...

    Top universities including Harvard, Princeton, and New York University strongly encourage students to defer enrollment in pursuit of a meaningful gap year experience.

    Did you know...

    Less than 10% of U.S. university students graduate having studied abroad! The Institute of International Education wants to double the number of students with international experience by 2020.

    Did you know...

    According to a QS study of over 10,000 employers globally, 60% said that they actively seek or value international experience in potential employees.

    Did you know...

    The number of Americans who own passports has grown 35% over the past 40 years! Still, less than half of Americans have passports (for now!).
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