The Create-Your-Own Experience.
Developing World Connections schedules numerous short-term volunteer trips each year. Yet, we realize that some of the these scheduled volunteer experiences will not fit everybody's personal schedules or allow them to travel to the project of their choice. This is why we have introduced the option to Create-Your-Own International Volunteer Experience trip. Typically, these customized trips last 1 - 2 weeks just like the short-term experiences.
Your group can choose to work on sustainable projects in Guatemala, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Rwanda, Swaziland, Cambodia, India, Philippines, Nepal, and Peru.
WHAT DOES "CREATE-YOUR-OWN EXPERIENCE" MEAN?
Perhaps you work for a company that would like to send employees to work on a volunteer project together. Maybe your family is interested in taking a unique trip together. Or, perhaps you and members from your church or your home builders association want to have a meaningful adventure exclusive to them. Whatever the reason, you can do this through Developing World Connections. Normally, short-term experiences are made up of individuals from all different backgrounds and ages who come together to form a group. When you create-your-own trip, you can create an exclusive team with invited guests, or leave it open for anyone to join.
Your experience is designed to fulfill the wishes of your group. Customized trips can be designed for more adventurous and flexible participants with a lower budget in mind, or for those with more comfort in mind. Work activities can vary depending on where the group prefers to focus its efforts, applying its specific trade, skills, interests, or profession. Plus, you can add team building or professional development opportunities to your trip.
WHAT ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS?
One of our most popular Create-Your-Own Experience is the high school student experience where only students from a particular school can participate on an exclusive trip. Over the course of 1 - 2 weeks, students are welcomed into the host community. They get to know the people they're working alongside and the local culture. It's a great learning experience that gives teens a broadened global outlook and heightened cross-cultural sensitivites.
Most high school groups take these trips over their spring break; however, we can customize a trip for anytime during the year. Most communities or projects can accommodate 1 or 2 teams over a 6 week period. Trips are booked on a first come, first serve basis. Please contact us if you would like to book or find out more about a high school student experience.
WILL OUR GROUP HAVE A TEAM LEADER?
Absolutely! Your group will be accompanied by a volunteer Team Leader. Team Leaders make all the difference by supporting the Team from start to finish. They take time from their jobs and lives to provide the invaluable service of ensuring the well being of the volunteers and work hard to make sure that everyone involved has a great experience. Our Team Leaders are experienced travelers and past participants and possess an intimate understanding of the volunteers’ needs. We will make sure your group has an appropriate Team Leader that will enhance the overall trip for your specific team.
Strictly a volunteer position, a Team Leader serves as a recruiter, facilitator, liaison, and advocate of Developing World Connections. They are also trained in first aid. Visit our Team Leader page to read about a few of our current team leaders.
HOW LONG CAN MY GROUP GO FOR?
Just like a Short Term Experience, you can volunteer for 1 or 2 weeks. We recommend spending extra time after your volunteer experience to tour some of the incredible sites each country has to offer. Please contact your travel agent for additional cultural components you could partake in after your Developing World Connections Volunteer Experience is complete.
WHAT WILL OUR GROUP BE DOING?
You will be doing what the host-partner and community feels is the most important at the time. However, in any case, you will likely have the chance to get your hands dirty building something, likely a community center, a house or a school. Physical infrastructure projects fill an important need and can be completed by teams in a short period – a great way to experience the tangible fruits of your labour.
Building something together is a great way to develop your world connections and create a powerful legacy.
You can volunteer on Projects that focus on:
- Education, Training and Livelihood Centres.
Rwanda, Kenya, Swaziland, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Peru, Philippines
India, Cambodia, Kenya, Cambodia
Peru, India, Kenya, Nepal, Guatemala, Swaziland
- Homes and Community Building.
Guatemala, Cambodia, Swaziland
WHERE WILL WE STAY AND WHAT WILL I EAT?
You and your team won't have to sleep in a hut on the floor - we take great care to pre-screen our accommodations so they are acceptable by North American standards. The accommodations are not luxurious, but they are clean and comfortable. You will be provided the opportunity to sample the local cuisine and also get to eat western fare. In all cases, the food is appetizing and hygienically prepared.Special dietary requirements can be accommodated.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Typically, the Program Cost is extremely similar to a Short Term trip but will vary depending on the location and duration of the Create-Your-Own volunteer trip.
Your Volunteer Experience is 100% tax deductible. We will issue a charitable tax receipt for the Program Cost plus your airfare. You may also fundraise for the total cost of your trip including your airfare. In these cases, we will issue a charitable tax receipt to those who donate on your behalf.
I AM INTERESTED...HOW DO I CREATE MY OWN GROUP?
Decide which country or project you and your group would be interested in. Check possible dates and time of year your group can travel. Then, please contact us. We want to make your trip one of the best and most rewarding experiences of your life!
