The Student Experience.

Are you between the ages of 16-29?

Are you a registered student at a Post Secondary Institution?

Yes?  Join a group of peers and become part of a service-based grassroots movement and a growing community of active global citizens.

As a Developing World Connections student volunteer, you will work as part of a team, building a needed community centre, training facility, house or school. You will directly assist our host communities as you work side by side with local people to improve their own lives and build a sustainable future. We offer students, like you, the opportunity to give a little piece of themselves… to make a positive contribution toward a better, more connected world.

If you are interested in becoming a Team Leader to lead a group from your school, contact the Development Coordinator, Jess Rothenburger. Post Secondary Student experiences offered in 2010 are being organized now.

WHAT IS THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE?

Over the course of 4 weeks, you will essentially be welcomed into the host community. You’ll get to know the people you’re working alongside. You’ll get to know the local culture - and will probably marvel at how much you have in common with the locals. Most importantly, you’ll also get to know the people whose lives will change because of your visit.

Most student volunteers go on one of our trips instead of going backpacking or studying abroad. There are a number of trips being planned right now to Guatemala, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Rwanda, Swaziland, Cambodia, India, Nepal, Philippines, Indonesia, Haiti and Peru.

WHO CAN VOLUNTEER AS PART OF A STUDENT GROUP?:

You can! If you are between the ages of 12 and 29, a registered student and have an open mind, an adventurous spirit and a caring soul, you can be part of a Developing World Connections student group. No special skills are required and if you have physical limitations, you work according to your ability.

It’s not what you can do and how fast you can do it – it’s about being part of the process. As part of a team, you can have lots of fun and create life long memories and build global friendships.

WHO CAN I GO WITH?

Developing World Connections volunteer work as part of a team. You 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 working 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.

Strictly a volunteer position, a Team Leader serves as a recruiter, facilitator, liaison, and advocate of Developing World Connections. Team Leaders are trained in first aid.

HOW LONG CAN I GO FOR?

The Student Experience may cost a bit more but lasts a lot longer. The accommodations are also more rustic. Over the course of 4 weeks, you will have the chance to immerse yourself into the lifestyle of the host-community.

As part of a high-school student experience, the duration may vary from anywhere between 7 and 14 days.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING?

You will be doing what the host-partner and community feels is the most important at the time. All of the projects are selected by the Host Partner in conjunction with the community.  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.

WHERE WILL I STAY AND WHAT WILL I EAT?

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.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The Participant Cost varies for each country and depends on the duration of the experience. Typically, the cost for a 4 week Student Experience averages $4000 CDN, including airfare.

This contribution includes in-country meals, accommodation and in-country ground group transport, as well as a substantial direct donation to the project itself. This cost, combined with the cost of airfare, is 100% tax deductible. This means you can fundraise. We issue charitable tax receipts for the Program Cost plus your airfare, and to anyone who donates to Developing World Connections volunteer experience on your behalf.

I AM INTERESTED, NOW WHAT?

Click here for a list of 2010 Student International Volunteer Experiences.

Join us on Facebook.

Contact us for more information on how to have your high school or post secondary institution send participants to volunteer with Developing World Connections around the world.