Volunteers can take advantage of the chance to explore a different environment and contribute to sustainable development on an outdoor service project
NEW YORK – July 8, 2015 – For Americans looking to make the most of the summer and explore the outdoors, Projects Abroad has a range of service projects that are available from as little as one week. Volunteers can travel abroad and enjoy living in a different environment while participating in a meaningful activity. As an alternative to relaxing at a beach resort or staying at home to binge Netflix, Americans could find themselves working to build houses for displaced families, coaching sports at a summer camp for disadvantaged children, or conserving endangered flora and fauna at a national park.
Projects Abroad Conservation volunteers plant a tree at Barra Honda National Park in Costa Rica
“Summer is the perfect time of year for volunteers looking to get involved with outdoor service work in a developing country,” says Christian Clark, Deputy Director of Projects Abroad USA. “Through Projects Abroad, volunteers have their pick of projects in an outdoor setting in more than a dozen destinations and can pursue whatever piques their interest. We hope that more volunteers will join the hundreds of volunteers already abroad for the summer and take advantage of the opportunity to simultaneously create unique memories and help out on our projects.”
The outdoor projects that the organization has on offer across the globe are appropriate for volunteers of all ages, fitness levels, and interests. In addition, many of the projects actively contribute to social development in the communities where Projects Abroad works. There are also a number of projects where students can gain practical experience and conduct university research in their chosen fields – Archaeology and Conservation & Environment projects are especially popular options for students looking for this kind of volunteer experience.
Here are three other types of worthwhile projects for volunteers looking to experience in the outdoors in a different country this summer:
On a Building project, volunteers effect lasting change in the community and in areas affected by natural disasters by assisting with the construction and renovation of classrooms, houses, toilets, and other structures.
A Sports project is great for volunteers with an interest in fitness and working with children and young adults. Volunteers can choose to coach one or more sports, including soccer, basketball, volleyball, surfing, track & field, as well as any physical game or activity that children will enjoy.
Volunteers can put themselves to work in greenhouses and on organic farms, contributing to sustainable development by teaching schools and communities about different farming methods and helping raise crops.
For more information on volunteering abroad, please visit www.projects-abroad.org/volunteer-projects/volunteer-abroad.
Projects Abroad was founded in 1992 by Dr. Peter Slowe, a geography professor, as a program for students to travel and work while on break from full-time study. The program had its genesis in post-USSR Romania, where students were given the chance to teach conversational English. After a few years just sending volunteers to Eastern Europe for teaching, the company expanded to sending volunteers of all ages around the world on a wide range of projects.
Projects Abroad is a global leader in short-term international volunteer programs with projects in 28 countries and recruitment offices in the UK, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Holland, Hong Kong, Norway, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden and the United States.
For details on volunteering abroad, visit Projects Abroad’s web site at www.projects-abroad.org
