On August 26, 2017 Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Houston, Texas bringing with it record breaking rainfall and it became the costliest hurricane to ever hit the United States with an estimated $200 billion in damage. At its height, Harvey displaced more than 30,000 people in the Houston area and while rebuilding efforts have been ongoing, there is much work to do.
This program is an opportunity to give back and help Houston homeowners recover from the effects of Harvey. Participants will be spending their days working under the direction of Westcoast Connection and SBP and their AmeriCorps members in Houston on an active build site to directly help with the rebuilding efforts.
SBP is a national organization born out of the rebuilding process of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans with the goal of shrinking the time between disaster and recovery. Since 2006, SBP has directly rebuilt homes for more than 1,300 families with the help of more than 180,000 volunteers across the country. SBP has committed to supporting long-term recovery in Texas and has opened an office in Houston to conduct operations.
Whether you’re volunteering with the Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation or enjoying the adrenaline rush from adventure, this program will expose you to the magic of Costa Rica. In your interactions with the communities, you’ll enjoy direct experience with the warm and inviting locals and truly make a difference in their lives. After this 10 day journey, Pura Vida will take on a whole new meaning.
Washington, D.C. is not only the vibrant capital of the United States, but it’s also been the home of the American Red Cross National Headquarters since 1881. The Red Cross, through its network of volunteers, donors and partners, is always there to help people affected by disasters, help communities stay safe, teach lifesaving skills and support the U.S. Armed Forces at home and around the world.
During your stay in Washington, D.C., you will discover meaningful ways to make an impact with the largest humanitarian organization in the world. Make a difference by helping keep communities safe from home fire, injury and death, as well as assisting homeless veterans. You will also learn new skills to help those in need as you become CPR/First Aid/AED certified.
Experience first-hand what it takes to run a mobile clinic in the Andean Highlands of Ecuador. You will learn under the guidance of MEDLIFE medical professionals in an effort to provide free healthcare. From our base in the city of Riobamba, with stunning views of the Chimborazo Mountain, we will help deliver these services to the poor rural communities near Cebadas. You will shadow medical professionals, work directly with mostly indigenous locals, and help implement health care programs to provide you a greater understanding of public health initiatives. Start it all off touring Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, and cap off your stay whitewater rafting the Pastaza River to add to your South American experience.
This is your chance to learn Spanish with the rewards of community service and the adventure of travel. We have teamed up with Centro Panamericano de Idiomas (CPI) to give you a unique educational experience in two of their campuses in very diverse regions of the country – Heredia in the Central Valley and the beach town of Flamingo on the Pacific Coast. This variety ensures you enjoy diverse excursions to complement your in-class instruction. Whether you are whitewater rafting, building bunk beds for children or chatting with “ticos”, you are sure to improve your Spanish and have an unforgettable experience!
You Will Visit, Travel Dates & Grades
You Will Visit
Central Valley, Arenal, Flamingo Beach, Rincon de La Vieja
Your student travel to South Africa will be filled with unbelievable wildlife, scenic landscapes, and a cultural experience like none other. The warm relations we have established with the Klaserie Holiday Club enable you to work closely with the local youth. You will gain as much from this service learning experience as the young students you will be privileged to spend time with. Top that off with an unforgettable safari to see the Big 5 in Kruger National Park and this is two weeks sure to last a lifetime.
You will feel Peru’s beauty and rich culture as you are warmly welcomed into the local schools and communities in which you’ll be volunteering. From working to improve their school to leading activities for local children, this promises to be a meaningful experience. Combine your service with incredible adventure as Peru is one of the most spectacular and geographically diverse countries in the world. From exploring the Amazon Jungle and marveling at the Incan ruins at Machu Picchu to whitewater rafting the Urubamba River, you will experience it all. You are sure to return home with incredible new friends and broadened horizons from all we have experienced together!
As part of the Pre-College Enrichment Montreal program, Community Service is available as a morning course, along with your choice of an afternoon course. Work with youth at the Boys & Girls Club and get a taste of college life as you enjoy McGill University’s facilities including the athletics & recreation center. During your free time, explore the vibrant city of Montreal and have fun with fellow pre-college students on weekend excursions and day trips, all included in your tuition.
Aloha! Hawaii is a paradise to visit. However, like many tropical islands, booming tourism threatens the fragile environment. Additionally, the economic benefits fall unevenly and there are many working poor. You will have the opportunity to make a difference by running a day camp and helping to preserve the environment. Beautiful weather, beaches, and scenery along with some radical surf are just a huge bonus. By the time of your final banquet dinner, you will be a close-knit ohana and wishing you could prolong your stay to help even more.
As part of the Pre-College Enrichment Los Angeles program, Community Service is available as either a full-day track option or an afternoon course, along with your choice of a morning course. Work with incredible organizations and truly make a difference while enjoying a little sunshine and staying at a UCLA residence with their world-class recreation facilities. Study breaks include exciting excursions around L.A.