Goodgoing
Philanthropic trips abroad for students By Erica Herbert
“If you wanT to travel, why not help out while doing it?” asks Alan Hoyt, manager of the Student Travel Association in Chicago’s South Loop. Echo sought out spring break, summer and post-graduation volunteer opportunities abroad where you can put your skills and interests to work. Costs include everything except for airline travel.
volunteer with Sea Turtles in tortuguero
Teach Children in South Africa
Spend 15 days studying nesting turtles and assisting researchers with data collection.
Assist teachers and students, ages 2 to 6, and participate in community projects, such as building and painting community buildings. Evenings are free for exploration. Stays can be one to eight weeks.
“You get to be by the beach and work with the turtles. It’s not something you could really do anywhere else. Plus, everyone wants to go to Costa Rica.” —Alan Hoyt, Student Travel Association
“Capetown is a beautiful place to be, so not only are you there, helping and giving back, but you’re in an awesome place.” —Alan Hoyt
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Peru Healthcare Quests
Orphanage and Community Development Quest
Work with the elderly, youth and people with psychiatric impairments. All options require medical and Spanish knowledge, from beginner to advanced. Minimum stay is four weeks.
Stay in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains for a week or more, teaching English and playing with orphans in need of attention.
“These programs are great for pre-med students and students interested in the medical field. It is very eye-opening to be exposed to healthcare systems in different countries around the world, and can help students focus their career goals and interests.” —Andrea Shapiro, marketing supervisor for United Planet
“Volunteering in Romania is unique because the volunteer site is essentially its own community. Volunteers experience complete immersion in a supportive environment and see hands-on how the community functions.” —Jinexa Rivera, program coordinator for United Planet
Organization: U NITED PLANET Cost: $2915 FO R FOUR WEEKS