Volunteer in Africa - Programs and Participant Reports

Cross-Cultural Solutions: Volunteer in Africa for the Experience of a Lifetime! Experience another culture like never before while making a real difference in people’s lives. You’ll gain perspectives and insights into the local culture and yourself. It’s an exciting and personally inspiring experience, and you’ll develop memories that will be with you forever. Programs operate in Arusha, Bagamoyo, and Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, and the Volta Region of Ghana.
	Dates Offered: Choose from start dates year-round and lengths-of-stay from 2-12 weeks. Costs: The U.S. tax-deductible program fee for a two-week program is £1,408 with each additional week of stay only £162. Contact: Cross-Cultural Solutions, 2 Clinton Place, New Rochelle, NY 10801. Tel: 800.380.4777 or 914.632.0022; in the UK call 0845 458 2781/2782; other countries call +44 (0) 1273 666392; Fax: 914.632.8494. Email: info@crossculturalsolutions.org Website: www.crossculturalsolutions.org
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Marine Conservation Volunteer Program in the Seychelles Join critical marine conservation programs on this expedition and be an active member of the GVI Marine Research team in the Indian Ocean, on the Seychelles Islands. The expedition base is set within the Cap Ternay Marine National Park, on the main island of Mahe. Here you will spend your time scuba diving upon the coral reef, collecting data on coral and fish species, taking part in whale shark migration surveys, turtle nesting research and in-water turtle, octopus and lobster surveys. Volunteers have the rare opportunity to be a part of volunteer work on internationally respected research projects, while being immersed in the exciting world of marine biology in breathtaking surroundings.
	Dates: 5 or 10 weeks, visit the website for upcoming start dates Costs: From $3990 for 5 weeks Email Contact: info@gviworld.com Phone Contact: +1 888 653 6028 (USA) or +44 (0) 1727 250 250 (UK) Where do I go from here? Visit the website for more information on this marine conservation expedition
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Turtle Conservation Volunteering on Zanzibar Island, Africa On this volunteer program you will live in the village of Nungwi on the northern Zanzibar, East Africa. Traditional Swahili coastal life persists here alongside one of the island's most popular tourist destinations. Unfortunately fishing and modern tourism development threaten the endangered turtle species found here. As a volunteer your work will be hands-on alongside local villagers in caring for the rescued turtles and hatchlings. At the community-run Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond these turtles are being given a better chance of survival. The different tasks will include feeding the resident turtles, maintaining facilities and guiding visitors. In addition you may also participate in local beach cleans, education programs, turtle nest protection and releases. This project offers a superb way to aid community-conservation, live the Swahili lifestyle and enjoy one of East Africa's most beautiful locations.
	Dates: 1 to 12 week durations available, visit the website for upcoming start dates Costs: From $1200 for 1 week Email Contact: info@gviworld.com Phone Contact: +1 888 653 6028 (USA) or +44 (0) 1727 250 250 (UK) Where do I go from here? Visit the website for more information on this turtle conservation project
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Volunteer Travel to Teach Sport to Children in Zambia
The Rural Program for Education and Sport (ROPES) in Zambia uses sport and physical activities to engage rural children, especially girls, in life skills education that also integrates HIV/AIDS and Sexual and Reproductive Health Education. As one of the poorest nations in Africa, Zambia’s cultural practices often lead children and young adults to expose themselves to risky sexual practices. Adventurous volunteers are needed, who work independently and enjoy teaching sports to children (though some training will be given upon arrival). Working on this program you will enhance your global awareness; further develop your leadership skills, learn coaching and teaching skills; and gain practical experience which will last you a lifetime.

Dates: 4 to 12 weeks, departures throughout the year
Costs: From US$2300 for 4 weeks
Contact in USA: Call toll free 888-653-6028
Contact in UK: 01727 250250
Website: www.gviusa.com

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Volunteer Abroad Placements Available in Africa through Working Abroad
Choose from Wildlife conservation programs in Africa caring for baboons, cheetahs, elephants, lions and more. Volunteer programs include placement, housing, meals, project related transportation, training and social and cultural activities. Over 35 years experience arranging cultural exchange programs.

Cost: $1,195 and up
Dates: Year-Round
Contact: InterExchange Working Abroad, 161 Sixth Avenue, New York, NY 10013, 212-924-0446, toll-free 1-800-597-3675
Email: workabroad@interexchange.org
Website: www.workingabroad.org

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Marine Conservation Volunteer Program in the Seychelles
Join critical conservation efforts on this marine expedition and be an active member GVI’s Marine Research team in the Indian Ocean, just off the Seychelles. The expedition base is located in the Cap Ternay Marine National Park, on the main island of Mahe. You will spend your time scuba diving around the coral reef, collecting research data on coral and fish species, helping with whale shark migration surveys, turtle nesting research and octopus and lobster surveys. This is a rare opportunity to be a part of internationally respected research projects, while immersing yourself in the exciting world of marine biology and living in breathtaking surroundings.

Dates:5 to 10 weeks, departures throughout the year
Costs: From US$3370 for 5 weeks
Contact in USA: Call toll free 888-653-6028
Contact in UK: 01727 250250
Website: www.gviusa.com

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Volunteer in Benin
Immerse yourself in the fascinating culture of Benin as you live and work among local people and become a part of their community. Choose from projects in health care, children's programs, social service projects and education. Placements include room and board with homestays and are available throughout Benin. Participants should have an intermediate level of French. Our dedicated and friendly staff in Benin provide support and assistance throughout the program. Greenheart Travel is a division of CCI, a non profit founded in 1985 and run by seasoned travel enthusiasts who regularly participate in their own cultural exchanges.

Dates: Flexible, year round.
Cost: The cost starts at $1490 for a two week program including homestay with meals, insurance, airport transfers and a 4 day arrival orientation.
Contact: Greenheart Travel, 712 N. Wells St 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60654.
Tel: 1.312.944.2544 or toll free 1.866.684.9675.
Email: info@greenhearttravel.org
Website: www.greenhearttravel.org

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Volunteer in Africa
United Planet offers volunteer abroad programs from 1-52 weeks located in Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique, Uganda, and Nigeria. Placements are available at health care, orphanage work, teaching, community development projects. Programs fee includes meals, lodging, training, language lessons, insurance, cultural excursions, and more (varies by country, contact us for details). In 2008, United Planet was selected by CNN as one of only ten organizations for its "Be the Change" initiative.

Contact: United Planet, 11 Arlington St, Boston MA 02116, USA. Tel. 617-267-7763.
Email: quest@unitedplanet.org
Website: www.unitedplanet.org

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WorldTeach in Africa
WorldTeach offers opportunities for volunteers to make a meaningful contribution to international education by living and teaching in countries such as Namibia and South Africa. All programs include: full-time in-country coordinator; intensive in-country orientation including language and TESOL training; room and board with host families/apartments. Requires: native level of English fluency; BA or equivalent for year-long programs. Fee covers program costs, including health insurance, airfare, housing, teaching placement, and in-country support.

Contact: Center for International Development, Harvard University, 79 John F. Kennedy St., Box 122, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA; (617) 495-5527.
Email/Website: info@worldteach.org, www.worldteach.org

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Children’s Sports Coach Uganda
The International language of football goes a long way in breaking down barriers, be them cultural or language. Either way, volunteers will find that teaching basic sports skills to the children is a great way to work with young people, stay fit and discover the beautiful country of Uganda. The program is located in the town of Masaka in the south east of the country just west of the gorgeous Lake Victoria..

Cost: From £490
Contact: Volunteer with children in Africa

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Elephant Sanctuary South Africa
Often reaching a colossal 7.3 metres in height and weighing in at a gargantuan 9000 kg, the majestic African elephant strides at an average of 6 kph. Elephant calves, perhaps less confidently, stand just as majestically at 76 cm tall, safe in the knowledge of what they are to become.

Under careful and professional supervision, you will contribute through elephant care duties, behavioural studies, game counts and surveys at Addo Elephant Park. You will gain hands on skills and opportunities to bond with these spellbinding creatures in their beautiful natural environment.

Cost: From £700
Contact: Elephant conservation in South Africa

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Horse Safari and Conservation South Africa
What better way of getting in touch with the wild than riding on the back of a horse. You will certainly learn about the different personalities of the horses and get plenty of time riding and exercising them. Located in deep in the African bush, the Northern Drakensberg Mountain range forms the backdrop to the reserve. Expect to assist with the caring of the horses and become ‘bush wise’ learning African wildlife. The surrounding reserves are host to the lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalos and leopards but none are resident in the reserve you’re staying on so you can sleep well.

Cost: From £550
Contact: Conservation South Africa

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Living with Lions Volunteer South Africa
The jaw-dropping beauty of South Africa’s natural landscape truly is a sight to behold. The Living with Lions programme offers you the unforgettable opportunity of getting up close and personal with 80 Lions at a protected wildlife reserve.

Don’t think for one second that this is a back-seat spectator trip. Expect to be helping out with the daily running of the reserve; feeding the baby hyenas and lion cubs, welcoming the visitors and maintaining the welfare of the animals. Look out for cheetahs, wild dogs, hyenas, black-blacked jackals and always sleep with one eye firmly open.

Cost: From £800
Website: Volunteer with lions conservation programme

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Make a Difference in Conservation, Community and Eco-tourism Join a team of volunteers on 6 or 10 week placement in Kenya, Tanzania, or South Africa. Experience and become involved in conservation, community, and eco-lodge projects. Teaching orphans, tracking wildlife and helping on safari is just the tip of the iceberg. Approximately 65% of your fee goes towards the projects. Over the last 10 years we are proud to have contributed to sustainable overseas development and changed the lives of many (and that includes the lives of the volunteers!)
	Dates: Departures in Jan, April, July and Sept for 10 or 6 weeks Cost: From £1500 for 6 weeks Contact: The Leap Overseas Ltd., 121 High Street, Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 1 LZ Email: info@theleap.co.uk Website: www.theleap.co.uk
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Conservation Placements in Southern Africa Whether you want to get hands-on in a wildlife rehabilitation centre, experience life as a wildlife vet, learn how to track wildlife or join a research project in a national park – volunteering with African Conservation Experience allows you to make a real difference to wildlife in southern Africa. With nearly a decade’s experience, we are the original and most experienced organisation at placing people on worthwhile conservation projects in southern Africa.
	Dates: 2-12 weeks, variety of projects available all year Cost: From US$ 2960 for 2 weeks excluding international flights Contact: African Conservation Experience, Unit 1, Manor Farm, Churchend Lane, Charfield, Wotton-Under-Edge, Gloucester, GL12 8LJ, UK Tel: +44 1454 269 182 Email: info@conservationafrica.net Website: www.conservationafrica.net
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Action Africa Volunteer & Development Programme
Volunteer Projects, Internships and GAP Years in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi
Are you up for a challenge and life-changing experience? In our projects in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi you have the great opportunity to make a difference and to work with the community on a grass-root level. Join our non-profit organisation and take part in a variety of projects in the sectors of environmental conservation, animal welfare, children & youth development, community development and cultural research.

Regardless if you are in university, professional or even retired, all ages are welcome to support us in improving livelihoods and the conditions of our environment.

Dates: The projects are ongoing and volunteers can join us on a daily basis
Cost: Project fees ranging from US$500 for two weeks up to US$2000, for 3 months placement. We also offer the possibility of Lodge-Stays. If a volunteer wishes to stay rather in a lodge than a host family, please contact our team directly to give you the exact costs for the placement.
Contact: Action Africa, Programme Coordinator, 6078 Mkhosana, PO Box C.T. 502, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Tel / Fax 00263-13-40097 / 00263-13-40097
Email: mail@action-africa.org
Website: www.action-africa.org

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African Impact
Volunteer in Mashatu Leopard and Elephant Research
This is raw Africa… This research-"shadowing"’ program allows you to immerse yourself in the world of experienced and intensive conservation researchers. Join highly experienced elephant and leopard researchers in Botswana’s Northern Tuli Game Reserve, which borders on the Limpopo River in Southern Africa. Mashatu’s 80,000 acres of vast arid lands offers some of Africa’s best game viewing which you will have the opportunity to experience while assisting the researchers. See the website for many other interesting and important volunteer projects across Africa, including the Lion Rehabilitation Project, the Midlands Black Rhino Project and the Dolphin and Turtle Research Project.

Contact: impact@africanencounter.org, www.africanimpact.com

Cosmic Volunteers
Volunteer Programs in Africa: Ghana and Kenya
Our program countries in Africa are Ghana and Kenya. Our programs include teaching English, orphanages, healthcare, HIV/AIDS, community development, and wildlife rescue. This is a unique opportunity to learn about and contribute to communities in Africa in a meaningful way.

Contact: Cosmic Volunteers, P.O. Box 11738, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19101, U.S.A.; Tel: 1-610-279-2052; info@cosmicvolunteers.org; www.cosmicvolunteers.org.

Experiential Learning International
Volunteer in Africa
ELI partners with local organizations in Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa to match volunteers with local organizations in need of volunteers. All placements are made on an individual basis depending on the skills and goals of the volunteer, the needs of the organization, and the length of the program. Programs are available throughout the year for lengths of time varying from two weeks to six months.

Contact: Experiential Learning International, 2828 N. Speer Blvd. Suite 230, Denver, CO 80211; 303-321-8278; info@eliabroad.org, www.eliabroad.com.

GAP SPORTS
Play, coach and qualify in sports overseas. Join sports (and non-sports) volunteer community projects in Africa and Latin America. No previous experience is needed and applicants are welcome from all walks of life.

Contact: info@gapsports.com, www.gapsports.com.

Global Citizens Network/Harrambee
Sends teams of paying volunteers for 1 to 3 weeks to rural Kenya and Tanzania (among other countries worldwide).

Visit: www.globalcitizens.org.

Global Seekers Development Expeditions
Volunteer in East Africa Program
Through volunteering - we provide opportunities to travel, live and work in Kenya or Tanzania, East Africa, and make a difference!

Contact: info@globalseekers.com, www.globalseekers.com

Global Volunteer Network in Africa
Volunteer projects in countries throughout Africa.

Contact: info@volunteer.org.nz, www.volunteer.org.nz

Global Volunteers
Volunteer in Africa: Ghana and Tanzania!
Work on village development projects including teaching, building classrooms and dormitories, and supplying books and other school materials.

Visit: www.globalvolunteers.org/1main/tanzania/volunteer_in_tanzania.htm, www.globalvolunteers.org/1main/ghana/volunteer_in_ghana.htm.

Greenforce
Recruits researchers to join conservation aid projects for 4 or 10 weeks in South Africa and Tanzania.

Visit: www.greenforce.org.

IDA (In Defense of Animals) Africa
Volunteers needed at chimpanzee sanctuary in Yaounde, Cameroon for minimum 6 months. Should be able to communicate in French and be prepared for harsh living conditions.

Visit: www.ida-africa.org

The International Foundation for Education and Self Help (IFESH)
IFESH offers a fellowship that covers expenses for recent graduates to work at professional jobs at aid and educational NGOS throughout Africa. The fellowship application deadline is Februray. In addition, IFESH offers various professional programs for educators at the k-12 and college levels, including summer opportunities.

Visit: www.ifesh.org

Intercultural Dimensions, Inc.
Crossing Cultures offers a stimulating travel and educational summer program focused on the French-speaking Republic of Senegal, West Africa.
Led by two former Peace Corps volunteers, this well-established program appeals to people in and out of academia. It works well for those who want to experience family life and community projects in the rural areas of this diverse nation, and for those with special interests in dance and music training, environment, medicine, government, agriculture, language or education and health projects.
The Crossing Cultures group is no more than five, allowing the leaders to tailor activities to the participants' interests. Reasonable cost. Extended stays for volunteer work or field study can be facilitated.

Visit: www.interculturaldimensions.org.

International Youth Educational Programs, John F. Kennedy Center Dakar, Africa
The JFK Center study programs provide youth with the opportunity to learn more about African and Sengalese culture through coursework, travel, and immersion. The programs range from three weeks to one school year in length. All courses are in Dakar, the capital of Senegal, an urban environment rich in traditional and colonial historical places. Classes are offered at the university, in local public high schools, and at the JFK Center itself.

Visit: www.jfksn.org

Madventurer
Paying volunteers participate in expeditions and community work in Tanzania, Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, and Togo (among other non-African countries).

Visit: team@madventurer.com, www.madventurer.com.

Mondo Challenge
Volunteer in Africa
Volunteer in teaching and with business development in The Gambia. Teaching programs working in Primary schools, with students generally aged 4-11. Volunteer teaching in Kenya in the Masai Mara region. Volunteer teaching and business development in Tanzania.

Contact: info@mondochallenge.org, www.mondochallenge.org

Operation Crossroads Africa, Inc.
Runs summer projects in rural areas of about 15 African countries, staffed by self-financing volunteers from the U.S. and Canada.

Contact: oca@igc.org, operationcrossroadsafrica.org

people and places
Responsible Volunteering in Africa
Offer several projects — in Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland, and The Gambia — which enable each and every volunteer to make worthwhile contributions to communities of immense cultural richness, great ethnic and religious tolerance, yet often economically poor and in need of help, especially in the areas of education, business and economic development.

Visit: www.travel-peopleandplaces.co.uk

Population Caring Organization
International Volunteer in Liberia, Africa
Population Caring Organization (PCO) is a humanitarian NGO that works to create a peaceful future for Liberians through education and fostering reconciliation.

Contact: info@populationcaring.org, www.populationcaring.org

Projects Abroad
Volunteer in Projects Across Africa, including Ethiopia, Ghana, Senegal, and South Africa
Volunteer projects include IT, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Journalism, Sports Coaching, Teaching, and much more.

Contact: info@projects-abroad.org, www.projects-abroad.org

Real Africa Excursions Ltd.
Volunteer work visits and vacations, missions trips, school-college or youth exchange visits, cultural and community excursions, to Uganda and Kenya, for groups and individuals. Have you ever wished to go to Africa have fun and also make a difference in the lives of the people you meet? Explore Africa while assisting those who are less fortunate? Come to Africa with us and make this an unforgettable experience.

Contact: info@real-africa.co.uk, www.real-africa.co.uk

Service Civil International Workcamps SCI US
An exchange organization that sends volunteers on 2-3 week international work projects and long term 3-12 month opportunities in over 50 countries, including many in Africa. The $250 application fee covers lodging, meals, and minimal health insurance. SCI promotes voluntary service to impact social, environmental and humanitarian issues.

Contact: Service Civil International (SCI), 5505 Walnut Level Rd, Crozet, VA, 22932; Tel. 1-206-350-6585. Email: sciivs.placement@gmail.com. Visit www.sci-ivs.org for an application.

Visions in Action
Six- and 12-month volunteer positions in Uganda, South Africa, and Tanzania plus short-term summer opportunities in Tanzania. Volunteers must have a degree or relevant work experience to fill positions in human rights, journalism, micro-enterprise, social work, health, environment, and research.

Contact: visions@visionsinaction.org, www.visionsinaction.org.

Volunteers for Peace
Volunteer in Africa
Offers over 3,000 affordable short-term volunteer opportunities abroad in 100+ countries, with many located in Africa.

Visit: www.vfp.org

World Camp for Kids
Volunteer in HIV/AIDS education in Malawi.

Contact: info@worldcampforkids.org; www.worldcampforkids.org.