Projects Abroad • www.projects-abroad.org • Worldwide • Variety of Programs • 2-3mos. • $2400-$5000(Special 27 wk. Global Gap program on 4 continents, $29,000 all inclusive)
Founded in 1992, Projects Abroad offers a wide variety of opportunities in over 20 countries to do over 100 different internships and service projects including volunteer programs in health care, teaching English, conservation, sports, culture, archeology, and performing arts. They also offer intern programs in health care, law, journalism, business, and animal care. They pride themselves on safety and in-country backup and have over 200 directly-employed staff around the world to help organize all aspects of the programs and provide in-country support for 3500 volunteers annually. Programs include pre-departure counseling and transportation to/from the in-country airport, and comprehensive medical and travel insurance. These fees do not include airfare and visas. There is no mention of financial aid or scholarships.
Projects Abroad offers The Global Gap program for high school graduates taking a year off before college. The program consists of a one week orientation program in Ghana, followed by one-to-two month programs in each of South Africa, Peru, India and Thailand. In each of these countries, volunteers work closely with local staff members on different service projects that lend insight into important issues in developing countries like housing, education, environmental conservation and human rights. This program is tailored for a maximum of 15 volunteers (min. of 5) and commences in the fall of 2011.The Global Gap all-inclusive program fee is $29,995 including all food and housing, medical and travel insurance, airport pick up and drop off in each destination, as well as 24 hour support from staff and all required plane tickets from the US and Canada, including round trip tickets home for winter break. This program fee also includes various sightseeing tours and activities in each destination.
Projects Abroad is a member of the International Volunteer Program Association. They have answered the IVPA list of questions to ask when choosing a volunteer program. It may be worth looking at this when comparing programs.