Where it all started
In the early 1990s, some students wanted a break from study - a "gap year," although the term wasn't yet in common use. They approached their geography professor about traveling and working in Eastern Europe. The professor, Dr. Peter Slowe, had difficulty finding any opportunities for this kind of travel combined with work experience, so he set about arranging for his students to go and teach English in Romania where he knew some fellow academics. This was how Projects Abroad began in 1992.
Projects Abroad today
Until 1997, Projects Abroad was a small organization with just two part time staff sending university students to teach English in Eastern Europe. But with more and more people taking time out on academic and work-related breaks, and with many developing countries in need of self-funded volunteers, our organized volunteer programs started to mushroom around the world. Our volunteers can still teach English in Eastern Europe, but can also do many other types of work in many other places.
We now have two North American offices located in New York City and Toronto. With more than 500 trained staff in our destinations, and offering over 100 generic projects, we are the world's leading international volunteer organization.
Projects Abroad volunteers are aged from 16 to 75! University students and recent graduates still make up the majority of our volunteers, but increasing numbers join us for gap years or summer breaks before starting university or while still in high school. Furthermore, our fastest growing demographics are career breakers and retirees choosing to take some time out volunteering on our projects.
Projects Abroad in the Global Economy
We help to create local employment wherever we send volunteers. We employ many people directly and provide plenty of work indirectly through the services we provide for volunteers. We have also devolved various "Head Office" functions, such as management accountancy, which is done in Mongolia and design work in Mexico.
Because we work with local colleagues at all levels, our extensive network of local knowledge enables us to channel the skills of our volunteers to places they are really needed.
Cultural exchange and freedom of choice
Volunteers learn from their chosen projects and the people they meet -- and vice versa. Mutual learning and respect is what cultural exchange is all about.
Now we are taking this theme of "respect" further than ever. We are truly global in our outlook. We welcome approaches from potential partners – schools, orphanages, hospitals and so on – from across the developing world; wherever they are or whatever they do, we will try to meet their needs. And we welcome ideas from potential volunteers too; if a volunteer has an idea for a new program or destination, we will do everything we can to enable them to work in their own way. We will cherish their ideas and meet their requirements. We believe that flexibility on our part is a necessary consequence of our respect for our partners and our respect for volunteers.
"In 2008, we channeled into less developed countries the energy, skills and commitment of some 4,500 volunteers, not to mention over $7,000,000. This is a major achievement."
Dr Peter Slowe, Founder and Director of Projects Abroad, Annual Report 2008.
Why Choose Projects Abroad?
At Projects Abroad, we are proud to offer volunteer opportunities, internships, and language courses of the highest quality. Since our founding in 1992, more than 35,000 volunteers have contributed to thousands of service initiatives throughout the world. In each community we employ full time local staff to ensure that our volunteers work on worthwhile local programs, receive ample support, and stay safe.
Many people approach us wondering what differentiates us from other similar providers. This is understandable – there really are a lot of programs out there now, which is great!
Here are some of the factors that set Projects Abroad apart from other volunteer organizations and that we feel are important to consider when contemplating such a significant endeavor.
Why Projects Abroad
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most frequently asked questions about Projects Abroad , along with our answers. However, always feel free to email or phone us if you need to know anything more; we will email back very quickly - or we would be very pleased to speak to you.
FAQ's - Before you go
These questions relate to the time before you go overseas as a volunteer. For questions relating to the time you are overseas, please see FAQ's - While you're away.
- Where can I go?
- What types of programs are available?
- How long do placements last?
- Can I combine placements?
- When can I start? When should I apply?
- What are the costs involved? Is the work paid?
- What does the fee include?
- Are meals included in the cost?
- Can I go with my friend/boyfriend/girlfriend?
- Will I need injections?
- What age ranges take part in these projects?
- What qualifications do I need?
- Do I need languages?
- Do I need to be a American or Canadian citizen?
- How are we chosen?
- What do I gain from this program?
- Can I fundraise for this project?
- Can I talk to people who have done it?
- What if I have more questions?
- What is the next step?
Meet Us
The best way to learn about our programs is to interact with our knowledgeable staff directly. You can come meet us in person at our office by making an appointment or attending our next Open House. If you cannot make it to New York City you can attend one of our regular Webinars - virtual open houses online.
Webinar / Virtual Open House
Attend a free Webinar about volunteer and intern opportunities through Projects Abroad. This is a live event hosted by US Director Will Harper that you can attend (and even ask questions) from anywhere in the world simply by logging in through your own computer. In order to attend, please take a moment now to click on the date you are interested in and preregister. Please do not wait until the start of the event to register.
15 June, 2011 - Wednesday - 8 pm EST
If you would like to view a previous webinar, please click here (.wmv file).
For a previous 2-Week High School Specials webinar, please click here (.wmv file).
New York Open House
Visit our New York City office and meet the Projects Abroad USA team. Staff and Alumni will give a short presentation about our projects and destination countries. This will be followed by an informal question-and-answer session.
Our address is 347 West 36th Street, which is between 8th Avenue and 9th Avenue in Manhattan. The building is right next to the Wyndham Garden Hotel. We are on the 9th floor, in room #903. Take the Subway (A/C/E/1/2/3), LIRR or NJ Transit to Penn Station. Please click on the date you plan on attending to register.
September 14th, 2011 - Wednesday - 6pm EST
November 12th, 2011 - Saturday - 1 pm EST
Make a Private Appointment
If you can't make an Open House event, call us toll free (888.839.3535 for USA, 877.921.9666 for Canada) to make an appointment to visit our office for a 1-on-1 session with a staff member to discuss your particular situation.
Toronto Open House
Visit our Canadian Website for information about Open House events at our office in Toronto and elsewhere in Canada.
Projects Abroad Contact Details
Forms are available on this website to get a free brochure, sign up for an informational event or to apply for one of our programs.
USA:Projects Abroad
347 West 36th Street
Suite 903
New York NY 10018
United States of America
Phone: 1 888 839 3535
1 212 244 7234
Email:
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Canada:Projects Abroad
62A Charles Street E.
Suite 300
Toronto ON, M4Y 1T1
Canada
Phone: 1 877 921 9666
1 416 921 9666
Email:
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www.projects-abroad.org
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