New Volunteer Vacation Programs in South Africa and Jordan Offer Challenges and Rewards to Travelers

Jan. 25, 2012 - PRLog -- United Planet, a leader in the field of international volunteering, has recently added projects working with children in new ways: Sports coaching camp and arts therapy program.

Travel agents welcome to inquire, send clients on Volunteer Vacations (for commission).

BOSTON, MA, January 26, 2012 - Volunteer vacations are a wonderful alternative to typical international travel. It's a chance for travelers to see what it's really like to work and live in a community -- and to have an impact on a community in need. It's about sharing a cup of tea in a dusty market, laughing with a family over a bowl of rice, getting a hug from an orphan.

A Volunteer Vacation is about so much more than a sterile hotel room and a luxury bus. It's about giving of oneself, learning about the lives of others, and getting back a huge amount in return. People all over the world are finding the biggest adventure they've ever had is living and working in local, sustainable, wonderful projects that provide real help. United Planet, a leader in the field of international volunteering, has recently added new programs to its offerings in both South Africa and Jordan.

United Planet is now offering a Sports Coaching Quest in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. For volunteers 17 years of age and older who can commit to at least five weeks abroad, this fun and interactive program is the perfect choice. Volunteers play and coach sports for at-risk youth who are passionate about football/soccer, cricket, rugby, hockey, netball, tennis, basketball, swimming and more. As part of the program's life-skills curriculum, volunteers promote good citizenship and health awareness.

For more information: http://www.unitedplanet.org/volunteer-in-south-africa

Another new program United Planet is offering is Child Development Through the Arts in Jordan. Located in the Hashemite Kingdom in the Middle East, this program welcomes volunteers 18 years of age and older, from two to twelve weeks. Volunteers have the opportunity to work at a center for children that focuses on self-expression through art, music, drama, and storytelling.

The goal of the organization is to reach out to as many children as possible in order to influence a new generation of strong, emotionally stable, innovative, open minded, and analytical children. Volunteers are needed to assist with organizing group activities, teaching, feeding the children, cleaning, etc. This is a great project for volunteers interested in music, art, and drama. The organization also welcomes those interested in new tools for education and child development.

For more information: http://www.unitedplanet.org/volunteer-in-jordan

About United Planet Programs and Travel Agents

The traveler may choose from 18 countries in Latin America, Asia, Africa or Europe; may choose the duration of their trip (1-12 weeks); and may choose the type of project where they work (caring for orphans and street children, teaching, working in an animal sanctuary, environmental preservation, and more).  Most volunteers enjoy home stays, but can opt to choose a hotel, hostel or guesthouse.  

Immersion within the local culture is a major aspect of the vacation. Volunteers partake in activities such as dance lessons, language or cooking classes.

Moreover, travelers may add excursion packages to major sites; examples include: 4 days exploring the Inca Trail, 5 days in the Galapagos Islands or 5 days observing Crocodiles in Ghana. Countries include: Cambodia, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Nepal, Peru, Romania, South Africa, Tanzania, Tibet

For more information, visit http://www.unitedplanet.org/travel-agent-information,
email quest@unitedplant.org
or call 1-800-292-2316.

About United Planet http://www.unitedplanet.org

United Planet, an international non-profit based in Boston, MA, strives to create a world in which all people understand, respect, and support one another. United Planet's global network of leaders and volunteers fosters cross-cultural understanding and addresses shared challenges to unite the world in a community beyond borders.

Over the past ten years, United Planet has worked with local communities all over the world to find meaningful work for volunteer travelers; and has placed thousands of volunteers in those communities to live and work – for periods ranging from a week to a year. United Planet is the U.S. and Canadian member of the International Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE) Federation, founded in 1949.

For further information, please contact Mary Babic    |         mary@unitedplanet.org  |           800-292-2316