The GSC two-week Introduction to Service-Learning Programs are ideal for those volunteer vacationers with limited time abroad. Although these service-learning introductory programs often seem to fly by, they offer a great introduction to the international service-learning experience.

Cambodia Introduction to Service-Learning: Two-Week Volunteer Vacation Program

In Cambodia, GSC’s Introduction to Service Learning Program is offered for the following Cambodia volunteer experiences:

• Orphanage Care
• Teach English Abroad
• HIV/AIDS Prevention Education
  
• Buddhist Immersion
  

All Cambodia volunteer abroad programs begin in Phnom Penh where a GSC representative will greet you upon arrival at the airport and escort you to a Phnom Penh hotel. You and your fellow volunteers will then be given a five-day orientation and training that includes introduction to Cambodia and Khmer culture, Khmer language training, training in teaching English, and a tour of the local  area. You will then either move to your project placement (for Orphanage Care and Buddhist Immersion Programs) or stay in Phnom Penh (for Teach English Abroad and HIV/AIDS Prevention Education Programs) for your second week of volunteering.  


Thailand Introduction to Service-Learning: Two-Week Volunteer Vacation Programs

In Thailand, GSC’s Introduction to Service Learning Programs  begin in Bangkok where a GSC representative will greet you upon arrival at the airport and escort you to a Bangkok hotel. You and your fellow volunteers willl then be given a two-day weekend tour of Bangkok before traveling to you project site.The Volunteer Vacation Programs are offered as options within the following Thailand volunteer experiences:

• Orphanage Care
• Teach English Abroad

Following the Bangkok tour, participants travel to Singburi. Here, GSC partner staff will provide you with a five-day cultural orientation and training that includes an introduction to Thai and Buddhist culture, Thai  language training, and a tours of monasteries, markets and other local sites. You will begin your service work during the second week of teaching English in local schools or providing support to local orphanages.

Tanzania Introduction to Service-Learning: Two-Week Volunteer Vacation Programs

Tanzania volunteers can choose to participate in GSC’s Introduction to Service-Learning in the following Tanzania volunteer programs:

• Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security Program
• HIV/AIDS Prevention and Nutrition Education

All GSC Tanzania volunteer programs begin in Arusha, where a GSC representative will greet you upon arrival at the Kilimanjaro International airport. You and your fellow volunteers will then participate in one week of cultural orientation and theoretical training followed by the next week of activities specific to your program. Participants are housed in a hostel near the GSC office and training center the first three nights and are then welcomed into their homestay on Wednesday afternoon. The HIV/AIDS Prevention and Nutrition Education Program includes technical HIV/AIDS training followed by participation in one or two weeks of training a community group in HIV/AIDS prevention and nutrition. Topics covered include AIDS transmission and treatment, gender and stigma issues, and the importance of HIV testing and counseling. The Sustainable Agriculture Program includes theoretical training in bio-intensive (sustainable and organic) agriculture followed by one or two weeks of hands-on participant training at the GSC demonstration plot. The two-week Sustainable Agriculture Program is primarily an introductory educational experience and may not include substantial training of local farmers.

It is important to note that the Introduction to Service-Learning Programs are designed to be primarily an educational experience for the participants and therefore include less substantial community training than our longer GSC volunteer overseas experiences. For more comprehensive international volunteer service and community training opportunities, GSC suggests our 3 - 8 week Short-term Volunteer Abroad Assignments or our 9 week to 6-month Long-term Volunteer Abroad Assignments and International Internship Programs.