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  within the following Cambodia volunteer experience:

• Orphanage Care

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, technical training in teaching English, and a tour of the local  area. You will then move to an orphanage an hour and a half south of Phnom Penh for your second week of volunteering.  Here you will provide support to HIV+ orphans and other children orphaned by the death of parents from AIDS. 


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 tour of Bangkok before traveling to you project site.The Volunteer Vacation Programs are offered as options within the following Thailand volunteer experiences:

• Buddhist Immersion

Following the Bangkok tour, participants travel 60 miles west of Bangkok. Here, GSC host monks will provide you with a five-day orientation and training that includes an introduction to monastery culture and Buddhist meditation, Thai language training, technical training in teaching English to Buddhist monks, and a tour of the local  area. During this first week you will begin to interact with the monks while learning more about Buddhism and meditation. You will  begin your service work of teaching English to monks and perhaps local community members during the second week. Further meditation training as well as opportunities to participate in chanting and other ritual celebrations at the wat are also provided.

• Orphanage Care
• Teach English Abroad

Following the Bangkok tour, participants travel 85 miles north of Bangkok to the GSC training center located in a lush rural area on the banks of a lovely river. Here, GSC partner staff will provide you with a five-day 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.