uVolunteer
About uVolunteer
uVolunteer is a small International Volunteer Abroad Organisation that was set-up, by former volunteers, to offer an affordable, personal, and great value vacation for volunteers. They run their organisation because they believe in volunteering as a means of cultural exchange and personal development. You volunteer abroad and play your part!
What their Volunteers say about them
“The accommodations are great, the food that Dona Isabel cooks is always delicious, and she always keeps the house very clean and neat... I feel that the experience that uVolunteer offers attracts the best kind of people. All of the volunteers are so nice, so much fun to be around, so kind, and so funny and I have just had a blast with everyone, the staff and the volunteers alike”
Emily Castro - Volunteer Costa Rica
“This chapter of my life was amazing and probably the best thing I have ever done. Ever since my study abroad trip to Ghana in 2004 I knew I would return. This time I wanted to serve the community by working with the Ghanaian kids, the future of Ghana.”
Lia Xiong - Volunteer Ghana
“I joined this program as an English ‘teacher’ – and this teacher was also a student in so many ways! I have travelled for longer periods doing ‘normal’ tourist things, but the experiences, emotions and human bonds that arose from this trip far exceeded those from any of my other holidays!”
Letty Tsoi - Volunteer Thailand
“ Right away I felt at ease as I met all the staff, Meaw, Suri, and Dona Isabel, they were all very friendly and welcoming! uVolunteer had prepared me for culture shock beforehand, loading me with plenty of information about my projects and Costa Rica itself!”
Audrey Law - Volunteer Costa Rica
An Affordable Programme
uVolunteer's basic concept is that if you have to pay to volunteer abroad then it should not cost a fortune. Their programme fees cost on average the same as you would pay if you were to budget backpack around your chosen host-country. There are no hidden fees - unlike some agencies that advertise very low prices but later add hidden extras - this programme includes all of the basic features you would expect from a quality volunteer programme. Most placements include: Airport pick-up, arrival orientation, city tour, basic language classes, accommodations, 2-3 meals daily, weekly volunteer meeting, and local in-country coordination teams. The prices do not include flights, visa application costs, in-country transportation and personal expenses.
Main Program Destinations
COSTA RICA – GHANA – THAILAND
They run their flagship programmes in the three countries listed above. Their offices in these countries are located within walking distances of their volunteer dorms. The dorms are always full of volunteers and create an atmosphere to meet other travellers to explore in your host-country. The dorms usually accommodate between 8 – 16 volunteers, sleeping in bunks, hostel styled. They have local members of staff who cook food right in the comfort of your home. The local dorm and team members act as your family away from home. They will socialise with you and also manage your stay whilst in the project country.
The majority of their volunteers are accommodated in volunteer dorms or with host families that can take 3 to 4 volunteers at a time. This enables you to have plenty of opportunities to meet other volunteers.
They can also place volunteers programmes in any of the following countries: Argentina, Bolivia, China, Kenya, Nepal, Nicaragua, Peru, Malawi, Uganda, South Africa, Tanzania.
Main Project Types
The majority of their projects are grouped into these main areas:
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Working in an Orphanage
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Teaching English & Other Subjects
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Teaching Sports and Physical Education
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Animal and Environment Conservation
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Healthcare and Medicine
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Community Development and Construction
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Teaching Computer and IT Skills
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Working in Media & Journalism.
“I had never experienced anything remotely close to what I encountered in Ghana. “The next day we were fully flung into the hectic scene of the Makola market and made our way to the art center”
Bianca Ryseck - Volunteer Ghana
“ I found the children to be so shy at first, however they quickly warm up to you. Take your camera, plenty of photo ops! The teachers can’t do enough for you. I quickly felt at home. Whenever possible Jack would take me sightseeing in his old car. Local wats which would later lead to big discussions of Buddhist theology. Special local events. Beauty pageants. Cooking contests. Weddings and funerals! Jack is only too happy to share his knowledge and love of Isan, his home.”
Barbara Spreng - Volunteer Thailand
In Country Supervision
One of the features that enable them to offer affordable prices is that they locate their administrative duties in the regions where they place their volunteers; thus saving on western office costs and overheads. An additional benefit to this system is that they are able to become actively involved in their volunteer programmes and offer a very personal level of service.
Fees and Inclusions
Costa Rica = $850 for 2 Weeks, + $100-140 for each additional week
Ghana = $ 449 for 2 Weeks, + $100 for each additional week
Thailand = $600 for 2 Weeks, + $75 for each additional week
For more information on uVolunteer, visit: www.uvolunteer.org
uVolunteer
Tel: US: +1 302-241-2159 - UK: +44 871 408 9548
Email: apply@uvolunteer.org
Website: www.uvolunteer.org