"Cross-Cultural Solutions is an amazingly humane and caring organisation. They work to build international understanding and peace, irrespective of differences of colour, race, or religion. "- Rashmi Misra, Chairperson for VIDYA Integrated Development for Youth and Adults in New Delhi
About Cross-Cultural Solutions
Cross-Cultural Solutions was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in New Rochelle, New York, USA. In the US, it is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organisation, and in the UK, it is a registered charity (number 1106741). Cross-Cultural Solutions also has offices in Canada and Australia.
Cross-Cultural Solutions operates 3 programmes, with 20 sites in 12 countries, and more than 300 staff worldwide. Cross-Cultural Solutions is a recognised leader in its field, sending thousands of volunteers overseas every year. Behind their commitment to international volunteer work is a philosophy and a set of core values that define how they approach everything they do: Their vision is of a world where people value cultures different from their own, are aware of global issues, and are empowered to effect positive change.
Their values are: Shared Humanity; - when people of different cultures have an opportunity to connect, there comes an understanding of shared humanity. Respect; they accept, appreciate and respect that people know and understand what is appropriate for their own communities. Integrity; they commit to ensuring the safety, flexibility, professionalism, transparency and excellence of their programmes.
Cross-Cultural Solutions Programmes
Volunteers decide where they volunteer, when they volunteer (there are over 200 start dates year-round) and for how long (programmes run from 1 to 12 weeks long). Please note that all volunteer placements are with sustainable community development projects. Your personalised placement will be based on your individual skills and interests as well as the needs of the local community. Here are their programmes - if you are interested in any of these programmes, please e-mail them or fill in the form at the bottom of the this page.
Brazil - CCS’ programme site in Brazil is in Salvador, Bahia, the oldest city in the country and a thriving centre of Afro-Brazilian life. Volunteers have the opportunity to work side-by-side with local people in the areas of social services, education, and health. Past volunteers have cared for children with disabilities, worked at the local institute for the blind, provided help at nearby orphanages, and assisted in HIV/AIDS prevention programmes and other types of health education and outreach. Many of these placements are in Alagados, a low-income community in need of basic services like education and healthcare, where CCS partners with projects that are entirely community-run.
China – CCS’ programme site in China is in Xi’an, the crossroads of western and eastern China. Here you can work with children and infants, provide daycare in orphanages and local centres, or work with the mentally and physically challenged. Volunteers may also have the opportunity to work in a traditional Chinese medicine hospital, teaching English to the staff and observing the work that they are doing. 
Costa Rica - In Costa Rica, CCS has three programme sites. Cartago is the former capital city of Costa Rica, San Carlos is and agricultural town two hours north of San Jose, and Puriscal is a small town with very little foreign influence. You will have the opportunity to work with children in local schools, help plan activities at a nursing home, or work with children with disabilities. You can also teach in a primary school, work with deaf children, care for infants and the elderly, or create activities for at-risk youths.
Ghana - CCS’ programme site in Ghana is in the Volta Region. With its large urban areas, small fishing villages and rural farming, the Volta Region is home to many different Ghanaian people and traditions. Here you can work in schools teaching English or other core subjects in the school system, teach computer skills in technical schools or care for children in daycare centres, help in not-for-profit organisations for small community development projects, or work in a local hospital or clinic observing medical practices, and much more.
India - In India, volunteers can choose from two very different experiences. New Delhi, the country’s capital, is a bustling, modern city that has been welcoming CCS volunteers for over 10 years. Volunteers will meet some of the most dynamic people while working in shantytowns, schools, and orphanages. For those interested in a peaceful, rural setting, Dharamsala is a Himalayan mountain village in the shadow of beautiful snowcapped peaks. Volunteer Placements are available in the areas of Social Services, Education, and Health.Peru - CCS has two programme sites in Peru. In Lima, volunteers will be inspired by Villa El Salvador – a shantytown nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for Social Development. In Ayacucho, you’ll enjoy over 1,500 years of history and miles of rugged terrain of the Andean Mountain. In both locations, you’ll work side-by-side with local people. You may help mentally and physically challenged orphans, provide companionship for abandoned elderly people, engage with children in after-school activities, care for children in daycare centres, assist teachers in local schools, or even help at a local health clinic.
Russia - CCS’ programme site in Russia is in Yaroslavl, the cultural capital of the "Golden Ring," a loop of small towns north-east of Moscow famous for its classical Russian architecture. Volunteer placements are available in a number of different locally-run organisations, including a boarding school for mentally delayed children, a homeless shelter for children, and several orphanage placements. There are also opportunities to work side-by-side with the elderly at a local nursing home.
Tanzania – CCS has three programme sites in Tanzania - Kilimanjaro, Bagamoyo, and Rural Kilimanjaro. No matter which location you choose, you will experience rural life among traditional African tribes and enjoy local arts and culture. Here you can teach English in primary and secondary schools, or work in orphanages with children, many of whom have lost their parents to HIV/AIDS and volunteer in locally-run Non-Governmental Organisations teaching English and computer skills. You might also work with street children or on business development and marketing initiatives with women's groups. 
Thailand - CCS has programme sites in Bangkok and Trang. Thailand is one of the most spiritual places in the world. Bangkok offers everything from Buddhist temples to floating markets, while the unspoiled shores of Trang offer a completely remote setting virtually untouched by tourism. Some placements include taking care of children in daycare centres, teaching conversational English, coordinating educational activities for children and teens, health education and promotion (including HIV & AIDS), taking care of people with mental and physical disabilities, and caring and developing activities for the elderly.Costs, food and accommodation:
Fees are payable in Great British Pounds and cover the many costs of running the programme. The programme fee for a two-week programme is £1,408 with each additional week of stay only £162 per week. All programme fees are based on a worldwide average of programme costs, were last updated on August 31, 2007, and valid until August 31st, 2008.
Most programmes are available for 2 to 12 weeks. One week programmes are available in Brazil, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Peru and Russia.
Like all short-term international volunteer programmes, Cross-Cultural Solutions' programmes are driven entirely by volunteer contributions.
Like all short-term international volunteer programmes, Cross-Cultural Solutions' programmes are driven entirely by volunteer contributions.
What You Get For The Fee:
- Personalised Volunteer Placement with one of CCS’ Partner Programmes, based on your skills and interests, including all the coordination, in-person visits and communication necessary with each local organisation.
- In-country cultural and learning activities - that includes excursions to nearby points of interest, special events and discussions with a variety of local, cultural, professional, governmental, and community agencies and people.
- Cross-Cultural Solutions' Home-Base structure, providing you with a comfortable, safe place to live, the basic amenities, all of your meals, and transportation to and from all Cross-Cultural Solutions' placements and programmes.
- An experienced U.S. based Cross-Cultural Solutions Programme Manager (and former volunteer with Cross-Cultural Solutions) who will serve as your coordinator, guide, and liaison with CCS’ 24/7 in-country staff.
- In-country basic language assistance (optional).
- Professional, locally based staff to provide orientation, supervision and guidance throughout your stay.
- Travel medical insurance and emergency evacuation insurance, applicable to participants worldwide.
- Important documents, including in-depth volunteer handbook, orientation information, and all in-country informational materials.
- Country-based airport transportation.
- Local phone calls.
- In-coming international phone service.
- A toll-free 24-hour emergency hotline in the U.S.
What is not included in the programme fee?
- Costs associated with obtaining a visa or immunisations (when needed).
- International airfare and corresponding airport departure taxes.
- Personal Internet time and long-distance (domestic and international) phone calls.
- Laundry service.
Some comments from Volunteers after they returned:
Joanne
I would describe my overall experience as absolutely amazing. I really loved everything about the programme, from my placement to getting to know the culture of the country. The people I met were all so friendly and welcoming. My placement was just wonderful, and gave me the best experience I could have asked for. The children I worked with were amazing, and I did feel that my life has been enriched by working with them.
I would describe my overall experience as absolutely amazing. I really loved everything about the programme, from my placement to getting to know the culture of the country. The people I met were all so friendly and welcoming. My placement was just wonderful, and gave me the best experience I could have asked for. The children I worked with were amazing, and I did feel that my life has been enriched by working with them.
Sara
Living in China during my time with Cross-Cultural Solutions was the highlight of my life so far. The experience was incredibly educational and enriching and I feel that I really helped to bring some understanding of oral English and American culture to my students in Xi'an. I loved exploring the city and finding my way through the many different neighbourhoods. It was my first time living in a big city; not only was the city huge, it was also surrounded by ancient stone walls. While in Xi'an I learned a great deal about Chinese culture and language that one cannot obtain from books. I am extremely grateful to the marvellous staff in China, as they treated me like a little sister and never grew impatient with incessant questions. Anyone looking to learn more about the world which we as humans inhabit while also helping others should have the opportunity to make a trip like this. I would strongly recommend CCS's China programme.
Living in China during my time with Cross-Cultural Solutions was the highlight of my life so far. The experience was incredibly educational and enriching and I feel that I really helped to bring some understanding of oral English and American culture to my students in Xi'an. I loved exploring the city and finding my way through the many different neighbourhoods. It was my first time living in a big city; not only was the city huge, it was also surrounded by ancient stone walls. While in Xi'an I learned a great deal about Chinese culture and language that one cannot obtain from books. I am extremely grateful to the marvellous staff in China, as they treated me like a little sister and never grew impatient with incessant questions. Anyone looking to learn more about the world which we as humans inhabit while also helping others should have the opportunity to make a trip like this. I would strongly recommend CCS's China programme.
Ryan
To start off my story, I am an Investment Adviser and a volunteer. I always thought that nothing could compare to making that sale until I saw their eyes; the children's eyes, so expressive with pure life (pura vida). Costa Rica allowed me to put down my preconceived notions of what I could do and what I valued, and simply live. Working with those children is something that I will never forget. Before I went to Costa Rica I would never have imagined that making macaroni necklaces with children would make me smile like it did and still does. I love Costa Rica, the country, the people, and especially those children. Pura Vida!
To start off my story, I am an Investment Adviser and a volunteer. I always thought that nothing could compare to making that sale until I saw their eyes; the children's eyes, so expressive with pure life (pura vida). Costa Rica allowed me to put down my preconceived notions of what I could do and what I valued, and simply live. Working with those children is something that I will never forget. Before I went to Costa Rica I would never have imagined that making macaroni necklaces with children would make me smile like it did and still does. I love Costa Rica, the country, the people, and especially those children. Pura Vida!
If you are interested in volunteering with Cross-Cultural Solutions, please use the form below and they will send you more information: