Location:

Cochabamba, Bolivia; Jinja, Uganda; Ciudad Sandino, Nicaragua; Masaka, Uganda; Masaya, Nicaragua; Udaipur, India; Tola, Nicaragua; Salta, Argentina; Kakamega, Kenya

Program Type:

Volunteer Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Work Types:

Children, Economic Development, Education, Environment, Health, Social Services, Women's Rights

Duration:

1-3 months, 4-6 months, 7-11 months, 1 year

Program Overview

Program Description:

To meet the various skill levels and needs of participants, FSD offers three programs - Internships, Pro Corps, and Short Term Volunteering. Each of these programs encompasses the following structure: One Week Orientation - You'll begin your work with a small group of participants in-country. Our field staff will prepare you for the work ahead through a series of Development Trainings (see below), as well as helping you learn about the customs, protocols, and expectations in your community. Throughout your time with FSD, the Site Team will be there to support you and ensure your safety.

Host Organization - You will be hosted by a locally managed FSD partner organization that matches your skills and interests. After familiarizing yourself with the people, resources, and projects currently in progress, you will have the opportunity to put together a project proposal and enter the FSD Grant Competition (see below). To ensure full immersion in the challenges and opportunities of your work environment, you will be the only participant placed with your organization.

Accommodation - You will live individually with a host family for at least the first 9 weeks of your stay. These accommodations allow full immersion into the local language and culture, while providing a chance to form relationships with an extended family and community.

Since 1995, FSD has relied on volunteers and interns to support grassroots organizations in addressing the challenges faced in the following areas:
Micro-Enterprise/Microfinance, Human Rights, Environment, Health, Youth & Education, Women's Empowerment , Community Development
Our participants come from over 250 universities and a wide variety of professional vocations. To read about projects recently funded by FSD and initiated by program participants, please visit our website.

Our programs provide students and professionals comprehensive development training that gives them the skills necessary to conduct effective needs assessments, write persuasive grant proposals, and work collaboratively with rural and peri-urban communities to facilitate sustainable project work. Participants also learn to be effective global leaders, manage community-based programs, understand legal and cultural frameworks, evaluate program viability and impact, raise funds for project work, and build professional relationships in the development field.