Wednesday, May 8, 2013

United Planet Recruiter interview

Hello McKenzie,
Thank you for your email.  I can provide some basic answers here, but I am happy to chat in more detail on the phone.  Feel free to email or call anytime!
Thank you,
Theresa

What makes United Planet different from other Volunteer organizations?
Our programs are driven by our mission - to increase cross-cultural understanding and support communities worldwide to address shared challenges.  Our programs are designed to immerse the volunteers as much as possible in the host communities.

What is necessary to become a member of United Planet?
Just a desire to learn more about the world and share your culture with others!

What are some steps of the application process?
This page on our website clearly outlines the process

Are there any characteristics you look for in prospective volunteers?
Mostly we look for a willingness to learn and a willingness to serve.  International volunteers need to be flexible, patient and have a sense of humor.  We always look for these attributes in our volunteers.

Is there anything that would make you turn someone away?
Not usually.  We have a lot of different programs and we can usually place most people in at least one of our programs.  Some locations are better suited to new or younger travelers, others require more travel experience.  So it is more about finding the best fit for each volunteer.

Are there fields of volunteering, such as Nursing in the program?
Yes - our host communities decide where they can use our volunteers so we take volunteers in a number of areas.  Go to this webpage and in the right-hand column, under Explore Programs, click on Projects and you can see all of the areas in the drop-down menu.  You can click on any or all of them for more information.

How long is the usual term in United Planet?
We offer programs for short-term programs (1-12 weeks) and long-term programs (6 & 12 months).  The average stay is 3-4 weeks, but every year we have a lot of volunteers who do all possible lengths of stay.

What do volunteers do while overseas?
Check out our FAQs online.  Look specifically at #3 and #5.

Is housing provided for volunteers?
Yes!  Most of the time our volunteers stay with host families because it is the best way to immerse in the local culture, practice a new language and learn about daily life in the host community.  In many locations we do also have some options for staying at the project or in a guesthouse.

Friday, May 3, 2013

This is awesome! The recruiters are actually emailing me back! i have talkedto the peace corps recruiter, as well as the VP of Global Operations from United Planet! She says she is willing to set up a time to talk next week, this is very exciting.

Link

http://www.youtube.com/peacecorps

youtube channel for the peace corps

Email from Peace Corps Recruiter

Morrison, Rebecca <rmorrison@peacecorps.gov>
May 2 (1 day ago)
to me

Hello Mekenzie,

My name is Rebecca Morrison, I am a Recruiter for the Peace Corps Northeast Office, and I am thrilled that you are interested in learning more about Peace Corps. Peace Corps was one of my most rewarding and exciting experiences and it is my pleasure to be your resource.

I served in the People’s Republic of China from 2009-2011, where I worked as a TEFL Volunteer.  Through this experience, I changed my worldview and professional direction. 

The Peace Corps website is also an excellent resource to assist you.  There you can read other volunteers’ stories and find out more about what life is like as a volunteer. If you’re interested in personal accounts with a multimedia flair, check out the Peace Corps YouTube Channel to watch our short videos we created about our experiences.

Applicants usually also ask me safety-related questions.  I am more than happy to answer what I can, or direct you to a returned Peace Corps volunteer (RPCV). You can also find out about graduate school opportunities here. 

Peace Corps is highly competitive and requires flexibility in many different areas.  Check out what volunteers do on our website and research how folks can become more competitive for service.

I know that when I began applying, I had lots of questions about the process.  The website offers a pretty comprehensive FAQ section as well as an overview of the application process.  

Don’t forget to continue to check out upcoming events in your area at www.peacecorps.gov/events  as well as connect with the Peace Corps Philadelphia Facebook Page and Twitter Page to become part of the Eastern Pennsylvania/Southern New Jersey community.  It’s a great way to find out where I’ll be hosting an event as well as a way to connect with RPCVs in your area.

Best,
Rebecca

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Financial Information

Connect 123:
http://www.connect-123.com/faq/financial-information/

For Buenos Aires, Cape Town and Shanghai: $1,795
$300 deposit at the time that you apply,
$1,495 when you confirm your participation
Barcelona and Dublin: €1,795
deposit is €300

Includes:
-advice about internship or volunteer projects that best fit your interests and goals
-arranging secure accommodation based on your budget and preferences
-meeting you at the airport
-a complete country information pack to help you prepare for your trip
-a comprehensive orientation on arrival
-access to Connect-123’s regular social and cultural events
-discounts on tourist activities
-substantial local support
            -providing logistical assistance to career and personal mentoring
            -hands-on help in case of an emergency.

Housing is NOT included in the program fee
However they will help you find housing that you want

Program fee is a flat rate for however long you want to stay.

$1,795 program fee + airfare + $500 to $1,100 per month for rent in relatively high-end, secure accommodation. Food, entertainment and local transport can add another $350 to $700 per month

Universities may offer financial help for internships


United Planet:
http://www.unitedplanet.org/united-planet-program-fees

Short Term (1-12 weeks): $995+
Includes:
-Preparation and training before departure
-Food and lodging in your host country
-Airport transportation
-Emergency medical insurance
-On-going support and supervision
-Language lessons, cultural activities and excursions (varies by country, call for details)

Long Term (6 months-1 year): $6565+

Includes:
-Extensive pre-departure preparation including a training weekend
-Food & lodging in your host country (host family or shared residence)
-Airport transfers
-Emergency medical insurance
-In-country orientation, language training, mid-year camp, and final camp
-On-going support and supervision 
-Monthly stipend for incidental expenses


Peace Corps:
http://www.peacecorps.gov/learn/whyvol/finben/

 There is not a fee to participate in the Peace Corps

The Peace Corps provides Volunteers with a living allowance that enables one to live in a manner similar to the local people in his or her community, covering housing, food, and incidentals.

Also includes medical and dental care.

Provides $7,425 at the end of your term to use at your own will.

Email to Recruiter (NPCA)

mekenzie lewis <mekenzielewis1@gmail.com>
11:02 AM (0 minutes ago)
to khelm

To Whom It May Concern:
My name is Mekenzie Lewis, and I am a senior at Northern Burlington High School in Columbus, NJ. I am currently working on a research project on volunteer programs that I am interested in joining in the future. Though I am not yet ready to enroll, I was wondering if I could ask some questions on how i can qualify to be a volunteer, how you select volunteers, and how being a volunteer can help me in the future employment as a nurse. If you can help me in any way it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.
-Mekenzie Lewis
mekenzielewis1@gmail.com