Cross-Cultural Solutions

I have always been into volunteering since age 10 and sometime around 2009 in 2010 I realized I let its importance escape me. Then I decided to look into volunteering abroad. I did it in the past as a part of an alternative winter break through my school but had since graduated and would therefore have to scope things out on my own. That's when I came across Cross Cultural Solutions. As a working professional the Insight Abroad program appealed to me as I was able to take one week to volunteer (although I wish I would have been able to go longer). CCS was there for me through every step, whether I needed pointers on how to fundraise or just had a few questions on things. I came across one small hiccup when making my way to Brazil when I had to switch flights due to my first plane arriving later than expected. I was able to get a hold of someone at the home base and the reassured me that it would be ok and that someone would meet me as soon as I landed in Salvador. One of the Program Associates (Ivan) was there to create me with a smiling face and a quiz of Brazil Portugues words.

The Program Director, Vini was wonderful, teaching us new things each day, laughing with us and telling us all about the people we were working with. It was refreshing to see how passionate he was about this mission and it made me all the more excited to be a part of it.

Brazil as a whole was a wonderful experience as I was able to work in a classroom of 2-3 year olds who were calling me "Tia" (Auntie) from the start, ate delicious food made at the home base, made a "journey" to the beaches and explored the town. Through this experience I also had opportunities to learn about the culture and to go to places I may not have seen had I been a mere tourist. The best part about this program is the fact that you are working with people native to the country you are in. My only regret is not signing up for a longer term.

It's so easy for people to say what they gave when it comes to service but I think I received much more than I gave through the generosity of the Brazilian people.

It's been a couple of years and I am certainly ready for a new adventure!

I volunteered with CCS in 2006 in Salvador, Brazil. I don't want to sound overly dramatic, but it definitely changed my life. Apart from being able to teach english to adults and children--many of whom I am still in touch with to this day--it also introduced me to a new and wonderful country and language. I've been back to Brazil twice since then, I've become fluent in Portuguese (although I'm slipping a little bit these days), and at some point I may even decide to live there for a few years.

The volunteer experience is not without its difficulties, but that is where the value lies. You're going to have challenges communicating with people, and you're going to wonder at times if you're really making a difference. But the fact of the matter is that for some of the people you meet, you'll be someone who they remember for the rest of their lives. You might give someone the gift of a second language that will help them enormously for years to come. For a sick child or a lonely elderly person, you might be the only person who helps them through the day. As a volunteer, if you accept the challenges that your work presents you, you will make an immeasurable difference in someone's life. And they may also make a similar difference in yours.

As for the CCS program specifically, the people who run it are serious about their work and they take care of their volunteers very well. They are very professional. They will make sure that you are safe, that you learn about your surroundings, and that you will work in a place where you matter to someone. The volunteer house is very nice and is located in one of the nicest and best-located neighborhoods in Salvador for getting around on your own and seeing what the city has to offer.