1. Volunteering with CCS
A Canadian Perspective
WEBINARS
Wednesday, July 25th
4:00-5:00 p.m. EDT
www.crossculturalsolutions.org

2. Agenda
• Review of the Agenda
• Introductions
• About Cross-Cultural Solutions (CCS)
• Why CCS?
• Alumni Panel Discussion
o Kaleigh Dey
o Erica Plante
o Natasha Rollings
• Questions from the Audience
• Next Steps

3. Introductions
Jelayna Da Silva Hien Thach
Program Advisor Program Advisor
Alumna of CCS Alumna of CCS
Guatemala and Costa Rica and India
South Africa
Alumni
Panelists
Kaleigh Dey Erica Plante Natasha Rollings
CCS Morocco (3x) CCS Tanzania CCS Intern Morocco
&Tanzania (3 weeks, 2012) (4 weeks, 2011)
(2009-2012)

4. About CCS
Recognized Leader
Over 15 years and 26,000 volunteers
• Types of Programs Available
• Volunteer Abroad (2-12 weeks)
• Intern Abroad (3-12 weeks)
• Insight Abroad (1 week)
• Teen Volunteer Abroad (1-3 weeks)
• The CCS Experience
• Volunteer Work
• Cultural & Learning Activities
• Free Time
• Home-Base Our Mission is to operate volunteer
• Information for Prospective Canadian programs around the world in
partnership with sustainable community
Volunteers initiatives, bringing people together to
• Program fee and tax-deductibility work side-by-side while sharing
perspectives and fostering cultural
understanding. We are an international
not-for-profit organization with no
political or religious affiliations.

5. Why CCS? Respecting Local Expertise
in Community Development
Our Approach & Why It Works
Respecting Local Expertise in Community Development
• Volunteer Placements
• Deferring to the needs of the community
• Partner Programs in-country
• Skills & Interest Survey & Placement Process
• Support from Start to Finish
• Program Advisors, Program Site Specialists,
In-Country Staff
• Volunteer resources in-country such as the
Home-Base Resource Room
• Safety in a volunteer program
• Our #1 Priority
• Transportation, meals, and 24-hour staff
presence

6. Ask Our Alumni
Some Questions to Get Started
•How did you feel being prepared to travel by a US-based CCS staff member?
•Describe the last day of your volunteer placement and how it differed from your
first day.
•How important were your fellow volunteers to your experience?
•How would you describe living in the Home Base?
•What was your favorite Cultural & Learning Activity?
•How critical was your Free Time to your experience?
•Describe the leadership of the CCS in-country staff.
•Offer a piece of advice to future volunteers.

7. Alumni Discussion
Kaleigh Dey
London, ON
CCS Three-Time Morocco Alumna, 2009-2011
CCS Tanzania Alumna, 4 weeks, 2012
Type of Volunteer Work:
Teaching and caring for infants and children
Fun facts:
Volunteered abroad with family.
Quote:
“I feel grateful that I was able to share my recent skills and expertise in the
field of education with educators internationally. I believe the sharing of ideas
will truly impact the students.”

8. Alumni Discussion
Erica Plante
Guelph, ON
CCS Tanzania Alumna, 3 weeks, 2012
Type of Volunteer Work:
Worked with people affected by HIV/AIDS
and shared professional skills
Fun facts:
Fundraised for program fee by ice skating!
Advice for future volunteers:
“Take the chance to see everything you can! Use the travel books located in the
resource center of the CCS main house, and really take the time to read all the
recommendations.”

9. Alumni Discussion
Natasha Rollings
London, ON
CCS Intern Morocco Alumna, 4 weeks, 2011
Type of Volunteer Work:
Teaching and caring for infants and children
Fun fact:
You can often find her hosting a CCS Info
Session and sharing her life-changing experience. Plans to re-enroll!
Quote:
“I am absolutely in love with Morocco, the people here are phenomenal, and I
absolutely can't wait to come back. (To be honest, I just don't really want to
leave....) ”

10. Questions?

11. www.crossculturalsolutions.org
Determine where, when, and for how long you
Next
want to volunteer:
http://www.crossculturalsolutions.org/enroll/enroll-checklist
Contact a Program Advisor
Steps 1-800-380-4777, Monday-Friday 9am-9pm EDT
Jelayna: jelayna@crossculturalsolutions.org
Hien: hien@crossculturalsolutions.org
Stay In Touch Upcoming Events
•Santa Monica, CA Info Session (July 29th)
facebook.com/crossculturalsolutions •San Francisco, CA Info Session (Aug 4th & 7th)
twitter.com/volunteerabroad •Albuquerque, NM Info Session (Aug 7th)
youtube.com/ccsvolunteerabroad Find more events near you:
ccscommunity.com www.crossculturalsolutions.org/events
pinterest.com/volunteerabroad