Youth International - South America

- Multi-Country

,  Various cities in each country

  Bolivia

Cochabamba,  La Paz,  Rural Areas

  Ecuador

• Quito: 
Quito
• Galapagos Islands: 
Galapagos Islands
• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Tena,  Rural Areas

  Peru

• Cusco: 
Cusco
• Lima: 
Lima
• All Other Areas in Peru: 
Puno,  Amantani Island,  Machu Picchu,  Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Dates: September 18 - December 10, 2008

Description: The world becomes your classroom and experience your greatest teacher!

Through a combination of volunteer work, home stays, outdoor adventure, and intense developing world travel each Youth International participant is set up for a dynamic first hand learning experience about the region they are travelling. At the same time, they are presented with a unique environment and opportunity for self discovery.

Teams of up to 14 people between the ages of 18 and 25 travel together, with two group leaders. For a full 12 week semester they explore three different countries in one region of the world.

Youth International has been sending groups on learning adventures abroad since 1997, and offers three separate trips: Asia (Thailand, India, and Vietnam), South America (Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador), and Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and Namibia).

All three trips are offered twice each year: once in the fall semester which runs from September to December, and once in the spring semester which runs from February to May.

(*Youth International does not affiliate with, or adhere to, any specific religious or philosophical doctrine, and has no political affiliations or agenda.)

Highlights: Help to build an orphanage in Bolivia, learn to speak Spanish while living with local families, hike the Inca trail through the Peruvian Andes to Machu Picchu, do conservation work in the Ecuadorian rainforest, search for wildlife while sailing through the Galapagos Islands, and much more... These are just a few highlights on a trip that holds new adventures around every corner!

Youth International sends teams to South America every year from Sept. to Dec. and Jan. to Apr. Each team travels together for 12 weeks through Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador.

The next available South America program is for the fall of 2008. The full tentative itinerary for that trip is as follows:

Colorado, USA (September 18 to 21):

Rocky Mountains in Estes Park, Colorado (Sept.18 to 21):   
For three days team members will live together in residence at the YMCA of the Rockies Conference Centre in Estes Park, Colorado. In the midst of this spectacular Rocky Mountain setting they will take part in a series of orientation workshops covering topics such as team building, health and safety, cultural sensitivity, and more, in preparation for their time abroad.

*A detailed orientation schedule will be handed out upon arrival in Colorado.

Flight to South America (Sept. 21):
The Team will depart Colorado's Rocky mountains on the morning of Sept. 21. They will fly together from Denver, south to Cochabamba, Bolivia.

*Participants will receive a detailed flight itinerary before the start of the program.

Bolivia (September 22 to October 28):

La Paz (Sept. 22 to 23):

Time to begin exploring Bolivias largest, and perhaps its most colorful, city. Individual and group site seeing and exploration of La Pazs lively streets, endless bustling markets, and many museums will take place.

On the afternoon of the 23rd the team will depart La Paz, and travel south by bus and/or train to Uyuni.

Uyuni and the Southern Altiplano (Sept. 24 to 28):

The team will have a day to explore the outpost town of Uyuni and prepare for their safari into Bolivias remote southern Altiplano. Then, for four days they will head out by jeep across spectacular salt plains and high mountain deserts, visiting volcanoes and flamingo lakes scattered about one of South Americas most rugged landscapes.

Overnight travel north by train and/or bus from Uyuni to Cochabamba on the 28th.

Cochabamba (Sept. 29 to Oct. 5):

For one week the team will live in the city of Cochabamba, tucked in a picturesque valley in Bolivias beautiful central highlands. Everyone will live with a host family and will attend intensive Spanish language lessons. Outings will also be taken to explore the many interesting sides of this lively Bolivian city.

On Oct. 5 the team will move to Malcorancho, about 45 minutes outside of Cochabamba.

Malcorancho (Oct. 5 to 17):

For two weeks the team will live with host families in this small rural village just beyond the outskirts of Cochabamba. Days will be spent helping with a community project. (The team will most likely be helping to build and renovate an orphanage and/or a school in the community. Final project details will be given to team members before the start of the program.) A day trip will also be taken to visit a nearby rainforest.

Travel by bus from Cochabamba back to La Paz on the 17th.

La Paz: (Oct. 17 to 20):

The team will have some more time to continue exploring La Paz, as well as resting up and preparing for their upcoming Amazon River Basin adventure. There will also be a day trip to visit the nearby ancients ruins of Tiahuanaco.

On the morning of the 20th the team will fly from La Paz, in the high mountain planes, down to the rainforests of the Amazon River Basin and the town of Rurrenabaque.

Rurrenabaque and the Amazon River Basin (Oct. 20 to 26):

A day to explore Bolivias northern frontier town of Rurrenabaque, followed by a five day safari in which the team will travel together in simple wooden boats along rivers in the Amazon Basin searching for wildlife. Hikes will also be taken into the pampas and rainforest. The group will camp overnight in tents and cabins along the banks of the river, and inside the rainforest.

Fly from Rurrenabaque back to La Paz on the morning of Oct. 26th.

La Paz (Oct. 26 to 27):

The balance of the 26th will be free time to relax and continue exploring La Paz, before heading to Copacabana on the 27th.

Copacabana (Oct. 27 to 28):

Travel by bus from La Paz west to Copacabana on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The balance of the day on the 27th will be available to explore this pretty little pilgrimage town by the border of Peru.

Continue west by bus from Copacabana across the border to Puno, Peru on the 28th.

Peru (October 28 to November 18):

Puno (Oct. 28 to Nov. 9):

For two weeks the team will split up and live with host families in the small city of Puno, on the shores of one the worlds highest navigable bodies of water, Lake Titicaca. They will learn about typical life in Peru, by living it themselves. Days will be spent volunteering on a community project. (The project is still to be finalized, but will most likely involve both construction work and child education. Final project details will be given to team members before the start of the program.)

A weekend boat trip will also be taken out on Lake Titicaca. During that weekend outing the team will learn about island life and will stay overnight with host families on the small island of Amantani.

Travel by bus northwest from Puno to Cuzco on Nov. 9th.

Cuzco (Nov. 9 to 11):
This capital city of the old Inca Empire is tucked beautifully in an Andean Mountain valley in southern Peru. The team will have some time as a group, and individually, to explore Inca ruins in and around the city while resting up and preparing for their upcoming trek.

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (Nov. 11 to 14):

From near Cuzco the team will set out on the infamous Inca Trail. For three days they will hike along the remains of this stone paved path created by the Inca people. They will follow it deep into the Andes mountains, past small contemporary villages, and the remains of old Inca forts, through lush vegetation and over snow covered passes.

On the fourth morning the team will journey the final hours of the path to Machu Picchu. The remainder of this day will be spent exploring this "Lost City of the Incas", the most incredible, and deservedly most famous, site in South America.

Overnight on the 14th in the village of Aguas Calientes near Machu Picchu.

Cuzco (Nov. 15 to 16):

Return to Cuzco by train and bus on the morning of the 15th. Remainder of the day in Cuzco to rest and recover from the trek.

On the 16th the team will fly from Cuzco west across the Andes to Lima.

Lima (Nov. 16 to 18):

Site seeing and free time in Perus capital city. Sites may include, but not be limited to, the Church of San Francisco & Catacombs, the Central Market, and the National Museum.

The team will fly north from Lima to Quito, Ecuador on Nov. 18th.

Ecuador (November 18 to December 10):

Quito (Nov. 18 to 20):

Time for group, and individual, exploration of Ecuadors beautiful capital city.

Travel by bus south from Quito to Quilotoa volcanic crater lake on the morning of the 20th.

Quilotoa Crater Lake (Nov. 20 to 22):

The team will hike around part or the rim of this massive volcanic crater lake, and across the rural Ecuadorian countryside from Quilotoa to Chugchillan. They will stay in simple guest houses at both spots. Return by bus from Chugchillan to Quito on the 22nd.

Overnight the 22nd back in Quito then boarding a bus on the morning of the 23rd heading east, into the rainforest.

Jatun Sacha Rainforest Reserve (Nov. 23 to Dec. 3):

For this week and a half time period the team will live in small huts in the middle of the Ecuadorian rainforest. Here they will work on a variety of conservation projects with the Jatun Sacha Foundation. Some recreational and educational outings will also be taken into the rainforest and along nearby rivers.

Travel from the rainforest back to Quito on Dec. 3rd.

Quito (Dec. 3 to 4):

Evening in Quito to make final preparations for Galapagos Islands safari.

Fly from Quito to the Galapagos Islands on the morning of Dec. 4th.

Galapagos Islands (Dec. 4 to 9):

On the equator, in the Pacific Ocean, 1000 Kms off the coast of Ecuador, the group will do a four day sailing safari through several islands within Ecuadors Galapagos Archipelago.
This is the spot where Charles Darwin found some of the most important evidence in the development of his theory of evolution.

Here, in one of the most diverse and dynamic wildlife habitats on the planet, the team will search for and observe an endless of array of mammals, birds, and marine life; from swimming with Seals and Penguins to walking within a few feet of Giant Tortoises, Pelicans, and Blue Footed Boobies.

After their sailing safari the team will stay in the town of Puerto Ayora for a final day in the Galapagos to enjoy the spectacular beaches, rest up, reflect on the entire trip and prepare for their return home.

Fly from the Galapagos Islands back to Quito on Dec. 9th.

Quito (Dec. 9 to 10):

Final evening in Quito on December 9 for program wrap up and preparation for returning home on the 10th.

Flight back to the USA (Dec. 10):

The team will fly together from Quito to Denver, Colorado. The groups journey will be finished upon arrival back in Denver.

*Participants will receive a detailed flight itinerary before the start of the program.

Qualifications: Anyone who will be between 18 and 25 years of age when travelling is welcome to apply to join a Youth International trip. (*Some flexibility with this age restriction does exist.)

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: US$8,500

The only costs that the program fee does not cover are personal items and individual free time activities. Personal items would also include health insurance and any medical expenses, travel visas, as well as transportation to and from orientation, in the USA, at the beginning and end of the program.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Q: What types of people join Youth International teams? A: This is a very common question, and is perhaps the most difficult to answer as there is really no "typical" Youth International participant. Each is unique! Our participants bring with them a wonderful diversity of backgrounds and interests. Team members share a like mindedness, and bond well, through their common interest and enthusiasm toward the activities and ideals which have drawn them all toward the Youth International program. All, in some way or another, are eager to step outside of the path they are on at the moment. To challenge themselves to get out and learn more about the world, and about who they are in relation to that world. Many are taking a "gap" year, or semester, off in the middle of college, or between graduating high school and beginning college. Several have recently graduated college, and want to experience some of the world before starting a career or going on to graduate school. A few are taking time out from a career. The vast majority of our participants come from the United States. From all corners of the country. We also have several participants join from across Canada. Youth International also has some members that have joined us from a number of other countries around the world.

Age Range: 18 to 25

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups of up to 14

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit DebriefingAbroad

Youth International's Mission Statement: Youth International opens the doors for young people to actively explore and discover a broader perspective on the world while developing a deeper understanding of who they are and what their place is within that world. Developing more personally and socially aware future leaders, Youth International also hopes to take small steps toward bridging the gap between people and nations and making the world a better, more peaceful place to live.

Year Founded: 1995