Volunteer Abroad - Russia

  Russia

• All Other Areas: 
Yaroslavl

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: Beginning at various dates year-round.

Description: Volunteering abroad is the opportunity of a lifetime, and our flexible short-term programs let you design your ideal experience in Russia. Volunteer from 1 week to 3 months in meaningful projects that will let you work side-by-side with local people and experience the Russian culture like never before.

As an international volunteer with Cross-Cultural Solutions, you're making a positive contribution, by sharing in the goals of a local community that warmly welcomes you. You'll gain new perspectives and insight into the culture and yourself. It's an exciting and personally inspiring experience, and you'll develop memories that will stay with you forever.

As a volunteer in Russia, you will have the unique opportunity to step inside a culture that was hidden behind "the iron curtain" for seventy years. Since the formation of the Russian Federation in 1991, Russia has seen a resurgence of efforts to recover its ancient national heritage through art, architecture and literature. Many of Russia's best places are only now being truly discovered by the outside world.

Volunteers and Interns in Russia are involved with:

    * caring for infants and children
    * teaching children
    * caring for the elderly
    * caring for people with disabilities

Cross-Cultural Solutions is a recognized leader in the field of international volunteering, with more than 4,000 volunteers each year. Founded in 1995, we are an international not-for-profit organization with no political or religious affiliations. CCS has a worldwide staff of more than 300 people, and operates in 12 countries, with administrative offices also located in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. We are in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations, and have been profiled in more than 500 news outlets.

Highlights: Covering 6.5 million square miles and spanning two continents and 11 time zones, Russia is the largest country in the world. Within this vast expanse, youll find wilderness, lakes, and mountains, as well as hundreds of historically and culturally rich cities.

Cross-Cultural Solutions' volunteer programs in Russia are based in Yaroslavl, the unofficial capital of Russia's "Golden Ring," a symbolic circle of ancient towns located northeast of Moscow that contain some of Russias oldest architecture. Situated on the banks of the majestic Volga and smaller Kotorosl rivers, Yaroslavl is one of the most beautiful and historically preserved cities in Russia. Home to the country's oldest and best public theaters, the city is known for its picturesque cathedrals, gold-domed churches, ancient fortresses and monasteries, as well as for its vibrant artistic community.

Yaroslavl is part of Russia's Golden Ring, a loop of nine towns northeast of Moscow that is home to much of Russia's early handiwork in art and architecture. Dating from the 11th century, Yaroslavl sits along the Volga River; it once prospered as a merchant's town and an important trading port between Europe and the Middle East. Along with housing Russia's first drama theater and some of its most beautiful churches, Yaroslavl is home to eleven orphanages, 200 industrial enterprises, and more than half a million people. Most evident in the streets of Yaroslavl is the strong folk culture that distinguishes Russians from other ethnic groups. Best known by its decorative arts, such as the matryoshka dolls, intricate embroidery and knitting, and its music, dress, and dancing, this folk culture is a charming part of visiting in Yaroslavl.

The people of Russia, known for their serious, no-nonsense disposition, can be disarmingly warm. While it's typical for Russians to be cautious of inappropriately laughing or smiling, they are quick to smile back at friendly passers-by. Their hospitality is almost endless, and once invited into a Russian home you can expect to be offered a giant embrace and a glass of vodka.

From its children to its elderly, Russia's people love to tell stories. After getting to know you, they will openly share their folktales, superstitions and their own personal stories from Russia's recent past. Their passion and dedication to all that they do captures the depth and breadth of Russia's cultural and historical roots.

Qualifications: No special skills or experience required.

Cost in US$: Visit our website for program fees.

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: While other volunteer programs may require certain skills or degrees, Cross-Cultural Solutions' programs are open to everyone. No matter what you believe your skill level to be, you have something meaningful and helpful to offer. We are dedicated to providing a meaningful placement for anyone willing to volunteer, and believe that the only skills required for international volunteering are a willingness to learn and an open mind.

Age Range: 18 and older, younger volunteers accepted with application

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Russia Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Other

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Cross-Cultural Solutions's Mission Statement: Our mission is to operate volunteer programs around the world in partnership with sustainable community initiatives, bringing people together to 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.

Year Founded: 1995