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Cross-Cultural Solutions
Cause Area
- Children & Youth
- Community
- Education & Literacy
- Health & Medicine
- International
Location
2 Clinton PlaceNew Rochelle, NY 10801 United States
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Organization Information
Mission Statement
Volunteer Abroad - It's the experience of a lifetime.
Our Vision is of a world where people value cultures different from their own, are aware of global issues, and are empowered to effect positive change.
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.
Our Values are:
- Shared Humanity
When people of different cultures have an opportunity to connect, there comes an understanding of our shared humanity. - Respect
We accept, appreciate and respect that people know and understand what is appropriate for their own communities. - Integrity
We commit to ensuring the safety, flexibility, professionalism, transparency and excellence of our programs.
Description
Cross-Cultural Solutions is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1995. Cross-Cultural Solutions is a recognized leader in the field of international volunteering. CCS is recognized as an expert in its field by the United Nations and CARE, one of the world's largest humanitarian organizations. In 2003, we were granted Special Consultative Status by the UN. In 2001, we were selected as the partner-of-choice to operate the CARE Corps program.
Cross-Cultural Solutions has been profiled in more than 500 news outlets, including: CNN, The New York Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, Time, Newsweek, The Chicago Tribune, The Toronto Star, The Today Show, USA Today, National Geographic Traveler, and the ABC Nightly News.
Cross-Cultural Solutions is proud to co-chair the Building Bridges Coalition, a project of the Brookings Institution focused on dramatically increasing the number of U.S. international volunteers. The Coalition aims to improve cross-cultural understanding through expanded international volunteer service, enhanced service quality and capacity, and dedication to positive impact across the globe.
Reviews
Would you recommend Cross-Cultural Solutions?
14 reviews
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(2019-01-01 01:57:27.0)
I truly enjoyed the 3 weeks I volunteered in La Ciudad de Guatemala. I worked with young children teaching English in an orphanage. The home base was great and they fed us well. We stayed in a dormitory and had weekends off to visit other areas. It was great and fulfilling. I met other volunteers from the US and Canada.
(2016-08-31 20:16:21.0)
I want to become part of this organization as a teen volunteer and I'm interested . It seems very great and fun .
(2016-06-18 22:58:20.0)
Hello, I’m Jammina Claude and I’m human. That might have been the best introduction but it’s one that proves a point: we are all one race, human. As the human race, I believe that our priority is servicing one another,whether it's helping nearby neighbors or hosting an exchange student. Its our job as humans to look past our differences and know that the only way to be unified is to help one another in every which way we possibly can. I commend this organization for helping others by providing them with essential resources such as food, clothes, and most importantly a warm caring heart. I would be honored to have the privelage of to being part of your team, so that I may too do my duty as a human and help my kind as much as I can.
(2013-07-18 22:56:50.0)
I just returned from Moshi Tanzania after one month of service with CCS and it changed my life forever. I am already planning to move there! CCS is amazing, and worth every penny.
(2013-06-11 16:01:46.0)
CCS is a balanced format- equal parts service, cultural learning, and free time (or more simply: Help/Learn/Play). I was in Morocco and can absolutely verify what the other reviewers have said. You have the experience of a lifetime making a small difference in the lives of warm and welcoming people, you forge friendships, learning from each other and about the rich local culture, and you take back a bank of memories and change in spirit. Upon return, like others, I found myself thinking about where I can lend a hand in my own city. I've since signed up with two organizations and can't wait to start. Do CCS. You won't regret it.
(2012-08-29 20:31:50.0)
I have volunteered with Cross Cultural Solutions twice-both times in India! There's a reason why I chose CCS over other programs. Their commitment to quality and an authentic experience are unparalled. If you've never volunteered before they will help you every step of the way-if you're a seasoned traveller the country staff encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and experience new things. The country staff are what makes the program! They have their own lives and families, yet I always felt like their first priority. Everyone on staff was friendly and really listened to me. The placements are thoughtful and the staff went out of their way to make sure they fit our needs. The flats were clean and well stocked and of course the food provided every day was absolutely delicious! CCS is worth every penny-you won't regret it, it'll be the experience of a lifetime.
(2010-11-03 19:28:45.0)
I spent a month i Moshi, Tanzania with CCS and I must say, it was an amazing experience. The staff was incredibly supportive and really helped me plan a life changing trip. I worked with children at an orphanage in the area and also had the chance to work at a clinic performing home visits to the ill. I plan to return to CSS in 2011 and cannot wait - if you are searching for a company that will give you a satisfying abroad experience, one that is safe, trustworthy and all around fun, CCS is it. They are professional and can truly be counted on - you can reach the home office from the country of your placement and they make everything extremely easy for you - I highly recommend CCS for anyone looking to make a difference abroad!
(2010-09-29 13:26:45.0)
Volunteering with Cross Cultural Solutions was one of the best decisions I have made in my entire life. The local CCS staff in Tanzania had a great philosophy on volunteering. I was not only working with the community, but by being educated about their culture in several areas, I was able to better understand how to help. I have made lifelong friends in Tanzania. The in-country staff provided me with so much support. Every second of my time in Tanzania, I constantly felt like I was learning new, and extremely valuable lessons. Cross Cultural Solutions has inspired me to change my major to Global Studies and to continue volunteering as much as possible. I would recommend Cross Cultural Solutions to everyone. Once one volunteers with a CCS program, I can't imagine they would ever come home regretting their decision.
Previously Flagged and Approved
(2009-07-31 11:06:37.0)
I volunteered with Cross-Cultural Solutions in the spring of 2009 in Guatemala City with my mother for one week. It was absolutely one of the best experiences of our lives! Through the structure of CCS’s Insight Abroad Program we were able to form relationships with many of the local people, including the In-Country Staff in such a short time. We lived in the Home-Base with other volunteers, and the cooks provided three incredible meals a day which was great! We knew we would have healthy and DELICIOUS meals prepared for us every day, so we could focus on other activities during our short time in Guatemala. The staff also took us on trips to learn more about the culture of the country, and brought in guest speakers and even had dance lessons at the Home-Base. This program was life-changing and awe-inspiring. If you’re looking to make a difference and feel the difference of being a global citizen, volunteer abroad with Cross-Cultural Solutions!
(2009-07-06 13:52:05.0)
I volunteered with Cross-Cultural Solutions last summer in Ghana and am in the midst of planning my next trip with CCS to Tanzania. In Ghana, I taught my own class of children ages 9-13. Being immersed in a new culture, I had the opportunity to meet the most wonderful people and establish true lasting connections. A year later, I am still frequently emailing with CCS in-country staff, fellow volunteers and even local people! CCS gave me a safe life-altering experience and I absolutely cannot wait for my future adventures with them!
(2009-03-11 11:43:45.0)
I volunteered four years ago with Cross Cultural Solutions. I traveled to India and taught English to two small groups of women. I went alone and left with some of the best friends of my life. It is a great chance to learn about yourself,a new culture, and to interact with people in a completely different way. EVERYONE should do something like this at least once in their life!
(2008-12-19 10:35:10.0)
I voluntered with Cross Cultural Solutions over 4 years ago by myself. I am now planning to go again with my family. Instead of taking just a family vacation you are able to volunteer; get to know the TRUE culture and you are able to get away and do your own site seeing.
What a perfect example you set for your children. Talk about quality family time and making even the smallest difference for someone else that will last a lifetime.
Yvette
(Administrator for this Organization)
(2008-07-23 13:35:04.0)
I am volunteering in Costa Rica with CCS in September for the first time and I simply can't wait! I have many friends who have volunteered with them and have had nothing but the best things to say about their experience - including the incredible staff that made them feel right at home and the volunteer placements that really got them involved in the community. As a first-time volunteer abroad, I definitely feel like I'm in good hands.
Previously Flagged and Approved
(2008-06-18 07:27:13.0)
I have volunteered with Cross-Cultural Solutions in Peru, Thailand, and Costa Rica. I had an amazing experience in each place. There is so much to see and do in every country, and the people you meet are so incredible. I've formed relationships with many local people, and CCS is really great at facilitating this experience. I lived in a Home-Base with the other volunteers, and they provided three meals a day. The food was absolutely fantastic! The staff also took us on trips to learn more about the culture of the country, and brought in really great guest speakers. The staff were just wonderful. In every country I was in, they went out of their way to accomodate the volunteers. They're all very special people. I would recommend Cross-Cultural Solutions to everyone!