ProWorld
Programs and Reviews
ProWorld offers unique intern abroad opportunities to students tied in with community learning projects. ProWorld staff members live in the host communities they serve and are committed to projects that benefit these communities. Most ProWorld employees have volunteered abroad and their experiences have largely impacted the development of ProWorld intern abroad programs.
Gain valuable professional experiences as you intern and volunteer at nonprofits, NGO's and other organizations for 1-6 month-long placements. Explore potential careers, learn about rewarding development work and get valuable practical workplace skills for the future. Programs start at the first of every month and include: customized professional internship placement, homestay living, cultural activities and extensive staff support. Classes for academic credit are available.
Programs Abroad
Reviews
90%Overall
Rating
80%Overall
Rating
PRE-DEPARTURE (Preparations)
ProWorld was one of the many volunteer-placement organizations that I stumbled upon while searching for an internship abroad. ProWorld became my number one choice because of --
1)Area. I wanted either South America or Africa)
Job opportunities. I knew I was not qualified/interested in teaching english/health and ProWorld has partnered with a number of local NGOs that cater to various advocacies, and
3) Cultural Integration. I wanted to live in a home-stay where I would be able to learn firsthand the language, the lifestyle and the values.
Commendations:
The woman who interviewed me (the U.S. coordinator) was very nice and accommodating. From the first time we spoke up until I was accepted as an intern, she was both casual and formal, enthusiastically answering my questions and giving out more details. She was very understanding of my concerns and hesitations and kept me updated with diligent phone calls and emails.
Having a networking website (myproworld.net) and being able to read about other people's experiences. Also, I was able to get the email of the individuals who lived in the same home-stay as well as who worked at the same project I was to work with.
The preparation packet that was sent about a month before leaving with details of what to bring, the culture, visa, etc.
Suggestions/Areas of improvement:
The weeks before my trip, I was contacted by a number of people. The program coordinator, the project coordinator, etc. So when I had a question, I did not really know who to address and it took awhile to receive an answer.
PROWORLD-GHANA STAFF
The staff are made up of a mix of Americans and locals. The ProWorld-Ghana staff is relatively new so they are still getting the hang of things but otherwise, they are there when you need them. They're also very encouraging when it comes to going to different places, talking to people, attending events, trying the food and having clothes made.
Commendations:
Airport welcome
Fluent english
ProWorld house - reasonably an easy travel, comfortable, safe and has internet, food and running water!
Once a month home-stay and project evaluations where the volunteers are free to confide any concerns
Suggestions/Areas of improvement:
Not too definite assignments for each staff member
Accepting too many volunteers/groups at one time is both exciting but at the same time stressful in terms of human and material resources as well as crowding at the house
Some communication problems and means of addressing concerns
PROJECT
Based on my qualifications, I was given two internship options -- Administrative Assistant at the Department of Social Welfare and a Marketing Classes for Aboom Special Needs Women. Being that I had only minimal experience in marketing as well as with persons with intellectual disabilities, I chose the former. During a pre-departure conversation via Skype, I was advised to take the latter for they were still assessing the evaluations of the previous volunteer. In the end, I started with the latter and ended my 3-month internship volunteering at both. A policy which I believe caused some logistical issues and I think will be discouraged for future volunteers.
Commendations:
Both projects were about a 10-15 minute walk from my homestead.
The people I worked with were absolutely amazing! Not to mention the children (Aboom is a school for children with intellectual disabilities, not really women).
Part of my program fee was allotted as "Project Money" which meant that I could use such for approved initiatives
I was asked to do a presentation, attended by my project partners, ProWorld and the other volunteers to summarize my experience. Hopefully this will be available for interested volunteers.
The project partners were very open to ideas so it allowed me to explore and learn so much!
Professionally I learned how to:
* Appreciate business fundamentals such as marketing, finance, etc... which was big for me as I am a liberal arts major
* Be innovative and confident, especially when supervisors are flexible and open to ideas
* How to sew, work with children with disaiblities, write formal letters, write reports, report to an advisor, execute administrative tasks efficiently
* How to OBSERVE and appreciate the way their current system may work for them
* Think realistically
* How important it is to show that I/we genuinely care by finding a number of ways to address an issue. Also, how to SEARCH for a way to utilize time and energy
* How to reach out to community members
Personally, everything combined was just an eye-opener. An environment where you may be unfamiliar and close to giving up can be quite the playground for creativity. And with an open mind, I learned how to appreciate the everyday accomplishments no matter how small or big such as learning who can do what. I learned how to adjust and trust my coworkers who share the same goals as me.
Suggestions/Areas of improvement:
I did not know where to start during my first week so it would be helpful to share the previous evaluations of past volunteers.
The project money can be helpful and harmful in terms of incentives of the project partners.
Update the description of the projects on the website
HOUSING/FAMILY
I was placed in a house that was right in town, about 10 minutes from my workplace and about a 15 minute cab ride to the ProWorld house so location-wise, it was pretty good. It was also very near the market! Aside from my host parents, both present, employed and english-proficient, I lived with 2 brothers, 1 sister-in-law and 2 sisters. They were all older than me and absolute wonderful people!
Commendations:
I was almost too well fed! (They even packed me lunch for work!)
I learned a lot
They spoke VERY good english but also liked to tease me/"encourage me" by speaking in Fante
They welcomed me to the room where they would all hangout after dinner
They were very open to teaching me about the culture, the language, the food and such
They were VERY concerned with my safety
I knew I could trust them and bring up any concern
I got to know both kids and the adults around my area
To-date i am in-touch with most of them :)
Suggestions:
Wish I got their profile a little bit earlier and maybe even get in contact with them to know them more which would help me bring them nice token gifts
SAFETY, HEALTH and TRANSPORTATION
Commendations:
Cape Coast is a very safe town. People are very friendly; The community places great importance in looking out for one another and a lot of the basic resources can be found nearby.
As part of the program fee, we were given "Travel Stipends" just incase work assignments are a significant distance from home-stays or the ProWorld house.
Words of caution are communicated before through email before the program as well as during orientation
Connections with a local NGO clinic
Malaria is a concern that should not be overlooked but there is no way to avoid it 100%.
Stock of first-aid materials and toiletries at the ProWorld house
I was given keys to my house and my room
Suggestions:
Too much information on 1 day orientation
Sometimes home-stays are too far from workplaces
CULTURAL INTEGRATION
Commendations:
Seeing most tourist attractions through ProWorld and also being able to plan out independent excursions with other volunteers
Learning the language! At first through ProWorld then slowly through my family and my co-workers
Eating different foods... in different places! Though the ProWorld house is also there just incase you want something a little closer to home
Suggestions:
The excursions that are done once a month -- either make it a development project where the volunteers would be able to see the progress OR have the volunteers discuss and contribute ideas
OVERALL, because I came with managed expectations, I left with no regrets. Again, ProWorld-Ghana is relatively new and is still improving but it was a great experience :)
100%Overall
Rating
The most rewarding experience Ive ever had. The food was typical of Costa Rica, rice and beans, but was very good. I felt safe the entire time. We worked most of the time so I did not experience the social scene of Costa Rica but I could hear it from the hostel! They live very much in the here and now. We arrived in Costa Rica and stayed in a hostel for the first two nights experiencing the culture and history of San Jose then left for the coast. We arrived in Moin in the Limon province. We stayed at Paradero Eco tours for the rest of the week where we created a hatchery for leather-back sea turtles and participated in beach clean up to allow for easier nesting. We went on nightly beach patrols to prevent poachers from taking the turtle eggs. During the day we cared for the animals on the refuge such as sloths, white faced monkeys, and owls. It was secluded so we needed to pack everything we would need. I would definitely recommend taking sunscreen and bug spray. The local people were very nice and accepting. We went to a local school for a day and experienced the humility and poverty of the people there. The children had made their musical instruments from garbage and tried to give them to us to take home. I enjoyed myself immensely, I have never felt so great about volunteering. I know that I made a difference not only in the lives of the animals, but also in the lives of the school children we met. The program was phenomenal. All of my needs were met and I felt the price was very affordable and definitely worth it. The only thing I would have done differently would have been to stay longer. This program has changed me as a person and made me more globally aware.
100%Overall
Rating
Pro-World is a fabulous program for anyone looking to get their feet wet in international development/volunteering. It is extremely well-run and offers a variety of program options that can be tailored to each volunteer's interests. In my opinion the organization provides just the right amount of freedom and support for college and post-college individuals starting out in international work. Highly recommended!
100%Overall
Rating
Our experience with ProWorld was amazing from the beginning to the end. ProWorld was extremely accommodating and helpful with the planning process. The team was supportive, informational, and extremely friendly throughout the entire process. While on the ground, the trip was very organized and the staff was extremely helpful. We were always busy and had the opportunity to give back while also experience a lot of the culture and fun aspects of Costa Rica. The volunteer experience was very meaningful, impacting, and rewarding. Our trip truly went without a glitch and I honestly believe that is because of ProWorld and the Costa Rican Language Academy and how competent and helpful the staff truly are.
Alumni Interviews
Staff Interview
Interview Richard A. Webb, co-founder of ProWorld
Founded in 1998 in Peru, ProWorld works in the Americas, Africa, and Asia, with an emphasis on development initiatives spearheaded by local communities. There currently are seven main project areas in which volunteers work, including community development, education, women's empowerment, and more. Says Richard, "At the root of all placements is our commitment to engaging participants in meaningful and sustainable efforts in environmental, social and economic development projects."
Let's learn more about ProWorld and how you can get involved!
Placement Basics
- How long?: One week to a semester or longer.
- Where?: Belize, Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Ghana, India, Mexico, Nepal, Peru, and Thailand.
- What do volunteers do?: Community development, education, environment and conservation, health, working with children, construction, and women's empowerment.
- How much does it cost?: Volunteer programs range from $1,345 to $1,545 per week, plus $270 to $320 for each additional week.
- What do fees cover?: Room and board, transportation to and from the project site and other outings, cultural and adventure excursions, and project funds that benefit the program with which volunteers work.
About Volunteering
Volunteers can choose and sign up for ProWorld trips online. Pre-departure information and a telephone interview with all volunteers are provided to prepare them for service. Once volunteers arrive to their project sites, training and country- and program-specific information are provided by ProWorld staff.
ProWorld employs on-site staff who help manage the volunteer experience and ensure they focus on the needs of the community while also providing an enriching experience to volunteers. To make sure programs are operating smoothly and sustainably, Richard says, "We use a variety of metrics to help us assess local development needs and keep in constant communication with our local community partners and leaders. In most cases, we recognize that we are not the experts in the community needs, but facilitators of innovation and resources to help make ongoing changes and improvements to the economic and personal welfare of the members of the communities where we work."
Today, ProWorld has more than 4,000 volunteer alumni. The organization keeps its supporters up-to-date on their own projects as well as new ones through a regular newsletter and social networks.
The best part of working with ProWorld is being inspired by all the people within the ProWorld community, including participants and local partners, who whose great work and commitment make everything go around!
Program Highlights
Ecotourism in Costa Rica: Volunteers on this trip promote ecotourism among rural communities, with possible projects to include working at an animal rescue center or dairy farm, cleaning and maintaining hiking trails, building a butterfly garden, and more. Housing and meals are provided by a local family, and volunteers are encouraged to visit the nearby towns of Manuel Antonio/Quepos and Dominical. This trip starts from $1,345 for one week, plus $270 for each additional week. Learn more about volunteering in Costa Rica.
Public Health Education in Ghana: During this project, volunteers teach rural communities about HIV/AIDS and other healthcare issues such as sanitation, malaria prevention, and reduction of the spread of typhoid and cholera. Volunteers research their health education topics, create lesson plans, and hold classes and workshops. Housing and meals are provided by a local family, with organized trips provided at the beginning of the program and free weekends for volunteers to travel the area and explore. The Public Health Education program starts from $1,345 for one week, plus $270 for each additional week. Learn more about volunteering in Ghana.
Teaching English to Refugees and Minorities in Nepal: Volunteers in this Nepal program help build English and career skills to underserved communities, as well as assisting with organizational administration and marketing, helping with website and database management, and organizing and running workshops for local populations. Group housing options in close proximity to Kathmandu are offered for volunteers, with possible excursions to include World Heritage site tours, Hindu and Buddhist temple visits, and more. As with the Ghana and Costa Rica programs, trip fees start from $1,345 for the first week, plus $270 for each week thereafter. Learn more about volunteering in Nepal.
Women's Empowerment in Peru: Through this program, volunteers work in a hostel providing educational and social services to working girls by helping to promote and expand the program; developing seminars on health, nutrition, self-esteem, and sexual abuse; and assisting girls with their homework. This project requires volunteers to have background experience in this program area, Spanish language ability, and a minimum time commitment of one month. Volunteers stay with a local host family, and are encouraged to take weekends to explore Machu Picchu and other surrounding areas. Volunteering with the women's empowerment program starts from $1,545 for one week, plus $320 for each additional week. Learn more about volunteering in Peru.
Construction in Belize: Offered over winter break, this trip promotes cultural immersion and community development by getting volunteers involved in construction and painting projects, which may include painting and renovating a local hospital, building a playground, and building a community education center. This program is offered one time, from December 27, 2011 through January 8, 2012, and costs $1,865. Volunteers stay with a host family, and weekends are free for excursions to Mayan ruins, snorkeling, cave tubing, and more. Learn more about volunteering in Belize.
Learn More and Connect
Website: www.proworldvolunteers.org
Facebook: facebook.com/proworldvolunteers
Twitter: @MyProWorld
YouTube: www.youtube.com/proworldvolunteers
Address:
600 California Street, 10th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94108
USA
Phone: 1-877-429-6753
Email: info@proworldvolunteers.org
When I first arrived in Urubamba Peru and was introduced to my host family and my very basic living quarters, I wasn't sure what to expect of the upcoming two weeks. With incredibly rusty Spanish, I felt nervous about communicating with my family and didn't know if two weeks in this small town in a house with no central heating (and very cold nights) would feel way too long.
I could not have been more wrong. My family instantly made me feel at home and patiently helped me practice my Spanish (as well as loaded me up with extra blankets). Their warmth and concern for my well being transcended a need for a shared language, but my Spanish improved drastically over this 2 week immersion experience.
What impressed me most about my time in Urubamba was the sense of integration with the community. On my trip around the world, I have seen a lot of organizations that give great volunteer experiences, but I am troubled when they don't involve the local community in a sustainable way. This was not the case with ProWorld. I love that some of the ProWorld staff in Urubamba don't speak fluent english, but they live in the communities where the projects are implemented and are incredibly passionate about working alongside the english speaking staff to ensure the projects are truly benefiting the community.
Each day, I had the opportunity to work on different projects and it surprised me how much I liked building cleaner burning stoves and working with water filters. But, I also got to participate in youth groups and work with women's artesan groups. These projects were led by long term volunteers or staff members to ensure consistency in the community (another incredibly important element to international volunteering).
I left Urubamba with an incredibly heavy heart. My host family, the community, the staff, and my fellow volunteers made me feel like I always have a home there and I can't wait to go back.