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One World Center

Why choose One World Center?

We are a non-profit research organization with a mission to inspire and empower ordinary people to take action against worldwide poverty and climate change. Using an innovative teaching and learning environment, we cultivate social change through the power of ideas and direct action to help build sustainable communities around the world.

Our study-volunteer programs give you an in-depth understanding of poverty, how to develop sustainable growth, and teach you how to mobilize the communities you will work in by building a foundation of growth that begins within each of you. We empower your experience by inviting the world to witness the change our programs had in the lives of the communities abroad because of the change it's had in you.

Reviews

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Laura
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I recommend this program because it helps change lives

My experience was unique because I experienced a very interesting cultural and language exchange and also because you help others. The issue of food safety is one of the main problems in the United States and through this program we want to mitigate and replace all industrial food with organic food, which you can grow in your home garden. There is also a very interesting topic that is knowing the other side of the United States, its main problems and how volunteers help with climate change and global warming.

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Ana
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

6 month program "Shoulder to shoulder for change"

This was a unique experience because it brings with it personal, professional and social growth. I believe that when you step out of your comfort zone you achieve unimaginable things. Things that you did not know about yourself and through the volunteer you manage to discover skills and strengths that you did not know you had. The opportunity to know another side of the United States with the problems they have like any country in the world, is a unique opportunity because you can understand that nothing is perfect. One World Center gave me the support I needed as a volunteer... I educate and educate myself about this world. Additional I give myself tools to achieve it. Manage to find a training school for volunteers who always fight for the safety and comfort of volunteers. The organization changed housing projects when we said we are concerned about the issue, always covered the expenses of food and transportation and this for me was very important because I always felt safe in a country that was not mine.Emotionally we had two teachers where they directed us and took us by the hand in the process. We always count on everyone to make our experience the best and so it was during the last 6 months

Pros
  • Learn about new cultures and a new language
  • Teaches you to get out of your comfort zone
  • They teach you to give and learn what is the most valuable thing you can have in life.
Cons
  • The emotional part is something very strong in this process
  • It is a program where the time requested is extensive
  • It is a program that can change depending on the circumstances
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Pauline
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

At home

One World Center is like my home. I spend 3 months in total in this place with amazing people that I will never forgot. I have learned everyday about climate change and poverty and this help me a lot in my personal life but also professional. I feel welcome, safe and really happy thanks to the team. Also the teachers are really good and support you in any case, that is really important. You can take action in community inside (with the building week-end once a months) and outside the school (inside the community to support during an action). I just want to say thank you for this incredible experience that open me many doors and give me a lot of opportunities. Don't hesitate, it's a unique and incredible experience with magic people that you have to live !

Pros
  • Cultural experience
  • Positive impact
  • Learning
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Elizabeth
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The importance of good preparation

The first 3 months of my program were at One World Center, I experienced there a different kind of school, is a place where I learned how to think different, expand my vision and that is not about correct or wrong answers, is about understand the situations around and your opinions are valid because are based on your path life.
The academic part was full of information about world economy, types of aid, history and more. We developed a practical work in the farm every Wednesday, all these lessons working together with amazing teachers, Tom and Joannee.
Also, I interact with many people from different countries, especially my team. We faced situations that taught us how to work as a team to go to Saint Vincent and make successful programs.

Pros
  • Education
  • Teamwork
  • Leadership
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Ana María
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The beginning of a long journey

One World Center is the place where everything started. I did my preparation period at OWC and I can say that I recieved the best preparation I could have. I learned a lot of things, how to work as a team, global economics, politics, agriculture, etc., plus we had the opportunity to do practical work in the farm. I discovered the tools for having a succesful service period in St. Vincent. I met amazing people being there and spent time with lovely humans beings. The activities and workshops were amazing and full of learnings. If you're interested to make a volunteer program, in my opinion, OWC is one of the best option for it!!

Pros
  • Cultural exchange
  • Overall knowledge

Programs

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Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Jessica Sherman

Job Title
Community Outreach and Promotions Coordinator
Jessica works in the promotions department at One World Center's Michigan Campus. A native of New York State, she brings creativity, energy, organization and a passion for helping the poor to her work at One World Center.
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What position do you hold at One World Center? What has been your career path so far?

My position at One World Center is the Community Outreach and Promotions Coordinator for the United States. Prior to taking a position with One World Center, I was the owner of a clothing boutique. Through my work in retail and operation my business, it gave me the strong background in promotions and marketing. When I decided to make a career change, I couldn't have selected a better organization to work for. One World Center is doing such amazing work to eradicate poverty while working toward a sustainable future.

As the Community Outreach and Promotions Coordinator, I have to give credit to all of my co-workers. Each and every member of the One World Center Staff is so supportive and devoted to helping each other succeed . Together, we all work hard to complete all tasks that need to be addresses, promote our programs nationally and internationally, keep our programs filled, and always come up with new ideas and projects to further promote sustainable living. I aspire to have a very long career with One World Center and continue working toward our global vision: a sustainable future.

What about the future of the industry? How do you think volunteering abroad & international education will change over the next ten years?

I truly believe our industry has a very bright but challenging future. Our world currently has more people sinking into poverty daily and the adverse effects of climate change & global warming are already evident. However, there is an increasing number of people becoming aware of these issues, the challenges we all will face; the poor being affected the most. These people are starting to take actions to become more sustainable. Together, we can make a change-- every action at home or abroad to become more sustainable is of huge value!

How have you changed or grown since working for One World Center?

There are so many ways I have changed and grown since my start at One World Center.

I have learned so much about our world, the challenges we face, our health & nutrition, poverty, climate change, global warming, ways to become more sustainable, and much, much more! Everyday there is something new to learn at One world Center. It is so rewarding.

Through working with my co-workers, I have also developed in my education on Promotions and Community Outreach. Working with a very talent staff really helps you to develop new skills, think outside of the box, and create creative solution and ideas. We have a very diverse staff and this allows for us to consider many ideas that on our own may have never considered.

I have also made lifelong friendships with people from all corners of the world. This has expanded my mind and allowed me to learn so much about other cultures and given me the opportunity to share my culture as well.

Describe a time when you have felt especially proud to be a part of One World Center.

I honestly do not think I can name just one moment! I am so proud everyday of our organization, the work we do, our staff, our Development Instructors -- seeing how much can be accomplished when we work together.

I am always so excited to talk with the Development Instructors when they arrive back to campus after their service period. They are always so happy, confident, ready to share their experiences and ready to tell us all about how much the service period impacted them. Many times the Development Instructors share that they feel that they received so much more than they could ever give during their service period.

It makes me so proud to be a part of an organization that does that. And, honestly who doesn't want to work for an organization set out to create a better world for all?!