Cross-Cultural Solutions: Volunteer Abroad in Brazil

Morning: Each morning we boarded a van to head to our assignment with the other volunteers. Both trips I made to Brazil I was assigned to the orphanage at the Madre Teresa complex that also housed a daycare center and a home for abandoned elderly women. I helped with whatever tasks were needed, including bathing the children, reading to them, playing games, making craft projects and keeping them entertained so the staff could complete other tasks. Cleanliness was very important, so we mopped the floor frequently and every day I helped do mounds of laundry by hand.

Some days we played outside, but if it was very hot we stayed inside the cool walls of the orphanage. We helped the children eat their lunch and put them to bed for naps. The mornings went by quickly we stayed so busy and the van picked us up at lunchtime.

Afternoon: Several afternoons a week we had Portuguese lessons from an excellent teacher from the local university. We also took trips to local historical sites to learn about the unique culture of Salvador. There was also plenty of free time to explore on our own, visit with the other volunteers or walk to the beach about 15 minutes away. A local mall within walking distance offered another opportunity for exploration. There were museums nearby and the neighborhood was very safe for walking.

Evening: In the evening after dinner, we had lectures on local history and culture by a university professor and samba or capoeira lessons. These were early in the evening so there was time to explore the nightlife in town afterward. On Tuesday nights there was always drumming and dancing in town and there were often soccer games between local teams.

Highlights: I went to Brazil the first time with no idea of what to expect. Even though I worked at the orphanage with people who spoke no English, everyone was very helpful and easy to work with. The time spent with the children was very special and our contribution was greatly appreciated by the orphanage staff and the children loved having so much attention.

I fell in love with both the people and the culture of Salvador. So much, that I returned six months later, requesting to be placed at the orphanage again. It was wonderful to see the staff and many of the same children again. I learned so much from putting myself far outside my comfort zone and being accepted readily by people who couldn’t understand my language, but were the most welcoming, loving people I’ve ever met.

How long have you been part of the team at Cross-Cultural Solutions (CCS)? What is your role?

Cassandra: As the Director of Operations with Cross-Cultural Solutions, I lead our operations teams to ensure that we are running smoothly and efficiently- including IT, Finance, Support Services, and HR, and the Program Enrollment and Campus Engagement teams to inspire and assist individuals who are interested in international volunteering. My journey with CCS started over 10 years ago, when I first volunteered in a center for street children in Peru. After an early career start in banking, I realized that my passion for and commitment to international volunteering extended beyond an annual overseas experience, and I joined the CCS team in 2005. My experience as a CCS staff member started as a Program Advisor, where I worked with individuals to help make their goals of volunteering abroad a reality – and I later became part of the Programs team, working to support our inspiring in-country teams around the world. Today, my role allows me to immerse myself in many aspects of our field, both within our office, and with external partnerships and affiliations.

We heard you had some great adventures volunteering with your niece in Guatemala. Do tell!

Cassandra:The experience of international volunteering is eye-opening, changing your perspective and, in many ways, changing you. I had volunteered in 9 countries around the world when I decided to share this experience with my 9-year-old niece, Callie. I hoped that her first experience abroad would open her eyes to new cultures and international travel, as well as a deeper understanding of our shared humanity and a commitment to helping others – I was not disappointed.

During one life-changing week in Guatemala City, Guatemala, we worked together in a local school, teaching English and sharing our lives and experiences. From living within the local community; trying new Guatemalan dishes, learning about history and social issues, and taking part in truly memorable excursions – such as exploring a Mayan community – Callie & I truly immersed ourselves in Guatemalan life and culture. Exploring the world in such a deep and meaningful way not only was extremely educational and enlightening, but also created lifelong memories.

What is the most inspirational story you've heard from another CCS volunteer?

Cassandra: Part of working with Cross-Cultural Solutions is meeting inspiring and amazing individuals from around the world, so we’re surrounded by incredible stories each day. The story that has most inspired me, however, is from a young survivor of cancer who volunteered in Cape Town, South Africa in a quest to rediscover her passions and inspiration after an extremely difficult and challenging time in her life. Working within community organizations and connecting deeply with local people ignited this passion, and, determined to spread this inspiration to others, she founded an organization to take other cancer survivors abroad to volunteer and complete those “bucket-list” items. Taking such a difficult experience and turning it into something not only meaningful in your own life, but so important and meaningful in the lives of so many, demonstrates the power and beauty in volunteering and real connections.

What tips do you have for first-time volunteers?

Cassandra: I can’t think of a better way to start your journey exploring our world than through international volunteering, and I’m always so excited to see a first-time international volunteer step into their work assignment or into the CCS Home-Base for the first time. My advice is to first and foremost have an open mind – you’re about to experience another culture on an entirely new level, learn about social issues faced by that community, and be challenged to go outside of your comfort zone. Going into this with an open mind, and with a willingness to learn and explore, can make a difference not only in how you open up to the community, but in how the community opens up to you and shares their lives and stories. The experience of sitting alongside local people and sharing your life experiences on such a deep and personal level is magical.