ProWorld employs a development model which functions entirely on volunteers’ tuition, allowing us greater flexibility in choosing projects based on community need and eliminates third party influences.

ProWorld has local offices in each program location, so we can build strong relationships and develop new projects directly with the local communities. Over the past 10 years, we have contributed more than $100,000 directly to community projects. Plus, 86% of volunteers' funds go directly back in to program and field costs with only 14% going towards necessary administrative costs.

National Geographic recognized ProWorld as the Best Adventure Travel Company, based on our superior scores in education, sustainability, service, spirit, and customer satisfaction!

You should join ProWorld if you want to:

• Live and study in some of the most breathtaking natural environments in the world
• Experience Peru, Belize, Mexico, India or Thailand in ways few travelers ever do
• Learn from experience rather than research and study alone
• Work side by side with local community members on worthwhile development projects
• Grow as an individual as your daily experiences challenge, inspire and educate
• Join an elite group of volunteers from around the world
• Make a difference

ProWorld has established long-term relationships with our host communities that would be impossible to build without dedication and support to each community. We employ a year round on-site staff, ensuring a constant presence for local communities and our volunteers.

ProWorld provides the infrastructure to allow you to make a difference in the community, even after you leave. We organize your home stay with local families; arrange an intensive orientation when you arrive; and constant on-site support.

Over the past 10 years, ProWorld has over 4,500 alumni from across the United States, Canada, and Europe. Our alumni include undergraduate and graduate students, recent graduates, and professionals, all with expertise in every field imaginable.

There is at least one in-country ProWorld staff member for every eight volunteers.
 

ProWorld staff is made up of approximately 50% local staff on every one of our program sites. They provide invaluable insight into the local culture, social norms, and politics. The combination of local and international staff helps to make ProWorld so successful.

Please visit the Staff page to find out more.

Community-driven development projects are at the core of ProWorld's mission. Local communities submit their ideas to ProWorld staff who then evaluate the proposals to determine if we have the resources and volunteers to complete the projects. Any ProWorld proposed projects must be approved by the community before we begin any work. Once a project starts, the community must provide labor or resources, helping to establish a sense of ownership of the project within the community.

Established 10 years ago, ProWorld has funded over 1400 projects, including:

• Installed over 5,400 clean burning stoves
• Treated over 17,000 patients during our 3 years of clinical outreach projects
• Constructed 22 elementary schools
• Planted over 1.2 million native plants and trees threatened by extinction
• Tutored thousands of children in small group and extracurricular activities

For a complete list of our completed projects, please visit Our Impact page.

Volunteers can clearly see their money in use in the ProWorld program. The majority of volunteer funds are applied to field costs, ProWorld on-site staff support, local employees’ salaries, insurance, transportation, international communication, and volunteers' weekend trips and excursions.

Some of ProWorld’s expenses help to maintain the ProWorld website and Alumni site (myproworld.net) and overseeing existing and potential new community projects. ProWorld maintains a year round support of projects and communities with a staff in all program locations, including our US offices. 86% of ProWorld volunteer funds go directly back to the field and local community projects, leaving 14% for necessary administrative costs.

Beyond maintaining program sites, ProWorld has contributed in excess of $100,000 directly to community projects and infused over $1,400,000 into our host communities, based on this business and development model.

For more information about program fees, please visit our Fees and Dates page.

ProWorld takes every precaution possible in choosing safe locations and providing constant support from the local and international ProWorld offices. All local ProWorld staff members are on-hand to take care of all our volunteers’ safety in case of an emergency.
Participants should keep up to date with the current political, social, and environmental issues in ProWorld locations through their home country’s official travel advisory and warnings.

Don't hesitate to contact us by email at info@myproworld.org or by phone at 1.877.429.6753.

All ProWorld programs offer unique, meaningful opportunities for you to experience another culture and contribute to a local, community-based organization. During your time abroad, you’ll have the support of our onsite staff and a community of other participants. Interns and volunteers start year round so read below and contact a Program Advisor today to start planning your journey overseas!

Volunteer

A ProWorld Volunteer project is at the heart of every ProWorld experience. Join us for personal development, cultural immersion, and the rewarding work of empowering communities. Volunteers don’t require certain skills or background, but rather an open and wiling attitude to help others and learn. Participants choose the project focuses of their choice, and jump in with our partner organizations where help is most needed. Final project placement is a collaborative experience between the site team, community organization, and participant. Volunteers spend all of their work time engaged in hands-on, community projects and experience the rewards of helping to make their adopted community a better place.

PROJECT FOCUSES: Community Development, Education, Environment & Conservation, Health, Working with Children, Construction, and Women's Empowerment

LENGTH OF STAY: 1- 26 weeks. ProWorld recommends 3-5 week commitments, and some partner organizations require at least 2-3 weeks.

HOW TO APPLY: Volunteers apply and choose their top 2 project focuses. A Program Advisor will be in contact to discuss interests and more pertinent details to move through the application process. After this discussion, a $200 program deposit secures the volunteer placement and begins the collaborative process with the Site Team to finalize project.

Internships

ProWorld Internships are designed to provide interns with professional experience for career exploration and development. Participants are expected to have a certain skill set that matches the specific need of our community partner. While we do not require a specific major, we look for previous experiences, language skills, and goals that would be beneficial for the organization. Internships require more planning and have a limited capacity (1-2 interns per project), so we recommend applying at least 3 months ahead of your intended start date.

PROJECT FOCUSES: Community Development, Environmental Management, Health, NGO Management, Education, Journalism, Microfinance

LENGTH OF STAY: 1- 6 months. ProWorld recommends a 1 month commitment, and some partner organizations require at least 2-3 months.

HOW TO APPLY: Interns are expected to provide a resume and short description of their goals for a Program Advisor to review and move through the application process. After acceptance from the Advisor, a $200 program deposit is due to secure the internship position.

Check out the matrix below for a side-by-side comparison of the two programs.

Yes, the ProWorld programs are available for individuals from any country with an adventurous spirit and a true desire to help others. Participants should check with their State Department for visa eligibility and restrictions.

Definitely! While the majority of our participants are undergraduate or graduate students, we strongly encourage anyone who is over 18 and willing and able to apply to our volunteer and internship programs. We find that the more mature volunteers often have the most to add to our efforts.

Our application deadlines are dependent on the program and location. Semester Abroad applications are accepted up to 2 months before the start of the program. Volunteer and Internship programs will accept applications up to 4 weeks prior to the program.

Customized groups and partnerships should start the application process 6 months prior to the requested start date.

For more details on application dates, go to our Program Dates page.

Language requirements vary depending on the program location, but all ProWorld locations have English speaking staff working full-time to help you communicate throughout the program.

Depending on your level of language fluency, on-site staff can help you decided which location would fit best. A wider range of projects will be available to participants more fluent in the local language.

See below for location specific language requirements.

• Peru and Mexico: Our programs in Peru and Mexico are open to participants of all levels of Spanish fluency. At the beginning of the program, Spanish instructors will assess level of fluency and place participants in their appropriate language level. Semester Abroad participants are required to have fluency equal to 2 years of college level Spanish.
• Belize: Belize is a primarily English speaking country. No projects in Belize require fluency of Spanish or other local languages.
• Brazil: Portuguese is the national language of Brazil. Volunteer and internship participants are not required to know any Portuguese. Semester Abroad participants must have at least 1 year of college level Portuguese or 2 years of college level Spanish.
• India: The main language in Mysore, India is Mewari, but English is widely spoken within the community. Volunteers are not required to speak either Mewari or Hindi. Some language courses may be offered as part of the program language support and cultural immersion.
• Thailand: Participants in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Thailand will be able to speak English within local communities. Thai language courses are offered as a part of the program's language support and cultural immersion.
• Ghana: English is the national language of Ghana. All projects and semester abroad classes will be conducted in English.

In Mexico, fluent Spanish speakers can study Zapotec, a Oaxacan local language, or take cultural classes in cooking, art, dancing, etc.

In Peru, fluent Spanish speakers can take classes in Quechua, a native South American language still spoken in many Peruvian communities. Please contact your Program Advisor for more information.

If you're ready to make the next step, you can apply directly online (no application fee!) Your application is reviewed by a Program Advisor, who will then contact you to discuss your interests, background, and program timing. After confirming your application and accepting you into the program, you will be asked to secure your spot by paying a $200 deposit online. This deposit secures your placement on the program.

Application qualifications

If you're a volunteer, you will be asked to provide your top 2 project focus areas when you apply. Due to the dynamic nature of our projects, volunteers are matched after they have been accepted in the program and location of choice and have paid a $200 deposit. The matching process is collaborative, and our Site Teams work with you to determine the best placement based on your interests and the needs of the community.

If you're an intern candidate, your application will require a resume and a short personal statement about your goals. You will then interview with a Program Advisor who will determine your project placement. After you have been accepted, a $200 deposit secures your spot.

Whatever your interests, there is a ProWorld program for you. While we do have a minimum age requirement of 18 to participate, those in high school are can experience life-changing volunteer service projects in Asia and South America through our sister organization, Ayusa. Visit the Ayusa website to learn more.

All ProWorld program fees include:

• Direct funding towards your community project
• Housing
• Group Orientation
• Transportation
• All Meals
• Local Language Courses
• Weekly Cultural Activities and Excursions
• Airport Pick-Up and Drop-Off at Program Site
• Health and Travel Insurance

Program Fees do not include: Airfare, passport or visa fees, independent travel during the program, or personal expenses.

Expenses covered differ depending on the program and location. Program fees may change without notice based on local currency exchange rates.

For more information about program fees and dates, please visit our Fees and Dates page.

The program deposit of $200 / £125 is non-refundable to all accepted participants. If the participant cancels for any reason, the participant must notify ProWorld immediately in writing. Cancellation more than 6 weeks prior to the start of the program will receive a full refund (less $200 deposit). Cancellations or changes in program duration made less than 6 weeks prior to the program start will not receive any kind of refund.

Customized groups must cancel within 2 weeks of departure for a full refund (less program deposit).

After you've been accepted to volunteer, study, or intern abroad with us, you can submit a $200 program deposit to secure your spot. This fee guarantees placement on the program after you've been accepted. For volunteers, your project placement will be determined by the Site Director after you've been accepted. For interns, your project will be determined during your acceptance interview with a Program Advisor.

Pay online or via check and you'll be on your way to a life-changing experience!

Passports are required for all of our program sites. Please verify is valid for at least 6 months after the end of your program. If you do not currently have a passport, please allow enough processing time before you leave the country.

Visas: Requirements and eligibility vary depending on destination. Participants are also encouraged to research on their own behalf visa rules and regulations ahead of time. 

• Peru: Travelers from the USA, Canada, UK, and most European countries do not need a visa to enter Peru. Upon arrival in country you are issued a 30 to 90 day tourist visa. All travelers entering Peru must carry a valid passport. If your program lasts longer than the visa provided upon entry to the country, an extension is easily obtained while in Peru. Visa extensions are allowed up to 3 months in Peru.
• Belize: Travelers from the USA, Canada, UK, and most European countries do not need a visa to enter Belize. Upon arrival in country you are issued a 30 day tourist visa. All travelers entering Belize must carry a valid passport. If your program lasts longer than the visa provided upon entry to the country, you can obtain an extension is easily within Belize. Visa extensions are allowed up to 12 months in Belize.
• Mexico: Travelers from the USA, Canada, UK, and most European countries do not need a visa to enter Mexico. Upon arrival in country you are issued a 30 to 90 day visa. All travelers must carry a valid passport. If your program lasts longer than the visa provided upon entry to the country, an extension is easily obtained while in country. Visa extensions can be made for up to 6 months in Mexico.
• India: Travelers from the USA, Canada, UK and most European countries MUST HAVE A PREARRANGED VISA to enter India. These visas are easily obtained via the Indian Embassy but allow extra time for processing. Each volunteer is personally responsible for obtaining his/her own visa along with all the associated costs (between US$60 - 80). Volunteers should apply for a regular tourist visa. In the US and Canada these can be applied for via mail but be careful as you must apply to the embassy or consul that corresponds to the state or province you live in. In the UK you can apply via mail or in person at the embassy. Although the processing time is usually between 7-10 days, please allow at least one month for your visa to process. Consult the Indian Embassy in your country or the following sites for more information:
• US - http://indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com
• UK - http://www.hcilondon.net/index.jsp
• Canada - http://www.hciottawa.ca/

• Thailand: Travelers from the USA, Canada, UK and most European countries do not need a visa to enter Thailand. Other nationalities may require a 30 day tourist visa, which may be extended once for 10-30 days through the local immigration department. The Thai Embassy also issues 60 day tourist visas before arrival into Thailand. More information on visa requirements is available on the Thai Embassy website and in the ProThailand welcome package.
• Ghana: Most travelers will need a visa to enter the country, which can be obtained through the Ghana embassy in their home country. US citizens should apply to through the Ghana embassy in Washington DC. Canadian citizens can apply through their local Ghana High Commission.
• Nepal: Travelers from the USA, Canada and EU should apply for a tourist visa before leaving their home country by contacting their local Nepali embassy. Prices range from $25 for a 15-day visit to $100 fpr a 90-day visit. Visa extensions can be obtained in Kathmandu and visas are issued at the Tribhuvan International Airport for those who are unable to procure one beforehand.
• Costa Rica: Travelers from the USA, Canada, UK and most European countries do not need a special visa to enter Costa Rica. For those who are unsure they should contact their local Costa Rican embassy or consulate in their home country. All travelers entering Costa Rica must carry a valid passport that will not expire until at least 6 months after entry, and a roundtrip/outbound ticket. If a program is scheduled to last longer than 90 days, travelers can request an extension.
• Ecuador: Travelers from the USA, EU and UK do not need a special visa to enter Ecuador. For entry into Ecuador, UK, European and US citizens must present valid passports (in good condition) that will not expire until at least 6 months after entry, and a roundtrip/outbound ticket. Some airlines may not permit passengers to board flights to Ecuador without such a ticket. Upon entering, it is important that visitors give their status as "toursist/cultural visitors" as volunteer visas are costly, time-consuming and only available to those who are participating in long-term volunteering.

• Peru: Urubamba is a medium sized town located in the center of the Sacred Valley and surrounded by many small rural communities within the Andes. The town is relatively developed by Peruvian standards with running water, electricity, and paved roads. Cusco is the archaeological capital of the Americas and the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent. As the seat of the Incan Empire, many Cusco's city streets are still lined with original stone wall and crowded with Quechua-speaking descendants of the Incas.
• Mexico: Oaxaca is a beautiful city located in Southern Mexico in the center of three extensive valleys. The city is known for its cobbled streets, shaded squares, colonial churches and busy markets and surrounding communities boast numerous museums exploring the culture and tradition of the area. The city is close to some of Mexico's best preserved archaeological areas and World Heritage Sites.
• Belize: San Ignacio (referred to locally as Cayo) is a relatively developed town of 20,000 people. The population is largely Mestizo and Kriol with sizable Chinese and Mennonite communities. The town is a well-traveled market town and well-developed with running water, electricity, and paved roads.
• Brazil: Salvador da Bahia is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its Portuguese colonial architecture.  With over 80% of its population tracing back to Africa, Salvador is considered one of the centers of Afro-Brazilian culture and home to major branches of capoeira. This vibrant city is also home to the world’s largest celebration of Carnaval, bringing over 800,000 visitors to the city each year.
• India: Known as the “Venice of the East,” Udaipur sits in the heart of the Aravalli Mountains near three beautiful, inter-connected lakes. The city is well developed and connected to the rest of the country.
• Thailand: Chiang Mai is a city of about 400,000 people located along the Ping River in the northern mountains of Thailand. Just outside the city are Doi Pui Suthep National Park and the Elephant Nature Park. Semester Abroad students will live in Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city and one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities.
• Nepal: As the largest city in the country, Kathmandu can feel like a developing one - full of commuter traffic, concrete buildings and bustling commerce. This somewhat chaotic scene is tempered by the amazing cultural and artistic heritage in hidden temples, courtyards, and workshops left unchanged since the middle ages.
• Ghana: Cape Coast is set amongst beautiful beaches and home to Cape Coast Castle, previously one of the largest slave holding sites in the world. In the 17th century, Cape Coast grew from a small fishing village to the first capital of Britain's Gold Coast colony.  Today, this vibrant town is capital of Ghana's Central Region and home to over 100,000 people and some of the country's leading academic institutions.

• Peru: The climate in Cusco and Urubamba is generally mild and dry. Days are warm and sunny with temperatures of 37-66°F (3-19°C). The rainy season runs from November to March.
• Belize: The climate in Belize is tropical with warm, sunny and humid days with temperatures averaging 79°F. Cayo/San Ignacio can be several degrees cooler compared to the coast. The rainy season runs from May to January.
• Mexico: The weather in Oaxaca averages 49-75°F (8-29°C). The rainy season occurs from June to September.
• Brazil: Weather in Salvador ranges from 19-34°C and is typically less humid than Rio de Janeiro. The rainy season runs from May-July.
• India: Udaipur’s climate is tropical with temperature ranging from 28 – 42°C during the summer and winters ranging from 3-28°C.
• Nepal: The weather in Kathmandu averages 49-75°F. The rainy season occurs from June to September.
• Thailand: Temperatures in Chiang Mai and Bangkok range from 60-90°F (15-25°C) with 90% humidity. In both cities, the humid and rainy season runs from May to October.
• Ghana: The weather in Cape Coast typically ranges between 70-90°F. The rainy season is typically from May-June.

• Belize: Food in Belize has a large quantity of fresh tropical fruits and nuts and excellent seafood.
  
• Brazil: Bahian cuisine is known as one of the best in the country. Local specialties include acarajé, small fritters made of black-eyed peas and topped with shrimp paste, and moqueca, a seafood stew made with coconut milk.
• Ghana: Food in Ghana is based in well-seasoned stews, usually accompanied by rice or yams. 
• India: Udaipur meals typically consist of lentils, vegetables, and a fantastic array of spices.
• Mexico: Oaxaca is known for having some of the best food in Mexico, including: tamales, tlayudas, chiles, seven mole sauces, cheese, grasshoppers and mezcal.
• Nepal: Nepalese eat a large amount of white rice and vegetables (known locally as "curry"), often with tortilla-like bread called "roti". Similar to Indian dishes but with less sauce, Nepalese cuisine is touted as healthy and hearty. Meat is available but is often served sparingly in traditional dining houses.
• Peru: Peruvian cuisine is known for its excellent soups, protein-rich grains only found in the Andes, fire roasted chicken, corn, and potatoes.
• Thailand: Bangkok and Chiang Mai are well known for their incredible street food, including curries, noodles, and fresh fruit shakes. Chiang Mai is the best place to sample Northern Thai food including Northern style chili sauces and sticky rice. Due to the prevalence of peanuts in Thai cuisine, ProWorld Thailand will not accept participants with peanut allergies.
  

Refer to your Welcome Packet for suggested arrival dates.

If you do arrive or depart outside of the listed dates, you are responsible for travel and housing arrangements for that time period. ProWorld staff will be happy to provide recommendations for independent travel and accommodations.

• Peru:  Most flights arrive in Lima then have a connecting flight to Cusco. A program representative will meet you at the airport in Cusco and take you to ProWorld Peru offices for your program orientation. If you would prefer, a ProWorld representative can meet you in Lima and fly with you on your connecting flight to Cusco for a $50 fee. Contact the ProWorld offices in Peru at info@proworldvolunteers.org for more information.
• Belize: A ProWorld program representative will meet you at the Belize City airport and take you to the ProWorld Belize offices in San Ignacio.
• Mexico: Once you land in Oaxaca, you'll take a shuttle from the airport to a hostel for your ProWorld Mexico program orientation.
• Brazil: A ProWorld on-site representative will meet you at the Salvador de Bahia airport.
• India: Once you land in Udaipur, a ProWorld staff member will meet you at the airport to take you to your program orientation.
• Nepal: A ProWorld representative will meet you at the Kathmandu airport and take you to the ProWorld Nepal offices.
• Thailand: A ProWorld representative will meet you at the Chiang Mai airport to take you to your orientation. Semester Abroad participants will meet a ProWorld representative at the Bangkok airport.
• Ghana: Participants will be picked up at the airport in Cape Coast.

Please read your Welcome packet for suggested arrival dates. Airport pick-up and drop-off is only available on the provided dates.

All volunteer, internship, and semester abroad participants will live with host families. ProWorld Thailand semester abroad students are the one exception and will live with other international students in dormitories.

Customized groups may choose to stay in homestays or in dormitories.

Your host family is selected based on a variety of criteria from past volunteers’ feedback, safety, cleanliness, and friendliness. Because of ProWorld’s close ties with local communities, we have a wonderful network of past host families who then recommend us to their friends. Being a ProWorld host family is a highly sought after position because of our strong reputation within the community and as an extra source of income.

You will meet your host family within the first few days of your arrival. You are guaranteed your own room; however your number of housemates depends on the total number of volunteers on program at the time.

Details about your host family will be available on your MyProWorld.net account 2-4 weeks before the program start date. Participants can call or write to their host family.

It’s up to you whether you bring a gift or not. If you decide to give something, your host family will love and treasure whatever you bring. We suggest giving them something that is unique or special from your hometown, state, country that could act as a conversation starter with your new family. For example, a book of photos of your town, a T-shirt from a local landmark, or local handicrafts would all be great gifts.

Kids are kids no matter where you are in the world. If your family has children, they will love any type of toy or game.

Internet cafés are cheap and easily found in all ProWorld locations. Many are equipped with headsets, which allow you to call using Skype. Any ProWorld advisor can help you find the closest café.

Please refer to the packing list provided in your Welcome package. We recommend wearing modest clothes during the time you are with us. Most of the development projects involve hands-on work and we recommend bringing suitable clothes.

The quality of medical treatment is good in all ProWorld locations for most medical issues with hospitals nearby for any major medical issues. And because of our extensive work in the health field, we have developed strong relationships with local clinics and doctors.

Please visit the Safety and Health page to find out more information.

The tap water is not safe to drink on most program sites. ProWorld provides bottled water to all participants.

Depending on your home country, you may need to buy adapters or converters. It is generally easier to buy adapters before you leave the country (most easily in airports). Check that the voltage on any electric devices you plan on bringing falls within the listed voltage range.

• Peru uses 220 volts, 60 cycles AC, except Arequipa which is on 50 cycles. Plugs are the same as North American plugs: flat and two-pronged type.
• Belize and Mexico operate on a 120-volt system, the same as in the US and Canada. Plugs are generally flat, two-pronged. You may need an adapter for devices with a third ground prong.
• India: Udaipur uses 250 volts, and plugs come in a variety including US-style, European-style and India specific. Converters and adapters are easy to find in Udaipur, but may be more difficult to find in the US or Europe.
• Nepal: Nepal uses 240/60 volts on the days when power is available. Nearly all laptop/camera chargers will work but adapters are needed in some cases.
• Thailand: uses 220 volts, 50 cycles. Plugs are either the flat, two-pronged type (similar to North American plugs) or round, two-pronged.
• Brazil: Electricity in Brazil is 110 Volts, alternating at 60 cycles per second. Plugs are either two flat blades or two round pins.
• Ghana: Electricity in Ghana is 230 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. Plugs are generally three round pins or three flat pins arranged in a triangle.

No vaccinations are required except for a Yellow Fever vaccination for all ProWorld Ghana participants.
ProWorld recommends that all participants should have current Tetanus-Diphtheria and Measles boosters. Check with the CDC and your regular physician for more information and updated recommendations.

Center for Disease Control’s recommendations:

• Belize: Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Hepatitis A
• Mexico: None
• Peru: Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Hepatitis A
• Brazil: Yellow Fever
• Ghana: All travelers are required to have a yellow fever vaccination
• India: Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, Typhoid
• Nepal: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid and Japanese Encephalitis
• Thailand: Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B

All participants should carry money in more than one form in case of an emergency.

Peru: Participants should bring their money in Traveler's Checks and cash (USD), both of which can be easily exchanged throughout the country. ATMs distribute money in both US Dollars ($) and Peruvian (S/.).

Belize: Most businesses accept US Dollars and give change in Belizean dollars (approximately 1 USD to 2 Belizean Dollars). ATMs are easily found in San Ignacio. Many places do not accept Pounds or Euros, so ProWorld suggests bringing all foreign currency in US Dollars.
 

Mexico: The simplest way to get cash in Oaxaca, Mexico is with an ATM card. Outside the city, ATMs are not as common, so money should be withdrawn before traveling. Most banks can exchange US Dollars or Euros; many banks do not accept British Pounds.

India: ATMs are available throughout Udaipur. There are official money exchanges, but ProWorld recommends you bring a debit card instead.

Thailand: Debit/Credit Cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Chiang Mai. Banks and official money changers are also readily available and often have the best rates.

Extra spending money will depend on the program location and your spending habits. The amount of spending money participants will need beyond the program is largely determined by their spending habits. Most participants spend between $5-20/day on personal expenses.

ProWorld recommends all participants bring $100-200 for unexpected expenses or in case of an emergency.

Internships are determined first by your areas of interest. You will be contacted within 1 month of your program start date to discuss your internship specifics, including your previous work experience and language fluency. Your internship will depend on the local community’s needs and the ProWorld in-country director’s assessment.

ProWorld partners with Seattle Central Community College to offer credits for your internship. Alternatively, you can arrange academic credit directly through your home university. Contact your academic advisor for more information. Whichever way you choose, please let the ProWorld office know before your internship so that we can ensure you meet the academic requirements. For more information, please visit the Credits page.

Depending on your internship project, you may have between 1-5 project meetings per week with your ProWorld staff supervisor. Participants are given as much or as little guidance and independence as they prefer.
 

Please see each program location page for more details on the university and course selection.

• Peru: Semester Abroad courses are taught through the Centro Bartolome de las Casas. Credits are approved through Jacksonville University.
• Belize: Semester Abroad courses are taught by professors at the Galen University; credits are approved through
• Mexico: The Semester in Mexico courses are instructed by professors accredited by Western Washington University in conjunction with the Southwest Center for International Studies.
• Brazil: Semester Abroad students will attend the Catholic University of Salvador (UCSal), which provides accreditation and transcript notation.
• Thailand: Semester Abroad students will attend Mahidol University in Bangkok. Course credits will be awarded by Jacksonville University.
• Ghana: Semester Abroad students will earn academic credits through Jacksonville University while attending classes at the University of Cape Coast.

Yes, you can create a group of your own. Existing group programs focus on everything from school construction to conservationism to local health care. For groups over 10 people, program details would be tailored to your skills and desires.

Becoming a ProWorld affiliated university would provide a tailored program for your students, easier financial aid opportunities and credit transfers. A ProWorld staff member would work with you to create a program customized for each group and would exclusive scholarships and grants, site visits, ProWorld marketing support, and  extensive safety and liability coverage.

ProWorld customized group programs offer your students an incredibly unique opportunity, learning through experience and research rather than research alone and work side by side with local community members on worthwhile development projects.

Yes, we highly recommend site visits to get a feel for the programs, projects, academic facilities, home stay families, cultural and adventure excursions, and local communities. We share costs with affiliate schools to bring administrators and faculty down for site visits throughout the year.  For more information, read our Site Visits page.