• About Cross-Cultural Solutions
    Cross-Cultural Solutions (CCS) is a nonprofit founded in 1995 working to address critical global issues by providing meaningful volunteer service to communities abroad, and contributing responsibly to local economies.

    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. Cross-Cultural Solutions is an international nonprofit organization with no political or religious affiliations. Over 35,000 people have participated in our 1-12 week volunteer programs in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. CCS has a world-wide staff of over 200 people in 10 countries, with administrative staff offices also located in the USA, UK, and Canada.

    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 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.

GROUPS (3)

Africa Gap Year

Here at CCS, we understand that there is no limit to the rich and varied cultures and history that you’ll discover in Africa over your gap year. When considering a continent that hosts over 50 nations, and literally thousands of languages and dialects, we believe you must explore more than one region to begin to develop a true understanding of the many gems this continent has to offer. This is why the Discover Africa Experience immerses you in three vastly different regions of Africa. Start your gap journey in the North African nation of Morocco and explore Muslim culture and tradition and you connect with new neighbors and friends in your volunteer placements. Next, you’ll head over to Ghana’s Volta Region and learn about the unique beauty and history of rural West Africa. There, you’ll explore jungles and beautiful coastlines. You’ll complete your gap year living and volunteering in the shadow of Africa’s most recognizable peaks – Mt. Kilimanjaro. In your free time, Tanzania’s landscape will introduce you to her wealth of natural resources, including unique wildlife, coffee plantations, waterfalls, and banana fields. Discover the real Africa in this 12 week gap year program! You’ll be glad you did.

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Spanish Immersion

The CCS Spanish Immersion Gap Year Program abroad is a perfect choice for those seeking to soak up Latin American culture and learn the Spanish language, while making a real impact. Whether you’re a Spanish language beginner or a seasoned veteran, a lover of Latin American history or only beginning to explore the richly diverse cultures of South and Central America, this immersion gap year itinerary has something for everyone!

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Global Gap Year

Whether you’re hoping to develop your Spanish language skills, explore ancient history, or sandboard golden dunes, Lima, Peru is the perfect first stop for your incredible time abroad. Then, you’ll jet off to the mountain region of Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. Volunteer alongside new friends and members of the community and meet with the Massai Warriors , hike the illustrious Kili, or even take a safari to see the "Big Five". Your Global Gap Year ends in a whirlwind of sights and sounds in New Delhi, India. Your Home-Base is located in an ideal central location for you to enjoy Delhi’s mixture of languages, religions, spectacular architecture, and distinctive cuisine.

1 Members of this chapter