Cross-Cultural Solutions

  • 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)

  1. Cross-Cultural Solutions
  2. International Internships
  3. Groups

Economic Development Interns

 The most productive way to address economic inequality and scarcity of resources is to focus on wealth-creating opportunities that will empower community members. You will support sustainable aid initiatives by providing tools for financial literacy and business development to individuals looking to improve their lives and communities. As a CCS Economic Development Intern, you’ll gain international experience and develop skills in finance, marketing, and sustainable business practices by working with a community mentor. There are many creative opportunities for you to hone your leadership skills and explore social innovation--for instance, you can consult with local microfinance organizations and small businesses to introduce income-generating activities, improve general business practices, assist with marketing and public relations campaigns, help implement a community savings program, improve financial literacy education, or plan cultural-environmental education campaigns to help global communities thrive. Download Cross-Cultural Solutions Supervision Specifics

1 Members of this chapter

Social Work Interns

 Sustainable change begins with a community-focused approach to empowerment and education. During a CCS internship or practicum, you will learn about the development and the sustainability of community responses to social needs, utilize conceptual frameworks to explore the rights of children and families, support campaigns to de-stigmatize HIV/AIDS, and increase the accessibility and accuracy of reproductive and postnatal health resources. As you focus on the macro components of social work in communities, you’ll become an advocate for positive social change, gaining important experience in leadership, problem solving, and social innovation. Our internships and practicums leverage CCS’s enduring presence in the communities where we work. Our Country Directors, themselves social work experts, ensure that participants make a difference by supporting and contributing to sustainable strategies designed by and for the community. CCS offers the opportunity to work side-by-side with local people to support community-led organizations, such as childcare centers, schools, health clinics and hospitals, homes for the elderly, centers for people with disabilities, and other local initiatives.

1 Members of this chapter

Global Health Interns

 Individuals looking to take charge of their own health struggle with the absence of up-to-date information and educational resources. As a CCS Global Health Intern, you’ll explore the challenges in building equitable public health systems and structures to meet the unique needs of community members--especially for marginalized and neglected populations. You will break down stigmas and stereotypes and help educate and empower communities by assisting with community outreach programs, participatory research, and efforts to improve access to resources and information. Specifically, you will enhance health by examining these core challenges: increasing access to water, improving sanitation, and providing educational resources for communities struggling with malaria and HIV/AIDS. Your work with a community mentor will make a positive difference in the well-being of communities as you’re gaining experience-based insights into some of the world’s most pervasive health challenges.

1 Members of this chapter