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CAS Expeditions & Programs

CAS Expeditions & Programs

Volunteering Solutions provides safe, guided and academically relevant volunteering, experiential learning and service learning trips for IB school students. Aimed at expanding learning beyond just the classrooms that transform students as ‘Global Citizens’ through diverse international field experiences, the trips are ideal for young adults.

Carefully crafted keeping the ‘CAS’ module in mind which is followed & pursued by most of the IB Schools across the world, the CAS programs incorporate the triple component of Creativity, Activity, and Service. VolSol also takes pride in its ability to customize each travel experience based on the group needs and specifications. Our project design makes sure that each student gets a culturally immersive, ‘hands-on’ and enriching international travel experience with our CAS based programs. 

Offered across more than 20 different countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America, the trips facilitated encompass a diverse range of opportunities that include Environmental Conservation and Nature Exploration Programs, Adventure, and Wildlife Programs, Cultural Exchange Programs as well as Global Exposure and Responsible Travel Programs. While the destination for each program and each group vary, our popular and preferred destinations include Thailand, Cambodia, Bali, Vietnam, Nepal, India, Tanzania, Peru, Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, and Spain.

 

" I took a group of 10 students with me to Beijing, China. It was an amazing experience the students all loved it and want to go back next year. I had a great experience from beginning to end that was well coordinated and cost efficient through Volunteering Solutions. I couldn't be happier with my overall experience. The Program coordinator made sure we had a good balance of volunteer and personal time. She knew better than we did actually what we were going to be able to handle or not handle and was extremely helpful. We stayed in the hostel and they did an amazing job with our food - they made sure that it wasn't the same thing every day. it was well organized and they were really thoughtful. The staff was very helpful with helping to make sure we had what we needed from doing laundry to getting us a birthday cake to helping us figure out the subway. The orphanage was really great. We enjoyed ourselves and the school was great too. The experience got my students to speak Chinese quickly."

Natalie Rosenberg (Teacher and Group Leader from ALHS, USA)

Volsol has facilitated several CAS based programs in the past, for several IB Schools Groups, some of which include:

  • Universal American School, Dubai (Volunteered in Nepal)
  • Millennium High School - NY, USA (Ghana Spring Break Trip)
  • Canadian Bilingual School- Kuwait (Vietnam)
  • Abraham Lincoln High School (China Trip)

"I took a group of 10 students with me to Beijing, China. It was an amazing experience the students all loved it and want to go back next year. I had a great experience from beginning to end that was well coordinated and cost efficient through Volunteering Solutions. I couldn't be happier with my overall experience. The Program coordinator made sure we had a good balance of volunteer and personal time. She knew better than we did actually what we were going to be able to handle or not handle and was extremely helpful. We stayed in the hostel and they did an amazing job with our food - they made sure that it wasn't the same thing every day. it was well organized and they were really thoughtful. The staff was very helpful with helping to make sure we had what we needed from doing laundry to getting us a birthday cake to helping us figure out the subway. The orphanage was really great. We enjoyed ourselves and the school was great too. The experience got my students to speak Chinese quickly."

Natalie Rosenberg

Natalie Rosenberg

(Teacher and Group Leader from ALHS, USA)

India

Community Service & Adventure in Himalayas
Program Overview
Program Overview
"Not all classrooms have four walls" - These words can't be truer, and it's time that we let our children look out of their classrooms, to learn from the world. The Community Service & Adventure Tour in Palampur has been designed in order to expose the students to the beauty of the Himalayas, apart from getting engaged in uplifting a rural school environment and camping amidst wilderness. In a span of 5 days, the students will get to live in camps at the Himalayan foothills, explore tea gardens, visit the Tibetan monasteries, breathe in purity and serve the community, selflessly! They'll also get to understand the value of teamwork, and above all, enjoy their learning journey.
 
Highlights
Explore Palampur’s natural beauty while exploring the tea gardens
Live in a campsite surrounded by nature to soak in freshness
Community & service learning opportunity at a rural school
Opportunity to share creative ideas while renovating the school
Explore Mcleodganj, visit the Dalai Lama monastery and walk along the Bhagsunag waterfalls 
Visit Sherabling Monastery in Himachal
Nature walk in Billing, with great Himalayan views 
 
Learning Outcomes
A chance to understand the value of teamwork
Brainstorming, in order to bring out creative ideas
Learn to be more empathetic towards the underprivileged communities
Know the value of living amidst nature

 

Program Length 

The program length is 4 nights/5 days however the itinerary can be customized for a longer experience as well depending on the group requirements.

Customize your Program

Thank you for your interest in developing a service learning program for your school group. At Volunteering Solutions we can customize a program that will meet your group requirements.

Vietnam

Rural Exploration & Community Development in Vietnam
Program Overview
Overview
A week-long journey in a beautiful South East Asian country of Vietnam, this trip brings young learners close to real Vietnam, unheard of and unexplored by regular tourists. With an opportunity to live with local Vietnamese community, get hands-on work in the lush green villages of Vietnam, students also get to witness a UNESCO World Heritage – Ha Long Bay - during the trip. A culturally immersive and engaging escapade in the country, the exposure to the hustle and bustle of Vietnam will leave students asking for more. 
 
Highlights of the Trip

A 4- hour long drive into lush green countryside of Vietnam traversing across paddy fields, village homes, valleys and Limestone Mountains 

Living in a small Vietnamese village, Mai Chau, for an authentic traveling experience 

Visit to Ha Long Bay, A UNESCO World Heritage Site 

Opportunity to meet and engage with locals and live in a homestay 

Exploring the bustle of Hanoi

•Help in a local community development project

 
Learning Outcomes
Exposure into a new culture 
Living with locals and learning about local traditions 
Becoming conscious helpful ‘Global Citizens’ instead of regular tourists 
Volunteering and working as a team, imbibing the spirit of team work 

 

Program Length 

The program length is 6 nights/7 days however the itinerary can be customized for a longer experience as well depending on the group requirements.

Customize your Program

Thank you for your interest in developing a service learning program for your school group. At Volunteering Solutions we can customize a program that will meet your group requirements.

Sri Lanka

Service Learning, Sightseeing & Cultural Exploration
Program Overview
Overview
A week-long journey into the island nation of Sri Lanka, this is a one of a kind opportunity to experience an authentic, engaging and immersive travel in the countryside landscapes of the country. With hands-on work at marine life conservation, painting murals at a local school, visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites and more, students will have a rejuvenating and life-transforming time here.
 
Highlights of the Trip
Starting the journey with a UNESCO World Heritage Site - Galle Fort 
Getting to work on a turtle conservation program 
Exploring the pristine beaches of Sri Lanka and doing some beach cleaning activities 
Interacting with local Sri Lankan kids and taking part in art and craft activities 
A glimpse of Wild Asian Elephants at Udawalawe National Park 
Hiking in the UNESCO World Heritage Site - Sinharaja Forest Reserve, another UNESCO World Heritage Site
 
Learning Outcomes
Exposure to a new culture and topography 
Learning about the history and culture of an ancient country that holds close ties with Indian culture and mythology as well 
Learning the importance of marine conservation 
Hands-on work at the beach and a glimpse of a simple rural life

 

Program Length 

The program length is 6 nights/7 days however the itinerary can be customized for a longer experience as well depending on the group requirements.

Customize your Program

Thank you for your interest in developing a service learning program for your school group. At Volunteering Solutions we can customize a program that will meet your group requirements.

Australia

Conservation Study Tour
Program Overview
Program Overview

Visit the remote and mysterious continent of Australia and meet its special residents.

Students will not only experience South Australia’s unique landscape and ecosystem – there will also be opportunities to encounter the endemic and endangered Western Pygmy Possums, Southern Brown Bandicoots and Platypus.

Lead by conservation experts, students will use equipment and research methods such as Remote Sensing Cameras and animal surveying to achieve real habitat protection outcomes in Australia’s long-term conservation project sites.

Embark on this rare education and conservation program today and improve our environments with the next generations today!

Highlights 

• Opportunity to see the elusive Platypus 
• Opportunities to encounter Western Pygmy Possum and Southern Brown Bandicoot on the Fleurieu Peninsula or at Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary 
• Learn different types of animal survey and research methods 
• Learn conservation activities such as habitat restoration, weed management, planting, seed collecting, track maintenance, fence maintenance and more 
• Study Australian and current global ecosystem phenomena 
• Experience teamwork activities, develop ethical thinking and problem-solving skills 
• Visit Melbourne city and its iconic landmarks such as Federation Square and Yarra River 
• Visit the World Heritage Great Ocean Road 
• Visit the famous Melbourne Zoo and Melbourne University Campus visit 
• Visit Adelaide city and Adelaide’s long-term conservation sites 
• Receive a Certificate of Participation at the completion of the program

Program Length 

The program length is 7 night/8 days days however the itinerary can be customized for a longer experience as well depending on the group requirements.

Conservation Impact

Over 30% of Australian mammals are extinct or critically threatened. This Conservation Study Tour supports wildlife conservation project aiming to combat species extinction in South Australia. This program aims to educate and provide opportunities for students to be a part of a long-term conservation program in order to save critically threatened species such as the Southern Brown Bandicoots and Western Pygmy Possum. Students will have the opportunity to learn from expert conservatists, participate in seasonal wildlife monitoring activities and other hands-on field activities in established project sites in South Australia.

Learning Outcomes

Exposure into a new culture 

Becoming conscious helpful ‘Global Citizens’ instead of regular tourists 

Volunteering and working as a team, imbibing the spirit of team work 

Customize your Program

Thank you for your interest in developing a service learning program for your school group. At Volunteering Solutions we can customize a program that will meet your group requirements.

Spain

Volunteering in Valencia Region
Program Overview
Program Overview

Group programs for school groups are offered in Valencia region in Eastern Spain. The core program consists of Conservation Volunteer Work or working with children which is accompanied by a wide variety of fun and educational activities and excursions.

Why Valencia ?
  • Valencia is a very Spanish city
  • It enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine in a year
  • Historic city centre with sights of many old civilizations
  • Long sandy beaches
  • Friendly people
  • Safe environment
  • Traditions and modern cosmopolitan life stand side by side
Volunteering Projects

Students participating in Conservation Projects will make a difference in conserving and improving knowledge about the environment and the Spanish natural heritage, helping promote land stewardship as a tool to protect and conserve the region and its natural, cultural and landscape values and minimizing the environmental impact of agriculture and tourism.

Students get a chance to take part in projects undertaken in the Valencia region aimed at the protection of biodiversity and ecosystems from degradation, the improvement of water resources, the prevention of forest fires, the reforestation of land with native species and conservation of natural habitats and species in danger of extinction.

Group members also have the option to join ‘Working with Children’ Projects wherein the children are in the age group of 4-12 yrs.Students get to be a part of a new community, exchange cultures, play and exchange experiences, share excursion days, help them at lunch time, serve as role models and mentors and be an international friend for the children.

Highlights
  • Feeling all the charm of the Valencia Region from a different perspective, discovering landscapes that participants would not see if they just travel as tourists and contributing in its conservation, helping local projects that would not exist without volunteers, tasting the traditional flavors of its gastronomy.
  • Getting to know the neighborhood and participating in community interaction, cultural workshops and excursions
  • Helping preserve a unique landscape and taking a relaxing boat trip on the Albufera´s lake contemplating spectacular sunsets
  • Taking part in exciting activities and excursions
Activities and Excursions

We offer a wide range of group activities and excursions for the group to choose from. They can be incorporated in the itinerary depending on the choice of the group.

  • Bike Tour
  • Walking Tour
  • Paella Workshop
  • Boat ride in Albufera
  • Flamenco show
  • Fallas musuem
  • Barcelona visit
  • Grenada visit
Program Length

Typical program length is 1 to 2 weeks however we can customize the program depending on the group requirements.

Customize your Program
Thank you for your interest in developing a service learning program for your school group. At Volunteering Solutions we can customize a program that will meet your group requirements.

Kenya

Service Learning in Kenya
Program Overview
Program Overview

Kenya’s 42+ tribal groups, spanning 3 of the 4 African language groups, along with its breath-taking landscapes, iconic wildlife, and rapidly modernizing cities make it one of the most diverse countries in Africa. As a nation, Kenya is only 54 years old, meaning that its colonial history, and subsequent independence, are still fresh in the collective mind.  Kenya’s history, its beliefs, its diversity, and its resilience have brought the country to where it is, and will continue to dictate where it heads in the future as a nation.  A country built on Muslim-Arab trade along the coast, Christian missions in the interior, and a primarily agricultural and tourism-driven economy, Kenya is now rapidly changing, providing a fascinating case study for globalization, religious influence on culture, and modernization in a growing economy. 

Highlights 
  • Providing practical help with projects
  • Interacting with children, care givers and teachers at community children’s centre and home
  • Experiencing diverse Kenyan cultures and practical work experience in a restored African forest boasting one of the highest diversities of indigenous plants and shrubs on the continent.
Learning Outcomes 

By the end of this program students should be able to :-

  • Demonstrate basic knowledge of local culture and history
  • Demonstrate an understanding of challenges facing Kenyan urban society
  • Demonstrate increased cross-cultural connectivity
Length of the Program

The program length is 7 days however it can be customized depending on the group requirements.

Customize your Program

Thank you for your interest in developing a service learning program for your school group. At Volunteering Solutions we can customize a program that will meet your group requirements.

South Africa

Service Learning & Adventure in the Rainbow Nation
Program Overview
Program Overview

South Africa is a culturally diverse country, one nation made up of many peoples. As people, they are known for their humanity - they may have come from a past filled with separation and struggle, but their future is one of unity and possibility. In true African spirit, we understand the value of a warm South African welcome, and we can't wait to welcome you to the Rainbow Nation.

There is nowhere like Cape Town. Perched between the ocean and the mountain, with a national park as its heart, it’s a place to renew and reconnect. Cape Town, the "Mother City", is the oldest city in our country and has a cultural heritage spanning more than 300 years. 

Students will spend 2 days serving in some of Cape Town’s most impoverished areas, and will have the opportunity to connect with local community all while experiencing the culture and customs of the Mother City.

Highlights 
  • Travel to the South western tip of the African Continent, Cape of Good Hope
  • Explore the beautiful city of Cape Town
  • Work with the locals to make a difference in a community project in a Township
  • Join a Cultural Traditional Dinner with the local community
  • Check out awesome views of the Cape Town bay from top of Table Mountain

Program Length 

The minimum program length is 7 days however the itinerary can be customized for a 14 day experience as well depending on the group requirements.

Learning Outcomes for the students

By the end of this program, students should be able to :-

  • Reflect on the value of service-learning.
  • Present on the poverty-related issues that many South Africans face
  • Discuss key themes in South Africa’s history and how Apartheid affects present day South Africa
  • Demonstrate increased cross-cultural connectivity 

Customize your Program

Thank you for your interest in developing a service learning program for your school group. At Volunteering Solutions we can customize a program that will meet your group requirements. 

Thailand

Service in the Land of Smiles
Program Overview
Program Overview

A learning journey can only be complete with a pure cultural immersion, where you get to meet the local people, learn to cook the local cuisine, polish your language skills and share moments of happiness. 

In this Community Service and Adventure Tour in Northern Thailand, students will get to explore Chiang Mai, a quaint town away from the chaos, attend a Thai cooking & language classes, and shower some love on baby elephants at an Elephant Nursery. Apart from that, students will also get to mingle with the kids at a Children's Home, and carry out planting, renovation work. This will encourage them for group activities as well as help them in understanding the values of team Work. We'll also take the students for a day trip to Doi Suthep, which is one of the most popular places in Thailand. The entire experience has been curated in order to give the students an insight into Thai lifestyle so that
they can develop an understanding of how the world beyond their known boundaries is functioning.

Highlights
  • Opportunity to immerse in the local Thai culture
  • Take part in exciting activities such as Thai Cooking class and Language Lessons
  • Community Service Work at a Children's Home
  • Interactions with baby elephants at an Elephant Nursery
  • Explore some of the top tourist attractions in Chiang Mai
Program Length

The program length is 7 days however it can be customized depending on the group requirements.

Customize your Program

Thank you for your interest in developing a service learning program for your school group. At Volunteering Solutions we can customize a program that will meet your group requirements.

Bali

Environmental Conservation Experience
Program Overview
Program Overview

Welcome to West Bali, a region in Bali that, until recently, has remained relatively unspoiled by human activity. This area retains vast areas of wilderness that support an incredible level of biodiversity, including home for sea turtles and mangrove forest in its coastal ecosystems.

Students will explore and experience the connection between the negative effects of consumer waste, mainly plastics, irresponsible tourist behavior and the coastal marine environment of West Bali. Through immersion into the lives of the local people, students will learn how the Balinese people relate to their environment and understand the value of nature in Balinese culture. Within this context, there will be challenges that will allow students to discern their ability to cope and grow in an environment very different from their modern lifestyles back home.

Highlights
  • Learn about Balinese culture and its environmental values
  • Live within a local Balinese coastal community
  • Learn about general environmental issues in Bali
  • Learn about plastic issues and join hands on activity addressing plastic waste
  • Plant mangroves and clean mangrove forest
  • Volunteer at a Turtle Conservation Centre
Learning Outcomes for the Students 
  • Learning about Balinese Culture and its environmental values
  • Learn about plastic issues and join hands on activity addressing plastic waste
  • Plant mangroves and clean mangrove forest
  • Demonstrate increased cross-cultural connectivity
  • Demonstrate an understanding of environmental challenges being faces in Bali 
Customize your Program

Thank you for your interest in developing a service learning program for your school group. At Volunteering Solutions we can customize a program that will meet your group requirements. 

Cambodia

Cultural Immersion and Community Service
Program Overview
Program Overview

Cambodia is filled with immense historical feed and cultural richness, that can't just be confined to the pages of textbooks. Thus, the Cultural Immersion and Community Service Tour in Cambodia has been curated in order to give you the opportunity to take a closer look at the ruins of Angkor, walk down the Killing Fields of Phnom Penh, go on a Boat Cruise, attend cooking classes & learn to prepare authentic Khmer cuisine, meet the locals to know more about the country's past & present.

As a part of this learning journey, students will get to explore the Killing Fields and Toul Sleng (S21 Museum) which have witnessed the death of millions of countrymen during the 1970s, when the Khmer ruler Polpot devastated the lives of the people. And of course, they'll get to witness the beauty of the Angkor Wat, Banteay Srei, Ta Phrom and other temples dating back to 900 AD, which are now marked as a UNESCO Heritage Sites. There will be Khmer village tours, wherein students will get to mingle with the locals and know how life's different in Cambodia. Overall, this will be an impactful journey, that'll help in broadening their worldview. 

Highlights
  • Opportunity to immerse in the local Khmer culture
  • Experience a boat cruise and dinner
  • Explore the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng in Phnom Penh
  • Meet the local children at Friends Restaurant, Phnom Penh
  • Walk down the lanes of history at Angkor
  • Explore traditional Khmer Villages & attend cooking classes
  • Spend time with the Bayon Smile Community folks
Program Length

The program length is 7 days however it can be customized depending on the group requirements.

Customize your Program

Thank you for your interest in developing a service learning program for your school group. At Volunteering Solutions we can customize a program that will meet your group requirements.

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