« Go Back

About International YMCA

The International YMCA provides international education, exchange and professional development programs to engage youth and adults in global citizenship and service.

The YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association) is the oldest and largest worldwide volunteer service movement, dedicated to building strong kids, families, and communities around the world. It was founded in 1844, and currently serves 45 million people in 135 countries worldwide.

The International YMCA offers opportunities for learning and exchange through service at YMCAs around the world.

International Voluntary Service Activities

The International YMCA offers international volunteer opportunities to Americans and Canadians through YMCA Go Global. YMCA Go Global is a voluntary service and capacity-building program that places young Americans and Canadians at YMCAs and community organizations around the world. YMCA Go Global volunteers fully immerse themselves in the culture of their host countries and assist in developing programs that build strong kids, families, and communities.

The work our volunteers perform consists of, but is not limited to, Environmental Conservation, Health Education, Camp Counseling, Youth Development, Social Work, English Instruction, Community Development, Arts, Sports and Recreation, Organizational Development, Vocational Training, and Technology development.

YMCA Go Global places up to 250 volunteers annually through the following programs:

• Global Alternative Breaks: These 1-3 week programs take place during the Winter, Spring and Summer break periods observed by colleges and universities in North America. This program is targeted to college students of various academic disciplines and offers opportunities for them to engage in language study, community service projects, tours, and interaction with other youth and young adults.
• Camp Abroad: Students and young adults are recruited to participate in this 8-10 week program to work as camp counselors/youth workers in residential and day camps overseas.
• Learn & Serve Abroad: This program engages college students in a semester-long (4 month) program of community service/internships and independent study at a YMCA overseas. Students work alongside local staff on community projects and provide administrative or program assistance while gaining valuable global experience.
• Go Global Service Corps: This is a long-term service opportunity for mature young adults or seasoned professionals to share their skills with YMCAs and community organizations in developing countries for a period of 6 months or one year.
• Teach Abroad: An opportunity for adult volunteers to teach in an elementary, secondary, or vocational school abroad for one year. Opportunities include teaching English as a Second Language (ESL), Computer Technology, Health, or skilled trades.

Go Global Service Corps 2006 Host Sites

Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Gambia, Ghana, Guatemala, Kenya, Korea, Malta, Mexico, Peru, South Africa, Thailand, Venezuela

YMCA Go Global has access to thousands of prospective volunteers from throughout the United States and Canada through local YMCAs, colleges, universities, faith-based organizations, and online volunteer matching services.

Volunteer for Prosperity Opportunities
Number of Opportunities	215
Geographic Regions	Former Soviet Union
Health & Prosperity Sectors	Agriculture; Health; Capacity Building; Education; HIV/AIDS; Information & Communication Technology; Women & Youth Empowerment
Types of Opportunities
Average Duration of Projects	24 weeks
Volunteer Profile Summary
YMCA Go Global Volunteer Profile Education Background: College students, recent graduates, professionals Age Range: 21-35 Experience: Skilled or experienced in one or more of the following--youth development, education, camps/outdoor recreation, recreation/sports, organizational development, resource mobilization/fundraising, environmental conservation, program development, health education, HIV/AIDS awareness Avg. Years of Experience: 2 years professional experience or equivalent experience through volunteerism or internships Diversity: Go Global recruits widely to ensure a diversity of volunteers being sent abroad. At least 20% of our volunteers are from minority groups. We also offer need-based scholarships to assist volunteers with international travel and volunteer-related expenses. The YMCA of the USA is conducting relief efforts in Sri Lanka in partnership with the YMCA of Sri Lanka. Relief efforts have included educational scholarships and therapeutic activities for children; home repairs and home building; and reconstruction of YMCA branches in local communities. The YMCA welcomes professionals to serve with the YMCA in Sri Lanka in the capacities of education, health, management, youth development, and reconstruction.