Volunteers will be working with the God’s Child Program and the Asociacion Nuestros Ahijados to help thousands of Guatemala’s poor. A main focus of your trip will be working on life-changing construction projects, such as pouring concrete floors in shacks (to reduce illness and infection) and building houses. You may also distribute clothing and other needed items to the poor and assist malnourished children. Another part of your trip will be spent with the children at The DREAMER Center, an educational and health facility being built by the Asociacion Nuestros Ahijados on the edge of the San Felipe. Volunteers divide into smaller groups to participate in home-stays with local families. You will also have the opportunity to learn about Guatemala with its unique Mayan-Latina culture and breath-taking nature, its history, and its government. The cost is about $1300 and is open to 15 people.

Website: http://www.gcpnc.org and http://www.godschild.org

Volunteers will have the opportunity to work at The Oasis Católico Santa Rafaela  in Athens, Georgia, which was founded by the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in September 2002.  Here, the Handmaids live in solidarity with the community.  Volunteers will work with the sisters who provide basic necessities to over 2,000 individuals in the community. Additionally, the Handmaids support social aspects and advocacy while nourishing the intellect through tutoring, ESL for mothers, and special programs.  They also provide a place for individuals to worship opportunities and religious instruction.  Volunteers will live simply in an outreach center run by the sisters. The cost is about $750 and is open to 10 people.

Website: http://www.oasistutors.org/

Volunteers will be working with the organization Hand in Hand Ministries in Belize City which is a faith-based international service organization that provides life’s essentials to the poorest of the poor, giving them dignity today and hope for tomorrow. Volunteers’ main project will be with the “Building for Change” program. This program provides housing for the poorest of the poor in Belize City. Volunteers will have the opportunity to work alongside the new homeowner while making a modest 16x16 foot home from start to finish. Volunteers may also have the opportunity to learn from a variety of speakers who work in various capacities with Hand in Hand Ministries.  Volunteers may also have the opportunity to work in Hand in Hand Ministries Outreach Center which provides medical care and hope for 15 children and 38 families affected by or infected with HIV/AIDS, work with children at a local elementary school that is funded by Hand in Hand and also talk with local adults affected by HIV/AIDS. The cost is about $1300 and is open to 14 people.

Website: http://www.hhministries.com/
 

Volunteers will participate in the work of the Augustinian Volunteers in an ethnically diverse neighborhood. A small group of 8-12 people will work at a women's shelter for mothers and their children as well as help in a pre-k classroom run by St Nicholas of Tolentine church. Participants will also work at an immigration center, teaching English and helping people prepare for their citizenship test. Volunteers will examine what urban poverty means and how it differs from other forms of poverty, while trying to appreciate the complex factors that contribute to keeping people poor. At the same time, volunteers have the opportunity to see how people, both poor and not, are working for themselves and each other to better their lives and the community as a whole. The cost is about $300 and is open to 12 people.

Website: http://www.osavol.org
 

Volunteers will participate in the Urban Challenge Program, Romero Center Ministries’ cornerstone program. Geared toward high school and college-aged students, the Urban Challenge experience gives Catholics and other people of faith the opportunity to build bridges of understanding. Volunteers will confront issues which divide us – poverty, race, class – in a prayerful and constructive environment. Volunteers will serve in Camden and Philadelphia with theological reflection, prayer, listening to local speakers, and other educational activities. During the day, volunteers will work at a variety of work sites: schools and pre-schools, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, homeless shelters, soup kitchens and food banks, housing rehabilitation, drop-in centers for persons infected and affected with HIV and AIDS, and other social service agencies in the area. In the evening, Volunteers will have the opportunity to discuss urban poverty and social and economic justice, and reflect on our call, as disciples, to embrace a “preferential option for the poor.” This process might include taking a tour of Camden, listening to local speakers tell their stories, and engaging in other educational activities. This is experience is about $500 and open to 10 people.

Website: http://www.romero-center.org
 

Volunteers will spend the week working with Chicago’s Inner-City Teaching Corps (ICTC). ICTC trains recent college graduates to serve as full-time teachers in under-resourced, inner-city parochial schools, while living in community housing and taking graduate courses at Northwestern University. Volunteers undergo training with ICTC and then serve as an assistant for one of the first year teachers. Volunteers may also have the opportunity to run an all-girls afterschool program with Girls in the Game. This program focuses on addressing the inner-city epidemic of obesity amongst girls by providing exercises and educational opportunities. This experience aims to provide you with a first-hand look at the educational inequities, racism, sexism, and poverty in urban communities, and various on-going efforts to empower children in the most under-served areas of Chicago. The cost is about $700 and is open to 12 people.

ICTC website: http://www.ictc-chicago.org
Girls in the Game website: http://www.girlsinthegame.org
 

Volunteers will work at an Augustinian Mission in a small city of Chulucanas in northern Peru. Volunteers will have the opportunity to interact with the local people and experience the Peruvian culture while accomplishing various tasks necessary for the community, such as cleaning, painting, and tutoring at the local parochial school. Your hosts, the Bishop and Diocese of Chulucanas, will guide you through various service projects, cultural experiences, and interactions with local Peruvians. These experiences include attending Mass with the community on Sunday, working at a local orphanage and elderly home, visiting a trade school for women, and taking a trip to and purchase items from an authentic Chulucanas pottery workshop. The cost is about $1300 and is open to 20 people.
 

Rostro de Cristo is a Catholic program whose mission is to provide spiritual and educational opportunities for young people from the United States to live out the Gospel together with the people of Duran, Ecuador. The program invites participants to lead a simple lifestyle, build an intentional Christian community, engage in relationship building with the Ecuadorian people and reflect on the face of Christ in their joys and struggles. Volunteers explore long term solutions to the problems of poverty, reflect on their experiences, and together seek opportunities to improve the lives of the people. Group members will dedicate several hours of each day doing home visits, playing with and teaching young children at various after-school programs, visiting Hansen’s disease clinics, and reflecting on what it means to live as an Ecuadorian. This service experience is one where not much is “done” in the sense that no homes will be built; however, much is felt, experienced, reflected on and shared among the group participants and the people of Duran in the hopes of learning more about poverty and understanding each individual's moral obligation to eradicate poverty and live out his/her life as the face of Christ. The cost is about $1300 and is open to 14 people.

*** This experience is recommended for those that have already participated in at least one Villanova sponsored service break experience.

Website: http://www.rostrodecristo.org
 

Volunteers will have the opportunity to work with many different service programs offered through the organization Jamaica Volunteers. Volunteers work at several Catholic social service sites that provide services for the destitute, the sick, the disadvantaged and the economically displaced in Kingston.  Service projects include a home for the elderly and homeless run by Mother Theresa's Missionaries of Charity, a school for at-risk children run by St Patrick's Foundation, teaching and spending time with children who are severely ill or handicapped at the Bustamante Children's Hospital, assisting in the classrooms of the Pre-Primary School at Riverton City, and the opportunity to spend time with kids from the local neighborhood. The cost is about $1100 and is open to 15 people.

Website: http://www.jamaicavolunteers.com/
 

During this week of immersion, students live on Rancho Mastotal, an environmentally sustainable ranch. Students learn practices of sustainably by living at the ranch, and they have opportunities to learn first-hand from the tropical forests of Mastatal. Students also have opportunities to learn about the economic and cultural make-up of the local Costa Rican communities, and each student participates in 2-3 home stays in the Mastatal community. Throughout the week, students may work on rainforest restoration projects on the ranch, in parks and in gardens. Furthermore, students may have an opportunity to visit local schools in order to better understand the Costa Rican educational system. Students learn the positives and the challenges associated with Costa Rica's free public education. Pura Vida!!The cost is about $1200 and is open to 15 people.

Website: http://www.ranchomastatal.com
 

Volunteers will be working with the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and their Project FIAT program (Faith in Action Together) in San Salvador, El Salvador. Volunteer work may include building projects with the local communities, interacting with children in after-school programs, and participating in the daily lives of the Salvadoran people. Volunteers will learn about the current cultural and political situation of the country as well as its history, including the life and works of Oscar Romero. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to visit the Romero Center, Universidad Centroamericana in San Salvador, Puerta de Diablo and tour the scenic countryside. Volunteers will be able to experience cultural presentation of traditional songs, dances and folklore throughout their time in El Salvador. Volunteers will live in Casa Voluntariado Santa Rafaela Maria volunteer house which is in the medical district, a safe part of the capital city, San Salvador. The cost is about $1200 and is open to 15 people.

Website: http://www.projectfiat.org/

New Horizons Habitat for Humanity is located in Americus, GA where Habitat for Humanity started. Here in Americus, we have the Global Village and Discovery Center where your group can see what Habitat houses in different countries look like. We are also about 15 minutes away from the home of former President Jimmy Carter. The cost is approximately $725 and it is open to 20 participants.

Website:  http://www.newhorizonshabitat.org/

Gators, zydeco, gumbo, and sunshine. That's southeast Texas! We're just west of the Louisiana border, 30 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, 80 miles from Houston, and right in the middle of gator country. Come build with us and you'll need to pack your sunscreen and shorts! We accommodate students at area churches, you'll help build a house, and if it rains, we'll go work in the ReStore. Monday is your day off for site-seeing. Visit Gator Country and hold a baby gator. Do some line dancing, take a trip to Galveston. It's all up to you! Come build with us in Beaumont, Texas! The cost is about $725 and it is open to 20 people.                                                                      

Website: http://www.beaumonthabitat.org/HFHJC.asp

Durham has the highest median income in North Carolina and is a colorful, creative, and entrepreneurial community that is a wonderful place to visit, live, and do business. However, Durham also has a child poverty rate of close to 20% and adult poverty rate of 14%. This disparity leaves too many people with adequate housing. HFH of Durham County has been responding to this need building more than 250 new homes over the last 25 years. We offer safe and affordable housing to working families through home ownership. Further, Habitat of Durham honors natural resources by rehabbing and repairing existing homes in Durham's neighborhoods. The cost is about $325 and it is open to 20 people.

Website:  http://www.durhamhabitat.org

Two countries and three states come together at the pass to the north - Four historic missions capture the history of Mexico and the US border. The beauty of the desert is tempered by the economic poverty of the region and the tragic violence of our sister city, Juarez. A growing affiliate that embraces our Collegiate Challenge volunteers with warm El Paso hospitality, great Mexican food, lots of sunshine, boots and country western dancing, White Sands and the largest urban park in the US, Franklin Mountain State Park. Habitat for Humanity El Paso invites people of all backgrounds, races, and religions to build houses in partnership with families in need. The cost is about $725 and it is open to 20 people.                                                                    

Website:  http://www.habitatelpaso.org/

The Fort Smith area is rugged, mountainous beauty that is steeped in rich American history. There are lots of lakes and rivers, museums and historical sites, scenic drives and many other opportunities for adventure and is soon to be the home to the US Marshals Museum. The cost is approximately $725 and it is open to 20 participants                                                                       

Website: http://habitatfs.org/

Hickory is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and has been named an “All-America City” three times. Like many cities we have too many people living in poverty and substandard housing. Habitat for Humanity of Catawba Valley is a non-profit, Christian-based community organization dedicated to building simple, decent, and affordable housing for hard-working, low-income families in our community. We build approximately 10 houses a year with the help of many volunteers and donors. We’d love to have you come and work alongside us. The cost is about $325 and it is open to 20 people.

Website: http://www.hickoryhabitat.org/index.html

Our affiliate has a huge heart to help our community. Currently we have the land, finances, and heart to house families yet we need hands to help build homes. Our affiliate has great connections with different churches in the community that are able to house multiple volunteers. These churches are used to hosting teams and are equipped with beds, showers, and washer/dryers. Lake Charles, LA's population is around 73,000. It has the structure of a city with the feel of the outdoors with different attractions and great places to eat. The cost is about $725 and it is open to 20 people. 

Website:  http://www.hfhca.org

Lakeland, Florida is centrally located and only about and hour away from several beaches and Disney World. We have accommodations upstairs here at Lakeland Habitat with all linens and showers. We have a kitchen to cook your meals in. The cost is about $725 and it is open to 15 people.                                                      

Sea Island Habitat for Humanity was started in 1978 and serves populations from suburban James island to rural Edisto Island. The service population is a mix of residents whose families have lived on the islands since the pre-Civil War era and new residents of largely Hispanic immigrant families who have moved here in more recent years. Many of our applicants currently live in conditions that people think no longer exist in the United States. We see applicants with no running water, heat, or floors in their homes. When residents are fortunate enough, they have family they can turn to. The cost is about $325 and it is open to 20 people.

Website: http://seaislandhabitat.org/index.htm

We are a small, growing affiliate in southern Appalachia. We serve a rural population and construct about 2 new houses a year. Washington County is beautiful; the Appalachian Trail and the Creeper Trail cross the county. We have a vibrant cultural life with the Barter Theatre (the state theater of Virginia), restaurants and shops, and lots of great music. You'll work hard, but there are lots of opportunities for fun on your day off. Our construction staff is fun to work with! The cost is about $325 and it is open to 15 people.

Website: http://www.helphabitat.org/

Volunteers will be working with an organization called New Hope for Cambodian Children (NHCC). NHCC is a Cambodian non- governmental organization (NGO) registered with the Royal Government of Cambodia and provides assistance to children with HIV/AIDS living in Cambodia.

NHCC has built a special village for 200 children on the outskirts of Phnom Penh. The Village provides a safe and loving environment for orphans with HIV/AIDS. In the village, 8 children live together with a care giving couple as a family. The children attend the local schools all of which are within walking distance. The Village has special classes in computers, English, and Cambodian culture. Special tutoring is offered to all children as needed. The Village has a nursery School and pre-school for the younger children.

Volunteers will be serving with many of the established ministries run by NHCC. Volunteers will be spending most of the day doing a variety of work: teaching, playing with the children, sports, shopping at the local market,, etc.  The group will experience the Cambodian culture and history throughout the experience. You may spend a weekend in the Siem Reap province visiting the magnificent ancient temples of Angkor Wat. You will take a river tour of the Mekong River and visit the “killing fields” of the Khmer Rouge. Volunteers will have the opportunity to visit the Cambodian markets and talk with many of the locals. Volunteers will be staying in dormitories at the Village. All meals will be prepared and eaten with the children.

Approximate Dates: December 27, 2011-January 14, 2012

Approximate Cost: $2,000 which includes airfare, accommodations in a guest house, food, transportation within Cambodia, program fees, group guide and weekend excursions.

Website: http://www.newhopeforcambodianchildren.com

Volunteers will be working with the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and their Project FIAT (Faith in Action Together) in San Salvador, El Salvador. Project FIAT began many years ago with Handmaids

volunteering some summer free time for service projects to reach out to needy communities and has now been able to accept volunteers throughout the year. Volunteers will help build houses and roads with the local communities, aid in the nurturing of malnourished children,  help to distribute food to those in need at a soup kitchen, and share their hearts in a home for abandoned children. During Project Fiat International (PFI), volunteers leave the comfort, efficiency, and competitiveness of their culture, to enter to some extent into the experiences, and limiting circumstances with which billions of the world’s people live. PFI accepts volunteers from any religious affiliation who desire to collaborate in making our world more genuinely human.

Volunteers will live in Casa Voluntariado Santa Rafaela Maria volunteer house which is in a safe part of the capital city, San Salvador. The house is surrounded by an iron gate and also has a gate keeper 24 hours a day.

The house has running water, plumbing and electricity. There are 4 large rooms that contain 10 bunk beds. The men and women have separate sleeping quarters as well as bathrooms. Volunteers will pack a lunch every morning and fill up water bottles to take on the jobs. No food is eaten or bought off the street. Safety is the number one priority for all volunteers. Vans are rented to take volunteers back and forth to their destinations. No one is allowed to travel alone or use public transportation. The US dollar is the monetary unit of El Salvador.

Volunteers will learn about the cultural and political situation of the country. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to visit the Romero Center, Universidad Centroamericana in San Salvador, Puerta de Diablo and tour the scenic countryside. Volunteers will be able to experience cultural presentation of traditional songs, dances and folklore throughout their time in El Salvador.

Dates: December 29, 2011-January 7, 2012

Approximate Cost: $1,200 which includes airfare, accommodations in the volunteer center, food, transportation within El Salvador, program fees, group guide and weekend excursions.

Website: http://www.projectfiat.org/

Community Links is an environmental, service-learning, immersion, volunteer, and international educational organization. Through cross-border, cross-cultural immersion experiences Community Links provide people of all ages and backgrounds the chance to learn about the interconnectedness of our local, national, and global realities. Participants are also taught to recognize how our lifestyles, values, choices and consumption patterns affect people, cultures and the environment throughout the world.  Community Links’ work focuses on four areas: environment, social justice, community based education, and fair trade.

Cochabamba, Bolivia is a metropolitan area of over 1 million people located about 8,000 feet above sea level.  In Bolivia, volunteers will explore these four areas through educational projects with the people of Valle-Hermosa, located on the outskirts of Cochabamba in the direction of colonial pueblos and the Amazonian basin. Volunteers will be hosted by Community Links Bolivia Director, Alfredo Murillo, and his extended family and network will serve as your guides for your time there.  Volunteers will work on efforts in collaboration with a local elementary school and in the surrounding neighborhood based environmental projects. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to experience the culture and history of Bolivia through a home stay with local families and by attending various community and cultural events.

Dates: December 29, 2011-January 12, 2012

Approximate Cost: $2,000 which includes airfare, accommodations in the volunteer center, food, transportation within Bolivia, program fees, group guide and weekend excursions.

Website: http://www.commlinks.org