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  Botswana

  South Africa

  Zambia

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: June 30 - July 24 / July 7 - July 31

Description: Our community Service programs are a great way to give back, help those less fortunate and make a difference in the lives of others. Be immersed in the local culture and experience glacier hiking in Alaska, spotting the "Big 5" in Africa, surfing in Hawaii, exploring Machu Picchu in Peru and relaxing in mud baths and hot springs in Costa Rica.

Highlights:
* Community Service
- Meet the children of the Shilekisi Primary School
- Help build homes and read to children
- Build
- Teach
- Plant

* Language and Cultural Immersion
- Learn how to speak Shagaan
- Play land sports "Africa style"
- Visit a Tribal Village
- Learn how to weave a basket
- Pat and ride an elephant
Adventure
- Experience a safari in an overland jeep and see the Big 5
- Ride your ATV to an overnight on the salt pans
- Sunset boat cruise
- Get up close and personal with an elephant

Amazing Details:

* SOUTH AFRICA (11 Days)
The Children of Acornhoek & Our Service/Culutral Exchange Program
Acornhoek is located in the semi-arid, but scenic, Eastern part of South Africa, a few kilometers away from the Orpen Gate and Numbi Gate entrances to the famous Kruger National Park. From 1984 - 1986, a half-million refugees fled the neighboring country of Mozambique trekking 200 miles on-foot, through the wild Kruger National Park and made themselves a home in villages such as Acornhoek.
The majority of these people are from the Shangaan Tribe and their main language is Shagaan. Post Apartheid, the South African Government built them a school and houses of cinder block with tin roofs with electricity and running water. The Shangaans are poor but proud people who place much importance on family.
Although the government provided a school and hired teachers, students cannot attend unless they buy a uniform and given that many of the parents do not have expendable income, this factor continues to be a challenge.

English is taught as part of the curriculum however due to the fact that the children are shy and do not have an opportunity to practice their English, they are not able to excel. The school itself consists of a brick building and a few poorly lit classrooms that are drab and without character. The only amenity is a soccer field and a garden, which is without plants, flowers and trees due to there being no budget for beautification and improvements. The children range in age from 6 - 12 yrs and the school is co-ed.

Our mission will be to interact with the children and teach them English, land sports, games and to beautify their school with painting, landscaping and building projects. From planting mango trees, to planting vegetable gardens, to painting desks and building playground elements and a volleyball court, we are sure to make the children happy.

And in return for our efforts, the children will teach us their local language, their version of games and land sports and they will join us in all of the above service projects. Our finale will include an afternoon of skits done by our students and their children in the opposite languages. Overall we will make new friends in a far away land and change their lives as they change ours forever.

* ZAMBIA (2 Days)
We will visit Zambia, home to the incredible Victoria Falls and where you will meet your new friend - an elephant.

Victoria Falls
Known as "The Smoke That Thunders", Victoria Falls are absolutely incredible. They were discovered by David Livingstone in 1855 and are a World Heritage Site as well as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

The unusual form of Victoria Falls enables virtually the whole width of the falls to be viewed face-on, at the same level as the top, from as close as 60 metres (200 ft), because the whole Zambezi River drops into a deep, narrow like chasm, connected to a long series of gorges. Few other waterfalls allow such a close approach on foot. We visit the Zambia side of the Falls.

* BOTSWANA (10 Days)

Chobe National Park
Your land safari trip will offer you your first look at a zebra. The thought of visiting Africa easily brings up images of wildlife and safaris. The first time you see a Zebra or a Lion or an Elephant you are immediately humbled. These beautiful, graceful animals can be seen in their natural environments in many of the protected national parks such as Chobe. We will head out to see Lions, Leopards, Buffalos, Elephants, & Rhino's both by game drive and canoe safari. The game drive takes us into the heart of Chobes 11,000 sq km surroundings where we will see the largest elephant population (estimated between 45 to 70 000).

The canoe safari along the Zambezi River is an excellent way to spot animals as they gather for a water source. Hippos, Crocodiles, Antelope and Impala may all be spotted.

The abundance of its wildlife and the true African nature of the region form the basis of a safari experience of a lifetime not to be missed.

* ATV Overnight to Salt Pans
Gweta is the starting point of our adventure into the largest Salt Pans in the world. We will spend a night in a traditional Rondavel and enjoy this rural stay by playing land sports with the locals and getting a taste for how they live and survive on a daily basis. Then we will leave to The Sow, Nxai and Ntwetwe Pans which collectively make up the 12,000 sq km Makgadikgadi Pans. Your day will start with ATV driving lessons and before you know it you will be riding on never ending terrain similar to a moonscape. The night to come is truly "under the stars" and it will awaken your senses!

* Maun Community
We will stay in Maun and dedicate our time to the children and their families assisting with basic needs of shelter and education. As many families here live in tent villages without running water or electricity and their children often cannot attend school due to the cost of a uniform and books, we can certainly play an active role here in making some much needed change.

* Gaborone
This is the capital city of Botswana and it comes with all the creature comforts and civilization of a large North American city. We will wind the program down here and enjoy a well deserved break with true city flavor of shopping, eating out and exploring the local markets and completing our Zine (group journal) over coffee at a quaint bistro.

Upon returning home, Images of your journey will play like a slideshow in your mind - the soothing sunset from your safari tent, the first time a child reached out for your hand and made eye contact with you, the picturesque landscape of Botswana, Zambia and South Africa and the new YOU - a mentor, teacher, friend and volunteer. All of this made possible by you and a remarkable continent called Africa.

Qualifications / Skills Needed: Participants should be prepared for our program. Once you are part of a team, you are committing yourself not only to hard work on service days (from 6-8 hours) but also to your fellow volunteers and those we will be assisting. In sharing this rewarding experience, you are guaranteed to form lasting friendships and will no doubt take away much more than you give. You will receive a certificate of completion recognizing 30-80 hours (depending on program) of service and listing projects accomplished.

Travel Types: Camping, Canoeing, Caving/Spelunking, Climbing, Cross/Back Country Skiing, Cycling (Road/Touring), Dancing, Downhill Skiing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Kayaking (River), Kayaking (Sea), Rafting, Sailing, Scuba, Snorkeling, Snowboarding, Soccer/Football, Student Tours, Surfing, Tours and Water Skiing

Type of Programs: Community Service / Volunteerism, Cultural Exploration, High School Study Abroad and Student Tours

Language: English

Cost in US$: USD 6,999 Plus airfare to Johannesburg and home from Gaborone

Cost Includes: * Accommodations: Stay in lodges, hotels and one night under the stars during our ATV adventure. * Certificate of 60 hours of service & a list of projects accomplished is issued after the trip. * Everybody participates together in each project. * Flight from Johannesburg to Livingstone included in trip fee.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer Projects: building schools, childcare/children, community development, counseling, English teaching, planting, playgrounds, primary education, recreation, repairs, social services, social work, street kids, teaching, tutor, volunteering, writing, youth and youth development

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. .

Typical Living Arrangements: Apartment/Flat and Other

Participants Travel to Botswana Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other

Post Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

360 Student Travel's Mission Statement: 360 Student Travel will allow you the opportunity to step in a new direction. Travel, volunteer, or improve your foreign language skills we are here to help you take that new step by helping you keep your other foot planted. Regardless of travel style, all programs are created with the understanding that no matter what you want to accomplish during the summer, it is still summer, and the challenges and experiences should be enjoyable as well as rewarding. On our Community Service Program you'll be making the world a better place and discovering the world at the same time - ziplining in Costa Rica, exploring a glacier in Alaska, or marveling at the "Big 5" in Africa. If you're open-minded and interested in achieving goals, volunteering, and helping others, then this will be a meaningful and adventurous summer for you. If you're thinking of studying Spanish or French and want the excitment of travel join us in either Spain, Costa Rica or France. On most of these language programs, we study at multiple locations within a country so you experience its full diversity. On our Pre-College Enrichment program get a sneak peek at college life while being immersed in the culture and excitement of Barcelona. We have teamed up with the renowned International House School, centrally located just steps from Plaza Cataluna, to bring you exciting courses from Creative Writing and International Business to Spanish Language, and SAT prep with Princeton Review. Join us on our Global Adventures if adventures are for you. We offer the most unique variety of activities imaginable that encourage individual growth and character.

Year Founded: 1992