Squads Abroad is a 501c3 non-profit organization under our parent company Global Brigades, a Platinum Level Guidestar member for Financial Transparency. Since 2004, our organization has collectively mobilized more than 70,000 international volunteers to help resolve global health and economic disparities around the world.
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Develop Your Students Real-World Global Business Skills
Global Business Squads volunteer in our partner communities to support small businesses and financial literacy education in primary schools.  Our program inspires entrepreneurism by helping create microenterprises that bring in revenue to the school while teaching real-world business skills. Alongside our experienced local staff, students provide the consulting and start-up capital for the school’s small business

Volunteer Abroad programs can range between 7-10 days and include enrichment activities that build cultural competence inspired by the local population.  Each volunteer has an individual donation goaldepending on the country and dates of travel to cover logistical expenses such as flights and in-country transport, local staff, meals, insurance, accommodations and also the year-round follow-up to their project by our local staff. Additionally, each group fundraises $1500 as a team to go toward the business project.  Each Squad requires a minimum of 8 volunteers and 2 complimentary faculty leaders.

Each Global Business Squad Includes

CONSULTING MICROENTERPRISES

Each Squad selects their client(s) such as artisans, farmers, and community banks from our waitlist.

IMPROVING ACCESS TO CAPITAL

Students advocate for clients and strengthen their borrower profile to access loans from community banks.

FINANCIAL LITERACY TRAINING

Students learn and deliver financial literacy workshops to help foster a culture of savings and responsible lending within the community.

START-UP COSTS

Program expenses include support with start-up costs or investments for the clients.

Where We Work

PANAMA

GHANA

HONDURAS

GREECE

Global Business Programs Also Include

Cultural Learning

In each partner country, students and faculty will be immersed in the local culture and will be introduced to some of the region’s most beautiful traditions. For example, in Belize, students will learn from locals how to cook cassava pudding or practice “Cayetano” inspired artwork. In Honduras, students can practice their Spanish skills during a traditional candy-making workshop or local coffee tour. Or in Ghana, groups are welcomed by local communities with traditional drumming, dancing and songs. In every country, you and your students will dive deep into the culture and leave with a greater understanding of the local customs.

Enrichment Activities

All of our program countries offer optional add-on enrichment activities. In Panama, the options include an overnight trip to Soberania National Park Excursion, a day trip to Monkey Island or a Boat Tour of the Panama Canal. In Guatemala, you can spend one or two nights exploring the town of San Juan La Laguna on the majestic shores of Lake Atitlan. Or you can explore the historic city of Antigua Guatemala, or a climbing experience to the Pacaya volcano. Greece is famous for its striking islands, filled with blue and white architecture, against the backdrop of the Mediterranean. Spend a weekend lounging on the Greek islands, or hopping between a few to experience delicious food, a warm and welcoming culture, and the peaceful island life. Ask us about specific options in each country.

Local Tourism

In addition to the optional enrichment activities, all groups will spend at least an afternoon or two enjoying local tourist sites as part of their trip. This might include a guided visit to Mayan ruins, a trip to a local beach or a walk through the jungle. We want students to understand the beauty and history of the region, and include visits to local historical monuments, like touring the famous city of Athens to view its great history with sites such as the Parthenon. In Panama, every group will have the chance to explore the streets of Casco Viejo, the oldest neighborhood of the city and one of Central America’s great cultural hubs. Come see the world on a Squad Abroad!

Explore each of our specific country pages to learn more about the unique individual offerings.

Business Squads Provide Students:

A local coordinator and translators to support the entire program.

Customizable consulting deliverable templates for client presentations.

A professional mentor and lectures from local economic development experts.

Cross-cultural competency training to improve client interaction.

Local language instruction with business terminology.

Enriching and interactive cultural activities to foster relationships.

Impact Stats*

COMMUNITY-OWNED BANKS

MICROENTERPRISES SUPPORTED

OF CAPITALIZATION FOR MICROENTERPRISES

BUSINESS VOLUNTEERS MOBILIZED

*Impact numbers include our statistics from our parent organization Global Brigades.

NEWS + MEDIA

Squads are passionate groups of volunteers who mobilize abroad to create positive change. Each Squad type has a skill-based focus area that support the education, health and economic development objectives of community partners. Faculty choose their dates, duration (typically 1-2 weeks), and their site location from one of our six program countries.
Squads Abroad is a 501c3 non-profit organization under our parent company Global Brigades, a Platinum Level Guidestar member for Financial Transparency. Since 2004, our organization has collectively mobilized more than 70,000 international volunteers to help resolve global health and economic disparities around the world.
Sustainable Impact
Where We Work
Partners
About Us
My Squads
Through virtual or in-country programs, Squads are passionate groups of volunteers who mobilize abroad to create positive change. Each Squad type has a skill-based focus area that support the education, health and economic development objectives of community partners.