[mk_page_section bg_image=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/cdea98_337adb3c0e554845ad379486c54e3b71mv2_d_4160_2336_s_2.jpg” bg_position=”center top” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_stretch=”true” min_height=”326″ padding_top=”15″ padding_bottom=”60″ sidebar=”sidebar-1″][vc_column][mk_fancy_title tag_name=”h1″ color=”#ffffff” size=”43″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”43″ size_tablet=”40″ size_phone=”30″ font_weight=”bolder” txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”3″ font_family=”none” align=”center” drop_shadow=”true” shadow_distance=”4″ shadow_blur=”4″ shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.25)”]A Week of
volunteer student group travel,
the lesson of a Lifetime[/mk_fancy_title][mk_padding_divider size=”250″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][mk_button dimension=”flat” size=”medium” url=”/squad-types/global-health-squads/” align=”center” button_custom_width=”300″ margin_right=”0″ bg_color=”#ce534e” btn_hover_bg=”#f3e6b3″ btn_hover_txt_color=”#403b35″]GLOBAL HEALTH SQUADS[/mk_button][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][mk_button dimension=”flat” size=”medium” url=”/squad-types/global-education-squads/” align=”center” button_custom_width=”300″ margin_right=”0″ bg_color=”#33a19c” btn_hover_bg=”#f3e6b3″ btn_hover_txt_color=”#403b35″]GLOBAL EDUCATION SQUADS[/mk_button][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][mk_fancy_title color=”#893734″ size=”35″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”35″ size_tablet=”32″ size_phone=”28″ font_weight=”900″ txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”3″ margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”none”]so, what is a squad?[/mk_fancy_title][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/header-line-full.png” image_size=”full” align=”center”][vc_column_text]
The dictionary tells us that a squad is “a small group of people, having a particular task.” In fact our Squads, comprised of middle and high-school students and the adults that lead them, have decided to take on the largest task of all, making meaningful change on a global scale.
With over 22 years of experience in the field of international volunteering, Squads Abroad programs excel in providing immersive student group travel experiences. What makes Squads Abroad unique is the home-base model and the organization’s reliance on the local community and our expert in-country staff to guide the approach to service and cultural activities.
Each squad chooses where they would like to serve, what type of squad they will be, and how many members will take part in their squad. Squads Abroad will then match the group with an under-resourced community organization, such as a school, an orphanage or an after-school program. Volunteers provide educational support while fundraising directly towards a designated small construction project they complete during their trip.
[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row fullwidth=”true” equal_columns=”true” attached=”true”][vc_column width=”1/2″][mk_custom_box margin_bottom=”0″ bg_image=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/textile.jpg” overlay_color=”rgba(205,81,79,0.85)” bg_stretch=”true”][mk_padding_divider size=”100″][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/health-icon.png” image_size=”full” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][mk_fancy_title color=”#403b35″ size=”22″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”22″ size_tablet=”20″ size_phone=”24″ font_weight=”bolder” txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”3″ margin_bottom=”10″ font_family=”none” align=”center”]global health squad[/mk_fancy_title][mk_fancy_title color=”#ffffff” size=”18″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”18″ size_tablet=”16″ size_phone=”20″ line_height=”130″ font_weight=”500″ txt_transform=”none” margin_bottom=”10″ font_family=”none” align=”center”]Resolve public health challenges while learning to identify the systems that cause them.[/mk_fancy_title][mk_button dimension=”flat” size=”medium” url=”/squad-types/global-health-squads/” align=”center” margin_right=”0″ bg_color=”#f3e6b3″ btn_hover_bg=”#893734″ text_color=”dark” btn_hover_txt_color=”#ffffff”]LEARN MORE[/mk_button][mk_padding_divider size=”100″][/mk_custom_box][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][mk_custom_box margin_bottom=”0″ bg_image=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/textile.jpg” overlay_color=”rgba(46,164,159,0.85)” bg_stretch=”true”][mk_padding_divider size=”100″][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/edu-icon.png” image_size=”full” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][mk_fancy_title color=”#403b35″ size=”22″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”22″ size_tablet=”20″ size_phone=”24″ font_weight=”bolder” txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”3″ margin_bottom=”10″ font_family=”none” align=”center”]global education squad[/mk_fancy_title][mk_fancy_title color=”#ffffff” size=”18″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”18″ size_tablet=”16″ size_phone=”20″ line_height=”130″ font_weight=”500″ txt_transform=”none” margin_bottom=”10″ font_family=”none” align=”center”]Improve educational outcomes by creating inspiring learning spaces in schools.[/mk_fancy_title][mk_button dimension=”flat” size=”medium” url=”/squad-types/global-education-squads/” align=”center” margin_right=”0″ bg_color=”#f3e6b3″ btn_hover_bg=”#893734″ text_color=”dark” btn_hover_txt_color=”#ffffff”]LEARN MORE[/mk_button][mk_padding_divider size=”100″][/mk_custom_box][/vc_column][/vc_row][mk_page_section bg_image=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/mountains-clouds.jpg” bg_position=”center center” bg_stretch=”true” video_color_mask=”#1a3107″ sidebar=”sidebar-1″][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][mk_fancy_title color=”#4bd1a0″ size=”35″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”35″ size_tablet=”32″ size_phone=”28″ font_weight=”900″ txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”3″ margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”none”]what our volunteers say:[/mk_fancy_title][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/header-line-full.png” image_size=”full” align=”center”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″ offset=”vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][mk_custom_box padding_horizental=”40″ min_height=”500″ bg_image=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/julian-ottawa.jpg” overlay_color=”rgba(242,103,51,0.7)” bg_stretch=”true”][vc_column_text align=”center”]The staff was incredibly welcoming and helpful in making us feel at home. My volunteer experience was truly eye-opening and extremely rewarding. I spent a week helping in an elderly home and underprivileged primary school. We also got to try so many different activities in the evenings and on the week-end![/vc_column_text][mk_fancy_title color=”#f3e6b3″ size=”24″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”24″ size_tablet=”20″ size_phone=”18″ font_weight=”900″ txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”3″ margin_bottom=”” font_family=”none” align=”center”]julian
ottawa HS[/mk_fancy_title][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/quote.png” image_size=”full” align=”center”][/mk_custom_box][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″ offset=”vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][mk_custom_box padding_horizental=”40″ min_height=”500″ bg_image=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/elizabeth-rye.jpg” overlay_color=”rgba(46,164,159,0.7)” bg_stretch=”true”][vc_column_text align=”center”]The kids were so sweet and really appreciated us teaching them and playing soccer at recess. I recommend this to anyone![/vc_column_text][mk_fancy_title color=”#f3e6b3″ size=”24″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”24″ size_tablet=”20″ size_phone=”18″ font_weight=”900″ txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”3″ margin_bottom=”” font_family=”none” align=”center”]elizabeth
rye high school[/mk_fancy_title][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/quote.png” image_size=”full” align=”center”][/mk_custom_box][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″ offset=”vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][mk_custom_box padding_horizental=”40″ min_height=”500″ bg_image=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/dsc_0645.jpg” overlay_color=”rgba(205,81,79,0.7)” bg_stretch=”true”][vc_column_text align=”center”]The people were so welcoming and friendly and I felt very comfortable. I never felt unsafe during my time there. My volunteer placement was a ton of fun and I felt they really needed my help[/vc_column_text][mk_fancy_title color=”#f3e6b3″ size=”24″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”24″ size_tablet=”20″ size_phone=”18″ font_weight=”900″ txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”3″ margin_bottom=”” font_family=”none” align=”center”]chris
washington dc[/mk_fancy_title][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/quote.png” image_size=”full” align=”center”][/mk_custom_box][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md”][mk_custom_box padding_vertical=”120″ padding_horizental=”40″ min_height=”500″ bg_image=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/julian-ottawa.jpg” overlay_color=”rgba(242,103,51,0.7)” bg_stretch=”true”][vc_column_text align=”center”]The staff was incredibly welcoming and helpful in making us feel at home. My volunteer experience was truly eye-opening and extremely rewarding. I spent a week helping in an elderly home and underprivileged primary school. We also got to try so many different activities in the evenings and on the week-end![/vc_column_text][mk_fancy_title color=”#f3e6b3″ size=”24″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”24″ size_tablet=”20″ size_phone=”18″ font_weight=”900″ txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”3″ margin_bottom=”” font_family=”none” align=”center”]julian
ottawa HS[/mk_fancy_title][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/quote.png” image_size=”full” align=”center”][/mk_custom_box][mk_padding_divider][mk_custom_box padding_vertical=”120″ padding_horizental=”40″ min_height=”500″ bg_image=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/elizabeth-rye.jpg” overlay_color=”rgba(46,164,159,0.7)” bg_stretch=”true”][vc_column_text align=”center”]TThe kids were so sweet and really appreciated us teaching them and playing soccer at recess. I recommend this to anyone![/vc_column_text][mk_fancy_title color=”#f3e6b3″ size=”24″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”24″ size_tablet=”20″ size_phone=”18″ font_weight=”900″ txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”3″ margin_bottom=”” font_family=”none” align=”center”]elizabeth
rye high school[/mk_fancy_title][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/quote.png” image_size=”full” align=”center”][/mk_custom_box][mk_padding_divider][mk_custom_box padding_vertical=”120″ padding_horizental=”40″ min_height=”500″ bg_image=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/chris-dc.jpg” overlay_color=”rgba(205,81,79,0.7)” bg_stretch=”true”][vc_column_text align=”center”]The people were so welcoming and friendly and I felt very comfortable. I never felt unsafe during my time there. My volunteer placement was a ton of fun and I felt they really needed my help[/vc_column_text][mk_fancy_title color=”#f3e6b3″ size=”24″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”24″ size_tablet=”20″ size_phone=”18″ font_weight=”900″ txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”3″ margin_bottom=”” font_family=”none” align=”center”]chris
washington dc[/mk_fancy_title][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/quote.png” image_size=”full” align=”center”][/mk_custom_box][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][mk_page_section sidebar=”sidebar-1″][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][mk_fancy_title color=”#33a19c” size=”35″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”35″ size_tablet=”32″ size_phone=”28″ font_weight=”900″ txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”3″ margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”none”]where we go[/mk_fancy_title][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/header-line-full.png” image_size=”full” align=”center”][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/gt-sc-028.jpg” image_size=”full”][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][mk_fancy_title color=”#665a4f” size=”22″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”22″ size_tablet=”20″ size_phone=”24″ font_weight=”bolder” txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”3″ margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”none”]Maya Highlands, Guatemala[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text]
From the colorful textiles on a Maya woman walking down a cobble-stoned street, to the volcanoes that seem to rise straight out of the ground, to the freshly-made tortillas, Guatemala is a country for the senses. From the central squares of Antigua to the way the light hits Lake Atitlan at sunset, visitors can’t believe the beauty of this country and we’re sure you’ll be astounded. Guatemala has one of the largest populations of indigenous citizens in Latin America and many of our volunteers tell us that Guatemala, with its many traditions, is a place unlike any they’ve ever visited.
[/vc_column_text][mk_button dimension=”outline” size=”medium” url=”/destination-guatemala” outline_skin=”custom” outline_active_color=”#cd514f” outline_active_text_color=”#cd514f” outline_hover_bg_color=”#cd514f” outline_hover_color=”#ffffff”]VIEW DETAILS[/mk_button][/vc_column][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/dsc_0579.jpg” image_size=”full”][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][mk_fancy_title color=”#665a4f” size=”22″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”22″ size_tablet=”20″ size_phone=”24″ font_weight=”bolder” txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”3″ margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”none”]Cartago, Costa Rica[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text]
A worldwide leader in eco-tourism, Costa Rica is recognized for its rich biodiversity while also well known for its warm and welcoming people who live by the expression ‘Pura Vida.’ Cartago, once the former capital, is conveniently located just outside of bustling San Jose and is surrounded by green farmland and forested hillsides. Cartago offers our Squads Abroad, a chance to experience everyday “Tico” life while performing valuable volunteer projects. Whatsmore it’s a perfect place to jump off to a wide variety of amazing weekend excursions from cloud forests to pristine beaches, rainforests to majestic volcanoes.
[/vc_column_text][mk_button dimension=”outline” size=”medium” url=”/destination-costa-rica” outline_skin=”custom” outline_active_color=”#cd514f” outline_active_text_color=”#cd514f” outline_hover_bg_color=”#cd514f” outline_hover_color=”#ffffff”]VIEW DETAILS[/mk_button][/vc_column][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/limahats.jpg” image_size=”full”][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][mk_fancy_title color=”#665a4f” size=”22″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”22″ size_tablet=”20″ size_phone=”24″ font_weight=”bolder” txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”3″ margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”none”]Lima, Peru[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text]
Peru is a melting pot of culture, with roots tracing back to the Pre-Colombian Incan culture, it claims Chinese, European, Japanese and African influences. Bustling Lima is an urbane dream, full of contrasts between the ancient and the modern. CCS works in Villa El Salvador, a nobel-peace prize nominated neighborhood for efforts in community planning, and Squads Abroad in Lima can be sure that their impact is felt, as the residents of Villa El Salvador continue to struggle to meet infrastructural challenges for the ever-growing neighborhood. Volunteer in Peru and your Squad can scratch off bucket list items, like Machu Picchu and the Amazon.
[/vc_column_text][mk_button dimension=”outline” size=”medium” url=”/destination-peru” outline_skin=”custom” outline_active_color=”#cd514f” outline_active_text_color=”#cd514f” outline_hover_bg_color=”#cd514f” outline_hover_color=”#ffffff”]VIEW DETAILS[/mk_button][/vc_column][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/waterfall.jpg” image_size=”full”][mk_padding_divider size=”20″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][mk_fancy_title color=”#665a4f” size=”22″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”22″ size_tablet=”20″ size_phone=”24″ font_weight=”bolder” txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”3″ margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”none”]The Volta Region, Ghana[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text]
As a volunteer in Ghana, you’ll find a unique richness everywhere you look, from the country’s cultural history to its varied expanses of wilderness and coastline. Known for its exceptionally warm national character, Ghana, meaning “Warrior King,” is a place where visitors are welcomed as friends. In the Volta Region, home to the Ewe people, you will become family. With English as an adopted “official” language, amazing connections can be made for your Squad Abroad in Ghana.
[/vc_column_text][mk_button dimension=”outline” size=”medium” url=”/destination-ghana” outline_skin=”custom” outline_active_color=”#cd514f” outline_active_text_color=”#cd514f” outline_hover_bg_color=”#cd514f” outline_hover_color=”#ffffff”]VIEW DETAILS[/mk_button][/vc_column][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/vc_row][mk_page_section bg_image=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/mountain-range.jpg” bg_position=”center center” bg_stretch=”true” sidebar=”sidebar-1″][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][mk_fancy_title color=”#ce534e” size=”35″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”35″ size_tablet=”32″ size_phone=”28″ font_weight=”900″ txt_transform=”uppercase” letter_spacing=”3″ margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”none”]OUR PARTNERS[/mk_fancy_title][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/header-line-full.png” image_size=”full” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/cross-cultural.png” image_size=”full” link=”http://www.crossculturalsolutions.org/” target=”_blank” align=”center” margin_bottom=”20″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/thinking-beyond-borders.png” image_size=”full” link=”http://www.thinkingbeyondborders.org/” target=”_blank” align=”center” margin_bottom=”20″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/aua.png” image_size=”full” link=”http://unofficialambassadors.com/” target=”_blank” align=”center” margin_bottom=”20″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][mk_image src=”http://squadsabroad.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/united-nations.png” image_size=”full” link=”https://www.un.org/ecosoc/en/” target=”_blank” align=”center” margin_bottom=”20″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/mk_page_section]
