What is Global Outreach Alliance?
Global Outreach Alliance is a registered nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. In addition to community develop and non-profit projects that focus on education, we facilitate and provide safe, structured, quality and diverse outreach programs while jointly strengthening global education and development initiatives through relationship-based development. We design and operate programs that foster understanding, conservation, sustainable development and appreciation of the communities and cultures we visit. Our participants (mentors) engage in relationship-based development through mentoring and assisting locals on local need. We operate in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. Moreover, we are committed to working with our mentors and the people of our host countries to ensure direct education and economic benefit at a community level, and to contribute to overall cultural and environmental conservation.
What is a mentor?
A mentor is a friend entrusted with the education and long-term development of another. By loving people and valuing human interaction, a mentor becomes a mutual partner in a relationship-based union focused on the overall growth, prosperity, and welfare of another. A mentor offers a “hand up,” not a “hand out.” A mentor does this by bringing his or her talents, experiences, expertise, selfless contributions and skills to the table of service and compassion. A mentor’s sole purpose is to give to others. Unanimously, mentors always get back an abundance of joy and personal fulfillment (a natural byproduct of selfless service). A mentor is a humble teacher, a fervent student, a grateful servant, an ambassador of pragmatic change, and an altruistic big brother or big sister. A mentor remains positive, encouraging, respectful, and invested at all costs. A mentor doesn’t necessarily have all of the right answers or knowhow. Nonetheless, a mentor does have the capacity to disperse huge amounts of love and effort by sincerely caring, genuinely listening, and being devoted to the cause of others. For Global Outreach Alliance, mentors assume the aforementioned title and responsibilities to go global and apply their skills and desires to serve all while being immersed in rich culture and diverse beauty. You are a mentor (if you so choose).
What do Global Outreach Alliance mentors do?
Depending on the current or future availability of programs and the mentors’ individual skills/interests, mentors could work on any or a combination of the following projects:
- Teaching children alongside trained teachers in underfunded schools
- Critical research and surveying on sustainable development programs
- Micro-savings implementation
- Micro-enterprise implementation and craft/product skills training
- Planning, implementation, and support for community development projects (greenhouses, community centers, youth centers, hand washing stations in schools, libraries and computer workshops)
- Construction of homes with locals
- Family or community gardening for sustainable, income-generating agriculture
- Teaching topics of basic health, hygiene and nutrition as well as principles of happiness (attitude, education, strong relationships, finance and savings)
- Treating illnesses and vising/consulting with patients–setting up programs for sustainable health support.
- Organizing local sports teams and leagues for underprivileged youth
- Teaching art, music and physical education
- Enhancing local children’s quality of life through education programs and fundraising campaigns
- Cottage industry business development and micro-enterprise projects
- Health clinic creation
- Mural painting at children’s hospitals or schools
- Organizing doctor and dentist visits to local communities
- Teaching vocational or imperative skills like hair dressing, auto mechanics, design, etc.
- Teaching English
Whatever program mentors are assigned to work on (keeping in mind their preferences and individual skill sets), Global Outreach Alliance will personalize a day-to-day working schedule to ensure as much structure and order as possible. Moreover, regardless of which type of program or work responsibilities a mentor participates in, each will allow the mentor to be fully immersed in local culture. Furthermore, mentors will learn about the essential principles involved in collaborating with local community leaders and how to implement meaningful solutions to fight poverty and improve quality of life. In addition to the work mentors do, they are also given unique opportunities to engage in cultural learning excursions to enhance overall understanding and appreciation of the community and people they serve.
How long do mentors serve for?
Team expeditions are typically two weeks long. However, individual or small group volunteer opportunities may be available, as well. These opportunities allow for volunteers to spend a month or more supporting our global grassroots projects. Contact us to learn of possible openings at one of our global project locations. If mentors embarking on a team expedition have more time to serve, we are happy to extend length of stay to accommodate the needs of the mentor and locals on a personalized basis. See each program for specific openings and dates of service.
What training is required for mentors?
Formal training meetings are required before mentors can leave on their programs. The trainings are conducted by Global Outreach Alliance’s mentoring team personnel. If mentors are out of the state of Utah or out of the country, trainings via Skype or teleconferencing may be approved. Through training, Global Outreach Alliance works to instill in mentors an understanding and appreciation of the local history, geography, religions, current state of affairs, and culture/environment in which they travel by encouraging considerate, culturally and environmentally conscious habits. In addition, all mentors are properly trained on cultural do’s and don’ts and international development topics specific to the region. Acceptance to the programs and deposit payment must be made to begin the trainings.
How much does it cost?
For all Global Outreach Alliance programs there is an affordable program fee. All of these program fees vary in cost because flights, living expenses and program services differ from country to country. We are founded on the belief that service should not cost and arm and a leg. Please keep in mind that we strive hard to leverage our in-country partnerships and contacts to ensure the lowest possible cost to you. We offer quality, diverse programs to foster immersion through culturally rich experiences all while providing meaningful service at an affordable cost. For life changing opportunities to impact and shape the lives of others, while obtaining ample time for self-discovery and cultural exploration, you will find our program fees to be extremely minimal. Please see the Mentor Programs or Team Expeditions section of this site to learn more about specific programs and corresponding costs to understand where your hard-earned money goes. Also, please keep in mind that all of our board of directors have primary means of income outside of GOA–this allows the money from your program fees to actually benefit the people we serve, rather than going into our own pockets.
What are the housing arrangements like for mentors?
With all Global Outreach Alliance programs, we strive hard to provide quality and safe housing. With that said, we also value cultural immersion. Mentors, depending on the specific program, will most likely have the opportunity to live with a local host family, in an approved guest home or camp location in a school or medical clinic. “When in Rome…” right? Host families’ homes are comfortable and safe. You will take away much from living with them and learning from them.
What do mentors eat while on their program?
Some mentors have an easier time eating what the locals eat than others. Some can’t get cheesy, beefy burgers off their minds. That’s OK. Whatever category you fall into, we have your back. We do, however, encourage you to try and eat as much as possible with the locals. Therefore, with most programs, most meals are included with locals eating what they eat using local ingredients. Oftentimes, daily food stipends will be used and distributed to mentors to use at their discretion. If you want to buy more and supplement what you eat with the locals, that’s up to you. Keep in mind that multivitamins and other nutritional supplements are always a good thing to have when traveling to a foreign country. The nutrients in a standard meal in Kenya or China may be different from the nutrients you eat at home, and if you’re body isn’t adequately compensated for lacking nutrients it would feel a bit out of whack, low on energy, and susceptible to illness. Also, due to the difference in food and handling procedures, it is always a good idea to be armed with some sort of medicine in case you get sick in the stomach. We encourage all mentors to meet with their doctor before departing on a program. Your doctor may wish to prescribe you with a region-specific medicine or antibiotic in case you happen to get sick from food- or water-related illnesses. Never drink the water out of the tap (or ice, for that matter)! You can always choose to boil water for at least seven minutes as well as use chlorine tablets to ensure safety. Or, the safest way to go would be to just choose to buy bottled water. For team expeditions, food and water is included as part of the program fee.
What are the requirements to be a mentor?
Mentors must possess the following characteristics:
- Hard working
- Motivated
- Honest
- Proactive
- Flexible
- Positive
- Loving
With all mentors we first analyze their skills and interests and then work to plug them into a program where they can be of the most help. There may be some specific program requirements depending on the area/need.
Can mentors get internship credit from their universities by doing one of your programs?
In most cases, yes, we can design a program for you that would meet internship requirements. We encourage all mentors who are students to seek opportunities to obtain university internship credit. To do this, please contact your department head or internship office. We are happy to help with whatever is required, and can fill out and forms upon request.
Is it safe?
Global Outreach Alliance works hard to provide the safest possible living and working conditions for mentors all while valuing meaningful cross-cultural immersion experiences. We regularly monitor the areas we work, and receive updated travel and safety warnings from OSAC (U.S. Department of State Overseas Security Advisory Council). We provide mentors with all necessary country-specific resources and knowhow, including any pertinent updates or security briefings from the U.S. State Department. All of our programs are equipped with in-country facilitators or directors that oversee and monitor your well being. They pick you up from the airport, provide you with a cell phone (if necessary or service is available in the specific area), take you where you need to be, orientate you on your living and working conditions, and are there 24-7 to contact or reach for questions. We work as much as possible with locals, because, at the end of the day, locals know best. However, in a world where the unpredictable has been known to happen, it is imperative that each mentor take responsibility for his or her own safety by staying informed and conducting themselves accordingly. Moreover, all mentors are required to sign a Risk and Release form before participating. For more detailed information regarding international security while abroad, Global Outreach Alliance suggests carefully reviewing information from the U.S. Department of State
What should I bring on my program?
Global Outreach Alliance supplies each mentor with a mentor handbook. Inside the handbook includes a comprehensive packing list specific for each program (as well as a “to do” list for pre-departure considerations). Please work through this list prior to departure and keep in mind any additional personal items you may need (medications, prescriptions, etc.) But remember, try to pack as light as possible whenever you travel internationally! Additionally, with some programs we may ask mentors if they’d be willing to take out a carry-on luggage with some supplies pertinent to their specific program (school supplies, books, etc.).
Can I bring a computer?
In some situations, having a computer on site can be an invaluable tool. However, it also could create distraction for you and others, as well as temptation for would be thieves. Bringing a computer on your program is not required, and should be left up to your discretion as a mentor. Obviously, Global Outreach Alliance is not responsible for any theft or vandalism of personal belongings.
Do I have to purchase my own flight?
You will need to pay for your own flight. We have arrangements with outside travel agents who coordinates and purchase all Global Outreach Alliance flights to ensure best rates, coordination, and discounts. This way you don’t need to worry about spending hours finding the cheapest airfare—they’ll find it for you.
Do I have to purchase my own flight?
Global Outreach Alliance supplies each mentor with a mentor handbook. Inside the handbook includes a detailed pre-departure “to do” check list. Below are some basic reminders to keep in mind.
- Apply (fill out application and submit resume).
- If you are accepted, you will be asked to immediately pay $200 non-refundable deposit for your program
- Sign and complete all required forms and compliance agreements
- Meet with your doctor or International Travel Health Clinic
- Get required/recommended vaccinations or prescriptions
- Make sure you have a valid passport that has over 6 months until expiring from the day your program ends (the day you leave to return back home)
- Attend all required training meetings
- Spend personal time studying country-specific culture and customs, and work through your mentoring handbook
- Pay program fee in full one month before departure
- Gear up for the time of your life to serve others in a meaningful, lasting way!
Can mentors fundraise for their program?
Yes, they can. Volunteer mentors pay a program fee to be able to serve with us. These program fees benefit our in-country program services. Mentors may plan various activities or events in the time preceding their programs to raise funds for a specific project abroad. Before mentors begin fundraising, please contact us directly to learn more about how we can help you with your efforts. With our assistance and mentors individual efforts, mentors are able to raise a substantial portion of the required program fee to offset out-of-pocket expenses.
