Global Volunteers - Volunteer Programs in the Cook Islands

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Overall Rating
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Program Description

Global Volunteers - Volunteer Programs in the Cook Islands

Description

Join Global Volunteers in a variety of volunteer projects in the Cook Islands! Experience this exotic South Pacific island culture and locale while working one-on-one with youth, seniors and families striving to improve their futures on education, social service and conservation projects. You're needed to assist with a wide range of community service work projects on this captivating South Pacific island!

Types of volunteer activities include:
• Help children build on their English language skills
• Work in a library or museum
• Work outdoors helping to protect the Takitumu wildlife and environment
• Spend time with senior citizens and offer them companionship
• Work at the whale sanctuary
• Work at the Handicapped Creative Center with mentally and physically challenged adults

Interview with Dennis Killeen, Global Volunteers-Cook Island alum

GO: Why did you decide to volunteer abroad with Global Volunteers on the Cook Islands?

Dennis: A little history. My first trip with GV was in 2000 in conjunction with the University of Notre Dame alumni to Romania. I liked the way their program worked (invited by the host country, local team-leaders, etc) so much so that I have taken a GV trip every year since (China, Ireland, back to Romania, India, Ecuador, Brazil, and this Feb will be my 6th trip to the Cook Islands). In Rarotonga, I have made many friends and watched "my" students continue to progress—the Maori people have become second family. It's also a great place to visit during winter compared to here in Ohio!

Dennis volunteering on the Cook Islands
Dennis volunteering on the Cook Islands
GO: Describe your day to day activities as a volunteer.

Dennis:
Week days -
7am to 8am - Group breakfast and meeting at our lodging and meeting room at the KiiKii Motel
8am to 2 pm - Work assignment. Mine was usually one on one tutoring at a primary school; each student gets a 50 minute session.
2pm to 6pm - Free time. Go to town, e-mail, post office, swim, etc. Around 6 pm will be a group dinner at the KiiKii or at other various restaurants on the island, sometimes coupled with cultural activities.

Week ends -
FREE TIME - Visit the Saturday Market, the beach, island walk, church, and visit the outer islands.

Volunteering on the Cook Islands definitely has its perks!
Volunteering on the Cook Islands definitely has its perks!
GO: How has this experience impacted your future?

Dennis: I have learned that a continuation of effort can be VERY effective (team following team)—one becomes a link in a very long chain. These experiences of team work and goals can be applied back home to work and family, to say nothing of the reward of doing good for others.

Further Information
Cost Description: 

Program fees, based on the GV’s costs, include food, accommodations, transportation within projects, project costs, administrative expenses, and support from Global Volunteers staff. The rest of the costs are used to support the continued development of host communities. Discounts are available for students, family and multi-person groups, and returning volunteers. Free-time activities, airfare or other travel are not included in the fees. All expenses are tax-deductible for U.S. tax-payers.

Age Group: 
18-50
50+
Languages Learned/Spoken: 
English
Living Arrangements: 
Accommodation is included in the program cost
Travel Arrangements: 
Participants travel to the program independently.
Application Requirements: 
Online Application

Ratings and Reviews

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
2012 will be my 6th volunteer trip to the Cooks.

100%

Overall Rating

Usually, I tutor Maori kids in English in a Primary school on Rarotonga. Sessions are one-on-one. Having gone back various times since 2004, it's gratifying to see old stundents who have progressed and know I have helped. Kids are kids all over - some are more driven than others, but all welcome the attention and put forth an effort. The staff is very supportive, and I have done some work with them as well. Our team leader is a local who provides insight to the Islands from history to local politics. Coming from Ohio in the winter to the tropics is a bonus, as is the tax benefit, but the best is the laughter and smiles of the people!

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Submitted by "Papa" Dennis on 01/21/2012
Reviewer's Bio:    Male    |   Age: 51 or older    |   Chardon, Ohio 44024    |    Pro Traveler    |    University of Notre Dame   
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
2012 will be my 6th volunteer trip to the Cooks.

100%

Overall Rating

Usually, I tutor Maori kids in English in a Primary school on Rarotonga. Sessions are one-on-one. Having gone back various times since 2004, it's gratifying to see old stundents who have progressed and know I have helped. Kids are kids all over - some are more driven than others, but all welcome the attention and put forth an effort. The staff is very supportive, and I have done some work with them as well. Our team leader is a local who provides insight to the Islands from history to local politics. Coming from Ohio in the winter to the tropics is a bonus, as is the tax benefit, but the best is the laughter and smiles of the people!

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
No

Submitted by "Papa" Dennis on 01/21/2012
Reviewer's Bio:    Male    |   Age: 51 or older    |   Chardon, Ohio 44024    |    Pro Traveler    |    University of Notre Dame   
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
2012 will be my 6th volunteer trip to the Cooks.

100%

Overall Rating

Usually, I tutor Maori kids in English in a Primary school on Rarotonga. Sessions are one-on-one. Having gone back various times since 2004, it's gratifying to see old stundents who have progressed and know I have helped. Kids are kids all over - some are more driven than others, but all welcome the attention and put forth an effort. The staff is very supportive, and I have done some work with them as well. Our team leader is a local who provides insight to the Islands from history to local politics. Coming from Ohio in the winter to the tropics is a bonus, as is the tax benefit, but the best is the laughter and smiles of the people!

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
No

Submitted by "Papa" Dennis on 01/21/2012
Reviewer's Bio:    Male    |   Age: 51 or older    |   Chardon, Ohio 44024    |    Pro Traveler    |    University of Notre Dame   
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
2012 will be my 6th volunteer trip to the Cooks.

100%

Overall Rating

Usually, I tutor Maori kids in English in a Primary school on Rarotonga. Sessions are one-on-one. Having gone back various times since 2004, it's gratifying to see old stundents who have progressed and know I have helped. Kids are kids all over - some are more driven than others, but all welcome the attention and put forth an effort. The staff is very supportive, and I have done some work with them as well. Our team leader is a local who provides insight to the Islands from history to local politics. Coming from Ohio in the winter to the tropics is a bonus, as is the tax benefit, but the best is the laughter and smiles of the people!

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
No

Submitted by "Papa" Dennis on 01/21/2012
Reviewer's Bio:    Male    |   Age: 51 or older    |   Chardon, Ohio 44024    |    Pro Traveler    |    University of Notre Dame   
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Program Info

Country: 
Cook Islands
City(s): 
Rarotonga
Volunteer Type: 
Community Development
Conservation
Health Care
Education
Eco-tourism
Length of Program: 
1-2 weeks
2-4 weeks
Cost: 
$2,000-$5,000 (USD)
Global Volunteers: Volunteer in the Cook Islands
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