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Cross Cultural Solutions

Happy_Go_Lucky_Gayle

18 years ago

Main Man and I had planned to retire in Panama. However, changes in Main Man's health and my Mom's health will prevent a long stay in a forgein country. We had planned to volunteer at an Orphanage in Bouquete.

So I have checked in with Cross Cultural Solutions who offer a Internship for 3-12 weeks in Panama. I think we could do 4 weeks there. The cost is $3100 for 4 weeks and you live in a House with other volunteers from all over the world.

I have sent off for more information. I was just wondering if any one else has done this. I am truely very interested and I have requested March 15th as my departure time.

Gayle

http://www.crossculturalsolutions.org/default.asp

Here is a link that might be useful: Cross Cultural Solutions

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Comments (12)

angelaid
18 years ago
That sounds absolutely awesome Gayle! What an adventure.
Wish I could pug sit Pawle for ya!
Happy_Go_Lucky_Gayle
Original Author
18 years ago
Yep, that's a problem....3 dogs. But, I doubt Main Man will go with me so He will be home with the kids. LOL!

I'm really excited about this...I'm going to meet an Alumni in Houston on December 5th.

Gayle
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stephanie_in_ga
18 years ago
Forget a condo in "Boca," THAT is what I have in mind for retirement! I hope I am able to do something like that someday. I wish you a fun, safe, unforgettable experience!

Can't wait to hear all about it next spring.
kacram
18 years ago
Sounds wonderful! What an experience!
junkyardgirl
18 years ago
Just wondering, because the country you're going to is such a poor country, what kind of accomodations do you get for your $3100? Does this include all meals, etc.? I guess it seems like a lot to me, because I live in less than $1300 a month.
socks
18 years ago
Junkyardgirl poses some good questions. It's a lot of money for 4 weeks. Does it include all food, lodging and transportation? Also find out about what happens if you become ill.

What will you be doing as an internship? Would this lead to some other volunteering? Have you spoken with others who have participated in this program?

As a returned Peace Corps Volunteer, I wholeheartedly support cross-cultural experiences, but you want to be sure you are getting good value for your money.
moonie_57 (8 NC)
18 years ago
I lived in Panama for 12 years and would love to go back someday. Boquete is on the pacific side, I believe. I lived on the atlantic side, on a hilltop overlooking the Gatun Locks. Panama has everything... except snow. :)
lydia1959
18 years ago
Sounds like a wonderful program, although the price seems high to me as well.

There are more opportunities in the link below (as well as a bit of info on Cross Cultural Solutions) if you or anyone else is interested.

Here is a link that might be useful: Volunteer Programs
Happy_Go_Lucky_Gayle
Original Author
18 years ago
The accommodations are a Home Base, meals are cooked, there is a maid service, and also drivers and transportation all included in the price. (not airfare). You also have free time to tour.

I'm hoping they will put me in a classroom with children, but I will find out in my meeting.

If they turn me down I will look at other options.

Gayle
Happy_Go_Lucky_Gayle
Original Author
18 years ago
Junkyardgirl,

If you have a set income of $1200 or more you can live in Panama or Costa Rico. Of course, there is the cost of moving there. You can find a decent rental for $400 per month and still afford little extras.

About getting sick there. San Jose has a very good hospital and is nearby. I also have a friend based in San Jose.

Gayle
Pieonear
18 years ago
Gayle, I sure envy you. That will be quite an adventure. I'd love to do this and go to Thailand and help with the babies and children. I've been to Thailand 3 times but can't get enough of it. :)
joyfulguy
18 years ago
Thank you for your plan and commitment, happy go lucky Gayle.

We need to have more international connections between people.

When we visit other places, though people follow different patterns of life than we are used to, if we sit and watch and consider for a while, a number of them do make a lot of sense.

And usually we learn as much from our hosts (often more) as they learn from us.

I hope that your plans move forward well.

ole joyful

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