International Volunteer Reports Great Success as He Returns Home from a Microfinance Project Abroad
Vancouver, BC (PRWEB) May 30, 2014 -- International internships offered through CrossContinental.org work in close association with numerous worthwhile projects in many locations around the world. Microfinance projects in particular, help fight poverty and sustain grass-roots improvement of small businesses in and around many poverty stricken regions of the world. A British intern Andrew Richards, who recently spent a month working on microfinance projects in Nepal, reports great success overall.
Andrew sought an opportunity to work with local financial institutions to help low income people and encourage local business development. After much research, he joined the microfinance team in Nepal through Cross-Continental Solutions. This microfinance team provides financial planning services to low-income households and encourages self-sustainability by giving small loans to buy cattle or start small businesses. In the attached video (http://youtu.be/lpEiwstwaNM), Andrew recalls some of the work he was involved in and introduces his co-workers in the office.
Talking about this cross-cultural experience, Andrew said, “I believe that the most rewarding part of the whole experience was meeting all the people who are so friendly! I've made some good friends who I can stay in touch with and see again when I come back to Nepal.”
In addition to helping co-workers with an awareness campaign, Andrew’s responsibilities included data collection, record keeping, capacity building, training, and report writing.
Andrew had this to say about CrossContinental’s global work placement services: “They have been excellent throughout the entire process. Responding promptly to all my emails before I left for Nepal and providing great guidance when I arrived. My local coordinator was available whenever I needed him, but I was allowed enough freedom for me to really get immersed in the culture.”
The arranged home-stay for Andrew was in a very convenient location, about 30 minutes away from Thamel, the center of Kathmandu and he was graciously hosted by a family of 3 and their house keeper. Andrew said, "The home-stay was comfortable and everyone there was incredibly friendly and helpful!"
Andrew ended his statement about the internship opportunity by saying, “My work placement was just what I was looking for, and I also got the opportunity to see lots of Nepal through activities organized by my coordinator. I was very impressed by the experience considering CrossContinental was the cheapest option I could find online, and I have to say thank you to Santosh, Bijaya and Jenn for the experience of a lifetime and all the great friends I have made."
Access free resources or plan a life-changing trip at http://www.CrossContinental.org.
About Cross-Continental Solutions:
Cross-Continental Solutions provides affordable yet flexible volunteer abroad, intern abroad, cultural immersion, language study, and gap year programs. A large variety of work placement options are available such as: Teaching, Healthcare, Community Development, Business Coaching, HIV work, Care-giving, Orphanage Work, Journalism, Photography, Wildlife, Agriculture, Environmental Protection, Microfinance, Tourism, Marketing, and more. Programs are available at many locations around the world, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America. By living and working side by side with locals, participants gain an exceptional cross-cultural experience and the opportunity to truly make a difference. For more details, visit CrossContinental.org.
Jian Leslie, Cross-Continental Solutions Inc., http://www.CrossContinental.org, +1 (604) 700-6096, [email protected]
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