Leave Your Impact On The World

Join our 10-month volunteer abroad program in the Caribbean, Brazil, and Africa

PASSION FOR SOCIAL CHANGE

Our Program

At Richmond Vale Academy, we believe everyone has the power to change the world. During our 10-month volunteer abroad program, you will become a proactive force in teaching and implementing projects in some of the poorest countries in the world.

Together with your team, you will lead by example and raise awareness for social injustice, while mobilizing people to participate in actions that better their community. You’ll help build ecological home gardens, secure better health resources, teach family health and development skills in schools, and much more. All while immersing yourself in the culture around you and making memories with new friends who are equally as passionate about social change as you are.

Want to learn more about how our volunteer abroad program makes a social impact on undeveloped countries? Check out our program guide.

Programs start in April or October

What Our Community Volunteers Say

I spent 6 months of my programme in Ecuador, which was incredibly challenging due to the language barrier and very different life style, but somehow despite all the challenges I made it through and for me that was an incredible achievement. Living and working abroad really shows you the similarities between people and it inspired me to be the best person that I can be

Before I arrived to Mozambique, I always had the idea that I was poor, but in Africa I learned that wealth is not in material things. I have seen families eating from one plate and still invite their neighbors to join them for a meal. I have learned not to be a prisoner of the capitalist world that we are living in. The time that I stayed in Africa is very memorable and it taught me to be a humanitarian.

During my time at RVA, and also during my volunteer work in Ecuador, I've learned and seen many things which opened my eyes. When I actually met the people in the field I've realized that the best way to do something for them is to go out there and do things with them and teach them how they can do it by themselves.

The most important thing I gained from this program was recognizing opportunities when they come along, as well as knowing how to find them. There is more than one way of doing something. The best way won't always be obvious and often times you have to pave the way. Real Practical skills through: Gardening, Using a Machete, Speaking Spanish, Organizing events and group actions, harvesting food, travel skills of all kinds.

My decision to become a volunteer came after I started learning about climate change and the effects it has on the world, I wanted to start taking action towards the elevation of the effects of climate change. I also wanted to take on a new challenge that would completely take me out of my comfort zone.

I have worked for a sailing organization all my life, doing youth projects. I’d say most of the skills I got from the program were soft skills. I’ve learned how to better deal with people, how to organize my workday, how to communicate with my international coworkers. But most importantly, I’ve gained a different outlook at life. I am going to work part-time soon, because I’ve realized there are other more important things in life.

Africa changed my life. The difference in culture, food, music, living lifestyles and even social practices. The exposure I got still remains some of the fondest memories. Of course, this journey had to start somewhere, and mine started at Richmond Vale with the most diverse team I’ve ever worked with even to this day! My journey started in 2009, but the friendships, skills, knowledge and memories remain with me ever since.

I met with a lot of people who became really important to me... they will always be in my heart. The best moment was to create an ecologic playground in Cangonama, Ecuador; it was the best thing I did in my life, not just for the playground itself, but because of the people, the work, the organizing part of it, it made me another person...

10 Months To Make A Difference

What you can expect during your climate activist program

Month 1-3

Volunteers start their journey at Richmond Vale Academy in St Vincent and the Grenadines. During this period, participants take part in projects that help develop a variety of skills directly needed during the subsequent months of their program.

Month 4-9

Teams are posted in local Brazilian or African communities and hit the ground running to enact lasting change for the local people. Through various projects, you will tackle the root causes of poverty and help build sustainable and resilient communities.

Month 10

Following your six months of community work, you will return to Richmond Vale Academy to reflect on your experiences. Your team will share findings and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of the work you completed.

Program Tuition

US$500

Enrollment Fee

Course Fee

US$4,000

What’s Included In Your Tuition

Learn More About This Program

Fill out the form below for more information about the program, Richmond Vale Academy, and how to start the enrollment process.

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Become an Environmental Activist in no time with our 6 month program that will inspire and challenge you to leave a lasting impact through sustainable living.