GAP YEAR/6-month+ Service Learning Opportunities in Finland with United Planet

GAP YEAR/6-month+ Service Learning Opportunities in Finland with United Planet Logo

Basic Information

Address: 11 Arlington Street Boston, Massachusetts United States
Phone Number: (617) 267 - 7763

Action Shots

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Additional Information

Causes Served: Education, Social Work
Background Check: Yes
Population Served: Local Community
Ages for Volunteer: 18+
Hours of Service: 900 - 1900
Days of Service: 180 - 360
Languages: Please visit unitedplanet.org with respect to your Quest of interest.
Languages used as a Medium: English
Program Highlights:

Come volunteer in Finland, one of the largest countries in Europe. Finland has held a unique global position because of its borders with Russia to the east, Norway in the north, and the Gulf of Finland and the Gulf of Bothnia to the south. Nearly one-third of the country lies above the Arctic Circle, with the coastal lowlands and central lake system making up the rest. Winter temperatures average 0 to -35 degrees Celsius! Finland is lauded for one of the best public healthcare and education systems in the world while many other public services (think swimming halls, gyms, state-of-the-art libraries) are available to all at no or low-cost. Volunteers here find meaning through learning from Finland's complex culture and sharing ideas.

Mission Statement:

To foster cross-cultural understanding and address shared challenges to unite the world in a community beyond borders.

Philosophy/Belief Statement:

"In today's world, global challenges transcend borders. To address these challenges-poverty, global health, climate change, involuntary migrations-we need to work together as a global community. We are constructing the upper stories of a building in efforts to effect change without focusing on the foundation…the foundation necessary to solve these global challenges is in building stronger relationships and greater understanding across cultures."-David Santulli, Founder and President, United Planet

Program History:

United Planet was founded by David Santulli who lives and works within a high-impact concept he created--that of Relational Diplomacy, a practical approach to achieve what is acknowledged as the great mission of the 21st century: to create a genuine global community. At the turn of this century, Dave recognized that generations are now born into instant and constant cross-communication, yet the intractable issues of our day--poverty, global health, climate change, political and social unrest resulting in involuntary migration--continue to persist, even in the context of significant global efforts to make positive change. This work is immensely relevant today with the increase in nationalist sentiment threatening to decrease global exchange and understanding. In 2001, Dave founded United Planet, an international nonprofit based in Boston, Massachusetts, whose mission is to enhance crosscultural understanding while addressing shared challenges so as to create a community beyond borders. The organization is preparing a generation of globally minded leaders through bringing gap year, international service learning, and leadership development programs to students and adults around the world. In partnership with secondary schools, universities and corporations, United Planet is unlocking the potential of every person as a global citizen and catalyst to create a more peaceful, cohesive, and sustainable world. In establishing United Planet, Dave seeks to create a world in which all people understand, respect, and support one another. United leaders and volunteers have dedicated over 1,000,000 hours to education, health, and environmental sustainability, while immersing themselves in diverse cultures, building their global leadership competencies, and forging closer intercultural relations.

Additional Information:

CNN (2007)

CNN selected United Planet as one of only ten nonprofit organizations in the world for their "Be the Change" initiative

United Planet blog, "Meet United Planet's Founder", (March 2016)

Huffingtonpost.com,Inc.

"Live with Purpose," David Santulli, 2013
"In Remembrance of Memorial Day,"David Santulli, 2013
"From Boston with love,"David Santulli, 2013
"New Year's Resolutions: Don't Forget the Missing Ones," David Santulli, 2012
"Want a Job, Volunteer Abroad," David Santulli, 2012
"Happy Birthday, Chocolate," David Santulli, 2012

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