Kaya Responsible Travel
Vitals
- GYA Accredited Since: Unaccredited by the GYA. Please see the Standards for more information.
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Enrolling:
Yes - Mission Statement:
Kaya's mission is to promote sustainable social, environmental and economic development, empower communities and cultivate educated, compassionate global citizens through responsible travel.
Operating in 30 countries across Asia, Africa and Latin America we offer;
- Gap group programs
- Volunteer abroad program
- Internship abroad placements
- Virtual/online internships
- Study and service abroad combinations -
Level of Independence/Supervision (mouse-over for definition):
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Attachments
Program Locations
Typical Itinerary
Gap Programs: These programs have set start dates and a daily itinerary for the group who stay together as a cohort throughout the program. Typically one day a week is free time and an option to stay on beyond the set itinerary to participate in an individual internship or volunteer project is offered.
Volunteer abroad placements: The programs have regular start dates (monthly, twice monthly or weekly) throughout the year. Typically participants join others at a location and are supported by a permanent ground team. Participants may join group or individual projects aligned with their skills and interests and have a set schedule from Monday to Friday with weekends free to enjoy local tourist activities. Housing and some meals are provided in group accommodation or host families.
Internships abroad: These programs have monthly start dates throughout the year and are a little more independent than volunteer placements. There are typically other participants at the same location, but interning at different placements, and interns make their own way to their placement and home each day. A permanent ground team supports participants in all locations. Participants have a set schedule from Monday to Friday with weekends free to enjoy local tourist activities. Housing and some meals are provided in group accommodation or host families.
Study & Service placements: The schedule for this placement is similar to our volunteer placements, but for part of the week the student attends classes at a local university and earns university credit for those classes.
Virtual internships/ virtual breaks: These programs are remote and can be joined from home or anywhere a student is. They typically include 3-5 zoom sessions per week with a cohort and independent work done in the student's own time.
Program Outcomes
- global citizenship
- cross-cultural communications
- decision making
- work experience
- environmental conservation (some locations)
- language learning (some locations)
- intercultural competencies
- skills development
- teamwork
- confidence-building
Kaya's range of programs enable participants to choose options that align with their skills and interests for a customized, supported, group experience. All Kaya programs have positive social end environmental impacts and allow participants to immerse responsibly in local culture while learning about global issues.
Our programs are perfect for students looking to develop leadership skills, practice intercultural communications, build confidence and get inspired to work on important work that makes a difference in the world.
We operate in 30 countries across Asia, Africa and Latin America and offer 5 different, well-supported program structures to chose from;
- Gap group programs
- Volunteer / service-learning programs abroad
- Internship abroad placements
- Virtual/online internships (when travel is difficult, or just to prep for future travel)
- Study and service abroad combinations
Kaya's experienced, well-traveled team of program advisors work one-on-one with each individual to customize their program to make the most of their skills and interests.
We pride ourselves on 3 key promises:
- Project matching: We know every gapper is unique, and we work with each individual matching you with the perfect placement - with around 200 placements in over 30 locations to choose from
- Ethical programming: As leaders in the field of ethical community engagement, we ensure our participants are welcome, useful, prepared, and supported in placements that are locally-led, and sustainable to maximize the experience for travelers and host communities
- Being by your side from beginning to end: Proving support from our first contact until the day you return home to ensure a safe, personal and reflective program
We have Covid-safe programs operating in the US and abroad in 2021 and beyond. Arrange a call with a friendly personal advisor to get some ideas of what options are best for you!
Program Details
- Program Starts: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
- Program Duration: Less than 2 months, Semester, Yearlong
- Typical Program Cost: from $1715
- Program Financial Aid: No
- Other Financial Aid Details:
A list of scholarship opportunities available to participants on a Kaya program is provided at https://www.kayavolunteer.com/scholarships/
Participants enrolled in a higher education institution are often able to apply financial aid to Kaya program participation.
Staff Training and Certification
Shortlisted every year since 2012 for "Best Volunteer Abroad Organization" in the British Youth Travel Awards - including 2 gold-medal wins!
Considered leading experts in the field of service-learning and ethical travel.
We have a team of passionate, experienced travellers that support our participants every step of their journey.