Travel with a Purpose!
​Come Minga with us! 
KEY PROJECTS
Review the 30+ volunteering & internship options listed below.  More coming soon in more professional fields!
Program Cost:  $20/day (USD) - Includes shared housing at Minga House!  -  $300 minimum fee (covers first 15 days)
Email your resume and tentative travel dates to Volunteer Advisor​​​
COMMUNITY HEALTH
Assistant
Service Term:              15 days min required  - 32 hrs/week required
Spanish Skills:             Intermediate
Experience Required:  Students and Professionals may apply
​
​Community health is a major field of study within the medical and clinical sciences which focuses on the maintenance, protection, and improvement of the health status of population groups and communities as opposed to the health of individual patients. During In this rotation you will experience how Colombian health professionals from different specialized fields view Colombian community health.  You may choose 1 or 2 of the following work settings:
  • ​Elderly Care
  • Public Health Campaigns
  • CNA Tech School
  • Rural Medical Clinics
  • Physical Therapy Clinic
  • Traditional Medicine Shop
  • Special Education Center
  • Sex Workers Childcare Center
  • Nutrition Program
  • Pharmacy & Health Store
  • HMO Internship
  • Health Products Laboratory
  • Dental Clinic
  • Hospital Rotations
  • Emergency Medicine – First Responder  (see below)
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Note: Participation in Community Health experiences, DO NOT include particiaption in ISL Global Health Teams.    ISL Global Health Teams are very rebust excursions and require a great deal more logistical planning & support, in-country health permits, liability insurance, ​specialized paid staff, transportation, medications and supplies.   It is why they cost much more and you must enroll via International Service Learning (ISL).  To join an awesome ISL Colombia Global Health Team go to the ISL website.
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EMERGENCY MEDICINE - FIRST RESPONDERS
Fire / ER / EMS
Service Term:              15 days min required - (4) 12-hr shifts per week
Spanish Skills:             Intermediate
​
Experience Required:  First Aid Certified, CPR Certified, plus prior experience at least in one of the following professional roles: nursing assistant, firefighter, EMT, corpsman or combat medic, paramedic, nurse, or medical doctor. 

Opportunities to train and share with Colombian first responders in the fields of medicine, and firefighting will offer an unforgettable and valuable experience for anyone who has worked in the field.  Much logistical planning is required for this opportunity so it especially important to follow-through on participation commitment -- a background check may be conducted to verify the participants experience, in addition to a video interview by the volunteer site’s staff may be requested.  

Come to visit our new  Veterans & First-Responders Retreat Center and volunteer with other local & regional health facilities, retirement homes, youth shelter, childcare for sex workers, schools, club sports, and dog haven.​
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ANIMAL RESCUE 
Dog Haven & Veterinarian Assistant
Service Term:              7 days min required  - 24 hrs/week required (no limit)
Spanish Skills:             Intermediate
Experience Required:  None

​​This volunteering & internship experience is rich hands-on opportunity!  You will be able to participate in 2 settings.
 
Setting 1:  Veterinary Clinic & Laboratory 
You will have the opportunity to shadow 5 veterinarians as they conduct diagnosis & care, a vast range of surgeries, post-surgery recovery care, vaccinations, and control procedures.  You will also learn all laboratory blood-based testing procedures.
 
Setting 2:  Dog Haven: 
A dog haven is different from the typical animal shelter. These dogs are either too old or too sick or disabled to likely be adopted anymore unless a recovery intervention takes place.  Their condition at intake is likely the reason why they were abandoned by their owners in the first place. Most of these dogs will live out the rest of their lives in this private facility 100% supported by volunteers. And, with some creativity and determination, it is still possible to provide them with extended healthy lives.  Volunteers/interns in this position will have an incredible opportunity to experience all aspects of what it is like to run the entire operation which currently holds 35-40 dogs as well as dive into the dog care awareness campaign community-wide.   Participants are invited to play an active role in all aspects of operations of animal shelter management:
 
  • Dog population assessment & dog selection
  • Dog intake & health check-up 
  • Dog health care management
  • Dog grooming
  • Dog nutrition
  • Dog adoption campaigns
  • Dog spay & neuter campaign
  • Dog facility building & maintenance
  • Dog volunteer management
  • Dog shelter fundraising & event planning
  • Dog life termination decision-making
  • Dog veterinarian medical care & surgeries
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Pre-DENTAL Internship
Dental Assistant
Plan Prep Time:          30 days min required before arrival date
Service Term:              30 days min required - 32 hrs/wk minimum
Spanish Skills:             Intermediate
Experience Required:  None
​
​​Whether you are already in a pre-dental career track or you are considering changing your career path, spending time observing  dentists in their dental clinic with real patients will be very helpful to your decision-making process.  In our Pre-Dental Internship, you will work with Arbelaez Family Dentistry, a Mom-Dad-Son team who run a very successful practice where you can experience urban high-end patient cosmetic care as well join urban free dental clinics.  You may also be invited to join classes at a dental school, dental hygienist school, and a dental stem cell research lab is also available. 
 
Having work experience will no doubt help you prepare to be competitive in any degree program applicant pool, plus you will gain cross-cultural maturity & awareness as you immerse yourself in medical Spanish.  No doubt, you will stand-out from the crowd at dental school.
  • Dental Hygiene
  • Endodontics
  • Geriatric Dentistry
  • Oral Surgery
  • Orthodontics
  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Prosthodontics
  • Special Needs Dentistry
  • Dental Stem Cell Research Bank
  • Dental Public Health
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TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
Herbs Shop Assistant
Plan Prep Time:          30 days min required before arrival date
Service Term:             15 days min required  - 24 hrs/week required
Spanish Skills:             Intermediate
Experience Required:  None

​Herbalism is the use of plants for therapeutic purposes to treat and prevent disease and promote health. Colombia is the 2nd most biodiverse nation in the world and most Colombians accept herbs as part of reliable natural forms of healing. Our partner site is a 2-generation family-own shop with an inventory of over 120 herbs provided to the community.  While volunteering you may learn:

  • How to identify herbs
  • How to grow herbs
  • The use of herbs
  • “Wildcrafting” or picking herbs
  • How to run an herbs shop
  • Manufacturing herbal products
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minga_house_-_volunteer_-_traditional_medicine.pdf
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​PHYSICAL THERAPY & MASSAGE
Assistant to Physical Therapist
Plan Prep Time:          30 days min required before arrival date
Service Term:              21 days min required  - 24 hrs/week required
Spanish Skills:             Intermediate
Experience Required:  Student or certified professional

​​Physical therapy & massage internship gives students the opportunity to learn about the science of kinesiology in a real healthcare setting.  Whether or not you are working towards a major in sports medicine or physical therapy, an internship in physical therapy & massage can be a great experience. There are several skills you can expect to develop:

  • Active Learning
    • Observe treatments, shadowing PTs, ask questions about purpose and outcome treatments.  Also learn the “FLOW” of an outpatient PT clinic and work to maintain that flow.
  • Patient Communitions
    • Become comfortable interacting with patients by greeting them, conducting warm ups, and assist with instruction and education. Colombian patients are very warm and usually love interacting openly with interns helping you become culturally aware and comfortable.
  • Equipment Operation
    • Proper use of equipment and help to maintain and clean equipment.  Under supervision of mentor, intern will supervise patients while using the machinery.
  • ​Massage Therapy
    • Learn from a working professional the art of identifying a persons troubled areas and bringing them comfort
  • Research & Application
    • Identify exercise programs for patients.
  • Vocabulary
    • Immerse yourself in medical Spanish.
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DOCTOR OF PHARMACY – EXPERIENTIAL ELECTIVE
Advanced Practice Experience / Externship / Rotation
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Plan Prep Time:          30 days min required before arrival date
Service Term:              240 hours - 6-8 weeks - 30-40 hrs/week 
Spanish Skills:             Advanced
Experience Required:  School of Pharmacy - Doctoral Program
The Minga House Foundation facilitates experiential learning opportunities for pharmacy practice at a wide variety of partner settings.  During this structured experience, candidates will gain an over-all understanding of Colombia’s healthcare system from the view of a pharmacist at various levels & perspectives.  Students and professionals benefit from the flexibility to choose among the following 1-5 different complementary worksites in order to meet the participant’s desired specific experience within the set 240-hour rotation requirement. 

  • Hospital San Vicente de Paul – Public, rural, level 1 (2-6 wks)
  • Hospital Infantil Universitario - Private, urban, level 3 (2-6 wks)
  • Yerba Buena – Traditional Medicine Shop (1 wk)
  • Los Auces – Nutritional Supplements (1 wk)
  • FitoMedics – Labs & Nutraceuticals Manufacturer (2-6 wks)
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NUTRITION & CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Assistant to Nutritionist
Plan Prep Time:          30 days min required before arrival date
Service Term:              30 days min required  - 24 hrs/week required
Spanish Skills:             Advanced
Experience Required:  Student or certified professional

​​CoopSaludcom is a leader in the execution of federal grants for support of early childhood development.  Coopsaludcom manages programs in education, nutrition, cultural, recreational, self-management and general health within the municipalities of Chinchiná serving 1178 children at 6 child development centers that orient pedagogical strategies focused on the integral development with quality of each child.  One key service is a program focused on developing mothers into community leaders to foster self-reliant locally-based mechanism by which mothers pool together to help each other.  CoopSaludcom’s provide services such as early child, mother health education, and nutritional support.  
 
Interns will receive guidance and supervision from the Head Nutritionist as they join the nursing assistant teams to perform: 

  • Accessing & monitoring children’s health
  • Developing nutritional plans
  • Conducting health education campaign. 
  • Spend time in classrooms working with educators 
  • Spend time in the field conducting family visits
 
  • Sample Research Project:  Compare average child’s diet intake during ages 0-5 between U.S. & Colombian children.  Determine its long-term physical development impact.  Intern will write paper and make presentation at project completion.
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​YOUTH HOME for GIRLS & BOYS
Social Work 
Plan Prep Time:          30 days min required before arrival date
Service Term:              30 days min required  - 24 hrs/week required
Spanish Skills:             Advanced
Experience Required:  Student or certified professional

​Mundos Hermanos is a non-government organization dedicated to the protection, well-being, and restoration of rights of displaced teenage girls.  The facility and its staff serve as a home for up to 100 girls ages 12-17 who find themselves separated from their home & families due to many possible different situations.  Some of the girls are reunited with their families after an acceptable resolution has been found by the court system regarding circumstantial issues that may be victimizing the teen such as neglect, parent drug use, sexual abuse, domestic violence, death one or both parents, and/or abandonment. The average stay at Mundos Hermanos 6 to 18 months until either the home situation is legally resolved, or until a new foster or adoption family is identified. In some cases, the child remains in the shelter until she turns 18, at which point she is permitted to begin his own adult life.
 
During this critical, fragile, and vulnerable period of this young person’s life, Mundos Hermanos’s staff seeks to help these young ladies cope with their existing emotional distress as well as utilize this period to help them develop life tools to increase their probability of having a positive future.  All these girls only ended up in the facility because the courts determine that the youth had no suitable extended family member to be found that could provide them a safe home able to meet their basic needs and the love they need.   These families typically come from low social economic and educational backgrounds.  The odds are stacked against them from birth.  Mundos Hermanos’s staff do their very best to provide these children and adolescents with a safe home and a foundation for a much better future.  

  • Understanding what is the meaning and value of Social Work to a community
  • Be competent in creating strategies for educating people in the protection of their rights
  • Have better knowledge in the many settings where and how social work applies
  • Learn tools & techniques on how to engage & motivate youth
  • Learn about nutrition and public health
  • Be immersed in a live-in setting for social work counseling 
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SPECIAL EDUCATION
Assistant to Founder & Educator
Plan Prep Time:          30 days min required before arrival date
Service Term:              15 days min required  - 24 hrs/week required
Spanish Skills:             Advanced
Experience Required:  Student or certified professional

​Fundacion Vida Plan & Saludable is a non-profit organization founded by three local women committed to develop their community’s first quality special education facility.  They are a dentist, a physical therapist and a special education teacher.  They are exemplary in their dedication and commitment to bring this project to life over the last couple of years.  You will not only learn from three professions within their field, but you will spend time with three of the most resilient women you will ever meet. Your participation will grow your global perspective of special education and provide you with an total Spanish immersion experience. 

  • Your work to examine and improve education will make a difference in the future of children, and will help to break down barriers and stereotypes.
 
  • With your community mentor, you’ll learn about the obstacles faced by community organizations working to provide quality educational opportunities.
 
  • You will work with students and teachers who face a diverse range of challenges, share special education techniques and work individually with students to gain practical experience. 
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MIGRATORY BIRD LAKE HABITAT
Habitat Conservation Project Assistant
Prep Time:                   30 days min required before arrival date
Service Term:              15 days min required  - 24 hrs/week required
Spanish Skills:             Intermediate
Experience Required:  Student or certified professional

​Learn about tropical ecology, bird biology and conservation!  Gain hands-on experience and practical research skills!  Participate in campaigns on a variety of environmental issues; to assist in the provision of a comprehensive Environmental Health Service which will focus on the local environment through a combination of advice and education.

  • Participate in the long-term monitoring of the bird communities in the nature reserve and its surroundings.
  • Gain theoretical and practical knowledge in tropical bird biology
  • Participate daily in the conservation of a nature reserve
  • Discover what practical conservation work looks like
  • Clean and care for the bird feeding stations
  • Formulate ideas to help save local & migratory bird species
  • Document phenomena related to birds, fish, reptiles, and insects
  • Educate the public and local volunteers on issues related to the various species at the bird sanctuary ecosystem 
  • Maintain record of observations on the park
  • Accompany team to local conservation workshops
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SOCIAL-ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING - RA
Project Assistant
Plan Prep Time:          60 days min required before arrival date
Service Term:              60 days min required  - 32 hrs/week required
Spanish Skills:             Advanced
Experience Required:  Student or certified professional

​Project-based experience surrounding real local community projects by Universidad Catolica de Manizales (UCM) in areas such as access to potable water, treatment of residual water, risk assessment of climate change, cleaner production systems in farms, integral management of solid waste, conservation plans of ecosystems and areas of protection of environmental importance.  

  • Develop professional skills, by meeting people working on environmental issues, and to deepen the understanding of socially relevant environmental problems.
  • Enhance understanding of the complex nature of socially relevant environmental problems and the research approaches used to address them.
  • Learn how scientific evidence is used to inform decision-making and policy in regards to environmental problems.
  •  Learn how to effectively develop and carry out intervention plans for vulnerable populations.

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ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING/SCIENCE
Research Assistant or Teaching Assistant
Plan ​Prep Time:          30 days min required before arrival date
Service Term:              60 days min required  - 32 hrs/week required
Spanish Skills:             Advanced
Experience Required:  Student or certified professional

​The Environmental Engineering program of UCM (Universidad Catolica de Manizales) searches for engineering solutions for environmental problems that affect the quality of life of the human population. This is done by the development, technological intervention, control and prevention of the usage of renewable natural resources.  You will gain:
  
  • Knowledge of the environment; how to identify the causes and consequences of environmental problems and their origin.
 
  • Knowledgeable of how to respond to challenges and necessities from society, and how to improve environmental conditions.  
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  • Knowledge on how to reduce and decrease the risks from negative impacts in the environment using environmentally sustainable, economically viable and culturally contextualized solutions that contribute to sustainable development.
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EDUCATION - Any Subject - Teacher Asst
K-11 Co-Teacher or Teacher’s Assistant
Service Term:              14 days min required  - 24hrs/week required
Spanish Skills:             Intermediate
Experience Required:  Student or certified professional

NEW Opportunity!!!
If you have a 4-yr BS/BA degree in any fields, you may apply for a PAID English Teacher role.

You will have direct in-class experience alongside Colombian certified educators at public & private schools.   Depending on your experience and chosen role, as a co-teacher or a teacher assistant, you will have the unique opportunity to develop new skills for communicating and directing classes for Spanish native-speakers within their own community culture.  Our education program allows volunteers to observe, teach, and tutor in a variety of disciplines, while developing the skills necessary to becoming an effective educator. In addition to assisting with educational endeavors, volunteers will be exposed to ideas, cultural traditions, languages, and environments that they may not otherwise have had the chance to experience.You may choose grade level(s), subject matter, rural vs. urban. Teaching English as a Second Language will be requested of you.
 
Participants will experience:

  • Learn new leadership skills in a foreign classroom setting.
  • Learn to develop lessons and teaching styles to meet the needs of unique individuals and groups abroad.  
  • Gain experience and confidence in classroom management.
  • ​Spanish immersion with teachers, students, and parents!
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ENGLISH as a FOREIGN LANGUAGE
University Teacher Assistant
Plan ​Prep Time:           60 days min required before arrival date
Service Term:               3-5 months (1 quarter or 1 semester) - 
Spanish Skills:             Advanced
Experience Required:  Student or certified professional

Participants have the option to choose between K-12, technical college, university, adult education, private 1-on-1, and/or informal community conversation tables.  Depending on teaching experience, participants may teach alongside an existing certified English professor or teach solo.   Participants may experience:
​
  • Challenge your leadership & communication skills 
  • Learn to develop lessons and teaching styles to meet the needs of unique individuals and groups abroad. 
  • Learn to manage professional relationships between the students and educators of a different culture.
  • Gain experience and confidence in classroom management. 
  • Opportunity to develop after-school curricular activities.
  • Interact with students’ families giving you a deeper cultural experience. 
  • Spanish immersion!​
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PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Co-Teacher & Coach Assistant
Plan Prep Time:          21 days min required before arrival date
Service Term:              15 days min required  - 24 hrs/week required
Spanish Skills:             Internmediate
Experience Required:  Student or certified professional

​​Individuals passionate about sports are invited to partner with existing physical education teachers and/or coaches in public & private schools as well as club teams.  Your guiding principal will be to promote a positive health lifestyle through physical fitness, nutrition, and education. While soccer is king in Colombia, you will have the opportunity to teach & coach your favorite sport too!  Sharing and creating new friendships is the real name of the game! Be a sports ambassador!
  • Volunteer as a Sports or Physical Education teacher in a private/public school or community club team. 
  • Volunteer to coach in a school and/or community club team. 
  • Increase your soccer knowledge & skills  by receiving guidance from experienced teachers and coaches.
  • Earn international volunteering experience in the fields of Education, Sports, and Youth Development.
  • BONUS: Experience all Coffee!  Planting, harvesting, processing, drying, milling, exporting, tasting, roasting, grinding, brewing.
  • DOUBLE BONUS:  Adventure Recreation:  Ziplining, waterfall repelling, horseback riding, wall climbing, paintball, hiking, & more!
  • SUPER BONUS: AgriScience: Coffee, Cacao, Coconuts, Bananas, Citrus, Papaya, many other unique tropical fruits and vegetables.
  • WOW BONUS:  Immerse yourself in Spanish!
minga_house_-_chinchina_-_physical_ed_teacher___coach.pdf
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BIOLOGICAL PEST CONTROL
Invertebrates and microorganisms
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Plan Prep Time:          30 days min required before arrival date
Service Term:              60 days min required  - 32 hrs/week required
Spanish Skills:             Internmediate
Experience Required:  Student or certified professional

​BioProteccion is a one of the top producing companies in the Americas for biological products for getting rid of or preventing pests on cattle and various crops.
 ​
Participants will use their background in chemistry, biology, business or agriculture in developing a stronger understanding of production, application, and distribution of biological products. The participant will also gain knowledge of the business aspect of this process, and learn how innovation is a pivotal part of growing and sustaining a biological services & products company.  Participants will gain more knowledge in:
​
​
  • Life cycle of a biological products (created, used & discarted)
  • Statistical evaluations of the products using high industry research standards
  • Learn how biological products can replace of chemical products, either partially or completely for better outcomes
  • See how these products can change the quality and safety of food
  • Explore further development of existing biological products
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GLOBAL MARKET DEVELOPMENT
Assistant to Vice-President
Plan Prep Time:          30 days min required before arrival date
Service Term:              30 days min required  - 32 hrs/week required
Spanish Skills:             Internmediate
Experience Required:  Student or certified professional

​BioProteccion is one of the leading companies in Colombia that produce biological products for getting rid of or preventing insects on cattle or crops.  Managing pests with natural methods is BioProteccion’s vital contribution to Colombia’s growing permaculture movement in efforts to not only produce healthier organic coffee products for the consumer but also to help in providing a healthier and safer work environment for the coffee farm worker.
 
Participants will use their background in business development, communications, and/or marketing to enhance and gain new marketing skills by working with a fast-growing Bio-tech company.  Chosen candidates work closely with the Director of Operations to help promote and grow this company.  Participants will use marketing techniques to expand BioProteccion's global reach. Participants will:

  • Have enhanced his/her regional sales, marketing and aftersales functions by participating in several cross-functional projects.
  •  Have better knowledge of developing strategies and implementation through report generation and analysis.  
  • Demonstrate marketing growth through presentations, team projects and reports.
  •  Have experience in marketing techniques to bring a Colombian company to the global market
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COFFEE ECO-TOURISM & RECREATION
Staff Assistant
Plan Prep Time:          30 days min required before arrival date
Service Term:              30 days min required  - 32 hrs/week required
Spanish Skills:             Internmediate
Experience Required:  Student or certified professional

​The “Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia” is an exceptional example of a sustainable and productive cultural landscape that is unique and representative of a tradition that is a strong symbol for coffee growing areas worldwide.  Among these beautiful green Andean mountain landscape is an up & coming tourism industry.  During the new post-conflict era, Colombia is experiencing a renaissance in tourism as the world’s 2nd most biodiverse country in the world; named Best Value Destination for 2017.  And if you love coffee, you’ll be in heaven.  Take a take a front-row seat for an extended “Paisaje Cultural Cafetero Experience,” as an active participant! Every morning you’ll start your day with a freshly cultivated & brewed cup of the best coffee in the world!  Depending on availability at each worksite and interns’ background & interest, you may be matched to one or more locations such as  sustainable eco-farms, traditional coffee fincas, or recreational coffee culture attractions. 

  • Everything about Coffee: Planting, harvesting, processing, drying, milling, exporting, tasting, roasting, grinding, brewing
  • Adventure Recreation:  Ziplining, waterfall repelling, horseback riding, wall climbing, paintball, hiking, & more!  
  • Hospitality Management: Restaurant management, tour management, facilities housekeeping, and customer service.  
  • AgriScience: Coffee, Cacao, Coconuts, Bananas, Citrus, Papaya, and many other unique tropical fruits and vegetables.
  • Leadership: Public speaking as tour guide and/or translator.
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COFFEE PERMACULTURE
Coffee Farmer's Assistant
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Plan Prep Time:          15 days min required before arrival date
Service Term:              15 days min required  - 24 hrs/week required
Spanish Skills:             Internediate
Experience Required:  Student or certified professional

Journey through the stages of coffee production, learning about the technology and processing of coffee, as well as farm management and determinants to quality and productivity. In addition to learning and servicing on coffee plantations, volunteers will have numerous opportunities to explore Colombia's rich culture and landscape.

Permaculture is a global grassroots movement that builds healthy environments, regenerates the land and empowers communities.  It is a sustainable design approach that mimics patterns in nature to create regenerative edible ecosystems. It applies natural design principles to create resilient systems – providing food, water, shelter, and energy needs while building ecology, community, and economy.
 
Permaculture is an interdisciplinary framework which uses both modern and traditional technologies and focuses on the synergistic relationships between different approaches to find creative solutions through collaboration rather than competition.  In contrast to monoculture farming, permaculturists cultivate perennial-focused multi-layered polycultures of crops that provide ecological services to each other to create biodiverse, climate-resilient and marketable food forests.
 
You will experience a farmer's daily routine such as caring for the crops, animals, and grounds. You may learn organic farming, permaculture, and biodynamics. In addition, you can also learn about the local ecology and culture while getting to meet interesting people. Regional crops include coffee, cacao, bananas, avocado, and citrus. Plus you will be exposed to many other unique Colombian fruits and vegetables. Colombia is home to 10% of the world’s biodiversity.
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COLOMBIAN COFFEE BARISTA Apprentice
Plan Prep Time:          14 days min required before arrival date
Service Term:              15 days min required  - 20 hrs/week required
Spanish Skills:             Internmediate
Experience Required:  None  

Also available: 20-hr Formal Professional Certified Training: $200 USD

​Coffee is a complex agricultural crop that changes from year to year and deserves the utmost care in growing, harvesting, processing, roasting, and brewing. Coffee is also a very labor-intensive business. Each step requires education and much attention to detail. Baristas without the sufficient appreciation for the huge amount of labor and commitment that has taken place prior to having the opportunity to prepare a single cup of coffee for their customers will never truly be a great barista.
 
If you want to have an awesome over-all coffee culture experience, come to the Heart of the Coffee Region of Colombia where you will find one of the most unique and complete coffee cultures in the world as recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Thus, along with learning the many ways to prepare a delicious cup of coffee, we offer integral hands-on experience in all 9 elements of the specialty coffee industry from seed to cup.

  1. Growing
  2. Harvesting
  3. Depulping
  4. Fermenting
  5. Drying
  6. Sorting
  7. Roasting
  8. Quality Analysis
  9. Brewing & Enjoying

 Novice baristas and aficionados alike can learn the following: 
  • How to use and clean a coffee bean grinder and espresso machine
  • How to add foam and texture to milk
  • Adding artistic designs to the top of a latte
  • Knowledge of sourcing, roasting, extraction, milk temperatures and different brewing methods
  • Coffee production process, from seed to cup, and how each step affects the final beverage
  • Characteristics of different types of coffee
  • Roasting process, roast type, caffeine and Swiss Water decaffeination
  • Characteristics of Fair Trade, fairly traded, & Rain Forest Alliance 
  • Dimensions of coffees grown in different regions
  • How to create a custom drink based on his individual preferences
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COLOMBIAN TRADITIONAL CUISINE
Chef Apprentice
Plan Prep Time:          30 days min required before arrival date
Service Term:              15 days min required  - Flexible
Spanish Skills:             Internediate
Experience Required:  None  

​Immerse yourself in Spanish while experiencing a new culture's traditional cuisine  learning about local foods, cooking methods, and flavors.  Preparing meals should be a unique blend of appreciating tastes, smells, and textures.   

Apply culinary arts skills (food prep, menu planning, customer service, sanitation, food safety) in a workplace setting. 
  • Practice kitchen teamwork
  • Mathematics and measurement
  • Reading methods
  • Study food, cooking, dining trends
  • Nutrition and health awareness
  • Prepare excellent food, even with limited ingredients
  • Food safety and safe use of tools and equipment
  • Creativity when adding their own spin on a certain recipe
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ARTS AMBASSADOR
Music, Theater, Dance, Literary, & Visual Arts
Prep Time:                   30 days min required before arrival date
Service Term:              15 days min required  - 24 hrs/week required
Spanish Skills:             Internmediate
Experience Required:  Performance Level  

​​No matter what type of artistic skill you already possess or would like to explore, Minga House has a public stage for you to share your skills with our community and eager groups of children ready to learn from you! Our Culture Ambassadorships give you an opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and connect with a new audience, meet new professors & students alike. Formal art schools can prepare you for a great many things, but once you complete your education, you need to develop the skills that will prepare you for the real world.  Teaching & performance experiences give you the tools necessary to grow your talent and exercise (share) your passion.  

  • Be an artist: Dance, Perform, Play, Sing, Create!
  • Learn & Teach!  Share!
  • Learn how to work independently and together
  • Discover hidden strengths
  • Develop artistic skills
  • Practice performing in public
  • Learn how to network to promote your craft
  • Build friendships with other artists
  • Culture - see how the arts are important to a community’s identity
  • Learn about careers in the arts
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EVENT MANAGEMENT
TEDx Manizales – All Operations  
(Temporarily Suspended until sometime 2018)
​Do you want to be a part of an events team that puts on TEDx Manizales? Do you love working with new and inspiring ideas? Then join the newly established TEDx Manizales team! Our organization is a partner to organizations in the Colombian Coffee Region looking for people with new ideas about technology, education, design, and the future. Colombia is not only the 2nd most biodiverse country in the world, but it is also one of the most vibrant & growing economies as well. Manizales is the hub of higher education known as Colombia’s “College Town.”  It is an exciting beautiful clean city with a high per capital education rate and an up & coming science and technology center for South America.  TEDx Manizales is where all the innovators will hang out!
  
Event Management
Do you want to help organize events? Experience all the fun of putting on salons, yearly events, and more!
 
Community Management
Do you love making connections within a city? Do you care about community and want to share great ideas with people? Then help us foster a community that loves and celebrates innovation.
 
Speaker Management
There are many incredible people with unique and innovative ideas just waiting to be heard throughout Manizales! Join our team and help reveal the Manizales potential.
 
Partnership
Are you gifted with excellent interpersonal skills? Do want to help network with large and reputable companies?  Learn the ins and outs of our partnership program and help us create better relations within our community.
 

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BIOINFORMATICS & COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY 
Analyst Internship
(Temporarily Suspended until sometime 2018)
BIOS is the leading center for bioinformatics, biotechnology, and computational biology in Colombia. BIOS specializes in providing research services to the government, academic, and private sector. 
 
BIOS has the mission to provide computational tools in relation to the life sciences; Developing software, storing and processing data supply disseminated by its researchers, by members of other research groups, or by third parties; Advance academic and educational activities, advise and guide intensive research in the use of data and its interpretation.

  • Learn & implement computer systems such as Linux, ZYFCON
​
  • Learn other basic programming in bioinformatic languages

  • Learn to develop solutions and innovative services by using scientific and technological innovative tools

  • Participate in developing investigation projects that deal with:
Click here to edit.
  1. Genomics
  2. Metagenomics
  3. Transcriptomics
  4. Proteomics
  5. Metabolomics​
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WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Environmental Science - Internship
​
Plan Prep Time:          60 days min required before arrival date
Service Term:              60 days min required  - 32 hrs/week required
Spanish Skills:             Internmediate
Experience Required:  Students & Professionals

​​EMAS is a leading Colombian waste management organization that is heavily committed to helping develop a culture of environmental consciousness within the communities they service.  EMAS sees itself as a pivotal educational institution with the social responsibility to maintain their cities safe & clean from waste. They invest heavily in educational campaigns in order to affect long-term societal attitudes towards promoting sustainable management of natural resources by decreasing waste and increasing recycling habits by the community.  The participant will have the opportunity to help manage and/or improve processes for collecting, sorting and disposing of all types of waste and recycle materials.  Also, interns will participate in community outreach campaigns to analyze social behavior in order to determine what waste management methods must be used.  Chosen candidates will also learn how the cleanliness and the chosen processes for maintaining the city affect the environment that we live in.

  • Gain an understanding of how a waste management system works to maintain the environment.
  • ​Understand how social behavior relates to types of methods that need to be used to maintain good environmental management.
  • Be more competent in planning & integrating new waste policies.
  • ​​Be able to create analytical and statistical quality reports.  
  • Understand the processes of collection, transport, treatment and disposal of waste with monitoring and regulations.
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RECYCLING STRATEGIES
Communications - Public Relations Internship
Plan Prep Time:          60 days min required before arrival date
Service Term:              60 days min required  - 32 hrs/week required
Spanish Skills:             Internmediate
Experience Required:  Students & Professionals

​​EMAS is a leading Colombian waste management organization that is heavily committed to helping develop a culture of environmental consciousness within the communities they service.  They see themselves as a pivotal educational institution with the social responsibility to maintain their cities safe & clean from waste. They invest heavily in educational campaigns in order to affect long-term societal attitudes towards promoting sustainable management of natural resources by decreasing waste and increasing recycling habits by the community.  The participant will have the opportunity to help manage and/or improve processes for collecting, sorting and disposing of all types of waste and recycle materials.  Also, interns will participate in community outreach campaigns to analyze social behavior in order to determine what waste management methods must be used.  Chosen candidates will also learn how the cleanliness and the chosen processes for maintaining the city affect the environment that we live in. The intern’s principle task will be to assist in designing and implementing new recycling strategies and learn the environmental reasons for needing to create them.
 
 Internship Learning Objectives:

  • Understand how truly beneficial recycling is for the environment and for citizens.
  • Be competent in creating recycling strategies to be able to reduce the exploitation of resources.
  • Have better knowledge in the different types of waste and how each one must be recycled in its own way.
  • Be competent in the process of recycling and how society can monetarily benefit from recycling.
  • Learn how to develop incentives for companies to design products that use less resources, contain less toxic substances and easier to be recycled.​​
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WASTE MANAGEMENT COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Communications - Public Relations Internship
Plan Prep Time:          60 days min required before arrival date
Service Term:              60 days min required  - 32 hrs/week required
Spanish Skills:             Internmediate
Experience Required:  Students & Professionals

​EMAS is a leading Colombian waste management organization that is heavily committed to helping develop a culture of environmental consciousness within the communities they service.  They see themselves as a pivotal educational institution with the social responsibility to maintain their cities safe & clean from waste. They invest heavily in educational campaigns to affect long-term societal attitudes towards promoting sustainable management of natural resources by decreasing waste and increasing recycling habits by the community.  As an intern, you will gain valuable experience on how a waste management company manages its public relations and communication services.

  • Creating promotional material to engage with the community residents, partnering organizations, and community leaders.
  • Strengthen public relations and communication skills by creating and divulging important information  
  • Learn to promote a company’s mission and vision through PR/communication work
  • Learn to develop relationships with outside organizations  
  • Develop & plan community events
  • Manage web content, newsletters, and social media tactics
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HUMAN RESOURCES
All industries
Plan Prep Time:          60 days min required before arrival date
Service Term:              60 days min required  - 32 hrs/week required
Spanish Skills:             Internmediate
Experience Required:  Students & Professionals

​As more and more companies become multinational in nature and hire a diverse array of employees, gaining global experience with an internship abroad in human resources can be an invaluable developmental experience in the field. Not only will you have the opportunity to challenge yourself by working in a different country, but you will gain valuable cross-cultural skills. 
 
You will have the option to intern within these industries:
  • Agriculture
  • Education
  • Exports 
  • Governments - State & Local
  • Hospitals & Clinics
  • Manufacturing
  • Non-Profits
  • Science Laboratories
  • Waste Management and Recycling
​
Interns may participate in any of these areas of responsibility:
  • Gathering research and data
  • Helping to recruit & interview prospective employees
  • Personnel training
  • Planning events and career fairs
  • Assisting with compensation and benefits 
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 Additional Volunteering & Internship Opportunities  

  • MINGA HOUSE FOUNDATION - Marketing:  Social media, communications, photography, videos, graphic design, web content.
  • MINGA HOUSE FOUNDATION - Hospitality:  Guest experience, housekeeping, kitchen management, facility maintenance, tour guide, event planner, facility interior design, promotions.
  • AMERICAN RED CROSS - Blood Collection, CPR & First Aid Instructor, Public Health campaigns
  • BIVE - Health administration, Public Health, Optometry, Dental, NonProfit Management
  • BOY & GIRL SCOUNTS - Assistant Scout Leader, Education & Public Relations
  • ​FITOMEDICS - BioChemistry -  Laboratories for natural medicine & natural food products & natural cosmetics
  • CITY HALL - Secretary of Agriculture, Arts, Education, Technology -  Agricultural development & Agricultural Science
  • GRANJA PINARES y HACIENDA LAS VEGAS - EcoTourism, Animal Science, Agriculture -  Farming
  • SPANISH Immersion:  Open All fields
  • GAP Year:  Up to 12 months doing everything!