Millennials are changing the face of travel today, in some very big ways. A recent article in HuffPo says they’re revolutionizing their travel choices in four ways. They’re choosing cultural experiences over partying, they’re mixing business with leisure creating “Bleisure Travel”, group travel is on the rise, as are hostel stays. For this impactful age group, volunteer opportunities also provide ways to engage with cultures, allowing these eager travellers to make the most of their time abroad rather than quickly passing through as a tourist.
Cuso International Youth Volunteer Program
Recent university graduates and young professionals from across Canada have transformed communities and lives in five developing countries by volunteering their skills through the International Youth Internship Program offered by Cuso International, sponsored by Global Affairs Canada.
Cuso International connected 35 young professionals with non-governmental partners in Guyana, Laos, Peru, Cameroon and Nicaragua. Among the interns who were accepted into the highly competitive International Youth Internship Program was Brittney Potvin, an SFU grad from Vancouver, who spent 6 months in Nicaragua.
“I applied to the International Youth Internship Program (“IYIP”), which a 6 month placement opportunity funded by Global Affairs Canada,” explains Brittney. “Cuso is one of the numerous partners that work with GAC to send youth abroad (given Cuso’s experience, they were already set up to prepare and integrate interns, based on their time sending volunteers abroad).”
She was placed with the marketing team at the Association of Producers and Exporters of Nicaragua. This is a non for profit located in the capital that offers various services to small, medium and large scale producers, exporters and businesses in Nicaragua. Their mission is to help shape Nicaragua as a leading export country.
“The International Youth Internship Program program was ideal for me given that I had only recently completed my studies and had yet to secure full time employment. As an NGO focused on development issues with opportunities in latin America, Cuso was an ideal organization to pursue the IYIP.”
Going forward, Brittney says she would like to pursue, whether in the near or distant future, a position with Cuso in Latin America again.
“I would recommend the organization to anyone interested in contributing to skill, culture and language sharing, as well as those with a passion for international issues (social justice, poverty alleviation, etc.). I am also certain that the personal development that comes with the placement will be worth it, and you will learn much more than you anticipated about yourself and the world.”
Her experience in Nicaragua opened her eyes to the diversity of volunteering opportunities. “Some volunteers are working in very small, low budget women’s rights issues, while others focus on coffee cooperatives, universities, etc. Scale/capacity and the location of the various projects have all shaped our individual experiences in the country.”
“Now more than ever, the skills of our young people are needed as we work together to build a more equitable world,” said Lloyd Axworthy, Chair, Cuso International. “These interns have made sustainable and life-changing accomplishments while working side-by-side with local colleagues, propelling our global community forward. We are fortunate that the Government of Canada shares our belief in the potential of youth and provided the funding to match our International Youth Interns with organizations transforming lives around the world.”
While the two-year International Youth Internship Program is ending on March 31st, there are still ways for young people to get involved with volunteer opportunities with CUSO International, either in Canada, around the world, or online.
The Monster Jam Triple Threat Series, the most adrenaline charged motorsports experience for families on the planet, is coming to the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver April 7-9, 2017.
Monster Jam in Vancouver
Where: Pacific Coliseum (2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver) When: Friday, April 7, 2017 at 7:00pm
Saturday, April 8, 2017 1:00pm and 7:00pm
Sunday, April 9, 2017 – at 1:00pm Tickets: Starting at just $15 each. Tickets are available for purchase online via TicketLeader, charge by phone at (604) 252-3700 or visit the PNE Box Office. *Prices subject to change; additional ticketing/venue fees may apply.
On Saturday, there’s a Pit Party open from 10:30:00am to 12:00pm, Pit Passes are available to purchase for an additional $10 each.
The Monster Jam Triple Threat Series is a points-based format that showcases the best lineup of Monster Jam vehicles that deliver what fans want to see most – more trucks, more racing, more freestyle, more donuts, more wheelies, more action!
Each event tests the versatility of the athletes as they go head-to- head in seven different competitions driving three different vehicles: Monster Jam trucks, Monster Jam Speedsters and Monster Jam ATVs. These athletes battle for points in challenging racing and freestyle events that push themselves and their machines to the limit – the Monster Jam premiere team athletes vying to be Vancouver champions are:
Grave Digger ® driven by Cole Venard
Max-D ® driven by Jared Eichelberger
El Toro Loco ® driven by Mark List
Monster Mutt ® Dalmation driven by Canada’s Cynthia Gauthier
Zombie™ driven by Tyler Groth
New Earth Authority SM (N.E.A.) driven by Travis Groth
Scooby-Doo™ driven by rookie Myranda Cozad
Mohawk Warrior driven by rookie Bryce Kenny
Approximately 12 feet tall and about 12 feet wide, Monster Jam trucks are custom-designed machines that sit atop 66-inch- tall tires and weigh a minimum of 10,000 pounds. Built for short, high-powered bursts of speed, Monster Jam trucks generate 1,500 to 2,000 horsepower and are capable of speeds of up to 100 miles per hour.
Win Tickets
I have a 4-pack of tickets to give away to opening night on Friday, April 7th. Here’s how you can enter to win:
Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
Click below to get another entry by posting on Twitter:
[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win a 4-pack of @MonsterJam tickets http://owl.li/rOzt30acKgA” quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]
I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Thursday, March 30, 2017.
Spring Break is coming to an end but the fun continues with events and activities throughout Metro Vancouver this weekend. Check out the full March event list and send in your event any time for a free listing.
Things to do in Vancouver This Weekend
Events that run for longer than three days in a row are highlighted in green.
Never miss my TOP PICKS for events in Vancouver! Receive this event list right to your email inbox by signing up for the Miss604 Weekly Events Newsletter below:
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Outsiders, author S.E. Hinton will be making an appearance in Vancouver on April 1st thanks to Kidsbooks.
S.E. Hinton is Coming to Vancouver
Where: West Point Grey United Church (4595 West 8th, Vancouver) When: Saturday, April 1, 2017 at 3:00pm Tickets: FREE event! Arrive early to secure your seat
Hinton’s classic novel of Greasers and Socs — which she published at the unbelievably young age of 16 — is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Fortunately, “Nothing gold can stay” doesn’t apply to great literature. [ew.com]
To commemorate the book and the impact it has had on so many generations of teens, Penguin Young Readers released a brand-new anniversary edition of The Outsiders. This special edition of the groundbreaking novel contains: Never before seen photos and letters from the publisher’s archives; original review clippings and media coverage; photos from the author’s personal collection; a gallery of covers around the world; new material from the stars and director of the iconic film–including Francis Ford Coppola, Rob Lowe, Matt Dillon, and others.
For more information about the Vancouver event with S.E. Hinton, follow Kidsbooks on Facebook.
Back by popular demand, Hungry For Happiness is going LIVE on April 8th and 9th 2017 in Vancouver with founder Samantha Skelly, who will lead the two-day body and self-love experience.
Hungry for Happiness LIVE
Where: Hillel BC Society (6145 Student Union Boulevard, UBC) When: Saturday April 8th & Sunday April 9th 9:00am to 4:00pm Tickets are available online now.
Use code VIP604 to get $50 off regular event price of $197.
“You have the power to release the emotional weight you’ve been carrying, and it’s time to let go of everything that isn’t serving you at the highest level. Not only will you leave the room feeling recharged, rejuvenated, and alive, you will leave belonging to a new community of women who have also stepped into their power.”
This event is for you if…
You’ve been stuck in the diet/binge cycle for years
You simply don’t trust yourself
You don’t feel ‘at home’ in your body
You experience any shame or guilt around the relationship you have to food and your body
You finally want to feel freedom and liberation in your body
You want to finally feel connection: head and heart, mind and body
You have the power to release the mental anguish and stress you’ve been fogged with
“I applied to the International Youth Internship Program (“IYIP”), which a 6 month placement opportunity funded by Global Affairs Canada,” explains Brittney. “Cuso is one of the numerous partners that work with GAC to send youth abroad (given Cuso’s experience, they were already set up to prepare and integrate interns, based on their time sending volunteers abroad).”
Going forward, Brittney says she would like to pursue, whether in the near or distant future, a position with Cuso in Latin America again. 
