Understanding Needs In Other Nations (UNION) gives individuals with the heart and desire to serve people the opportunity to travel overseas and volunteer in a developing country.

HOPE International Development Agency UNION volunteers share in the lives and work of people living in impoverished communities, with the aim of coming to understand their struggles and hopes.

Volunteers first explore the causes of hunger and poverty, the need for community development, the practice of crossing cultural boundaries, and an appropriate language through a self-study curriculum. These studies help prepare the volunteers for their overseas experience. Then, volunteers travel in teams to a developing country where they have the opportunity to become part of life in a rural village, working alongside people who struggle to survive.

UNION is a unique opportunity to see, listen, and live with people in the developing world. UNION volunteers invest not only in the lives of people overseas, but also in themselves. Practical work or overseas experience is not necessary - a passion to serve and encourage people is!

Where can I get more information?

For further information about UNION, please contact Kristin Treleaven by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by telephone at 604-525-5481 (or Toll-Free at 1 866 525 4673) or complete our UNION Volunteer Information form. You can also call the office toll free at 1-866-525-HOPE (4673) ext. 20. We will be happy to send you more information, and to talk to you personally to answer any questions and tell you more about this exciting, life-changing program. If you decide the UNION program is for you, then we will send you an application form. It's that easy!

Which countries can I go to?

UNION teams have travelled to many different countries around the globe. New trips are planned each year.

In 2008, we are seeking volunteers for the following destinations:

• Dominican Republic
• Cambodia

What would I do?

Every team participates in a work project that is being implemented by HOPE International and one of its partner organizations. Community projects are organized locally, and participants will be working alongside community members. Depending on the country visited, UNION participants will work on anything from building schools, clinics or water systems, to helping reforest barren hillsides.

What does it cost?

UNION volunteers are responsible for covering their own costs. Program costs vary from year to year, and depend on the destination country. A total participant cost, which ranges between $3,000 and $4,500, is established for each trip several months in advance of departure. Most volunteers meet this target through fundraising. The total participant cost is all-inclusive, and covers all preparation, travel and living expenses. A portion of participant contributions also goes towards the cost of the summer community development project. Tax-deductible receipts are issued for all UNION contributions.

Find out what past participants have to say about their UNION experience.