Hi! My name is Astrea Benesh, and I am a student in the Phyllis J. Washington College of Education and Human Sciences at the University of Montana.  It has been my lifelong dream of becoming a History and English teacher, and I am really excited to begin into my career.

Before I finish school with my semester of student teaching, however, I would love the opportunity to participate in a Community Development program in the Dominican Republic with the International Student Volunteer program (http://www.isvolunteers.org/). This opportunity would not only give me crucial insight to other cultures, but would allow me to be a positive and lasting impact on their communities, as well.  The experiences and skills that I gain on this trip will directly affect my role in the classroom, as it will provide me with a deeper understanding of the global community in which all of us exist and I will be more able to convey that knowledge to my students.

The program itself is broken down into two two-week sections. The first two weeks is spent working tirelessly to complete a volunteer project that is needed - and asked for - by a specific community.  The next two weeks are spent exploring the country, experiencing the nation's spectacular culture and unique sites. 

The opportunity to be a positive impact on the world at the same time as obtaining the life-changing experiences, skills, and cultural understanding that comes with participation in the ISV program understandably cannot come freely.  As a college student who attends college full time, while working part time to support herself the price of the program, airfare, and travel expenses is more than a little daunting.  Nevertheless, I am determined to take this opportunity to become a more knowledgeable participant in the global community by working to provide another community the opportunity to realize its full potential.  I am asking for your donations to make this opportunity a more (financially) manageable one so that I can fulfill my dream of being a constructive citizen of our world.  Any and all contributions will be directly applied to program costs, airfare, and the necessary travel expenses that traveling abroad inevitably accrues. Further funding will go to supplying the local community with craft supplies, first aid items and basic hygiene necessities, and educational materials.

I look forward to answering any questions and providing further information. 

Thank you so much for your support!