We urge potential participants to give careful consideration to the nature of the Crossroads program, its philosophy, and its objectives before applying.
Successful participation in Crossroads requires, above all:
- An interest in Africa;
- Strong communication skills; and
- A willingness to respect different lifestyles, beliefs, and values.
Sensitivity, flexibility, and patience are essential. Crossroaders do not go to Africa to impose their own values but to seek a truer comprehension of African values. Their challenge is to adjust to locally accepted ways of doing things. While the Crossroads experience offers a rare opportunity for personal growth through shared experiences, this growth can be uncomfortable and, at times, painful. Crossroaders’ willingness to address personal issues – whether pertaining to racial, political, or other feelings – often is the basis for healthy group interaction between and among Crossroaders and their hosts.
Diversity - racial, ethnic, gender, regional, and educational - is a primary goal of the Crossroads recruitment effort. Though most Crossroaders are college students and young professionals, other than a minimum age requirement of 18, there are no other set age or occupation requirements. An applicant need only possess a strong determination to build bridges of friendship and understanding with people of different backgrounds and cultures to be considered for the program.
Individuals are selected for projects according to the following criteria:
- Preferences that they indicate on their application;
- Personal characteristics that might bear favorably on the project selected; and
- Availability of desired projects.
If you wish to be considered for a project in a particular country, specify this preference on your application. Remember: it is not always possible to assign individuals to the country or project of their choice.
Applicants for the position of Group Leader must be 25 years of age. In addition to the application on this website, Group Leader applicants must submit responses to the Crossroads Scenarios which can be found on this website. Descriptions of the Group Leader positions can also be found on this website.
How do I apply?
Applicants for participation in Operation Crossroads Africa program must complete and submit the enclosed program application which includes the following 6 items:
- A completed Program Application.
- An autobiographical sketch of no more than two double-spaced pages that includes reference to any previous travel, group work, or relevant personal experience. (Print your name on the top of each sheet.)
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A response of no more than a total of three double-spaced pages to the five questions below. (Print your name on the top of each sheet.)
- Why do you want to participate in Operation Crossroads Africa?
- What is your understanding of the Crossroads program?
- What impressions come to mind when you hear the word “Africa”?
- How do you deal with frustrations and disappointments?
- If necessary, how will you raise your participation fee?
- Two recent passport-sized photographs no larger than 2” by 2”. Print your name on the back of each photo. Computer generated photographs are not acceptable.
- A letter from your physician attesting to the fact that you have received a comprehensive medical examination within the past six months and that you have no known physical or psychological conditions that would render you unsuitable to participate in the program.
- A non-refundable application fee of US $25.00. Make the check or money order payable to Operation Crossroads Africa, Inc.
Make two copies of your complete application package. Send the original and one copy to Crossroads. Keep the second copy for your own records. Please do not submit an incomplete application package.
Mail the complete application package to:
Operation Crossroads Africa
P.O. Box 5570
New York, NY 10027
Deadline for the 2011 Africa Program:
February 1, 2011
Click Here to download the Program Application
Click Here to download the Confidential Volunteer Reference Form
Download Instructions:
A PDF Reader, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, is required to view the Downloaded Application. To download and install the free Acrobat reader, click here.
