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| What is HorizonCosmopolite? HorizonCosmopolite is a Montreal-based organization that provides alternative travel experiences year-round to adults of all ages. Our objective is to offer internships, volunteer opportunities, alternative travel, cultural immersion and educational journeys to people around the world on a non-discriminatory basis. Our programs are open to everyone who is motivated and seeks intercultural adventure; there are no strict pre-requisites. Since 1999, we have offered professional remunerated internships in partnership with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) What is the purpose of HorizonCosmopolite? At HorizonCosmopolite, our mission is to bring together people from different cultures and to develop a lasting solidarity between them. Through our various internships and exchange programs, we promote the development of new attitudes, knowledge, and skills, in order to encourage a society that is just, harmonious, and respectful of its environment. We believe that educational intercultural exchange programs equip participants with the tools necessary for change in today's global world. The programs help participants to develop the skills needed to make a positive contribution to society What does HorizonCosmopolite do that other organizations of this kind do not? HorizonCosmopolite is the only company of its kind in Quebec. Our participants are welcome to design their own volunteer programs according to their individual interests and availability. From over 40 programs in more than 20 countries, participants can choose the length, location, and type of project that suits them. Canadian citizenship is not required. We help participants select an appropriate project, establish the overseas contacts, and secure the internship. A training session*, plus support and advice are provided for all participants. *Our service includes: detailed and personalized support, plane ticket reservation, visa advice, information about vaccines, a pre-departure orientation day, a participant guide to help with the preparation of your trip, and a confirmation from our partner abroad. The placement is guranteed or you will be one hundred percent reimburred. Why did you create your company? While there is certainly no shortage of opportunities for Canadians wanting to participate in volunteer projects, we found there was a definite need for our service. Well-established organizations such as Canada World Youth, Canada Crossroads International, and AFS offer many opportunities for volunteer travel every year, but they tend to be highly structured programs with a strict application process. The government agencies are always turning people away because they just do not have enough space. How did HorizonCosmopolite get started? In 1997 HorizonCosmopolite was launched as a private company and began accepting participants in January 1998. In April 1999, we received a $5,000 grant from the Mayor's Foundation of Montreal as well as a $12,000 grant from SAJE (Service d'aide aux jeunes entrepreneurs) after a third request for funding. Since then, we have sent over 3000 participants to more than 40 countries around the globe, expanding our international contacts every year. What are the special marketing and distribution problems you have encountered? We offer quite a specialized service and since the majority of our participants are students or recent graduates, they usually do not have a high disposable income. We try to keep our fees at a reasonable level while still remaining competitive. We have encountered certain challenges marketing HorizonCosmopolite, but only because none of us have a marketing background, so we learn as we go! As always, we seek to expand our participation base in the future. For more general information on these subjects:
HorizonCosmopolite
8281, rue St-Denis, Montréal (Québec) Canada H2P 2G7 Tél. : (514) 935-8436 - Fax: (514) 935-4302 info@horizoncosmopolite.com |
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