WATERLOO -- Moved by a course in ethics at the University of Northern Iowa, Christy Kessens of Waterloo discovered a unique volunteer opportunity several years ago.

The native of Osage traveled to Plaszow, Poland, to help transform a former Nazi work camp into a refuge and a place of beauty.

The trip also cultivated a passion for international service.

"Since then, I knew I wanted to do more."

This summer, Kessens, 30, plans to spend six weeks in Central America as an intern with ProWorld Service Corps. She will stay with a host family and work at an elder care facility in Belize.

Kessens apparently isn't alone in her desire to combine two interests: travel and service. Those who seek to turn their ideas into action will discover an abundance of opportunities exist to help humanitarians of all ages participate in cross-cultural programs.

ProWorld Service Corps, an organization based in Bellingham, Wash., and funded by volunteers, supports community development projects across the globe and offers a variety of experiences.

"It's not a one-size-fits-all," ProWorld's Diane Gale said.

Programs are structured to fit the needs of the respective communities, she added, and volunteers' skills and interests also are considered. Volunteer opportunities related to health care and the environment are the most popular, Gale said.

Kessens, a graduate student, researched service opportunities abroad until she found one that complemented her area of academic study: gerontology. The multidisciplinary field examines the mental, physical and social aspects of aging.

In Belize, Kessens expects to develop programs, build relationships and nurture and nurse residents. Her understanding is one-on-one interaction isn't common.

"I will just help out with whatever care I can provide," Kessens said. "Just be a friend."

Two other Northeast Iowans also plan to devote a portion of their summer to service.

Jill Boike of Eldora and her mother, Bette Luck, of Wellsburg, will spend two weeks teaching underprivileged children in the Philippines. Boike, 26, and Luck, 54, will volunteer in June with Global Volunteer Network.

"Essentially we just wanted to do something that would help kids," Luck said.

The mother-daughter duo plan to emphasize art when they work with children at day care centers and schools.

Boike spent a year studying in Australia and is no stranger to international travel. Luck, an art teacher at East High School in Waterloo, wants to have her students make trading cards to exchange with her Filipino charges. She hopes the international experience proves a teaching opportunity for her and Boike as well.

Boike also testifies that international travel changed her.

"It just opened my eyes … ," she said.

Volunteering comes at a cost for Boike, Luck and Kessens. The women must raise at least $3,000 to participate in their respective programs. Donations help cover their expenses but also sustain programs and community development efforts.

Boike and Luck are also accepting money and light-weight materials for art and school supplies. To help, call Boike at (641) 691-6532 or e-mail demi218@hotmail.com. Donations should arrive before June 17.

Donations to Kessens are due as soon as possible. To help, call (319) 239-1126 or e-mail cmarie89@yahoo.com.

For information about ProWorld, go online at www.myproworld.org. Learn more about Global Volunteer Network at www.volunteer.org.nz.

Contact Karen Heinselman

at (319) 291-1581 or

karen.heinselman@wcfcourier.com.