Int vols a/w

A guide to International Volunteeringby Young Citizens In Action involving young people in the community through volunteering

The Guide
Advice on International Volunteering .3
How to use this Guide .3
Making the right decision about where to go and what to do .4
Our Personal Experiences! .4
Preparing for your trip – what to do once you decide to go .7
Getting ready to go .8
List of essential items.9
While you are away.10
Keeping Healthy.11
Disclaimers .14
A - Z Section
AFS International.16
International Voluntary Service – NI .54 Internship USA .56 Kibbutz Representatives .58 Concern Worldwide.22 Mil ennium World Youth Awards / International Volunteer Exchange .60 Council – Australia .26 The Prince's Trust .62 Raleigh International .64 Skil share Africa .68 Spirit of Enniskil en .70 English Language Clubs in Israel.38 Sudan Volunteer Programme .74 European Voluntary Service .40 UNIPAL – Universities' Trust for Educational Exchange with Palestinians.76 Gap Activity Projects .44 Voluntary Service Overseas .78 Gap Chal enge .46 Youth for Britain.80 Habitat for Humanity .48 Youth Exchange Centre .82 Youth for Europe Group Exchanges .84 International Service .52 Young Citizens In Action .86
involving young people in the community through volunteering Young Citizens In Action • Voluntary Service Belfast 70 - 72 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 6AF T: 028 9020 0850 F: 028 9020 0860 E: info @vsb.org.uk W: www.youngcitizens.org.uk www.vsb.org.uk

Preparing for your trip!
Advice on International Volunteering
Are you interested in travel ing, seeing the world, broadening your horizons, meeting new people,gaining new personal experiences, and enhancing your work experience? Then why not consider International Volunteering? International Volunteering can enable you to provide a service for others while also gaining new skil s,experiences and friends for yourself! Sounds good – but have no idea where to begin? Then read on because this guide is for you! This booklet has been put together by a team of young people from Young Citizens In Action, theyouth department at Voluntary Service Belfast, to help make International Volunteering options moreaccessible. For more information about Young Citizens In Action see page 86 of this publication.
Don't panic if the following information seems overwhelming – the organisation that you choose to
volunteer with will also make you aware of relevant issues and advice.
How to use this guide
Each organisation is divided into 13 sections: • General Details• Length of Programme• Countries Involved• Work Involved• Age Range• Special Skil s Required• What does the programme provide?• Application Fee?• Length of Application• Deadline for Application?• Structure of the Programme• Limit to number of Participants?• Contact Details If you're looking for a specific Length of programme it should be easy to glance through theOrganisation Section and locate al programmes with a suitable duration. Likewise for Age Range,Countries Involved etc… This should make easy access to the programme that's right for you. If you have absolutely no idea what it is you want to do we recommend you take the time to gothrough each organisation, write down the websites of those that particularly interest you, then look upthe websites and get further details to help you make a more informed choice. Take your time and have a good look – Remember, it might be something that you only do once in
your lifetime so try to find the organisation that's right for you!!
Preparing for your trip!
Making the right decision about where to go and what to do.
Ask yourself the fol owing questions to help narrow things down: I first started volunteering when I was about 14 but it wasn't until June 2000 that I began international voluntary work. I had always wanted to do some aid work in foreign lands and YCIA • How much time do I have to spend in a different country? gave me the wonderful opportunity to help in their Romania project. I thoroughly enjoyed theexperience and I am looking forward to repeating it again this Summer.
• How much money can I afford to spend on my time out? Last Summer I became a Project Children intern along with 15 other Northern Ireland students. I • What country would I real y like to travel to? worked in a day camp with disadvantaged children from Newark, New Jersey, USA, for a projectcal ed Kids Corporation. The aim of the Kids Camp project is to help these children with trust issues as • Do I have any skil s I would like to develop through an International Volunteer Placement? wel as bringing their education to life in the real environment. It was a once in a life-time experience • Do I want to learn new skil s for a future career, or gain work experience? as the kids were amazing and it broke my heart leaving them after 8 weeks.
• Is there anything I real y don't want to do, or a place I don't want to go? It was after Romania in 2000 that I became aware of the fact that there are so many voluntaryorganisations out there that I didn't know anything about and I didn't even know how to real y access • Do I want to travel alone, in a group or with one or two friends? information on them. It was for these reasons that I came to be involved in this book as wel aswanting to help others who were in the same situation as me; wanting to international y volunteer butnot knowing how to go about it. So I hope this helps! Our Personal Experiences!
I plan to continue international voluntary work and I aim to use my psychology degree as wel as my As you wil see from the A – Z section coming up next in this Guide Book, there is a vast number of primary teaching qualifications, that I wil receive next year, in helping me to help others.
organisations out there offering International Volunteering Opportunities. The range of countries andwork involved is also vast. Young people from YCIA created this booklet to offer guidance to otherpeople interested in finding International Volunteering Opportunities. We are by no means experts and this is by no means al the Voluntary Opportunities available, but it is a comprehensive list oforganisations and it wil certainly point you in the right direction! Here are some of our personal Hey my name is Stephen and I am a 21 year old student. I became involved in volunteering through my church working with street children in Romania. More recently I have become involved in workingwith children in Romania through an organisation cal ed Young Citizens in Action. This has involvedworking on various projects from social work visits to helping compile a Standard Practice Manual for children in orphanages in Romania.
My first experience of international volunteering was at a 2-week workcamp in Poland, helping to run This summer I hope to be interning in Washington D.C. which is just so exciting. This and many other a summer camp for refugee children. I chose the project because I wanted to learn more about the opportunities have become much more accessible to myself through volunteering in such areas. It real y situation in Eastern Europe and the plight of refugees. It was a very daunting but very rewarding is amazing how many doors such work can open. I never dreamed I would have experienced al experience. I travel ed across Europe by myself (scary!) and was the only volunteer there who spoke these exciting things, and although to begin with your trip may take time to organise, what you wil English as a first language – talk about culture shock! I had an absolutely fantastic time though – I experience through such expeditions is worth it a mil ion times over! made some great friends and it was just wonderful seeing children from Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia,Romania, Poland etc. al playing together.
Anyway I have rambled on enough but I hope this book can help you in someway. Al these peoplewho have worked on this al have their own insights and individual experiences which truly have After that I continued volunteering in Eastern Europe through YCIA's fabulous Romania project for a al owed an overal view to be shown of ‘how' and wel ….er…. often ‘how not' to go about things.
number of years. I've got so much out of al the volunteering I've done – I've met so many great people, Have a class trip…. who knows I'l maybe see you out there one day!!! developed myself and learned so much more about the world than any book could ever tel me. I'mreal y interested in continuing to work in international development in some way or another now that Some of the volunteers who produced this booklet took part in the Mil ennium Volunteers I'm about to graduate with an engineering degree. I'm about to embark on World Vision's Student Programme. To find out more about this Programme contact Suzanne on 028 9020 0850 Chal enge program in Ghana; five weeks working on a community development project. I'm very or email: [email protected] excited about it and I'm hoping it wil give me a real insight into the type of work I can do long term.
Preparing for your trip!
Preparing for your trip! - What to do once you decide to go
Passport – check you have one, and that it's valid for at least 6 months after you intend to return.
Vaccinations – see your GP preferably at least two months before you go. Obtain certificates for your
inoculations, you may be denied access to some countries without them. If you are going to a tropical
region you may need to start taking anti-malaria pil s before you go.
Existing Medication – if you are taking medication check that it can be taken into your country of
destination and if you wil need a letter from your GP to confirm your medication.
Visit your dentist – this wil minimise the risk of having dental problems while you are away as it may
be difficult, expensive, and in countries with high HIV risk, dangerous to get dental treatment abroad.
Find out your blood group, and if you are travel ing in a group find out everyone else's too. If
someone does need a transfusion abroad, it may be safer to donate to each other than risk
unscreened blood in a developing country.
Get to know where you're going - Wil you need to speak the language? What are the local laws
and customs? Are there specific dress codes? What wil the climate be like – Find a good guidebook
(any decent bookshop wil be able to recommend one), this wil also give information on
accommodation if that isn't provided by the project. Also find out from your organisation as much as
possible about the work you wil be doing. Are there any resources it wil be useful to take with you?
Driving – if you intend to drive make sure your licence is current and valid for the period you wil be
away. Some countries wil require an International Driving Permit.
Visas and work permits – Contact the Foreign Office to find out what papers you wil need and how
to apply for them.
British passport holders contact: Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website at:
www.fco.gov.uk/travel or cal 020 7008 0232 / 0233 or 020 7238 4503
Irish passport holders contact the Department of Foreign Affairs at www.irlgov.ie/iveagh
Telephone - + 353 1 4780822
Travel Insurance – look around and get the best cover for your needs e.g. Comprehensive medical
and repatriation cover, make sure it covers your whole trip, and remember you may need hazardous
sports cover! You can get free/low cost health cover in the European Economic Area with a Form
E111 (available from your GP and most Post Offices and on the web at www.doh.gov.uk/hat )
Flights – If you need to arrange your own flights give yourself plenty of time to shop around. Enquire
about student/young person discounts. STA Travel: www.statravel.co.uk (0870 1606070) and
Trailfinders: www.trailfinders.co.uk (Dublin 01-6777888, Belfast 028 90 271888) are two particularly
good travel agents, but you may find special deals elsewhere if you are prepared to look.
Preparing for your trip!
Getting ready to go
List of essential items!
Toilet Rol (Trust us, you won't regret it!) Work out how much you are likely to need and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Travel er'scheques are good for most places but find out for sure if they are likely to be accepted at your Contact Lens solution (it may not be available in some countries) destination (your organisation or a guide book should be able to tel you). Stick to a wel -known issuerlike Thomas Cook, VISA or American Express. Find out what currency is most likely to be accepted – Wet wipes / antiseptic wipes in Eastern Europe Pounds Sterling or Euros should be fine but many other countries prefer US Dol ars.
Guidebook / phrase book Make sure you order your cheques in time.
If you are going to a major town or city you may be able to use your bank or credit card, though you A good fleece (lightweight / easily washed, can be used as a pil ow.) may be charged each time you use it. Contact your bank for advice. It is probably a good idea tohave a credit card in case of emergencies anyway.
Good shoes or boots – blisters can real y hinder your mobility! Make sure you have your: Water bottle – kept topped up Visa / Work Permit
Wrist watch with alarm – even if you're not planning to get up early! Vaccination Certificates
Sun cream / toiletries / First Aid pack / mosquito repel ent / water purifying tablets / Swiss Army Knife / Mosquito net / sterile needles / rehydration tablets / Imodium Insurance Documents (including E111 if appropriate)
Black bin bags – to keep dirty stuff separate from clean stuff and to keep things dry! Travel wash and nailbrush (if don't have access to laundry facilities) Credit Cards
Camera and a diary! Good book (which you can swap along the way!), and music, which can be comforting if you feel a bit homesick or upset over anything.
24 hour emergency telephone numbers
Padlock (for keeping your passport etc. locked in youth hostel or wherever you're staying) Contact Details for your destination
Have anything essential in your hand luggage in case your bags don't arrive when you do. Medicines, Photocopy all of them twice, leave a copy with someone at home and take a second copy with you,
contact details, important documents – a change of underwear! kept separately from the originals!
Take the Address and Telephone No. of the nearest British / Irish embassy or High Commission.
Check out www.fco.gov.uk/travel or www.irlgov.ie/iveagh Buy a good rucksack or travel bag – make it light! Remember you wil have to carry it.
Find out the dial ing codes for you to phone home and for home to phone you. Sounds obvious butcan save some frustration! Preparing for your trip!
While you are away:
Keeping you and your possessions safe:
Stomach bugs - Travel ers are often afflicted with diarrhoea, salmonel a and many other
nasties which can be avoided by being careful what you eat and drink:
Keep your family and friends informed of al of your plans. Write, email or phone at regular intervalsso they know you are okay.
Water – ONLY drink sterilised or bottled water and check that the top hasn't been tampered with! DO NOT have ice in your drinks as this wil usual y be tap water and may be months old. Women travel ing alone – think about wearing a wedding ring to cut down unwanted attention. If staying alone always sign in using just your first initial and not Ms, Miss or Mrs – anyone reading the Food – Avoid food which has been reheated, kept warm or exposed to flies. Keep away from register wil not be able to tel you are a woman staying alone. uncooked food (such as that innocent-looking salad) unless you have prepared it yourself. Shel fish,even cooked, is particularly dodgy. Be careful if you are going out at night. Seek the guidance of trusted locals as to where is safe forforeigners.
If you do get diarrhoea, (sorry but 50% of travel ers do!) you must rehydrate as your body has lostvaluable fluid and salts. Bring rehydration sachets with you (if you are stuck you can make your own Keep al your documents in a safe place, under lock and key if possible.
rehydration solution from 6tsps sugar, 1 tsp of salt and 1 ltr of water. Flat coke can also help.) Reduceyour food intake, rest and let your bowels do their worst. Medicines like Imodium wil stop you passing If you lose anything or have anything stolen obtain a police statement – you wil need one to claim but that means the bacteria stay inside you. Only take them if you are desperate, or need to travel. If against your insurance the symptoms are very intense or persistent or if you pass blood, seek medical advice.
Use a money belt and don't carry too much money with you when you don't need it. Avoiding Malaria and insect bites - Use insect repel ent – preferably containing DEET, see your
pharmacist for details. Cover your arms and legs in the evenings, when malaria mosquitoes are most
Be aware of local laws and obey them. Don't take drugs.
active. If your accommodation doesn't have screens on the windows and doors, sleep under amosquito net. You may need to bring your own.
Take your anti-malaria pil s. Fol ow your doctor's advice about taking them before you go and after If you are taking a long flight (eight hours or more) see your Doctor about medical tips for reducing the Sun exposure – We al know the risks. Be sensible. Use an effective sun block (look for four star UVA
risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis e.g. taking a low dose *aspirin just before the flight (* do not take any protection) and remember to reapply often. Make sure you are drinking enough water. Don't fal medication without first consulting your doctor!). Move around during the flight, wear loose clothing asleep in the sun (particularly relevant if you've had a few too many of the local brew in the and avoid caffeine and alcohol. Special flight socks are also available to help reduce this risk.
NEVER carry ANYTHING for anyone else through customs!! HIV and AIDS infection is a huge risk in many parts of the world. Never, ever, ever, have unprotected
sex or al ow yourself to be injected with a used needle. Take a sterile medical kit with you.
Don't be tempted to hitch hike or take any unnecessary risks.
Don't swim in inland waters unless you know for sure that the water is safe.
Be aware of how you dress. You don't want to offend the local people by dressing inappropriately totheir culture.
Avoid contact with animals, rabies ain't cute!
Public transport systems work differently al over the world and some can seem ridiculously Wear a seat belt / bike helmet when travelling!
complicated! Make sure you know how and where to buy tickets, when and where you can use themand if you need to get them stamped / validated when you use them. A guide book, your Stress and Culture Shock – it's likely that volunteering overseas wil be worlds apart from anything
organisation, or friendly locals can help you.
you've ever experienced before and many aspects of it may be difficult to deal with. If you are findingthings difficult, emotional y or physical y, take a break and relax for a while. Bring some comfortfood, a good book and some music with you. If you can, talk to someone about how you're feeling orwrite it down.
If you are worried about anything when you are abroad cal the 24 hour Worldwide EmergencyMedical Services. Tel: +44 181 763 3123 Fax: +44 181 763 3035 Preparing for your trip!
More detailed health advice for travellers is available from your GP and the websites listed below.
Lots of other institutions give awards to bright young things to help them develop their skil s. For a comprehensive list check The Youth Funding Guide – Nicola Eastwood and The Educational Grants Directory from the Directory of Social Change. They may be available from your local library, or contact the Young Citizens In Action office. Here are a few ideas to start www.fco.gov.uk/travel (for British Passport holders) www.irlgov.ie/iveagh (for Irish Passport holders) Prince's Trust – www.princes-trust.org.uk
Professional Institutions related to your career sometimes offer travel awards to their young members
www.doh.gov.uk/traveladvice & www.doh.gov.uk/hat to help them develop their skil s. E.g. Institute of Mechanical Engineers.
Most universities have limited travel awards available for their students. Your faculty office should be
able to advise.
Charitable institutions like the Rotary Club, Lions International or women's groups - Soroptimists and
BPW sometimes give grants to individuals to volunteer overseas.
Some large commercial corporations may also make a donation for any voluntary project in return
www.travelhealth.co.uk for a bit of publicity. Smal local businesses might be interested if you offer to mention them in anynews articles covering your volunteering. Use your imagination and your persuasive skil s – you have www.interhealth.org.uk nothing to lose by asking! Organise an event and charge people to come – a disco, dinner dance, concert etc. Take advantage (for information on specific countries and vaccinations) of any contacts you have to get cheap venues etc. Organise a car-boot sale; make T-shirts and selthem – whatever you can think of. So long as it's legal of course! Mobile Phones
Speak to your mobile phone company about "International Roaming". You can also rent a mobile
Other websites you might find useful if you are planning time away
phone for the duration of your stay from most mobile telephone companies in the country you arevisiting.
Raising the funds
The cost of an International Volunteering experience may seem a bit daunting to begin with. In some
www.beso.org (British Executive Service Overseas) cases, the charitable organisation may have sufficient funds to cover your flights and accommodation,
but this is rare. In most cases, you wil be asked to cover some, if not al of your own expenses. Don't
let this put you off! - there are plenty of ways to raise money. Here are a few ideas to help you:
Work - perhaps not the most pleasurable way of raising cash but it is certainly effective. If you can'tget a job, persuade your family and friends to pay you for doing odd jobs, or get help running a car wash (ask the local police for permission).
Seek donations – tel your family and friends about your plans, they may wish to help you out. Yourchurch or col ege might have some available funding to help you.
www.globalconnections.co.uk(a guide to religious organisations offeringInternational Volunteering Opportunities) YCIA cannot be held responsible for the content of any website mentioned in this guidebook.
Al information contained in this booklet is correct to the best of our knowledge at time of research forthis booklet. YCIA cannot be held responsible for the change of programme information, charges, addresses etc….
made by any organisation.
Never send money or confidential information before having direct contact with an organisation.
It is the nature of this information that it can go out of date quite rapidly. We therefore advise checking out websites and contact details to make sure costs are similar and the programme is stil operational before making any decisions! Some financial information contained in the fol owing section is in international currency. For a goodcurrency converter see: www.xe.net/ucc Places to go!
What is the length of process of application?
AFS is dedicated to peace through understanding. It is a non-profit association of national You should hear back within one week of applying.
organisations that provide young people from every region of the world with many opportunities forintercultural learning to help people develop the knowledge, skil s and understanding needed to create Is there a deadline for application?
a more just and peaceful world. They offer opportunities for international volunteering and also offer If you wish to take part in the July programme you must apply by the end of February. If you wish to a programme whereby students live with a host family for a year, attending school and becoming take part in the January/February you must apply by the end of September.
involved in the life of the local community.
What is the structure of the programme?
What is the length of the programme?
Application/selection/orientation/departure/orientation and training in country.
AFS offer a 6 month International Volunteer (Community Service) Programme. The Year Programmeal ows young people to live with a host family and attend school for that period of time.
Is there a limit to the number of participants?
No.
Which countries are involved?
AFS has partner organisations in 54 countries worldwide eg Jamaica, Japan, Venezuela, Thailand
Leeming HouseVicar Lane What kind of work is involved?
A variety of programmes are on offer-attending school and getting involved in local community projects to ful -time volunteering or teaching. Projects on offer include ecology, support and trainingfor street children and drug prevention.
Age range?
The Year Programme has an age limit of 15-18. The International Volunteer Programme requires participants to be 18-29.
Are any special skills required?
It is helpful to get language lessons pre-departure.
What does the programme provide?
Food and accommodation is provided by the host family
Flight
Some language learning material
Help in applying to trusts financial assistance
2 week training course in country
Comprehensive medical insurance
Advise and assistance with fundraising
Is there an application fee?
There is a £10 registration fee. The contribution cost for the Year programme is dependent on
parental income and wil be a maximum of £3950. The cost to the International Volunteer Programme
is £2,950 (Check costs with organisation)
involving young people in the community involving young people in the community through volunteering through volunteering Places to go!
(Agency for Personal Service Overseas)
What is the deadline for applications?
A.P.S.O. is the national agency that recruits Irish men and women to share skil s and knowledge with Three campaigns take place throughout the year. If you apply too late for one, you are automatical y people in the developing world, skil s that can be used in the country after their departure in put forward for the next campaign.
developing the economy and administering services.
What is the structure of the programme?
What is the length of the programme?
Initial enquiry card / (if skil s match needs) application form / interview / matching / training / The programme normal y lasts for 2 years. There is also emergency and disaster work for shorter Is there a limit to the number of participants?
Which countries are involved?
Normal y 60/70 applicants are placed in each of the 3 campaigns.
60 countries are involved in the programme-mainly in Africa, to a lesser extent in Asia and CentralAmerica, and more recently in Eastern Europe.
Agency for Personal Service Overseas29-30 Fitzwil iam Square What kind of work is involved?
Dublin 2, Ireland.
Agriculturalists, carpenters, doctors, engineers, mechanics, midwives, nurses, therapists, social workersand teachers are in most demand. People are also needed from time to time in other categories, eg administrators, community workers and architects.
Age Range:
Applicants must be at least 23 years old.
Are any special skills required?
You must have a skil that is needed in a developing country. A recognised qualification is essential
and experience of 2 years is usual y required.
What does the programme provide?
Accommodation
Living al owance which wil support a comfortable but modest lifestyle
Return airfare
A minimum of 2 weeks training in Ireland and further training in country if required e.g. language
A mid-assignment grant
A resettlement grant on your return to Ireland
Insurance
PRSI is covered during placement
Is there an application fee?
No.
What is the length of process of application?
Matching process can take up to 6 months.
involving young people in the community involving young people in the community through volunteering through volunteering Places to go!
(British Trust Conservation Volunteers)
International Conservation Working Holidays
Is there a limit to the number of participants?
There is a limit of 6-12 participants for each holiday.
General details:
BTCV provide working holidays on conservation and environmental projects worldwide that offer
practical understanding and application of conservation techniques.
36 St. Mary's StreetWal ingford What is the length of the programme?
3 to 6 weeks.
Which countries are involved?
Costa Rica, France, Portugal, Canada, Iceland, Hungary, Turkey, Romania, Norway, Japan, Greece, U.S.A., Italy, Australia, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Thailand, Spain.
What kind of work is involved?
A broad range of conservation and environmental projects are on offer, for example creating a nature
trail in Japan, turtle monitoring in Thailand, radio-tracking wolves in Slovakia or tree planting in
Spain.
Age range?
Participants must be over 18 years.
Are any special skills required?
Not usual y, although some holidays do require experienced volunteers.
What does the programme provide?
Food and accommodation
Insurance
Travel is sometimes included in the programme fee
Is there an application fee?
£25 deposit sent with application. Programme fee varies widely depending on project. For example,
the fee for the woodland management programme in Japan is £1000 including flight, while the fee for
tree planting in Spain is £210, flight not included. (Check costs with organisation)
What is the length of process of application?
1 week.
Is there a deadline for application?
You must apply at least 2 weeks before you intend to leave.
What is the structure of the programme?
Booking form +£25 deposit/confirmation + information/ful payment/final details/ departure.
involving young people in the community involving young people in the community through volunteering through volunteering Places to go!
What is the length of process of application?
Concern Worldwide is a non-denominational voluntary organisation devoted to the relief, assistance It can take several months for a suitable assignment to be identified.
and advancement of people in need in the less developed countries of the world. Concern Worldwide'semergency and long-term programmes are financed and operated in partnership with local bodies, Is there a deadline for application?
international agencies and national governments. Applications are welcome throughout the year.
Concern Worldwide also offers salaried posts to those with relevant overseas experience.
What is the structure of the programme?
What is the length of the programme?
Application/preliminary interview/appointed to a panel from which vacancies are fil ed as they Normal y 2 years, although short-term contracts of 3-6 months are available for suitably experienced arrive/training/departure/in country induction + orientation/placement/on return "exit interview" personnel to work on emergency and relief programmes.
Is there a limit to the number of participants?
Which countries are involved?
21 countries throughout Africa, Asia and the Caribbean are involved in the programme.
Concern Worldwide What kind of work is involved?
Concern Worldwide recruits qualified nurses and midwives, environmental health officers, natural resource specialists, social and community workers, experienced administrators, social and community workers, accountants, mechanics, engineers, nutritionalists and teachers. Other skil s are occasional yneeded that do not fal into these categories, so it's worth contacting the organisation to discuss this.
+ 44 28 90 331100 + 44 28 90 331111 Age range?
Participants must be over 21 years of age.
Are any special skills required?
In the majority of cases a 3rd level qualification is required
Minimum of 18 months post-qualification experience.
What does the programme provide?
Accommodation and food
Flights
Smal monthly al owance
Pre- and post-assignment medical check-up and vaccines arranged
Before departure you wil receive a smal al owance as contribution towards clothing and personal
items you may need while overseas
2-4 weeks training (and al costs associated with this)
in country induction and orientation including language training
Life, accident and medical insurance
Social/National Insurance maintained
Is there an application fee?
No.
involving young people in the community involving young people in the community through volunteering through volunteering Places to go!
Organisation: CONCORDIA (YSV) International Volunteer Project
Is there a limit to the number of participants?
Concordia is a registered charity with links to over 30 other volunteer project societies throughout Yes. Some projects accept only one person. It's a matter of first come, first served. There are a Europe-places volunteers in International Voluntary work camps, with the hope of promoting better greater number of projects running in the summer months.
understanding between young people across cultures and thus makes a positive contribution towardspeace.
What is the length of the programme?
Restrictions apply to some projects, for example: 2-3 weeks. Projects mostly take part in the summer months, but the programme for Spring/Winter is for projects in North Africa applicants must be 20 or over, have a good level of French and be continual y growing.
experienced travel ers.
Applicants for projects in Turkey should be confident independent travel ers Which countries are involved?
Projects take part worldwide: In European Union, Eastern Europe, the former Yugoslavia, Morocco,
Concordia (YSV) Ltd Tunisia, Japan and U.S.A.
20-22 Heversham HouseBoundary Rd What kind of work is involved?
Participants work in community-based projects, including archaeological digs, building and conservation, social, children's camps, teaching camps, cultural/Arts and construction Age range?
18-30 in general, although age limits vary from country to country. There is a limited number of places for 17 year olds in Germany and France.
Concordia also organises places on Working Guest/Farm schemes in Switzerland for up to 2 months
Are any special skills required?
between March and October, or in Norway al year round for 1-3 months. Food and accommodation Some placements require competent relevant language skil s-usual y those with a social bias.
provided. Earn daily or weekly wage! Some placements require experience of travel ing Experienced volunteers are required as leaders. Food, accommodation and travel expenses paid! No
registration fee! Leaders must be over 20.
What does the programme provide?
Accommodation and food (very basic)
Training, if necessary, on project
Basic accident, il ness and 3rd part insurance while on the project
Social activities may be organised, depending on individual project
Is there an application fee?
There is a registration fee of £75.
Other Expenses:
Very varied.
What is the length of process of application?
Less than a week.
Is there a deadline for application?
Not as such, but some projects fil up quickly, so apply early.
What is the structure of the programme?
Application/preparation day for East and Central European placements, and First Time Volunteers
(optional)/placement/training on project.
involving young people in the community involving young people in the community through volunteering through volunteering Places to go!
Organisation:COUNCIL-AUSTRALIA WORK AND TRAVEL
Is there a deadline for application?
The Australia Work and Travel Programme al ows you to experience the wonders of Australia first- Apply as soon as possible, at least 10 weeks before you plan to depart, with the £295 programme hand for up to 12 months, taking casual employment to support yourself along the way, under the Australian government Working Holiday Visa.
What is the structure of the programme?
What is the length of the programme?
Application/departure/orientation on arrival Is there a limit to the number of participants?
Which countries are involved?
There is a limit to the number of visas issued, so apply early.
Anywhere in Australia.
What kind of work is involved?
Participants must hold a British, Irish, Canadian or Dutch passport and currently reside in the U.K. or Anything you like.
Ireland. Participants must have no dependent children and cannot have been on a working holiday toAustralia previously.
Age range?
You must be aged between 18-30 years when you make your application.
Council Exchanges52 Poland Street Are any special skills required?
What does the programme provide?
Forms, information and guidance needed to obtain visa Pre-departure orientation materials Access to budget flight Transport from airport to hostelFirst 2 nights accommodation in Sydney hostelComprehensive orientation on arrivalDirectory of employers and job-finding assistanceVIP backpackers membershipAccess to resource centre and 24 hour emergency support.
Is there an application fee?
There is a programme fee of £320. (Check costs with organisation)
Other Expenses:
Return flight to Australia costs £500 to £700.
Council Insurance ranges from £50 to £315 depending on length of stay.
You wil need evidence of access to £2000 funds, inclusive of airfare.
What is the length of process of application?
6-9 weeks
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COUNCIL - INTERNSHIP CANADA
Council on International Exchange Internship Canada offers students the opportunity to undertake up to 12 months of course-related work Work Exchanges Department experience in Canada.
52 Poland StLondon What is the length of the programme?
Up to 12 months.
Which countries are involved?
Anywhere in Canada.
What kind of work is involved?
Anything related to your course.
Age range?
Participants must be aged between 18 and 30 years.
Are any special skills required?
Participants must hold a U.K. or Irish passport.
Participants must be ful -time students in U.K. at HND level or above, or gap year students with an
unconditional offer of a place on such a course.
Participants must have secured a ful -time work placement in Canada directly related to their studies
before submitting an application.
What does the programme provide?
Assistance in obtaining Work Authorisation
Social Insurance number wil be organised through Student Work Abroad Programme
Pre-departure orientation materials
On-going support services throughout stay, including 24 hour emergency support.
Is there an application fee?
Around £150.
What is the length of process of application?
Approximately 8 weeks.
Is there a deadline for application?
Applications must be submitted 6 weeks prior to leaving.
What is the structure of the programme?
Secure ful -time work placement in Canada/apply to Council/placement.
Is there a limit to the number of participants?
No.
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COUNCIL-JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching)
What is the length of process of application?
Council JET programme provides 1 year renewable contracts teaching English throughout Japan.
Approximately 1 month.
What is the length of the programme?
Is there a deadline for application?
1 year. Contracts are renewable for a further 2 years by mutual consent.
Al necessary documentation must reach JET Programme Desk by early December. Late or incompleteapplications wil not be pursued.
Which countries are involved?
Japan
What is the structure of the programme?
Application/interview (Jan/Feb)/submit JET Certificate of Health (April)/receive information, Japanese
What kind of work is involved?
language textbook and tapes (May)/3-day orientation in London (mid-July)/departure (late July).
More than 90% of participants are employed as assistant language teachers in Japanese secondaryschools, where they help with classes taught by Japanese teachers of English (JTE), assist in Is there a limit to the number of participants?
preparation and training of JTE's, and participate in extracurricular activities. There are also vacancies as Co-ordinators for International Relations (CIR), for applicants with good written andspoken Japanese. These posts involve assisting in local government offices with international activities Participants cannot have lived in Japan for 3 or more of the last 10 years nor be a former participantof the programme.
Age range?
Participants must be under 35 years of age.
Address:
JET Programme Desk
Are any special skills required?
Council on International Educational Exchange Hold a Bachelor's Degree in any subject Hold a UK passport Excel ent written and spoken English ALT's : TEFL is useful but not requiredCIR's: functional Japanese sufficient for daily work in an office environment is required What does the programme provide?
Help finding accommodation Return flightAccident insurance providedWage of 3,600,000 Yen per annum, sufficient for al normal expenses for single person.
Orientations in London and TokyoJapanese language books and tapesIn country supportWork visa.
Is there an application fee?
No.
Other Expenses:
Mandatory health and pension fund: 40,000 Yen
Accommodation costs range from 30,000 to 70,000 Yen per month. (Check costs with organisation)
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COUNCIL-SUMMER STUDY IN U.S.A
What is the structure of the programme?
This programme offers the opportunity to attend a prestigious American university during the summer Decide on university and course/application and £250 deposit to Council/pay remainder to (UCLA or UC Berkley). You wil live on campus in an international environment, attending summer session classes and meeting people from the U.S.A. and from al around the world.
Is there a limit to the number of participants?
What is the length of the programme?
No, but some courses fil up.
Up to 10 weeks.
Council on International Educational Exchange Which countries are involved?
What kind of work is involved?
A diverse range of courses are on offer.
Age range?
Are any special skills required?
Some courses require certain perquisites to ensure you have the proper ability to do wel in a
particular course.
What does the programme provide?
Accommodation and food
8/10 weeks of tuition
Health insurance
Is there an application fee?
No.
Other Expenses:
Programme administration fee: £100
Mandatory insurance:
University Package Cost (includes tuition fees for 1 course, accommodation, meals and studentservices): £1185-£3390Visa fee (required if >8 hours study credit): £35. (Check costs with organisation) What is the length of process of application?
2/3 days.
Is there a deadline for application?
Applications are accepted until 1 month before the start of the session, although late applications may
be accepted depending on visa requirements. It is advisable to apply early to ensure accommodation.
involving young people in the community involving young people in the community through volunteering through volunteering Places to go!
COUNCIL-TEACHING IN CHINA
Is there a deadline for application?
The Teaching in China Programme provides individuals with the opportunity to take part in both the The application deadline for August departures is usual y in May. For February departures the academic and extra-curricular activities of a Chinese col ege or university with the support and advice application deadline is general y in November. Apply wel in advance to ensure you have plenty of time to gather the documentation necessary to submit a complete application and to ensure you get aplace on the programme.
What is the length of the programme?
The programme lasts 5-10 months.
What is the structure of the programme?
Application/selection/flight/7 day residential basic TEFL, cultural orientation and language
Which countries are involved?
Is there a limit to the number of participants?
What kind of work is involved?
Participants work to improve the English of Chinese col ege and university students who already havebasic English skil s.
Teach in China ProgrammeCouncil on International Educational Exchange Age range?
London. W1F 7AF.
Are any special skills required?
Applicants must hold a bachelors degree in any discipline, and have an excel ent level of written and spoken English.
What does the programme provide?
Placement
Comprehensive pre-departure programme handbook, information and advice.
Visa al owing you to work in China
Place on Council group flight to China
7 day residential training and orientation course
Transportation to orientation site and from there to orientation site
Healthcare at heavily discounted Chinese rates
Return airfare on completion of 10 month contract.
24 hour emergency support
Local salary that is high by Chinese standards. (It is possible to save money.)
Is there an application fee?
Programme fees start from £625 for a 5 month teaching contract.
Other Expenses
Flight for 10 month programme: approximately £360.
Return flight for 5 month programme: approximately £650. (Check costs with organisation)
What is the length of process of application?
2/3 weeks.
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COUNCIL - WASHINGTON SEMESTER and
SUMMER SEMESTER WORK AND STUDY PROGRAMMES
Is there a deadline for application?
Deadlines for each term in November, March and May.
Late applications may be considered if places are stil available.
The programme provides an excel ent opportunity to experience the excitement and prestige of livingand working in the capital city of America, combined with receiving high quality tuition at the What is the structure of the programme?
Application and deposit/confirm application and pay balance/pre-departurematerials/flight/orientation meeting in Washington.
What is the length of the programme?
Work and Study Programme: up to 3 months
Is there a limit to the number of participants?
Washington Semester Programme: 6 weeks in the summer, 3 months for semesters beginning in January and September.
Council on International Educational Exchange Which countries are involved?
Washington, U.S.A.
What kind of work is involved?
Study and unpaid internship in the fol owing areas: politics, economic policy, business, media and
communications, justice and law, arts and humanities.
Age range?
Are any special skills required?
University student or graduate
Need a letter of recommendation from professor, academic advisor or employer
What does the programme provide?
Accommodation and most meals
Tuition and enrolment fees
Unpaid internship 3 days a week
Academic counsel ing
Student activity fees
Emergency back-up
Is there an application fee?
No.
Other Expenses:
Yes, contact the organisation for further details.
What is the length of process of application?
At least 6 weeks.
involving young people in the community involving young people in the community through volunteering through volunteering Places to go!
ENGLISH LANGUAGE CLUBS IN ISRAEL
What is the length of process of application?
This project is an initiative of the Community Centres Association in Israel to encourage the use of English by young people. It is part of a project to expose young Israelis, aged 11-15, to Englishduring their school career. The British Council supplied 125 volunteers and ran 40 clubs throughout Is there a deadline for application?
Israel, impacting approximately 4,000 Israeli children in one year.
Yes, general y 1st May.
What is the length of the programme?
What is the structure of the programme?
About 6 weeks.
Application/briefing session in London/3-day orientation/training session on arrival inIsrael/placement/2-day trip around Israel.
Which countries are involved?
The clubs are spread out over the whole of Israel.
Is there a limit to the number of participants?
Yes, around 120 per year.
What kind of work is involved?
Volunteers help the Israeli young people to practise their knowledge and understanding of English,
through a variety of task-based activities, songs, games, drama/role-play etc. The programme wil Education and Training Group involve social, cultural and outdoor activities. General y the work day is from 8am to 1pm. At the The British Council end of the Club's programme, the British Council wil take the volunteers on a 2-day tour of Israel.
10 Spring GardensLondon SW1A 2BN +44 (0) 20 7389 4030 +44 (0) 20 7389 4033 Are any special skills required?
A-level standard of education Experience in youth work or some involvement in youth organisationsSelf-reliant, enthusiastic, energetic and ready to accept a chal enge!Experience of teaching English as a foreign language would be an advantage.
What does the programme provide?
Board and lodging with host family
3-day orientation/training session on arrival in Israel
2-day tour of Israel
Flight
Briefing session in London
Health insurance wil be covered by the Matnassim Association-this does not however cover pre-
existing conditions, dental care and pregnancies.
Is there an application fee?
Successful applicants wil be asked to contribute £125 towards the airfare and the airport tax.
Other expenses:
Volunteers wil have to meet the costs of local travel to and from London
Pocket money for incidental expenses
Travel and health insurance to cover emergencies and personal belongings.
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Organisation: EUOPEAN VOLUNTARY SERVICE (EVS)
Is there a deadline for application?
E.V.S. offers young people the opportunity to spend a period in another country and get involved in a Deadlines are dependant on type of project.
local project as a volunteer. It also al ows a wide range of different organisations to work togetherand build European partnerships by exchanging volunteers What is the structure of the programme?
Application/meet sending agency for preparation/receive information and training/ flight/training on
What is the length of the programme?
arrival/placement/support on return.
Long-term projects last 6-12 months. Shorter-term experiences last from 3 weeks to 3 months.
Is there a limit to the number of participants?
Which countries are involved?
The 15 E.U. member states, Norway and Iceland. What kind of work is involved?
Participants must be legal y resident in E.U., Norway or Iceland.
Youth exchanges, youth initiatives, periods of voluntary service, study and feasibility visits, practicaltraining experience, training courses, and seminars. Opportunities include working with children, young people, the elderly and the disabled, social action, youth information and conservation.
Education and Training GroupThe British Council Age range?
10 Spring Gardens Are any special skills required?
+ 44 (0) 20 7389 4030 No, it is the objective of the programme to promote participation of young people who have fewer + 44 (0) 20 7389 4033 opportunities than others for social, economic, cultural, ethnic or geographical reasons or due to a What does the programme provide?
International Officer Accommodation and food Youth Council for NI Living expenses/pocket money Preparation Training (intercultural and language course) Project to work in Personal support (hosting organisation provides a mentor) Certificate explaining your involvement in project Support on your return with job hunting, further training etcContacts with experienced groups Is there an application fee?
No.
What is the length of process of application?
It varies.
involving young people in the community involving young people in the community through volunteering through volunteering Places to go!
Is there a deadline for application?
Frontier expeditions offer the chance of a once-in-a-lifetime experience which wil chal enge your No, projects run throughout the year.
practical, physical and mental abilities. Frontier field staff are a combination of ex-volunteers andhighly qualified field scientists with a great deal of experience of living and working in remote field What is the structure of the programme?
locations. Together you wil work in a remote, beautiful and often unexplored part of the world, Application/ interview/offer pack within week/residential/placement leaving with the satisfaction that you have contributed in a practical way to its long-term survival.
Is there a limit to the number of participants?
What is the length of the programme?
Yes. There are 4 projects each year, with a limit of 20 participants per project.
There are 3 month and 6 month programmes on offer.
Which countries are involved?
50 – 52 Rivington St Countries in Africa and the Far East e.g. Vietnam, Tanzania and Madagascar.
What kind of work is involved?
Conservation work e.g. tracking elephants in Tanzania or discovering new species in the Vietnam
+ 44 (0) 20 7613 2422 + 44 (0) 20 7613 2992 [email protected] or [email protected] Age range?
Are any special skills required?
Participants should be able to work as part of a team.
What does the programme provide?
Training alongside local students on Wildlife Officers Training Programme
Field and project requirements
Visa
Residential briefing weekend
Advice on fundraising
Is there an application fee?
No.
Other Expenses:
Volunteers raise money to cover al individual field and project costs:
3 month project costs: £2,450
6 month project costs: £3,500
Flight costs vary depending on destination. As a participant in the programme, you wil be entitled to
cheap flights.
Insurance costs approximately £50. (Check costs with organisation)
What is the length of process of application?
Varies, general y about 10 days.
involving young people in the community involving young people in the community through volunteering through volunteering Places to go!
GAP ACTIVITY PROJECTS
General details: Gap Activity Projects is and educational charity with over 25 years experience of
Is there a deadline for application?
organising voluntary work placements overseas for U.K. school leavers in the year before they enter Participants must apply during their final year at school or col ege-the earlier the better.
higher education, training or employment.
What is the structure of the programme?
What is the length of the programme?
Application/ interview/ accept offer (pay deposit)/information pack/fundraising/receive details/settle Programme lengths vary, typical y lasting 5-6 months and additional travel is actively encouraged.
balance/GAP briefing, meet other volunteers/ T.F.L. training in London if necessary/ departure(general y late Summer to Spring).
Which countries are involved?
Over 30 countries worldwide e.g. South Africa, Australia, Fiji, Israel, Japan and U.S.A.
Is there a limit to the number of participants?
The organisation currently sends over 1300 young people from the U.K. each year.
What kind of work is involved?
Assisting with general activities in schools, caring work, conservation work, hospital work, outdoor
activities and conservation.
Participants must have British passport (or be from Northern Ireland with Irish passport).
Age range?
Gap Activity Projects Participants must be 18 at start of placement.
GAP House44 Queen's Rd Are any special skills required?
General y not, for some placements knowledge of Spanish, German or another European language is necessary. A deferred Higher Education place is essential to get visa to U.K. and Canada.
What does the programme provide?
Accommodation and food provided by host Living expenses and pocket money except in some placements e.g. South Pacific.
T.F.L. Training in London if necessary.
InsuranceVisit from project manager while on placement.
Fundraising ideasMay be possible to receive some financial aid-participants are assessed individual y.
Is there an application fee?
There is a registration of £35. A deposit of £75 is required on offer of placement.
The balance of £440 is to be paid 2/3 months before departure.
If T.F.L. is required there is an additional fee of £120-£190.
Other Expenses:
Expenses vary depending on destination and length of programme e.g. 4 -12 months in Germany up
to £1000, 4-5 months in Vietnam over £1500 (including registration and administration fees, airfare
and insurance). Visa costs range from £20 to £200. (Check costs with organisation)
What is the length of process of application?
Approximately 6 weeks. After interview it takes approximately 2 weeks for an offer to be made.
involving young people in the community involving young people in the community through volunteering through volunteering Places to go!
Is there a deadline for application?
For more than 10 years World Chal enge Expeditions had been organising individual and group Selection courses are held throughout the year, but apply early to guarantee a place. There are expeditions to some of the most remote and exciting places on earth, offering adventure for those departures in January, March and September.
taking a year out.
What is the structure of the programme?
What is the length of the programme?
Application/2 day selection course/2/3 day U.K. skil s training course/placement/ in country support The Gap Chal enge general y lasts 3-6 months. There is also the Ultimate Chal enge programme, a from Gap Chal enge representative/depending on placement may receive 4-15 days additional month long expedition which can be built into Gap Chal enge or used to kick-start an independent training on arrival.
Is there a limit to the number of participants?
Which countries are involved?
Numbers may be limited-the conservation programmes in particular tend to be popular. Apply early India, Tanzania, Canada, South Africa, Malawi, Australia, Belize and Ecuador.
to avoid disappointment.
What kind of work is involved?
Mainly teaching, also work with elderly, disabled, conservation, community projects, and ranches or Not eligible for the programme in South Africa if you have already graduated.
cattle stations in Australia. There is the opportunity for paid hotel work in Canada.
To participate in the Canadian programme applicants must be between school and university with theoffer of a HND place, or in the year of leaving university.
World Chal enge Expeditions Black Arrow House Are any special skills required?
What does the programme provide?
Ful y researched work placement Living expenses and insurance are provided for Ultimate Chal enge but not Gap Chal enge www.worldchal enge.co.uk FlightU.K. skil s training courseIn-country support from Gap Chal enge representative, often including induction courseOrientation and money-management session24 hour emergency back-up systemTrying to introduce more group-organised fund-raising Is there an application fee?
The selection course costs £50 to attend.
Other Expenses:
Cost of the programme ranges between £1500 to £2600-this often does not include induction or
accommodation costs. In general accommodation costs and extra £25 to £45 per month.
(Check costs with organisation)
What is the length of process of application?
Varies-you should hear from Gap Chal enge after 2 weeks.
involving young people in the community involving young people in the community through volunteering through volunteering Places to go!
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Habitat for Humanity Northern Ireland (HFH NI) is a cross-community, Christian, self-build housing There is no fee. However, some team leaders require a deposit to secure a place on a team. charity that builds simple, affordable homes in partnership with low-income families and volunteers.
Details can be made available at the point of initial contact.
HFH NI is not just about building houses; it aims to empower individuals, restore hope and rebuildcommunities – both social y and economical y – by building houses for ownership with people in need.
Length of application:
HFH NI was established in Belfast in 1994 as a local branch of Habitat for Humanity International.
An application form must be submitted to the international department. This is then forwarded to the Since 1976, Habitat for Humanity International has built more than100,000 houses in over 80 appropriate team leader who may fol ow up the application with an informal interview. Deadline for application:
More than 1.5 bil ion people, almost 25% of the world's population, live in substandard housing or Varies according to date of departure of team. Most teams are ful 7-9 months prior to departure.
have no home at al . HFH works in partnership with families in need of shelter to build simple, decenthomes. HFH doesn't build houses for people; it builds with people. It works together with Structure of the programme:
homeowners and volunteers to construct houses, using donations of money, land and materials.
The global vil age programme is managed and supported by the International Department within HFHNI. Each global vil age team has designated team leader/s who are responsible for the team and al The global vil age programme is a short term volunteer opportunity to go and build in one of the plans, preparations and team fundraising. Team leaders are supported by the international nations around the world where HFH has building programmes. Global vil age trips raise awareness department staff. about the burden of poverty housing and what HFH is doing to eliminate substandard housing GV teams form 7-9 months prior to departure date. Team members are expected to attend team worldwide. The programme gives participants a unique opportunity as they work alongside families in meetings, training and participate in team fundraising events. need and help build their homes. Each team benefits the host community by providing humanresources and contributing construction funds. Limit to number of participants:
There are a limited number of spaces on each team. HFH recruit approximately 300 team members
Length of Programme:
each year for global vil age trips. At present, it works on a first come first served basis. Places fil up GV trips usual y last 1-3 weeks.
very quickly so get in early to avoid disappointment.
HFH works in over 80 countries throughout the world. Teams can go to any country that is able to International Programme Officer on 028 9024 3686 & [email protected] host an international team.
Habitat for Humanity Northern Ireland Age Range:
638 Springfield Road Participants can take part as individuals on open teams or as a group from an organisation, church or school on a closed team. You need to be a minimum of 18 years old (16 if you are participating on a closed team). As long as you are in good health there is no age limit [They had over 70 year olds onteams!) Special skills required:
You do not need any construction experience. However, you do need to be in good health and be wil ing to participate as part of a team.
What does the programme provide?
The programme facilitates teams working alongside local volunteers, building homes with families in
need and experiencing first hand HFH's global ministry. Living and working with an international
project is often a life changing experience providing the opportunity to learn about the host
community's customs and economic situation at a grass roots level.
involving young people in the community involving young people in the community through volunteering through volunteering Places to go!
H.E.L.P. (Humanitarian Educational Long-Term Projects)
Is there a limit to the number of participants?
H.E.L.P. is a student society formed in Edinburgh University in 1990. The organisation aims to work Dependent on camps.
together with communities, helping them to realise their goals for development, to create opportunitiesfor students to develop new skil s and a wider perspective on the world we live in, and to fosterinternational understanding through friendship, trust and respect.
H.E.L.P. (Scotland)60 The Pleasance What is the length of the programme?
Camps last 4-10 weeks.
Which countries are involved?
Philippines, Nepal, India, Ecuador and Mexico.
What kind of work is involved?
Construction, teaching, conservation.
Are any special skills required?
No.
What does the programme provide?
Accommodation
Living expenses
Training
Advice /assistance with fundraising
Is there an application fee?
£200
Other Expenses:
Flight=£500
Visa=£30
(Check costs with organisation)
What is the length of process of application?
One month.
Is there a deadline for application?
January 21st.
What is the structure of the programme?
Application/selection/induction day/ fundraising/placement.
involving young people in the community involving young people in the community through volunteering through volunteering Places to go!
INTERNATIONAL SERVICE (UNAIS)
Is there a deadline for application?
International Service aims to promote self-reliance, justice and development in 3rd World communities through partnership with local organisations. IS acts in response to requests for skil s that are notavailable local y. IS project workers pass on their skil s to local people, strengthening their efforts to What is the structure of the programme?
improve their situation, and leave behind them something of lasting value to the communities and Application/1day selection process in York/training/placement.
organisations with which they work.
Is there a limit to the number of participants?
What is the length of the programme?
Yes, as agreed at strategy planning level. IS recruits for around 30 posts each year, covering an Two years minimum.
enormous range of development related activities.
Which countries are involved?
International Service Brazil, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Mali and West Bank/Gaza.
Hunter House57 Goodramgate What kind of work is involved?
Work in the areas of special needs, agricultural production, human empowerment, health promotion, healthcare, environmental protection and water resources, income generation, employment creationand institutional capacity building.
+ 44 (0) 1904 647799 + 44 (0) 1904 352353 Age range?
Are any special skills required?
Language
Degree
At least 2 years relevant experience.
What does the programme provide?
Accommodation
Living al owance
Flight
Visa
Outfit and resettlement grants
Training
Healthcare
Advice/assistance with fundraising
National Insurance contributions
Is there an application fee?
No.
What is the length of process of application?
2-6 weeks.
involving young people in the community involving young people in the community through volunteering through volunteering Places to go!
INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTARY SERVICE - NI (IVS)
Is there an application fee?
I.V.S. offers opportunities to take part in international work camps, which bring together people from Membership fee £20 waged, £10 unwaged. different countries, cultures and backgrounds to live and work together on short-term projects thatbenefit local community or voluntary groups. Other voluntary opportunities are available, including wider international experiences and longer-term Registration fees. projects: Medium and Long-Term Volunteering, and Africa/Asia/Latin America Exchange Programme Camp: waged £35, unwaged £25. Medium and Long Term Volunteers: £35 waged, £25 unwaged. What is the length of the programme?
Aid to Africa: £50 Work camps; 2/3 weeks Other expenses are very varied depending on programme and destination. Medium Term Volunteering: 3-6 months (Check costs with organisation) Long Term Volunteering: minimum 6 months What is the length of process of application?
Which countries are involved?
Varied. Medium and Long Term Volunteering applications take the longest to process.
Europe, U.S.A., Australia, Canada, Africa and Russia. Is there a deadline for application?
What kind of work is involved?
Medium and Long-Term Volunteering operates on a rol ing year system.
The work offered is very varied: anti-racist and ethnic minorities work, 3rd World solidarity projects, Africa/ Asia/ Latin America Exchange Programme deadline is the start of February.
peace-camps, work with people with special needs, environmental work, Arts and Culture etc Deadline for application to workshops is April/September.
Age range?
What is the structure of the programme?
Participants must be over 18, or over 21 for Exchange Programmes or Aid to Africa programme.
Application/orientation work camp/overseas placement/evaluation work camp.
Are any special skills required?
Is there a limit to the number of participants?
In the main no special skil s are required. For some placements knowledge of host language, office skil s or driver's licence may be required.
For the Aid to Africa programme it is preferred that applicants have international work camp Int. Voluntary Service N.I. or Voluntary Service Int.
122 Great Victoria St 30 Mountjoy Square What does the programme provide?
Medium and Long Term Volunteering:Accommodation and food Pocket money (sometimes) Sometimes travel is paid for Work camps:Insurance while in campAccommodation and boardAid to Africa:Accommodation and foodTraining in Dublin pre-departureSome programmes come under European Voluntary Services for 18-25 year olds, if so al costs arecovered.
While participants in the projects are covered by a basic insurance policy, I.V.S. recommends you takeout your own before travel ing.
involving young people in the community involving young people in the community through volunteering through volunteering Places to go!
Is there a deadline for application?
Internship USA gives students/recent graduates the opportunity to train in USA in a position directly No, the programme operates on a rol ing year system.
related to your studies and future career.
What is the structure of the programme?
What is the length of the programme?
Find placement/application/apply for J-1/placement.
Up to 18 months.
Is there a limit to the number of participants?
Which countries are involved?
Yes, approximately 1200 from U.K.
Internship U.S.A.
What kind of work is involved?
Council on International Educational Exchange Work in a field directly related to your course of study and future career.
52 Poland St.
London Age range?
Participants must be over 18.
Are any special skills required?
Must be a ful -time student in U.K. at HND level or above, or a graduate thereof starting an internship within 12 months of completing their studies.
Must have secured a ful -time placement in U.S. in a field directly related to your course of study and future career.
You must be able to finance the entire visit either through payment from employer or other means.
Council also offer a UK/US Career Development Programme, which enables UK professional to What does the programme provide?
undertake up to 18 months of career-related training in the US.
Pre-departure orientationAdvice and 24-hour emergency support in U.S.
Competitive airfare from council travelLegal sponsorship to get J1Ful insurance Is there an application fee?
Dependant on length of programme.
£225 for up to 2 months, plus approximately £30 for each additional month.
Other Expenses:
Flight costs vary from £358 to £700.
Visa: £30
(Check costs with organisation)
What is the length of process of application?
Approximately 6-8 weeks.
involving young people in the community involving young people in the community through volunteering through volunteering Places to go!
Is there a limit to the number of participants?
Kibbutz Representatives offer a great and inexpensive way to visit Israel and take part in a unique, Not usual y.
alternative lifestyle-live on a Kibbutz and share in the work and Kibbutz lifestyle.
1a Accommodation Rd What is the length of the programme?
Minimum of 2 months, maximum of 6 months.
Which countries are involved?
00 44 181 458 9235 00 44 181 455 7930 What kind of work is involved?
Work of a physical nature in agriculture, industry and in the service areas (kitchen, laundry, diningroom etc), 6-8 hours a day, 6 days a week.
Age range?
18-32 years.
Are any special skills required?
Must be in good physical and mental health.
What does the programme provide?
Accommodation and food
An al owance for personal needs and toiletries
Further travel post-placement can be arranged through office at discounted prices.
Is there an application fee?
There is a £60 registration and administration fee.
Other Expenses:
Open return flight from London start at approximately £270. Work visa costs £10.
(Check costs with organisation)
What is the length of process of application?
3/5 weeks.
Is there a deadline for application?
Placements for the summer months are in very short supply, so apply early, before March. Placements
are available throughout the year.
What is the structure of the programme?
Application/interview/selection/orientation/placement.
involving young people in the community involving young people in the community through volunteering through volunteering Places to go!
MILLENNIUM WORLD YOUTH AWARDS
(VSO & PRINCES TRUST)
Name will change to International Volunteer Exchange
Award winners are asked to raise a target of £500.
in the next couple of years.
(Check costs with organisation) What is the length of process of application?
Mil ennium World Youth Awards is an exchange programme that provides young people with a You wil need to refer to more detailed information from the organisation.
unique opportunity to work with young people from a developing country.
Is there a deadline for application?
What is the length of the programme?
Exchange programmes start 3 times a year in January, April and September. In order to take part in 6 months: 3 months in the U.K., and 3 months overseas.
a particular exchange, you must apply 4 months in advance.
Which countries are involved?
What is the structure of the programme?
61 of the world's poorest countries in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, the Pacific and the Caribbean.
Assessment Day in London/3 day training course in Birmingham/programme begins with team-building 4 day training course/3 months UK/3 months overseas.
What kind of work is involved?
Participants work in groups made up of 8 young people from each country, forming a complete group
Is there a limit to the number of participants?
of 16. The group wil live and work for 3 months in a community in the UK and for 3 months in a developing country. Participants wil live in pairs with local families, and work in pairs with communityorganisations for 4 days a week, coming together for a team day on the fifth day.
Possible restrictions:
Must be able to obtain UK passport
317 Putney Bridge Rd Are any special skills required?
Wil ingness to work with other people (+44)20 87 807200 (+44)20 87 807200 What does the programme provide?
Medical examinations and vaccinations before beginning programmeMedical treatment and vaccination costs while overseasTravel costsVisasPre-departure trainingAccommodation and food throughout 6 month exchangeBasic al owanceInsuranceSupport Is there an application fee?
No.
involving young people in the community involving young people in the community through volunteering through volunteering Places to go!
THE PRINCE'S TRUST
What is the structure of the programme?
The European Programme helps young people who are finding life particularly difficult (as a result of Application/assessment by local volunteer/help choosing project/placement.
unemployment, poverty, discrimination, family breakdown, homelessness or a personal crisis) gainconfidence, self-esteem and skil s by offering a range of European opportunities to those that would Is there a limit to the number of participants?
normal y be excluded from them.
What is the length of the programme?
The Princes Trust-Action There are a number of grants available for different types of programmes, Lengths range from 2-6 18 Park Square East weeks overseas.
Which countries are involved?
Countries throughout Europe.
(Freephone 0800842842) What kind of work is involved?
Go & See programme involves building projects and exchanging skil s and ideas with their European Go & Help programme involves social or environmental work.
Go On programme involves the development of local projects as wel as the overseas experience.
Enroute programme involves foreign language training and voluntary work placement.
Work Away involves employment in the UK and a 6 week placement in Europe.
Are any special skills required?
No.
What does the programme provide?
Living and travel ing costs of up to £350
Flight
Is there an application fee?
Need to check further information.
Other Expenses:
Check further details from organisation.
What is the length of process of application?
Check with the organisation.
Is there a deadline for application?
Check with the organisation.
involving young people in the community involving young people in the community through volunteering through volunteering Places to go!
Is there a deadline for application?
Raleigh International aims to develop young people through chal enging community and environmental There is no deadline for applications, but they need to be in about 3 weeks in advance of assessment projects in developing countries around the world. Their Youth Development Programme offers young weekend dates.
people who have had few opportunities in life a progressive programme including an overseasexpedition. Those who are vulnerable due to a combination of financial, social or personal What is the structure of the programme?
circumstances are specifical y addressed.
Application/assessment weekend/placement.
Youth Development Programme: Application/assessment weekend/residential training week/support What is the length of the programme?
workshop/10 week expedition fol ow-up 1 week residential/ long-term support Overseas placements are for 10 weeksThe Youth Development Programme lasts one year Is there a limit to the number of participants?
Not in general, although the number of places on the Youth Development Programme is limited to 150.
Which countries are involved?
Countries may include Belize, Chile, Ghana, Mongolia, Namibia and Oman.
Raleigh InternationalRaleigh House What kind of work is involved?
27 Parson's Green Lane A wide range of placements are on offer including environmental, community and construction work.
You could be working in a national park or diving on the barrier reef to assess pol ution damage.
Age range?
+ 44 (0) 20 7371 8585 17-25. Individuals over 25 are required to staff expeditions.
+ 44 (0) 20 7371 5116 Are any special skills required?
What does the programme provide?
Raleigh International Accommodation (could be camping) 79 Botanic Avenue Living expenses/pocket money Medical insuranceAdvice and assistance with fundraising Is there an application fee?
There is a £25 application fee. Those on the Youth Development Programme do not pay this.
Other Expenses:
There is a fundraising target of £2995, £600 if on Youth Development Programme.
What is the length of process of application?
Varied.
involving young people in the community involving young people in the community through volunteering through volunteering Places to go!
Red R relieves suffering in disasters by selecting, training and providing competent and effective Training fees (including tuition, accommodation and meals) per person per day personnel to humanitarian relief agencies worldwide. To this end, it recruits suitable people with the Ful fee (for participants with institutional support and those who can afford it): £120 right qualifications and aptitudes to a register. These people are then offered high quality training and Reduced fee (no institutional support): £60 preparation. On request members of Red R are assigned in the short-term to humanitarian relief Special fee (for Red R members who cannot afford above): £30 agencies, before returning to their usual employment.
What is the length of process of application?
What is the length of the programme?
You wil be notified as soon as possible if any place becomes available, at least 3 weeks before course Minimum of 2 months abroad.
Which countries are involved?
Is there a deadline for application?
Disaster areas worldwide.
What kind of work is involved?
What is the structure of the programme?
Red R provides professional, non-medical relief personnel to humanitarian aid agencies. Relief Application with C.V./ interview/ training/ relief work workers help to provide for vital needs such as safe water, food, sanitation, power and shelter. Forexample, refugee site reconnaissance in Albania or hygiene promotion in Uganda.
Is there a limit to the number of participants?
No. Participants are placed on a registrar and cal ed as the need arises.
Age range?
Participants must be above 18.
Red Engineers for Disaster Relief1 Great George St Are any special skills required?
Several years work experience. Overseas experience is desirable but not compulsory, especial y with younger applicants. Proven technical expertise in one or more of the fol owing areas: -Water, Sanitation or Environmental Health -Construction, Road and Bridge Engineering -Mechanical, Electrical and Communications Engineering -Environmental Management-Logistics and Transport Management-Project Management and Needs Assessment-Accountancy and Financial Control-Office ManagementThey are also interested in hearing from candidates with other skil s appropriate to disaster relief.
What does the programme provide?
Choice of training courses to effectively prepare relief workers e.g. emergency sanitation, water
treatment and distribution.
Is there an application fee?
There is no membership fee, but members are invited to give a voluntary members donation
(suggested level £50)
involving young people in the community involving young people in the community through volunteering through volunteering Places to go!
What is the structure of the programme?
Skil share Africa places qualified and experienced personnel to work in southern Africa to improve the Application/selection/briefings and medical.
situation of local communities by sharing skil s and breaking the cycle of dependence.
Is there a limit to the number of participants?
What is the length of the programme?
General y 2 years.
Skil share Africa Which countries are involved?
Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Swaziland and Namibia.
What kind of work is involved?
Business advice, engineering, community development and medical work.
+44 (0) 116 254 1862 +44 (0) 116 254 2614 Age range?
info@skil share.org Participants must be aged 21-63 years.
www.skil share.org Are any special skills required?
Must be qualified to at least HND level
Must have at least 1 years post qualifying experience
Requests are usual y for higher level qualifications plus 2 years experience, preferably including
training of others.
What does the programme provide?
Accommodation
Flight
Some language training in country
Medical insurance
National Insurance Contributions
Work permit
Participants receive monthly al owance in currency of country, which wil support a reasonable
standard of living, and also a smal home savings al owance
May be possible for your partner or children to accompany you, if so Skil share Africa wil pay for
flights and medical cover.
Is there an application fee?
No
What is the length of process of application?
5-9 months.
Is there a deadline for application?
No.
involving young people in the community involving young people in the community through volunteering through volunteering Places to go!
THE SPIRIT OF ENNISKILLEN
Is there a limit to the number of participants?
This programme enables young people to travel to other countries where they gain first hand Yes. There is a limit of 50 young people and 10 co-ordinators.
experience of how people from different cultures learn to live together and cope with conflict anddiversity. Participants wil identify ways in which they might contribute to the creation of a more tolerant and pluralist society.
Participants must be resident in Northern Ireland.
What is the length of the programme?
Spirit of Enniskil en Trust The programme is of 8 months duration. The international visit lasts 2/3 weeks.
97 Malone AvenueBelfast Which countries are involved?
Other countries dealing with division e.g. Cyprus, Croatia/Bosnia, Germany and the U.S.A.
What kind of work is involved?
Participants learn to cope with conflict.
Age range?
Participants must be 16-19 years old.
Are any special skills required?
No.
What does the programme provide?
Accommodation
Flight
Healthcare
Advice /assistance with fundraising
Is there an application fee?
No.
Other Expenses:
Participants must raise minimum £150 contribution to overal cost of programme.
What is the length of process of application?
Participants wil hear back by January.
Is there a deadline for application?
General y mid-December.
What is the structure of the programme?
There is an 8 month programme of induction.
Application (Dec) /short-listing and interviews (Feb) / induction and planning / 2-3 weeks
international travel / evaluation residential.
involving young people in the community involving young people in the community through volunteering through volunteering Places to go!
What is the structure of the programme?
Springboard is a cross-community, cross-border programme, formed in 1992 in response to an Initial training/overseas placement: training and work/complete training.
existing need among young unemployed adults in West Belfast, Greater Shankil and Tal aght for highquality training. The international phase provides individuals with an opportunity to train and gain Is there a limit to the number of participants?
practical work experience while broadening horizons.
There are 9-11 programmes each year, and there are 16-20 participants in each.
What is the length of the programme?
The programme lasts 4 months, 1 month pre-departure phase, 2 months overseas and 1 month on You must be unemployed and live within target area. If you have previously taken part in a Wide Horizons programme you cannot apply.
Which countries are involved?
U.S.A., Canada and Europe.
Kyrenia House108-112 Royal Avenue What kind of work is involved?
There are 3 different programmes: Options: in which you get to do a placement of your choiceSkil s: here the placement is dependent upon the skil s you wish to develop e.g. to develop skil s in sales, a tourism or IT placement may be offered.
Directions is a shorter programme for younger individuals: it offers personal development training incorporating 2 weeks overseas in another community to see how organisations operate-no work is actual y involved.
Age range?
17-21 for Directions and 18-28 for the other placements.
Are any special skills required?
No.
What does the programme provide?
Accommodation
Flight
Visa
Receive equivalent to benefits while overseas
Training
Healthcare
Is there an application fee?
No.
What is the length of process of application?
Varied.
Is there a deadline for application?
No, operates on a rol ing year schedule.
involving young people in the community involving young people in the community through volunteering through volunteering Places to go!
SUDAN VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME (SVP)
Is there a deadline for application?
SVP recruits volunteers to teach English in Sudan. This is a wonderful chance to help young people, to Only for the summer programme that begins mid-July, should apply by mid- May.
learn about a society that is both sophisticated and unique, and to live and travel in a country amongthe friendliest in the world.
What is the structure of the programme?
Application/selection interview (1-2 hours)/briefing/departure
What is the length of the programme?
The commitment is for 3 months with a flexible start date and with the possibility of extension if
Is there a limit to the number of participants?
mutual y agreed, except for the summer programme for which the minimum is 2 months (or more if Sudan Volunteer Programme Which countries are involved?
Sudan. Sometimes other locations can be arranged.
What kind of work is involved?
Teaching English, general y in schools and universities.
Age range?
Are any special skills required?
Graduate or undergraduate
Native English speaker
Sensitive, tolerant and adaptable with good communication skil s
Able to work on own initiative
What does the programme provide?
Accommodation
Insurance
Living expenses
Briefing in UK before start of project
Is there an application fee?
There is a £5 administrative fee.
Other Expenses:
Flight: approx. £430
SVP recommends bringing some money of your own.
Travel expenses in the UK for selection interviews and briefing
Training
What is the length of process of application?
About 2 months, can be less for the summer programme.
involving young people in the community involving young people in the community through volunteering through volunteering Places to go!
UNIPAL-UNIVERSITIES' TRUST FOR
EDUCATIONAL EXCHANGE WITH PALESTINIANS
What is the structure of the programme?
Application/interview weekend/3 training days/placement.
General details:
UNIPAL seeks to facilitate a two-way process of education, providing English language teaching in
Is there a limit to the number of participants?
Palestinian refugee camps and introducing British students to a knowledge and understanding of the Yes, there are approximately 26 places.
situation and daily lives of refugees.
What is the length of the programme?
Summer voluntary work 4-5 weeks. It appears they have cut down on long-term volunteering lasting 1 year, although it may be returning.
Which countries are involved?
West Bank and Gaza Strip, Palestinian communities in Lebanon.
What kind of work is involved?
Teaching English to school children aged 12-15 years, with an emphasis on art, craft, games, musicand drama. Sometimes additional teaching with older students or with women's groups.
Age range?
Minimum age of 20.
Are any special skills required?
TEFL, TESL or teaching experience are an advantage but not necessary
Previous work with children is an advantage.
What does the programme provide?
Accommodation and food.
Preparation requires background reading about the Middle East. Reading list is provided
Training
Placement
Is there an application fee?
No.
Other Expenses:
Flight: around £375
What is the length of process of application?
Short-listed applicants are usual y interviewed in March.
Is there a deadline for application?
End of February.
involving young people in the community involving young people in the community through volunteering through volunteering Places to go!
VOLUNTARY SERVICE OVERSEAS (VSO)
What is the length of process of application?
VSO is the largest independent volunteer sending charity worldwide, placing volunteers in around 55 It can be 4 months to 1 year between applying and arriving overseas.
developing countries worldwide to share their skil s and experience.
Is there a deadline for application?
What is the length of the programme?
There is none.
Placements general y last 2 years, although there are some shorter term placements of 6-12 months.
What is the structure of the programme?
Which countries are involved?
Application/selection/assessment day/matching to suitable placement/training /overseas/further Countries in Africa, Asia, the Pacific, the Caribbean and Eastern Europe.
training if necessary.
What kind of work is involved?
Is there a limit to the number of participants?
VSO offer placements to professionals from a remarkably wide range of disciplines. Major areas of work include educational, health, technical work such as engineering, agriculture, social, and businessdevelopment.
Possible restrictions:
Must be an E.U. national, or have right of re-entry to U.K., Netherlands or Canada.
Age range?
Participants must be 20-70 years old.
Voluntary Service Overseas (V.S.O.) 317 Putney Bridge Road 122 Great Victoria Street Are any special skills required?
Relevant qualification Postgraduate experience (general y, though not always, a minimum of 2 years).
Good health (+44) 20 8780 7200 (+44) 20 8780 7200 What does the programme provide?
Modest living al owanceReturn flight (Aged 17 - 25. Ask about VSOs 10 - 12 month Youth for Development Programme) VisaPre-departure training course, including language and adaption trainingFor those on 2 year placement: grant of £500 before going overseas, midway grant of approximately£300 and return grant of £1,500 to help resettle and find employment. For shorter placements theseare offered on a pro-rata basis.
National Insurance contributions paid by V.S.O. while overseasMedical expenses and personal accident insurance policiesV.S.O. contributions to pension scheme on your behalfTraining overseas if necessaryIn case of emergency at home, return flight is paid for compassionate leave in specific circumstancesIt may be possible to fund flights and medical expenses for spouses and dependent children.
Support network on return home Is there an application fee?
No.
involving young people in the community involving young people in the community through volunteering through volunteering Places to go!
YOUTH FOR BRITAIN (YFB)
Is there a limit to the number of participants?
Youth for Britain sets out to make it easier for young people to become involved in worthwhile and chal enging volunteering. The computer based guidance system provided the UK's most comprehensiveinformation on volunteer projects for young people. The system matches volunteer requirements Worldwide Volunteering against those of volunteer organisations. Volunteers enter a range of personal criteria: who or what cause they would like to help, desired location and start date of project, time available, financial and any disability consideration etc. Youth for Britain's search then provides a tailor-made list of matching organisations, giving ful contact and address information, project details, activities involved, when and how to apply, interview details if relevant, medical requirements and qualifications.
What is the length of the programme?
+44 (0) 1963 220 036 1 week to 1 year.
+44 (0) 1963 220 036 Which countries are involved?
Projects take place throughout the UK, and in over 200 countries worldwide.
What kind of work is involved?
A wide range of opportunities are available.
Age range?
16-25 years.
Are any special skills required?
Not necessarily, this wil be up to the organisation you volunteer with.
What does the programme provide?
Wil vary according to placements.
Is there an application fee?
For a covering charge of £15 YFB wil run a search on the basis of a questionnaire completed by the
volunteer.
Other Expenses?
Again this wil vary according to the placement. Contact YFB to find out more details.
What is the length of process of application?
Should receive your information by return post.
Is there a deadline for application?
No
What is the structure of the programme?
No universal structure.
involving young people in the community involving young people in the community through volunteering through volunteering Places to go!
YOUTH EXCHANGE CENTRE
What is the structure of the programme?
Youth Exchange Centre promotes exchanges of young people between the U.K. and other countries by Group submit grant application form/selection/funding/exchanges.
granting aid to groups of young people who host or visit a partner group of young people fromanother group on a programme of joint activities. Preference is given to those who would not Is there a limit to the number of participants?
normal y have the opportunity to take part in a constructive international experience. The exchange must be 2-way.
What is the length of the programme?
• Must be a member of organisation or association A minimum of 7 days in country excluding travel.
• Must be 8-30 young people in the group.
Which countries are involved?
Anywhere in Europe, U.S.A., Japan and Commonwealth. Currently developing exchanges with Israel,
Youth Exchange Centre For Commonwealth Exchange: Gazza/West Bank and China.
The British Council Commonwealth Youth Exchange Council What kind of work is involved?
10 Spring Gardens The projects should be constructed around a programme of activities. These can focus on a particular Tremadoc Rd.
theme, be about the local community, or be broadly based on youth issues. What is important is that people from both groups conduct it jointly.
Age range?
Participants must be 15-25 years. Two leaders over 25 are also required per group.
(+44) 20 7930 8466 (+44) 20 7839 6347 Are any special skills required?
What does the programme provide?
Accommodation and meals
Flight
Grants
Advice/assistance with fundraising
Insurance
Living expenses
Additional support can be offered for projects that involve the UK and 2 or more members' states of
the E.U.
Is there an application fee?
No.
What is the length of process of application?
Approximately 12 weeks.
Is there a deadline for application?
Applications accepted al year round.
involving young people in the community involving young people in the community through volunteering through volunteering Places to go!
YOUTH FOR EUROPE GROUP EXCHANGES
Is there a deadline for application?
The programme was established to promote youth exchanges between E.U. member states, and to give Apply very early in the planning process. Systems of calendar deadlines are fixed in the Youth for support to those working with young people. Groups funded under the scheme wil be encouraged to Europe programme. These are updated regularly. Partner organisations may be under some pressure fol ow programmes with a "European Dimension" and priority is given to young people who would not to meet these deadlines. Applications must be submitted to the Regional Committees at least 12 weeks normal y have the opportunity for an international experience.
before the visit takes place.
What is the length of the programme?
What is the structure of the programme?
Exchanges last 6-21 days, while individual voluntary placements range from 3 weeks to 1 year.
Apply to local office/selection/visit from organisation may be required/exchange.
Which countries are involved?
Is there a limit to the number of participants?
E.U. member states and countries in and Central and Eastern Europe, Mediterranean Basin and Latin Yes, as funds are limited.
What kind of work is involved?
Participants must be residing in E.U. or Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland Youth exchanges, youth initiatives, periods of voluntary service, study and feasibility visits, practical Must belong to group or organisation working with young people training experience, training courses and seminars.
Groups must consist of 16 - 60 participants including organisersThere are no resources for exchanges involving the youth wings of single political parties.
Connect YouthEducation and Training Group Are any special skills required?
The British Council 10 Spring GardensLondon What does the programme provide?
Accommodation and foodAssistance with travel costs, although these costs may not be ful y met +44 (0) 20 7389 4030 Grants towards living expenses ≠44 (0) 20 7389 4033 Advice/assistance with fundraising Contacts with experienced group Is there an application fee?
No.
Other Expenses:
Expenses are very varied, depending on where you wish to go.
What is the length of process of application?
It varies.
involving young people in the community involving young people in the community through volunteering through volunteering young citizens in action
• Promote young people as a positive force within society through practical examples of Active Citizenship • Provide a forum whereby the voice of young people is expressed and valued• Promote equality of opportunity amongst young people who volunteer• Promote access to volunteering and improve the quality and range of opportunities offered to al young people • Enable young people to inform and influence government policy• Raise awareness of volunteering opportunities offered to young people from under-represented areas involving young people in the community • Chal enge stereotypical images of young people and volunteering in society through volunteering • Identify and overcome barriers to young people volunteering, through research • Recognise individual achievement.
Young Citizens In Action believes: - This publication was created, researched and put together by young volunteers from the Young CitizensIn Action Programme, with an interest in and/or experience of International Volunteering.
• Young people are a resource to society and not a problem.
• Respect for young people is the key hal mark of citizenship.
Young Citizens In Action, a VSB initiative, is a youth led programme which aims to resource and • Each individual is unique and therefore should be free from labels.
support young people aged 16-30 who are involved, or would like to become involved in volunteering.
• Young people involved in the planning, implementation and evaluation of al aspects of youth work.
Young Citizens In Action works with young people around the themes of: • Creation of safe environments where young people are valued resourced and supported throughout their involvement.
• Young people are of equal value with adults.
• Young people should have as much control over their lives as Community Relations adults should.
• Young people have as much to say as adults, over decisions that • Young people have the right to chal enge adult values and have the Youth Information right to say no.
Giving young people the opportunity to: For further information on the Young Citizens In Action Programme, or on volunteering opportunitiesthrough VSB, go to our website at: www.youngcitizens.org.uk • Participate in local, national and international volunteering experiences Alternatively give us a cal on 028 90 200850 to find out how you can become involved.
• Develop their own ideas into volunteering projects• Understand, act and take control of the personal, social and political issues that affect • Be part of a young person's Management Committee, which oversees Young Citizens In Action • Participate in Peer Education programmes• Take part in a variety of accredited training opportunities to enhance personal and career development • Participate in social activities and engage in team building events.
involving young people in the community involving young people in the community through volunteering through volunteering This publication was produced with sponsorship from:
The European Youth Programme, supported by the European Commission, through the Youth programme administered by Connect Youth International.
wish you
were here?
The Pilgrim Trust VSB Smal Grants Scheme And by young volunteers from: design doghouse 028 9187 3655
involving young people in the community through volunteering Young Citizens In Action • Voluntary Service Belfast 70 - 72 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 6AF T: 028 9020 0850 F: 028 9020 0860 E: info @vsb.org.uk W: www.youngcitizens.org.uk www.vsb.org.uk

Source: http://youngcitizens.volunteernow.co.uk/publications/item/21/