Description

Activities include renovating a cultural centre...working in National Parks and Reserves...helping set up a Fairtrade festival... These are just some of the volunteer opportunities available through Concordia in Italy

What is Concordia?
Concordia's aim is to encourage international youth exchange as a means of promoting personal development, greater cultural awareness and international understanding.

What are International Volunteer Projects?
International Volunteer Projects bring together individuals from around the world to participate in two to four week projects. Volunteers work as part of an international team to support community-based initiatives that would not be possible without their help.

What types of project are there?
Over 1500 projects take place every year so there is a wide range of options to choose from. Generally projects fall into the following categories: environmental; construction; renovation; archaeology; agriculture; working with children or youth; social work; working with people with special needs; arts or culture; festival work; and teaching.

Why do an international volunteer project?
To experience different cultures, ideas and beliefs and also share your own...to work alongside local people in local communities, thus gaining a real insight into their country, cultures and traditions...to learn new skills and broaden your horizons...to meet new people and explore new places...to be part of a global movement working towards equality and peace between all people...to make a difference even when you only have a short amount of time to spare.

The main short term programme for the summer, with projects in over 60 countries world wide, is available on our website every year at the end on March. Opportunities are available in winter and spring as well. If you want more information don't hesitate to contact the office.

Highlights

"Working on the project was a unique experience. I hope to do many more. Everyone should be a volunteer!" (Ruth Simister, Festival project in Italy).

"As I really didn't know what to expect about my trip, everything came as a little bit of a surprise. I wasn't prepared for how beautiful the surrounding countryside could be, how welcome we could be made to fell by the local community or how mixed and interesting the fellow volunteers would be. The most satisfying part of the trip was probably communicating with people from different parts of the world and realizing something through a joint effort" (Rebecca Teulet, Italy)

Seen a side of Italy not found in a guidebook. Italian life with its food, energy and culture hits you with force (Liz Woabank, environmental project, Italy)

Qualifications

Volunteers must be resident in the UK in order to apply. Generally no specific skills or experience necessary although real motivation and commitment to the project are a must.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

180 GBP and volunteers pay their own travel. Food and accommodation are provided on the project.

Salary/Pay

Inquire for more details.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

...someone with a few weeks to spare who would like to do something worthwhile and fun while meeting other like-minded young people from around the world.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

5-7 working days

Concordia's Mission Statement

Concordia is a small not-for-profit charity whose aims are to bring people together from different countries to help break down cultural stereotypes and promote greater international understanding and peace.