Description

There is a wealth of discovery to be explored throughout the Maasai community: people, history, customs, traditional food, etc. Many travelers wish to visit a small community and learn firsthand about the hidden cultural treasures. It has been a formidable challenge for the communities to prepare brochures and organize tours by themselves. Volunteers offering their creativity and guidance are welcome to assist a Maasai community with developing cultural tourism programs which can generate income and improve the living standards for everyone in the group.

Highlights

The diversity within Tanzania is stunning. the country is home to over 120 ethnic groups, the equatorial snows of Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti plains teeming with wildlife, and the white sand beaches of Arab and Indian influenced Dar es Salaam. ELI works with organizations within three distinct communities in Tanzania: the Meru Community in the village of Tengeru on the flanks of Mt. Meru, the multicultural city, Dar es Salaam, and the Maasai community in the village of Elkurot north of Arusha town.

Please note that Maasai projects are only for the most adventurous travelers. Conditions are extremely basic. Volunteers working in Maasai Land will stay in a local style mud hut, a typical Maasai abode. Maasai host families do not have running water or electricity.

This is a rare opportunity to experience a traditional way of life that is quickly changing.

Qualifications

Participants in this program must be extremely adaptable and flexible self starters. A background in marketing is a big help.

Intern Types

• Anthropology
• Sales
• Tourism

Languages

• English
• Swahili

Cost in US$:

Starting at USD 795 for two weeks

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Registration fees
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

* Pre-departure Support: ELI's staff is very knowledgeable and happy to help volunteers and interns to prepare for their travels.
* Airport Pickup: Volunteers are met at the Kilimanjaro airport and provided with transportation to the volunteer house
* In-country Orientation: Each volunteer program starts with a two to three day orientation which covers important topics on the logistics of living and working in Tanzania, city tours, and help with transportation.
* In-country Staff Support: ELI's Tanzania coordinator has years of experience working with visitors to Tanzania. He is very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency.
* Accommodations: Volunteers will stay with a Maasai family in their traditional kraal or homestead. The accommodations are very basic. Host families do not have running water or electricity, and subsist off a simple diet. Participants must be prepared to adapt to the local conditions.

Experience Required

yes

Participants in this program should have some marketing experience. Tourism related experience is a big help as well.

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

There is no typical ELI volunteer. We work with people from all over the world and a variety of backgrounds. ELI has placed volunteers ranging in age from 18-81. Successful volunteers are flexible, upbeat, energetic, and inquisitive.

Age Range

18 and over

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

ELI-Experiential Learning International's Mission Statement

ELI's full name, Experiential Learning International, reflects our philosophy. We believe that the most compelling life lessons come through experience, and that international experiences are among the most profound influences on our sense of self and our view of the world. ELI facilitates flexible international learning programs for independent travelers by partnering with local organizations to give participants the opportunity to experience and contribute to sustainable ongoing local projects throughout the world.

Year Founded

2001