Description

Looking for a unique cultural volunteering experience? All you need is a passion for teaching and helping others, and a placement with GeoVisions' Conversation Partner in Turkey. This comprehensive program allows you the free time you want to explore and experience the country in depth while volunteering 20 hours each week in exchange for free room and board. Conversation Partners tutor adults enrolled in community center classes.

The Need: Volunteer 20 hours a week helping students with Conversational English. This Community Center is located in the Kadikoy district of Istanbul. (Kadikoy is the residential and business center of the Asian side of Istanbul.) The Center offers courses on careers, technical classes and other adult education classes to the general public. The goal of the center is to provide public, professional course to help the local community in job enhancement and to help establish their own businesses. Additionally, the center offers classes that try to preserve Turkish traditional music, folk dance and handcrafts. There are also language courses and conversation groups to help people learn and practice foreign languages.

Highlights

Benefits:
* Travel for less.
* You put in a few hours each day literally talking, and the rest of your time is spent traveling and experiencing the culture in depth.
* Tip the advantage to you by enhancing your resume by volunteering as a Conversation Partner. Job: "Language Tutor." References: Global. It just doesn't get any better than that.
* Exclusive materials written by GeoVisions staff will give you "a bag of tricks" as you engage your new "students". Resume and cover letter services FREE for two months via Pongo Resume.
* Exclusive materials written by GeoVisions staff will give you "a bag of tricks" as you engage your new "students". Premium membership in the esl-lounge FREE to Conversation Partners.
* Join our Facebook Fan page or our Facebook Conversation Corps Group and begin the conversation now. And when you come back, our Returnee network is a great place to share your experiences.

This is a high-energy and fun position. GeoVisions provides the materials; you provide the personality to liven up an informal conversation class! Find out first-hand how Turkish people live and work day-to-day. Sometimes there are opportunities to take part in activities. Plus, the locals can show you landmarks and hidden gems.

Qualifications

Conversation Partner volunteers must be native English speakers. They need to have earned a college diploma and be in good health. Placements are available year 'round and are for four weeks.

Minimum Education

Associates

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please visit our website for current prices.

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

* Personalized Volunteer Placement at the center in Istanbul, including all the coordination, in-person visits and communication necessary with the local organization.
* Your orientation by a local coordinator.
* A comfortable, safe place to live in Turkey, your own private room, all of your meals, and transportation from the airport. If you do not live on-site, or within walking distance of your tutoring site, transportation will be provided.
* An experienced U.S. based GeoVisions Program Manager (and former volunteer with GeoVisions) who will serve as your coordinator and liaison with our partner's in-country staff in Turkey.
* In-country basic language assistance and (optional) language classes.
* Professional, locally-based staff to provide orientation, supervision and guidance throughout your stay.
* Extensive medical, accident and dental insurance along with emergency evacuation insurance.
* Important documents, including in-depth pre-departure packs, orientation information, and all in-country informational materials.
* Country-based airport transportation.
* A toll-free 24-hour emergency hotline in the U.S.
* Our own text book.
* Premium membership at the ESL-Lounge.
* Two-months membership at Pongo Resume.
* The President's Volunteer Service Award including a lapel pen, letter from the President of The United States and certificate.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Academic Reinforcement
• Community Centers
• Public Education
• Teaching
• Tutor
• Volunteering

Age Range

21+

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Transcript

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

GeoVisions's Mission Statement

GeoVisions is committed to help individuals develop global skills to succeed in the twenty-first century. These skills will ultimately lead to greater cooperation and understanding among nations and peoples of the world. We are committed to treating every person on a GeoVisions program with respect, and devoting our energies to helping participants meet their individual and collective goals.

Year Founded

2001