Description

SEEDS hosts International work camps (short-term voluntary service projects) focused on environmental conservation and cultural issues.

Since 2006 SEEDS has hosted around 3200 international volunteers from 60 different countries. Our projects are located in every corner of the Icelandic map! Between 4 and 20 committed individuals, from (between 3 and 12) different countries make up each work camp.

We have diverse types of projects: We work on environmental, nature, outdoors and agriculture related issues in Drangajökull, Hornstrandir, the Langanes Peninsula Thórshöfn, Akranes, Patreksfjörður, Reykjavík & Bláfjöll. Projects that are mainly environmentally oriented may involve ecological research, removing invasive plant species, building walking paths or hiking trails, cleaning up the coastline, planting trees for reforestation and erosion control works, constructing or renovating community buildings, monuments, community centers, etc.

Some of our work camps are directly related to festivals and artistic, cultural or sports gatherings as in Patreksfjörður, Kvikmyndahátið - Film Festival, Hafnarfjörður, Vikingahatio - Viking Festival, Akraneskaupstaour - Írskir dagar, Irish Days!, Patreksjörður - Hiking & Culture Festival, Dalvík - Fiskidagurinn Mikli (Great Fish Day, Reykjavik: Hinsegin Dagar, Menningarnótt & Maraþon (Gay pride, Cultural night and the Marathon) and for the RIFF - Reykjavík International Film Festival. In the cultural/festival related projects, SEEDS helps organize happenings and takes part in events.

Activities developed by SEEDS include:
* International work camps
* Long/Medium term Voluntary Service
* Exchanges
* Seminars, training sessions
* Practical and language training.

We bring together volunteers from different nationalities and backgrounds with the aim of building international understanding and encouraging peace while working for an identified need. All parties involved benefit: the individual volunteers, the local hosting communities and Iceland as a whole! Through working on certain projects, SEEDS addressed social and environmental concerns, promoting intercultural learning.

Many of our participants want to visit Iceland and get to know the country from a different perspective, being able to interact with locals and at the same time dedicating some of their time to support particular projects and addressing specific needs of the hosts.

SEEDS works closely with local communities, their administration or authorities and with other Icelandic associations. Jointly we develop projects aimed at fulfilling identified needs or helping in the development of particular actions that are already being undertaken.

Highlights

SEEDS gathers groups of 4 to 20 international volunteers, for two week projects where these volunteers live and work together addressing an identified need.

Volunteers socialize and work with the local people and at the same time have the unique opportunity to experience Iceland in a different way. Usually our camps are located in places of extreme beauty and most of the activities are performed outdoors.

Qualifications

* We would like volunteers applying for our projects to be motivated to work with international groups on mostly conservation and cultural related projects.
* Enthusiasm and interest for engaging people, and working in teams is essential for volunteering.
* Particular interest in environmental issues as in sustainability might be very useful when developing the activities for the groups.

The work involved in each project:
* Might be physically demanding and a reasonable level of physical fitness and health is required.
* Can be intensive and very demanding so patience is required.
* Includes a lot of outdoor activities. As weather conditions in Iceland are variable and often cold, we recommend that volunteers bring warm, waterproof clothes, comfortable work clothing, and sturdy walking/hiking shoes/boots.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 150 - 400 (EUR 120 - 300)

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• Registration fees
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

The participation fee paid to SEEDS Iceland covers administrative work, full board and lodging for the duration of the project and some free time activities organized for volunteers. Usually in our projects we also include an "Environmental Messenger", who is in charge of developing environmental awareness in the projects, depending on the interest of the volunteers.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Volunteers taking part in SEEDS projects are mostly between the ages of 18 and 30. These volunteers are willing to have an enriching intercultural experience with the other participants and the Icelanders. Many of our participants want to visit Iceland and get to know the country from a different perspective, interacting with locals and at the same time dedicating some of their time to support particular projects and addressing specific needs of the hosts. While mingling with Icelanders, volunteers want to learn about the local culture and have the opportunity to build friendships; additionally, they develop new skills working under unfamiliar surroundings.

Age Range

18+. No upper age limit

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 8 to 20

Application Process Involves

• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

5 working days

SEEDS Iceland's Mission Statement

SEEDS aims at promoting respect for cultural diversity, mutual understanding and environment protection through activities which empower, promote and aid people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds to take effective citizen actions in order to build opinions and take positions about our active role in the future development of the world in terms of peace, tolerance, cross-cultural learning and sustainability.

Year Founded

2005