Description

Become a Partnership Volunteer and learn a culture from the inside while doing valuable service, peer to peer, in a stimulating new environment. Equally important are the benefits your host community will derive from welcoming you and from the skills and experiences you'll bring.

As a Partnership Volunteer you'll work side by side with local people in any of fifteen host countries and experience the benefits of language immersion, cultural orientation and ongoing program support. Most programs also include homestays - a great way to meet people and learn about the local culture.

Assist with a rural development project, volunteer in a health clinic, help teach English, work with children - the possibilities are almost endless! Whatever your skills or experience, an exciting, life changing opportunity awaits you. Programs in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ghana, Great Britain, Guatemala, Ecuador, India, Ireland, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, South Africa, Turkey and the US. Offered by the participating members of Federation EIL, the worldwide network of The Experiment in International Living.

Highlights

What You Can Expect

* Pre-departure and on arrival orientation to the life and culture of your host country, as well as travel, health and safety precautions.
* Carefully selected homestay - long recognized as the best way to learn about and appreciate a new culture.
* Individualized language training (where appropriate)
* Active involvement in the daily life of your community.
* Volunteer placement selected with your skills and the needs of the local community in mind.
* A new community of friends and colleagues.
* Development of intercultural skills and competence.
* A support network consisting of staff, mentors and local advisors who are available throughout the program.
* Carefully developed system of communication and support in the event of emergency.
* A sense of service and personal accomplishment.
* Opportunities for cultural excursions and travel.
* End of program evaluation and certificate of participation.

Qualifications

While specialized training is not usually required, we look for many qualities that make a successful VIP volunteer:

* Maturity
* Flexibility
* Common Sense
* Enthusiasm
* Reliability
* Sensitivity

Your host community will benefit most from your sincere commitment and open-minded curiosity about local culture and individual lives.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Varies depending on country

Program Fees Include:

Most countries provide access to language instruction, if needed, and many include it in the program fee. Medical insurance is the responsibility of the participant. Travel to the host project is typically included in the fee, but personal excursions are not. For more exact details, see the host country pages on our website and consult with your sending country office.

Salary/Pay

No stipend provided - costs vary depending on the program.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Open, flexible, interested in working with and learning from others.

Age Range

18 and older, except US citizens who must be 19

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Scholarships are Available

Consult your outbound sending office to see if scholarships are available for your country.

Application Process Involves

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone/Video Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Resume
• Written Application

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Volunteers for International Partnership's Mission Statement

Volunteers for International Partnership offers each international volunteer an opportunity to learn a culture from the inside while doing valuable community service, peer to peer, in a stimulating new environment. VIP is committed to: *Careful selection and preparation of the volunteer, host family and Host Organization. *Emphasis on the education and self-awareness gained through international community service and volunteering. *Planning the volunteer's intercultural experience to highlight enrichment from cultural differences. *Full immersion in the host culture through orientation, language training, worksite and housing selection. *Individualization of volunteer placement design to take full advantage of volunteer differences in skill, age, experience and diversity. *Effective evaluation of the experience and the Host Organization. *Strong efforts to enhance the volunteer's social adjustment to regional habits and customs. *Choosing volunteer service projects that are worthwhile, safe, meet the needs of the local community and are conducted responsibly with regard to environmental, social and local issues.