EIL UK - Travel Abroad

Group Travel to Australia

Rosie — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:13:11 +0000

EIL are offering a new opportunity for 15 - 19 year olds to travel to Australia next summer. The programme involves staying with a host family, learning about the cultutre and way of life in Australia and sight-seeing.

For more information about this exciting programme see Groups Outbound - Australia

Group Travel to Thailand

Rosie — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:30:12 +0000

EIL, in conjunction with a local Malvern charity, offer opportunties for group travel to Thailand.

These programmes are open to individuals and groups of people interested in volunteering in Thailand and in learning more about the culture of this diverse and beautiful country.

For more information about these groups click here.

Malvern Charity offers fully funded travel opportunity to disappointed A Level Students

Rosie — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 15:00:24 +0000

‘A’ level students who have lost out on their places at university and who are unable to find a job should take heart. EIL Cultural Learning, a charity based in Malvern, has EU funding for 50 young people aged 18 plus to travel to Europe on work experience which should enhance their CV’s.

These Leonardo da Vinci placements are part of the EU’s Lifelong Learning Programme which aims to skill up and encourage mobility within Europe’s workforce. There are opportunities to work in environmental conservation, youth and community work, sports and outdoor activities, as well as in cultural and educational organisation.

Placements are available in Spain, Portugal, Italy and Hungary and last from 2 weeks to 13 weeks. They start from September and are completely free to the participants. Flights, accommodation, food, pocket money and an excellent support structure are all paid for. There is no need to speak the language as all placements have English speaking staff and language training is included.

For more details please contact Lauran Jones on 01684 562577 or email her at l.jones@eiluk.org.

“what have you done today to make you feel proud?!”

Rosie — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 10:57:29 +0000

“Red Shirts are burning government buildings in Ubon- violence could spread, so please stay at your project, avoid town centres and crowds"

Laura Clayson, an EIL sponsored volunteer to Thailand, has sent a newsletter about her experiences and the volunteer work she is doing.

Read her newsletter here

July newsletter published!

Rosie — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:36:33 +0000

Read the latest news from EIL here.

New projects in Gloucester and Worcester.
2 new medical / health programmes added
American groups in the UK
Host family information

Two new Medical / Health Programmes announced!

Rosie — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 09:55:40 +0000

New for Summer 2010, two new Medical / Health programmes have been developed.

You can now work in a hospital in the Galapagos Islands or in Sri Lanka

Follow the links above to find out more about these new programmes or go to Medical /Health Programmes to see the full range of opportunities available.

First group of volunteers arrive in Chile!

Rosie — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 07:39:29 +0000

We have just received information from our partners in Chile about the first group formed to participate in the Earthquake Relief Programme:

"We are extremely happy with the volunteers' willingness and flexibility for this first program that started on July 4th. After completing a week of cultural immersion, planning and some practical campaigns in Santiago, they started their journey to Pichidegua loaded with fresh fruits, potatoes and some other elements that they collected in local markets in Santiago. Local authorities and the community were expecting their arrival. Pablo our EIL Chile program coodinator has been with them and supoported the volunteers all the time. Host families in Santiago were also very enthusiastic about hosting the volunteers and helped them through the first week to get used to local life.... This week volunteers start the hard work hand by hand with local authorities and with the help of other people who have joined us in this effort to rebuild trust, the sense of identity and territory among locals. "

A second group will be travelling to Chile on August 8th to continue the work started by this group. If you think you could be part of this group see Chile Earthquake Programme for more information.

Erika - volunteer to Morocco

Ann — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 10:10:06 +0000

June 2010. Erika - a new volunteer - has gone to Morocco to volunteer at a school for all ages in Rabat. She has this to say about her experience so far:

"Finally here I am after my first 2 weeks in Morocco. I am very pleased with the association on both professional and personal level. I appreciate very much professional approach of the stuff[sic] and their willingness to help at any time. I found the orientation sessions very useful as it helped me to understand Morocco's culture, history with all its nuances and differences that we face on daily basis.

So far all is going well with my family and I am very much enjoying staying in a Maroccan family. I am hope and trying not only to take but also to give them a bit of myself, time and attention. Last weekend I manged to persuade them to go to beach which seemed to be like a bit step to the big world outside of walls of medina. We had good time and I hope it was as much enjoyable for them as it was for me."

Erika also went on to say that she found the teaching very challenging. She reports that the quality of lessons varied daily because of new people constantly joining the class. She says it is extremely difficult to try teach under these circumstances and without even the most basic of resources such as books; one of the things we regard as very basic here in the UK.

Overall, so far, Erika says she's having a wonderful experience in Morocco. We hope to receive more news, and hopefully one or two photos from her over the next few weeks

Time is running out for Vodafone applications!

Rosie — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 09:08:24 +0000

There are only 3 days left to get your application in for the Vodafone World of Difference grant. Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to make a difference to the lives of others.

Visit http://worldofdifference.vodafone.co.uk/ for information and ideas and get applying!

Volunteer Abroad for Free!

Rosie — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 09:24:53 +0000

Do you live in the West Midlands and are you aged 18 – 25? If so we have 4 places volunteering on a nature reserve in Italy or 2 places volunteering in Portugal, starting end of June or July.

Cost to you – your time!

Sound good? Contact Lauran at EIL l.jones@eiluk.org

Only 16 days left!

Rosie — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 13:33:35 +0000

Don't forget that the closing date to apply for a Vodafone Volunteering grant is June 17th. See http://worldofdifference.vodafone.co.uk/international.html for more information and donate yourself to charity!

Chile still needs your help.

Rosie — Wed, 26 May 2010 10:17:40 +0000

Could you volunteer in Chile to help in the clear up and rebuilding after the earthquakes earlier this year?

If you feel you could help, visit http://eiluk.org/travel-abroad/chile-earthquake-special-programme to see the programme available.

The first group will go out on July 4^th so time is running out to get your application in. The second group will travel on August 8^th.

How (not) to do Gap Year?

Ann — Wed, 26 May 2010 08:29:01 +0000

If you are thinking of doing a Gap Year have a look at these videos for ideas!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKFjWR7X5dU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNz-P5WMQ8w

Then if still feel the experience is for you, visit http://www.gogapyear.com/ for better advice and help.

Volunteering in Morocco

Ann — Tue, 25 May 2010 14:17:50 +0000

Ann, Programme Co-ordinator for EIL UK took part in a Volunteer International Programme to Rabat, Morocco.

I went to Rabat to do a ‘taster’ week volunteering, so I could better understand some of the challenges that might be faced by prospective volunteers. This seemed only reasonable given that it’s a large part of my job to send people to far-flung places to work.

It was certainly eventful. After leaving my passport on the transfer bus at Charles De Gaulle airport in Paris on the way out, and nearly being deported back to the UK, I finally arrived (obviously without my luggage) in Rabat several hours late. The bank at the airport was closed by this time and of course Dirhams can’t be bought outside Morocco. I had no money at all. Luckily, because Air France had lost my luggage, the nice lady at the Air France information desk gave me 400 Dirhams so I could come back and collect my suitcase when it was found. I used this for the taxi to the hotel, otherwise things could have got really interesting!

The hotel was, as I’d expected, pretty basic – and very noisy. It wasn’t one of the best introductions to a new country I’ve ever had. I’ve never spent so many hours in the same underwear, or not been able to brush my teeth, but I chalked it all up to experience!

The next morning things looked much better. I met up with Fairouz from the Thaqafat Association and was taken for breakfast at their office. I spent the rest of the day meeting some of the wonderful Thaqafat staff, and having a very condensed orientation (of necessity), including survival Arabic lessons, and Moroccan etiquette which was all relevant and extremely useful during my stay. It was great to meet some of the people I’d been speaking on the phone with for the last 18 months.

Fairouz took me to collect my case at the airport that evening, and then to my family, where I dived into the shower before really even speaking to anybody (bit rude, but necessary).

The family I stayed with were just lovely. The sleeping arrangements were strange, the host father and I BOTH slept on (very comfortable) settees in the living area! To explain - they have 2 very large living rooms in the apartment, an everyday one and a posh one, but they were still just opposite each other and although I was sleeping around the corner, in the posh one, and Mohammed was in the daily room, there was no door or screen….. my privacy was respected at all times.

The family definitely didn’t seem to have much money, but they shared absolutely everything so willingly with me. It was obvious they wanted me to sample all the different foods, sights, sounds, etc of Morocco. My ‘highlight’ of life with the family, if I was forced to choose just one, was definitely being scrubbed to within an inch of my life, by two ancient Moroccan women, in a Turkish Hamam, just over the road from the apartment. I looked like a little pink piglet by the time they’d finished, but I had the softest skin ever! If anyone had ever told me I’d be lying on a floor naked, along with about two or three hundred other Moroccan women, being manhandled by 2 very forceful 80-odd year old bath attendants, in the middle of February, I’d have laughed. (I did laugh at the time actually, but it was hysterical). My host mother Latifa and I were the only ones having this treatment, which cost her quite a few dirhams extra, I’m sure, but again, it was all part of her wanting me to experience as much as possible. I’m glad I caused so much amusement in the place, as I gasped in horror while at least the top 3 layers of my skin came off in front of my eyes! Really.

The Day Care Centre (for children with special needs) had been founded by my host mother. They employ 2 child psychologists on a consultancy basis and poorer families bring along their children to have them assessed to see if they can attend the Centre, thus allowing the families to work, or even just to give them a few hours respite from caring. The families pay a very nominal sum to the Centre. The rest comes from the government (again, a tiny amount) and other money is raised/scrounged etc, from wherever they can get it.

I worked mainly with a small group of 4 – 7 year olds and their teachers, but I also spent time with the other age groups, and ability levels. It was a very humbling experience (I’m sorry if that sounds a bit clichéd). You get quite caught up in things and find yourself getting very excited by even the tiniest of achievements, like a child learning how to blow, or even, in the case of one badly neglected 3 year old, smile….. My highlight from the Day Care Centre? I really can’t choose one. It was a place filled with love and caring, and I was completely overwhelmed at times, by the bravery of the children and the professionalism and tireless dedication of the staff.

A member of staff with some of the children in 'my' class

I helped with any and all aspects of care with the children; feeding them, playing with them, massaging, and just generally trying to give them love, attention and confidence in themselves.

Little Youssalah. I know you’re not supposed to have favourites – but she was like a little doll. She doesn’t know how to show physical affection. She seemed to like the teddy bear I gave her though and was trying to hug him – just not in this photo.

Naima, one of the many excellent teachers, with some of the children, waiting to be collected at the end of the day. They were all singing ‘Frere Jacques’ to pass the time

I struggled by with schoolgirl French for a week, but learned a few phrases in Arabic as well – mainly from sitting with the children while THEY learned. It was exhausting. I can’t begin to imagine how volunteers cope when they go to a country where they really don’t speak any of the language until they’ve had some lessons, and even then it must be very frustrating to begin with.

I learned so much about the people of Morocco, their attitudes and their values. I was bowled over by how little they have and the fact they will share it with a stranger. I learned a lot about myself too. It was just one short week, but I find myself reflecting on the experience quite often and realising that nothing (here in the UK) is that big a deal.

When I remember what the children and parents at the Day Care Centre have to live with, none of my own problems seem quite so bad.

I certainly recommend ‘proper’ volunteering enthusastically to anyone who enquires now. I can imagine that longer term programmes are extremely rewarding on so many levels (I had very little time to build relationships). I now feel better equipped to do my job. I can at least talk to prospective volunteers with a degree of confidence on the practicalities as well as the emotions.

Someone recently said to me “we can’t help everyone all the time, but we can help some people some of the time”. For me, this sums up what we are all here for, to help make a difference.

Shu’kran!

In December 2009 the staff and Trustees of EIL UK elected to make a donation instead of giving Xmas presents to staff and volunteers.

The donation was sent to the Day Care Centre Ann volunteered in, and the money was used to purchase a digital camera - something they had wanted for a while but never been able to afford.

The staff at the centre are now able to use photography as a really effective tool to monitor and mark the progress of the children, among other things.

June 2010. Erika Mokra has gone to Morocco to volunteer at a school for all ages in Rabat. She has this to say about her experience so far:

Overall, so far, Erika says she's having a wonderful experience in Morocco. We hope to receive more news, and hopefully one or two photos from her over the next few weeks.

Are you one of the lucky ones going to the World Cup in South Africa?

Rosie — Thu, 20 May 2010 10:40:05 +0000

With under a month to go to the start of the World Cup 2010, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office have lots of useful advice for those travelling to South Africa.

It includes information about driving in South Africa as well as other travel and transport advice; there is advice about avoiding scams and about crime in general; and information about health matters.

Take a look at the website at http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/your-trip/travellingfans1/worldcup/

EIL offer new Medical/Health Volunteering Programmes

Rosie — Wed, 19 May 2010 14:40:48 +0000

In an extension to the partnership between EIL UK and GeoVisions, EIL are now offering volunteering programmes specifically related to health projects. Although some of the programmes require training in or knowledge of medicine and health care, many are open to anybody who would like to volunteer in this area of work. If you would be interested in these programmes visit the medical/health programmes pages of our website.

Get paid for stories from abroad

Rosie — Mon, 17 May 2010 12:08:30 +0000

Are you working, volunteering or studying abroad for 10 weeks or more?

The Glimpse Correspondents Program is for talented writers and photographers with a passion for storytelling and a knack for finding truly unique stories. The program is open to anyone between the ages of 18 and 36 who will be working, volunteering, or studying outside of their home country for at least 10 weeks.

Apply to receive a stipend, a professional editor, career training and guaranteed publication.

http://glimpse.org/correspondents/

Also available the Glimpse/HTH Worldwide Health Correspondent

http://glimpse.org/correspondents/specialized/

Deadline for applications July 15^th 2010

May Newsletter from EIL

Rosie — Fri, 14 May 2010 11:41:48 +0000

The May Edition of the newsletter from EIL features articles about Safer Travel, Vodafone Grant, Volunteering in Morocco, Charitable donation, Chile Earthquake programme and new Medical and Helath programmes.

Read the newsletter .

If you would like to receive a copy of future newsletters from EIL, please contact us and let us know. info@eiluk.org

International Student Festival in Trondheim – ISFiT

Rosie — Tue, 11 May 2010 09:28:44 +0000

Applications are open for students wishing to attend ISFiT 2011 in Norway. This festival is the world’s largest student festival with a given theme. The theme for 2011 is Global Health. The festival consists of workshops, debates and discussions, as well as a cultural programme of concerts, art exhibitions and performing arts.

Apart from work related to the stated main theme, the festival brings together students from diverse social, political, ethnic and cultural backgrounds to share their ideas, views, knowledge and values, with a view to promoting intercultural understanding and a broadening of perspectives.

The festival provides a real opportunity for motivated and talented students to meet others from around the world and have an impact on future policies by developing a greater understanding of the world at large and some of the problems, and solutions, which arise from a modern society.

For more information about this wonderful opportunity for students visit www.isfit.org

Did you miss it?

Rosie — Mon, 10 May 2010 10:29:20 +0000

Did you miss the deadline for applications for the Jack Wallace Travel Award to Argentina for 3 months? They closed on May 1st and all applications have been sent to Argentina for review. Fingers crossed that one of our applicants will be the lucky recipient! However...

Although we cannot offer you another funded scholarship at the moment, there is a substantially reduced price volunteering programme to Chile to help with the reconstruction after the terrible earthquakes which struck the country earlier this year. This programme is being subsidised by EIL to incease the flow of volunteers able to help the population rebuild thier lives.

If you might be interested take a look at the Special Programme; Chile Earthqauke page