EIL UK - Volunteer Abroad

Volunteering in Turkey

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 10:15:54 +0000

Lucy, a recent volunteer to Turkey writes;

"We had the most amazing time....... Our host familes were so welcoming and generous. They were so kind and made it seem like we weren't a hassle! They had the most amazing house with a midblowing view of the Bosphorus river.

We went to our project which was extremely hectic as there were dozens of women waiting for their aid boxes. We were set to organise their store room - which was a task as it was so messy!

Unfortunatly we were not able to teach English as it was Ramadan and it was too difficult for the families to walk to the project in the heat. However we had an amazing time at the project and everyone there was so kind and funny, depsite the language barrier. They ladened us with Turkish Deligh and Turkish coffee when we left!

One day we were taken on a boat tour along the Bosphorus which was beautiful and so much fun. Another day we were proper tourists! We visitied the huge palaces and saw the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, although we didn't go inside the mosques. The palaces were so elaborate and beautiful - definitly worth a visit! We then went on to the maze of shops in the Grand Bazaar and purchased some typically Turkish things with the aid of bartering!

We are extremely lucky to have had a trip like this, - the trip of a lifetime! Not many people are able to live and work with the locals. everyone we met was so welcoming and so kind. Thank you so much!"

Travel Abroad

Volunteer Abroad

Turkey

Volunteer

Turkey

host family

Albania volunteering

Tue, 31 May 2011 09:31:53 +0000

Between April 25^th and May 13^th 2011 Chris Davie and Sam Walker volunteered through EIL UK at the Rromani Baxt Albania centre in Tirana, Albania.

‘We arrived at the centre not quite knowing what to expect for the next three weeks of our time at Rromani Baxt Albania (RBA). We were greeted by many beaming smiles attached to about 30 excited children all enthusiastic to know who we were and why we were in their classroom.

Rromani Baxt Albania is an organisation based in the capital of Albania, Tirana. The centre there aims to provide education for young Roma children who come from a community that is mainly poor and uneducated.

We taught the children English numbers and colours in the form of songs and games. We invented new games using a coloured parachute that we had brought with us.I t was good to see the children playing and learning together as a group.

As schools finish in the afternoons the centre provides extra lessons for children of secondary school age. Here we set up an English department to help children with their English homework as well as give them the opportunity to practice speaking English.

It was a pleasure to see when a child had learnt something from what we had taught. For example one of the songs we used to teach English numbers was often sung to us when we entered the room. Once understanding some of the children’s background and home environment, it was good to see and experience that this centre offered a place of fun and rest from a life that has many challenges.

As well as teaching we also assisted the centre with some of their administration tasks. The RBA produces reports on the development and progress of each child and the centre itself. The reports were written in English so we would ensure the correct translation from Albanian into English.

The staff at RBA were always pleasant, friendly and very understanding of the language barrier. In fact we were able to learn many new words from them and also get a more in-depth understanding of what Albanian life is really like. Likewise we were given a taste of Albanian food and were well looked after throughout our time there.

Overall it was a privilege to be awarded the opportunity through EIL to work with RBA for 3 weeks. It was good to see how the centre is trying to reach out to this minority and help lift the next generation above the poverty line. We hope that their good work will continue with greater success and effectiveness. We would recommend this volunteer programme to anyone who has a heart to experience a different culture and help make the difference in a poor and disadvantaged community.’

Volunteer Abroad

Albania

Volunteer

Are you over 50? Volunteers needed for ‘all expenses paid’ 4 week project in Italy

Lorraine — Thu, 05 May 2011 08:44:31 +0000

EIL is looking for UK volunteers aged 50+ to go to Altamura in Italy for 4 weeks starting on 10th July. Volunteers will work alongside Italian staff on an English Language Camp for young people, and/or do arts and crafts activities with people who have a disability.

This project is completely free as it’s funded through the EU’s Grundtvig Senior Volunteering programme. Flights, accommodation, food, pocket money and an excellent support structure are all included. You don’t even need to be an expert in the Italian language as all placements have English speaking staff and language training is provided.

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn something about Italy, its people, culture and customs, not to mention doing something really worthwhile for local people.

Please call Ann Pritchard for more information on 01684 562577 or email a.pritchard@eiluk.org

New Mircoprojects for Summer 2011

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 13:13:54 +0000

In partnership with our colleagues at AIPC Pandora in Spain we can offer a selection of interesting Microprojects for volunteers. These 3 week Microprojects take place in 12 different countries in South America, Asia and Africa in the months of July and August 2011.

Each project has space for 6-10 participants and are suitable for a diverse range of people from different backgrounds, training and education.

These projects respond to local needs in the areas of education, health and environment. Pre-departure training (in Spanish) is provided by AIPC Pandora in Madrid over a weekend in June to ensure that participants have the skills needed to undertake and develop projects successfully. Cultural activities further enrich the experience of each participant. In many of the projects, volunteers are housed with local families.

Have a look at the individual country microprojects in the volunteer abroad section at http://eiluk.org/travel-abroad/volunteer-abroad

International Volunteer Day

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 12:39:35 +0000

Have you been or are you a volunteer, or maybe you are considering becoming a volunteer – either way it is worth noting that Sunday December 5^th is ‘International Volunteer Day’.

In the run up to International Volunteer Day 2010 you are invited to an online ‘festival’ of volunteering organised by the United Nations Volunteer programme. The ‘festival’ will provide volunteers with the opportunity to share the stories of the work they have done with the rest of the world, around the world. To get involved in this project visit http://www.unv.org/en/news-resources/news/doc/media-release-united-nations.html

‘International Volunteer Day’ was established by the United Nations in 1985, and it is a chance to recognise the contribution of volunteers, and since the turn of the century, their role in helping to meet the Millennium Development Goals.

The Millennium Development Goals were established by world leaders in 2000, and 189 nations agreed that they had the resources and political will to:

Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger

Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education

Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empower women

Goal 4: Reduce child mortality

Goal 5: Improve maternal health

Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases

Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability

Goal 8: Develop a Global Partnership for Development

The aim is that these eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) will be achieved by 2015 and volunteers around the world are crucial to achieving this aim.

At this time of year when many of us are focussing on ourselves and our families, it is easy to forget that there are millions of people in the world who may have very little to celebrate, and that perhaps we could give a ‘present’ to them which could go some small way to helping their life take a turn for the better.

By volunteering abroad, or at home, you could be helping towards creating a world where human development reaches everyone, everywhere, which is the world that the United Nations envisaged when the MDGs where formulated.

Take up your invitation, take part in the festival and let December 5^th be the day you think about volunteering.

To pay or not to pay - that is the question.

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 11:06:24 +0000

Whether to pay-to-volunteer or volunteer-at-no-cost-to-yourself (or as the current debate puts it ‘paid or free volunteering’) – is a difficult and challenging debate and realistically there is no right or wrong answer – it is most definitely not ‘black and white.’

Some people want to travel abroad, to volunteer so they feel good about themselves – what is so wrong with that? Some people want to travel abroad to volunteer to give something back to society – again, what is so wrong with that? Some people want to travel abroad to volunteer because they have seen the injustices in the world and believe they can make a difference – same question?

Provided the individual or community, the beneficiary of the volunteer’s aid, is ‘benefiting’, why should it matter what the motives of the volunteer are?

The bigger question has to be – how can you, the volunteer, be sure that the aid you are providing by volunteering is truly beneficial at the grass roots to the people who need it?

There is, maybe an urban myth, the story of the volunteer project where groups of volunteers built a bridge for the (grateful) locals to use. When the volunteers went home, the bridge was knocked down so the next group of volunteers could ‘build a bridge for the (still grateful) locals to use’. This particular ‘story’ may or may not be true, but there are defiantly projects which are ‘man-made’ either to generate money for unscrupulous people, and/or to salve the conscience of gullible Westerners.

If you are considering volunteering abroad, (and why is this deemed more worthy than volunteering in your own country?), there are many things you need to consider – cost to you; your own personal health, safety and security; your skills and abilities; your personal capacity to cope with the culture shock; and how you will be helping, amongst others.

At this stage I must admit – I am somewhat biased, as I work for a UK based not-for-profit charity providing programmes of volunteer work around the world. And, yes, if you travel with us it will cost you money to do so. (The charity side is that we also provide sponsorship to assist people who wish to volunteer, but who would not be able to afford to do so without some assistance.)

We work with an international network of in-country partner organisations that assess each project that volunteers are sent to, to ensure that it is a valid and genuine project, providing aid which is truly needed.

Included in our costs are accommodation costs. If you volunteer for an organisation and expect them to house and feed you for nothing, you may as well not bother – you may be giving your time and help, but you are taking their, often limited, resources to look after you. It is not possible to house and feed somebody for ‘free’.

Almost any project you work at will have some degree of ‘administration’ to deal with, because you are there – this costs the project money. Likewise with training, at some stage somebody from the project will need to spend time with you, showing you where things are, how things are done or what needs doing. This may not actually ‘cost’ the project anything, but it takes that person away from the work they would be doing if you were not there. For projects with greater ‘skill’ needs they may actually need to invest in some form of ‘training’ for you, and however long you are volunteering for, this process will have to be repeated with every new volunteer who arrives at the project.

By volunteering through a reputable volunteer organisation, you get in-country support, for the times when things don’t work out as well as you might hope – the times you are taken ill, mugged, lose your belongings or even just don’t like the project you are placed in. There will always be someone available to assist you. Similarly, if something goes wrong at home – the sending organisation will always be able to get a message to you through the partnership.

As a sending organisation we would NEVER send an individual to volunteer at a project where there are vulnerable people without carrying out a Criminal Records check before departure. (I know Criminal Records are not by any means the be-all-and-end-all in terms of reassurance, but it provides a degree more than just arriving off the street to volunteer at the local orphanage.) We also interview prospective volunteers before departure.

The paid-for versus free volunteering debate will rattle on for ever, as I said at the start, there is no right or wrong answer either way, but it comes down to horses-for-courses. If you feel you want the reassurance of having a sending organisation – don’t be bullied into feeling that is wrong – you are not necessarily being screwed-over, provided you check out the organisation before you hand over your money to them. If you decide you are able to go-it-alone, that is great too, just take care of yourself and ensure that you check out that the organisation you are volunteering with is truly servicing the needs of the local community.

Which ever route you choose (and whatever your motive may be) do not lose sight of the fact that there is an individual or community in need of aid and they need to benefit, not suffer, by your intervention.

I have included below, in no particular order, some links which are very relevant to this debate and which you should see if you are thinking about volunteering abroad. (I am sure there are many others worth viewing too)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/nov/14/orphans-cambodia-aids-holidays-madonna

http://networkedblogs.com/bfLme

http://almostfearless.com/2010/11/17/should-you-pay-to-volunteer-abroad/

Group Travel to Thailand

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.

Teaching English in China

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:31:12 +0000

Christine Pao travelled to China to teach English in schools during June and July 2010.

Read the newsletter she has sent about her experience here.

Volunteer Abroad

China

Volunteer

teach English

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

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!

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

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

Volunteer Abroad for Free!

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!

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.

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?

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

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

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

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