EIL Intercultural Learning is an Irish "not for profit" organisation which provides intercultural learning opportunities through study abroad, volunteer abroad, language training, travel awards, group educational programmes, and other cultural immersion activities for about 2,000 people each year.
Based on principles of experiential learning (learning by doing), EIL programmes are designed to provide tools to survive and thrive in another culture or in a different language, to foster personal development, to build communication and leadership skills, and to be active citizens in an interdependent world.
In short the aim of EIL Intercultural Learning is to enrich lives and to inspire global citizenship.
EIL News
Travel Award Deadline Fast Approaching
The deadline for submitting your application form for this years Travel Awards is fast approaching. 5pm March 26th. Mark the date in your diary and don't miss out on what could be an experience that might change your life. For more information click here
6 Months in Ireland by Kathrin Schneider
Kathrin Schneider spent from August 2009 to the end of February 2010 in Ireland as a student of EIL and Experiment's Secondary School Programme in Ireland. Kathrin was in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary and lived with an Irish host family, the Phelan Family of Lisronagh. Below is a reflection on her experiences here in Ireland:
My life in Ireland
Hun Bin 'Jackson' Lee is a current exchange student on EIL's Secondary School Programme in Ireland. Originally from Korean, Jackson has been living with a host family and going to school in Colaiste Dun Iascaigh in Cahir since August 2009 and will stay to complete the academic year in June 2010. Here are his reflections on his time spent in Ireland:
Exchange Students in Co. Tipperary have Community Reunion
On Saturday, 24th January, 2010 students of the Clonmel/ Cashel/ Cahir host community had a get-together at their local coordinator's home. Susan Phelan hosted the event so that the international students of the community could gather and socialise with one another. As many of them attend different schools and live in different areas, they do not get the opportunity to mix and meet all that often. Also, Susan wanted to welcome and introduce to the group two new exchange students who arrived in early January.
Students Get into the Festive Spirit
EIL's very own Gorey host community secondary school students were featured before Christmas in an article in the Wexford Echo Newspaper. Avril Brady is the Gorey Local Coordinator, and also runs an English language school. She invited both her English students and her long term international students to a multicultural Christmas bash to celebrate the season:
Study Abroad Can Evoke Strong Emotions
I was delighted to have a case study that I wrote about an EIL academic field trip published as a guest blog on the US based website Facultyled.com. Facultyled.com is the leading website for faculty and study abroad professionals interested in developing, marketing, and maintaining faculty-led study abroad. It provides information and resources about study abroad and international travel.
EIL Travel Awards 2010
EIL Intercultural Learning are pleased to announce the launch of the 2010 Travel Awards.
Are you someone, or do you do you know somebody who would benefit from a challenging adventure in another culture? If the the answer is yes then you are invited to apply or to encourage somebody to apply for one of the 31 full or partially funded awards available this year including exciting locations such as Japan, Ecuador, Mexico, Argentina, Hong Kong or Nigeria amongst others.
International Volunteer Day! EIL thanks all of our volunteers
5th of december 2010: International Volunteer Day!EIL takes this opportunity to thank all of our volunteers
EIL Goes Digital & Strikes Sponsorship Deal with Design Company ADK
EIL Intercultural Learning has gone one more step to reducing its carbon footprint by converting its Volunteer Abroad brochure to a digital online version. In 2010 it plans to convert all its printed brochures and publications and this will all be made possible through the sponsorship and skills of UK based design company ADK Ltd.
OIsin Brogan on the Irish Independent
Oisin Brogan, volunteered in Nigeria for 5 months. As part of an article titled "The Great Escape" on the Monday 19th October edition of the "Irish Independent" he was interviewd about his experience. A excerpt of which follows:
Eighteen-year-old Oisin Brogan's parents were certainly concerned when he announced his travel plans last year. The now first year Trinity College engineering student told them he wanted to volunteer in Nigeria after his Leaving Cert...
General News
My Irish Life by Amelie Robrecht
Amelie Robrecht participated in EIL's Secondary School Programme in Ireland in 2009/10 academic year for 26 weeks. She lived in Ballybunion, Co. Kerry with her host family, The Ferriter Family, and attended St. Joseph's (Mercy) Secondary School. Here is an essay she wrote about her experiences here in Ireland:
Travel Award Deadline Fast Approaching
The deadline for submitting your application form for this years Travel Awards is fast approaching. 5pm March 26th. Mark the date in your diary and don't miss out on what could be an experience that might change your life. For more information click here
MDg Lecture Series: “Zambia: Challenges and Opportunities for an Irish Partner Country”
Location: Ui Chadhain Lecture Theatre (2041b), Ground Floor, Arts Building, TCD
Time: 4 March 2010 - 7:00pm - 8:30pm
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Lecture Series. The lectures are open to the public and free to attend.
6 Months in Ireland by Kathrin Schneider
Kathrin Schneider spent from August 2009 to the end of February 2010 in Ireland as a student of EIL and Experiment's Secondary School Programme in Ireland. Kathrin was in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary and lived with an Irish host family, the Phelan Family of Lisronagh. Below is a reflection on her experiences here in Ireland:
My life in Ireland
Hun Bin 'Jackson' Lee is a current exchange student on EIL's Secondary School Programme in Ireland. Originally from Korean, Jackson has been living with a host family and going to school in Colaiste Dun Iascaigh in Cahir since August 2009 and will stay to complete the academic year in June 2010. Here are his reflections on his time spent in Ireland:
Mmm...
I am a great believer in alternative medicines. Anyone that knows me, knows my stance on the pharmaceutical industry. I am a nutritional therapy student, who believes in homeopathy, herbal remedies... I could go on. However, the introduction of ARVs has been instrumental in the treatment of HIV & AIDS.
Unfortunately though, not enough people have access to the medications.
Volunteer Fair in UCD
Location: Astra Hall, Student Centre, UCD
Time: 24 February 2010 - 12:00am - 3:00pm
Come to meet with EIL staff and past volunteers at our information stand in UCD.
Did you know...
...that there is a connection between HIV and other STIs/STDs*? That your risk of contracting HIV is higher if you have an STI/STD...
Some STIs e.g. syphilis and herpes can cause irritation, breaks or sores of the skin. These can provide a route for HIV to enter the body during sexual contact.
There is also a risk for transmission even when an STI e.g. chlamydia or gonorrhea causes no breaks or open sores. These infections can stimulate an immune response in the genital area that can make HIV transmission more likely.
Latest news from Aedin in India (Week 4)
I love working in the school, because the children are amazing. Despite all their problems, they are the most beautiful, happy and inspiring people I've ever met in my life. It is difficult at times, but I knew it would be. Every minute with the children makes me appreciate everything I have ever had in my own life. And that's a reward in itself.
Exchange Students in Co. Tipperary have Community Reunion
On Saturday, 24th January, 2010 students of the Clonmel/ Cashel/ Cahir host community had a get-together at their local coordinator's home. Susan Phelan hosted the event so that the international students of the community could gather and socialise with one another. As many of them attend different schools and live in different areas, they do not get the opportunity to mix and meet all that often. Also, Susan wanted to welcome and introduce to the group two new exchange students who arrived in early January.