EIL Intercultural Learning

On May 6th, 2009, The Munster Express Online covers Adam Burke's story in the article "Adam Burke is Hong Kong bound". Adam is one of the winners of EIL Travel Awards 2009.

Adam Burke is Hong Kong bound

Wednesday, May 6th, 2009

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. Some of their travel awards are open to people over the age of 18 with no upper age limit. In 2009 thirty four different awards are available and I recently heard the news that I had secured one of four fully-funded places in a group of 12 young people that will travel to Hong Kong from the 10th-19th of August.

This particular travel award is funded by EIL and The Hong Kong Commission on Youth and provides an opportunity for young people in Hong Kong and Ireland to exchange ideas and experiences. During the programme in Hong Kong there will be visits to universities and schools, meetings and activities with local young people, official visits to Government Departments and Agencies, community service activities and sightseeing. A return visit will then take place where a delegation of Chinese students will spend time with us in Cork and Kerry in September of this year.

Applications are encouraged from young people aged 16-24, with an interest in intercultural issues and/or with an involvement in community service or volunteer activities. In light of my work with the Waterford One World centre , St. Joseph’s special school, mentoring of first year students, involvement with my local football team aswell as my roll as vice-president of the school’s student council, I got the opportunity to attend a workshop in Trinity College along with 12 other nominees from around the country. Following this workshop, an interview was held where I argued my case to a selection panel.

The news that my application had been successful was met with enormous excitement both at home and in school. I’m sure it goes without saying that I am counting down the days until we set off for the Far East!

The four fully-funded places for this trip have now been filled but there is still oportunities for anyone interested in applying for this scholarship. Applications will continue to be accepted for eight more 66% funded places amongst the delegation. Each participant will pay a contribution of €440 towards the cost (the full cost per person is €1,329 and each participant will receive a subsidy of €889) and the closing date for these applications is Friday, 8 May 2009.

I would urge anybody interested to apply as I never thought I would of recieved such a scholarship. Further details of this, and many more travel awards, can be found at http://www.eilireland.org

For now, joih gin!