Volunteer Abroad

Natural habitats are being destroyed by deforestation in Ecuador. Volunteers are needed to assist in conservation projects.

Teaching and Education projects in 15 countries. No specific qualifications are necessary for teaching placements.

Liam Quaide from Dublin with his South African host-brother Dennis.

Brona Higgins from Co. Monaghan with some of the Nepalese students she taught.

Education projects are available in 15 countries such as in this school in a disadvantaged area on the outskirts of Cape town in South Africa

Find your Project

Explore the world and make a difference!

EIL Intercultural Learning is an Irish not for profit organisation supporting local projects across the world. Our Volunteer Abroad programme involves living, working and making a difference in a local community while learning about a new culture and gaining a new perspective on global and development issues. We offer flexible and varied voluntary work opportunities:

Click to launch the full edition in a new window.

Projects: Teaching (e.g. schools, community organisations), Welfare (e.g. orphanages), environment and conservation (e.g. national parks), Health (e.g. community hospitals), Building, Sports (e.g. coaching football) and many more!
Volunteer in 18 countries across four regions of the world:
- Africa (Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa)
- Asia (China, India, Nepal, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam)
- Central and South America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico and Peru)
- Pacific (New Zealand)
Volunteer from 2 weeks to 11 months
Start dates all year round
Individual, group and intern volunteering programmes
Supportive Environment throughout your experience

If you are eager to learn more about HIV&AIDS and willing to make a positive contribution to local communities in Africa and Ireland, check out our Global Awareness Programme. Apply by 26th March 2010, 5 p.m. Bursaries are available to help cover the costs.

Featured Country

Volunteer Abroad: Guatemala

Guatemala is a country steeped in history and traditions. Once the centre of the great Maya civilization, it contains a wealth of archaeological treasures including the impressive pyramids dotted around the countryside. Guatemala is also a country struggling to overcome vast social problems. The majority of its inhabitants live in poverty, and the indigenous population in particular has long suffered from political oppression. Volunteers can contribute their time and energy to meaningful projects, while gaining a real understanding of the country and its culture.

Click here to learn more.

Volunteer Abroad: Vietnam

Vietnam is a country of a rare beauty with spectacular landscapes, 3,400 km of divine beaches, mountain regions with lush vegetation and charming lakes. Emerging terribly damaged by war only 34 years ago, Vietnam has made a remarkable recovery, yet remains a relatively poor country - with the rural poor and ethnic minorities in particular - not benefiting from this progress. Volunteers can contribute their time and energy to a wide range of projects in Vietnam, while gaining a real understanding of the country and its culture.

Click here to learn more.

Volunteer Abroad: Guatemala Group

What better way to spend a few weeks this summer than by getting on a plane and travelling to Guatemala to volunteer on a local community project while learning Spanish, hiking volcanoes and trekking through the countryside? By volunteering in Guatemala your group can help a struggling indigenous community while experiencing the warmth and hospitality of local people, the richness of their culture and learn more about the challenges they are facing.

Click here to learn more.

Volunteer Abroad: Internships in China

Targeted towards students and graduates interested in gaining knowlege and hands on experience in areas related to graphic design, architecture and hospitality, an internship in China offers meaningful work experience.

Click here to learn more.

Volunteer Abroad: Morocco

Just 12 miles from Spain, the Kingdom of Morocco is a meeting of two worlds. A land of spices, deserts, Casbahs and medinas; its culture draws on a unique mix of Berber, Arab, African, French (widely spoken) and Spanish influences. Economically, there is a vast discrepancy between rich and poor. The majority of Moroccans depend on agriculture for a living, and are at the mercy of regular droughts. Other problems include low levels of literacy, a high level of unemployment and desertification. Volunteers have a unique opportunity to work on rewarding projects throughout the country.

Click here to learn more.

Volunteer Abroad: Ecuador

Ecuador is the smallest of the Andean countries, but contains a huge diversity of indigenous cultures, wildlife and scenery. With the tropical beaches of the western lowlands, the volcanic peaks of the central Andes and the dense rainforests of the Amazon basin, Ecuador is a country of startling variety and contrast. Poverty reduction remains Ecuador's main development challenge. In 2005, about half of the entire population was living on two dollars a day. Volunteering in Ecuador is an opportunity to discover Ecuadorian culture, while at the same time contributing to a worthwhile development project.

Click here to learn more.

Volunteer Abroad: Turkey

Located at a point where three continents: Asia, Africa and Europe, are closest to each other, Turkey offers a fusion of culture – old and new, east and west, modern and traditional. Volunteers contribute to worthwhile causes, while meeting new people, learning valuable work and life skills and becoming part of Turkish community life.

Click here to learn more.

Volunteer Abroad: Argentina

Argentina has long held a romantic draw for travelers, with its vibrant culture, cosmopolitan cities and stunning scenery. The economic collapse of 2001 has left the country in financial ruin, but has not affected the hospitality of its people. The country is currently recovering from the economic crisis but poverty and social problems are still very much a reality in Argentina. Volunteers work in some of the most interesting and attractive locations in the country in schools and community-based organisations.

Click here to learn more.

Volunteer Abroad: Mexico Group

Join a team of willing volunteers and to contribute to the development of a disadvantaged indigenous community. For two weeks you will live and work alongside local people and learn more about their culture and the challenges they are facing. The project in Mexico takes place in an amazing location: a former hilltop which has become an island and where indigenous people have been relocated after the construction of a dam. You will travel in a small team of 8-12 with an Irish group leader. This group project is also available if you want to form your own group.

Click here to learn more.

Volunteer Abroad: 30 plus volunteer camps

This programme is specifically designed for 30+ year olds, offering volunteering programmes in two magnificent locations in India, the desert state of Rajasthan or the inspiring Himalayan region. Volunteers live together with other international volunteers and are supported by local staff.

Click here to learn more.

News & Events

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

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.

Claire Wlash from Co. Wicklow spent six weeks in Shanghai volunteering in a school with her friend Dolores

The school had a very good atmosphere of care and a fine standard of work. All the teachers were young and very hardworking. I loved it all – I learnt a lot / I don’t think our contribution was vast but everyone was very accepting and appreciative.

A Nigerian Whirlwind: Crazy, Laid Back, Busy, Rich, Poor, Challenging, Fun

I made great friends in Nigeria and had a really good experience. It’s a country with a rich culture, full of friendly people. The work made me a lot more aware of important issues, both at home and abroad. Since returning I’ve begun volunteering with an organisation working with HIV/AIDS in Ireland. The experience also showed me the positive impact that organisations such as EIL can have, so I’ve become more involved with EIL as well. I’d recommend it to anyone.

Deirdre tells us about her first two weeks in Thailand

If you read this blog and are considering doing volunteer work...My advice is just do it...Its a great experience. My only regret so far is hat my time here will end too soon.

Promiscuity, the polio vaccine and HIV

When I chat with people about the prevelance of HIV & AIDS in Africa, usually their first response is to suggest that Africans are more promiscuous than Westerners.

Pre-departure Workshop

On the 12th of December, outgoing volunteers attended a workshop aimed to prepare them for their volunteer experience.

Some good news this time!!

A few months ago, there seemed to be noone willing or able to look after I and as for L, it was thought that he would be in hospital for years.... but now...

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 at the DCU volunteer expo - November 4th 2009

EIL will have a stand at the DCU volunteer Expo on the 4th of November. Past volunteers will be there to share their experience with the students. Noel Carroll who volunteered in Nigeria this summer will also be one of the guest speakers.

For more info visit: http://www.dcu.ie/students/careers/events.php?function=2&id=1253877384

Photos & Videos

Click to watch Volunteer in Amecameca: Video of Cecilia Gamez, Coordinator of the Volunteer Programme in Mexico, and Kevin Hickey, Director of EIL Ireland, talking about volunteering in Amecameca, Mexico, working with disabled children, helping in the maintenance of the house, and gardening at the Pequeño Cottolengo home.
EIL Intercultural Learning is an Irish not-for-profit organisation and part of an international federation of non-profits. If you like to learn more about volunteering in Mexico or elsewhere, please see: www.volunteerabroad.ie
www.partnershipvolunteers.org

Click to watch EIL Argentina visit to Isonza School: One of our pet projects is to help these wonderful children who live in a school in the middle of the mountains in Isonza, Salta, Argentina.
A group of US students spent some days there with them and this is what came out of it...enjoy!!!....and if you want to help
to keep them smiling.....contact me....Love from beautiful BA - Val from EIL Argentina

Click to watch Dupe Davis on Volunteer in Nigeria: A message from Dupe Davis, EIL Coordinator of Volunteer Programme in Nigeria. She describes the volunteering projects and is seeking people to get involved.
EIL Intercultural Learning is an Irish not-for-profit organisation and part of an international federation of non-profits. If you like to learn more about volunteering in Nigeria or elsewhere, please see:
www.volunteerabroad.ie
www.partnershipvolunteers.org

Click to watch Chinese kindergarten seeks volunteers: Video from Angela, a Chinese kindergarten teacher talking about EIL Volunteer Programme and encouraging new people to volunteer in China.

Click to watch Barra de Potosi: Barra de Potosí is a small fishing village located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, in the State of Guerrero, 25 minutes away from the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo beach resort. Like any other small community on the edge of big tourist resorts, Barra de Potosi is in danger of losing its traditional identity as outside investors and developers seek to exploit its location and facilities. Now local residents are coming together to try and protect and preserve the values and traditions of their community.

"Niños Encantados de la Barra de Potosi" has its main goal to provide opportunities for the children of the village. However it also raises an awareness and pride in the traditions and folklore of the community. It began with donations of gifts and money to create a bank of school supplies for children in the village school and led to the purchase and conversion of a small house in the village for use as a children's library. Children go there to do their homework and art and drama activities and various workshops also take place from time to time. Fundraising has also resulted in the recent employment of a young teacher as the librarian and co-ordinator. However much more needs to be done to improve the building and to increase the activities and services available within the project.

Highly motivated volunteers with initiative are required to take over different tasks, from office work to homework guidance, coordination of art, language or music workshops, sport activities or reading circles. The project has few resources and facilities and volunteers who are resourceful, flexible and willing to improvise and introduce new activities are especially welcome.

Click to watch Volunteer South Africa: A short orientation video introducing the volunteering projects you could become involved with in South Africa. Volunteer Abroad and SASTS offer a range of educational, environmental, health and social projects where you can make a real difference both to the lives of others and your own.

Click to watch No Frontiers: India: A video following an Irish volunteer's experience of working in India with EIL Intercultural Learning at a school in New Delhi that focuses on helping children of all backgrounds and abilities to integrate. This film was originally produced in two parts by Frontier Films for the Irish RTE travel show No Frontiers.

Click to watch English Opens Doors: Teach English in Chile: EIL, the Chilean Ministry of Education and the United Nations Development Program are seeking native English speakers to work as volunteer English language teaching assistants in schools as part of the efforts to improve language skills among Chilean school students. The program is a collaboration between the volunteers and Chilean EFL teachers. Each volunteer is a real support in the classroom and for many the only chance to practice with an English speaker. Volunteers dont specifically have to have previous teaching experience as they work hand in hand with the EFL teacher.

Click to watch Volunteer China: <p>China is a huge country with the world's largest population. It is a land rich in culture, traditions, and technological advances dating back more than 40 centuries. In recent years it has undergone a very rapid industrial revolution to become one of the worlds fastest growing economies. Such a rapid pace of change is not without its social cost and coupled with an increasingly outward looking society with a people eager to engage with foreigners, volunteers are needed for teaching, welfare and sport projects. This video follows a few of the volunteers who are helping with English tuition in schools in Shanghai and other areas.</p>

Click to watch Volunteer in Guatemala: <p>A 5 minute video covering what it's like to volunteer in Guatemala as told from the perspective of one of our volunteers Helen McCarthy.</p>