Chile
Volunteering in Chile will be an amazing learning experience that you will never forget. Almost isolated from the rest of the world by it's natural barriers (the driest desert in the world, the Andes range, the Pacific Ocean, ice fields in Southern Patagonia), this long and thin country is a sort of review of the world's landscapes, a jewel at the end of the South American continent open to be visited, shared and loved. In Chile you are never too far from the mountains or the sea.
In recent years, Chile has experienced an economic boom that has resulted in an improved socioeconomic stability compared to other countries in the region. Unfortunately, this economic growth has not been well balanced for many people creating a wider gap between the poor and those who hold and distribute the resources. All over Chile, there are a number of projects which are willing to accept volunteers to join efforts to help in different areas such as: housing improvement for the poor, day care centres for children in social risk, assistant teachers, group work with rehabilitation centres for drug users, education, health centres, homeless assistance and more.
NEW: Irish Volunteers are needed for the EARTHQUAKE RELIEF group programme starting on Augst 8 (4 weeks minimum). Click here for more information (PDF).
Main features
- 2 weeks intensive language classes and orientation
- Homestay with a local host family or at project site
- Projects: health, teaching, welfare and environment
- From 12 to 24 weeks
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Projects
There are many interesting projects available in the categories listed below. The projects given here are an example of the projects in each category. Our goal is to match the skills and expectations of the participants with the needs of the local projects. Our volunteer coordinator in the field will suggest a project for you once they have your application. They are well placed to match your skills and interests to the right placements.
EIL Chile has developed and established a long and solid relationship with a number of NGO's and other private institutions devoted to the daily care and improvement of human conditions for those in need. All of the projects demand a creative attitude to face unexpected challenges and circumstances that may change according to the daily needs of places, people and institutions which you might be working for.
Teaching
Education is one of the most efficient ways of breaking the vicious circle of poverty and poverty related problems. The volunteers are needed to work in rural and/or public schools to develop extracurricular activities or to teach English to people running small business in the rural areas. Your work will be a valuable contribution not only to the students but also to the teachers who work with limited resources but with lots of enthusiasm.
Example project
Liceo Italia is a high school located in the small fishing town of Chaiten in the southern region called Patagonia. The students come from the town and the nearby communities, but mostly from the distant areas. The school offers them the only chance to pursue any further education.
Welfare
- Food delivery for homeless people
- Social work in poor communities and information centres
- Day care centres for children
- Therapeutic work in communities for children and adults in high social risk
- Assisting the homeless and terminal patients
- House improvement and day care centre for sexually abused and abandoned girls
Example project:
EIL Chile has developed relationship with Hogar de Cristo and its many shelters for children and homeless people. Hogar de Cristo works with children at risk and homeless people throughout Chile. You will be working with the local volunteers and the tasks will vary from the activities with children (teaching and playing) to cleaning shelters and helping with night food-delivery in the streets for homeless people, etc.
Conservation
Chile's main environmental problems are deforestation and the resulting soil erosion, and the pollution of its air, water, and land. Throughout the country many projects promote the protection of the enviroement suc as the national parks. Chile has numerous National Parks and Nature Reserves with diversity of natural habitats. The projects sites will depend on the time of the year.
Example project
One of the most popular projects is situated in the Villarrica National Park. It is a vast extension of old growth, including Araucaria trees, but the main attraction is the Villarica Volcano. Visitors come to the Park all through the year to climb and ski in the winter. The volunteers are involved in protecting the area, keeping the trails and signs, developing materials and organising activities in the area of the environmental education.
Community development
Most community development placements are arranged in indigenous communities such as the Mapuche. The Mapuche people are one of the Chilean indigenous communities still present in the society today. They represent a group unique in all over America. Their history marked by the strong belief in nature and philosophy of life has helped them to survive in spite of the war against the Spanish conquerors and the later governmental regime.
Example project
Trawupeyun Cultural Center is located in the small town of Curarrehue in the Andes Mountains, 30 minutes from the town of Pucón and about 1 hour from the border with Argentina. Volunteering at the Trawupeyun Cultural Center means working with the local Mapuche Community and supporting their activities. Tasks vary from chopping the wood for the heating systems and cleaning premises to managerial tasks promoting the center and its work, museum, medical products and Mapuche culture in general. Volunteers can get involved in other jobs that would benefit the community, such as translation of the documents, teaching English, etc.
Construction
- Housing projects for the poor
- House and building repair
Health
Healthcare and daily assistance to the elderly
Special Teaching Assistant programme
EIL Chile in conjunction with the Ministry of Education of Chile is operating a volunteer teacher assistant program to contribute to the challenges set by the Chilean Ministry of Education in order to foster the use of English among public school students. Volunteers, who do not necessarily need to be certified teachers, assist students and the local EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teachers with real opportunities to practice English.
Volunteers are assigned to public schools in regions throughout Chile, live with host families in their community, and receive a monthly stipend. During the 8, 6 and 4-month placements, volunteers serve as English-language teaching assistants to Chilean English teachers for 25 hours per week, and spend an additional 10 hours a week planning classes and leading extracurricular activities for the school community.
Start dates in March (8 and 6 months), May (6 and 4 months) and April (4 months).
Application deadlines:
Due dates:
8 month program: 15 January 2010
6 month program: 10 March 2010
4 month program (March start): 15 January 2010
4 month program (July start): 10 May 2010
Cost: 4 months: €1590, 6 months: €1962, 8 months: €2270
Requirements: Intermediate level of Spanish and over 21 years old
Contact us for more information
Programme details
Arrival and Orientation
Upon your arrival at the International Airport in Santiago City, a transfer service will take you to the EIL Chile staff for your welcome meal and further details of your first days of the programme.
After a brief orientation you will be taken to your first two weeks of home-stay with your host family in Santiago and you will start your Spanish classes.
Accommodation
During your programme you will have 2 home-stays, with 2 different Chilean families. Living with a Chilean family is often the highlight of a participant's programme. Families are easy to please and love caring for their family members and guests. Also, family gatherings are common every day of the week.
First Part of Home Stay: During the first 2 weeks you will live with a Chilean family in Santiago, Chile's capital city. You will be attending an intensive 32 hour Spanish course with indoor and outdoor Spanish lessons (4.5 hours per day / Monday-Thursday). You will also have volunteer project orientation sessions to talk about project related issues, culture, economy, education and travel tips. You will have Fridays off so that you can enjoy long weekends in Santiago before your community service project.
Second Part of Home Stay: For the remainder of your programme you will live with another family in the town/city you have chosen for your project (North, Centre or South Chile).
Start Dates
Weekly arrival dates: every Monday and Tuesday.
Visas
Please contact us for further information.
The EIL Development Education Network
Our volunteers work and live alongside local people in local communities in some of the most deprived areas in the world. It is in response to their experiences that the EIL development education programme was set up. On their return to Ireland we ask our volunteers to be the voice for the stories of the people they worked with and to highlight their experience of poverty and inequality. Then together we campaign to make a difference by promoting global justice, human rights, fair trade, debt relief and greater equality and respect among the peoples of the world. Our goal is to see global justice and equality reach the top of the Irish agenda.
The Application Process
Applying for the Volunteer Abroad programme is a straight forward process: after receiving your application and CV we will contact you to find out more about your interests and motivation for wanting to be a volunteer. We then send your information to our colleagues in the country of your choice and they make your placement. As soon as they confirm a suitable placement for you, we will send you all the information necessary to finalise your preparations. Although some countries can accept late applications, you should send your completed application 12 weeks in advance. The earlier you apply, the more time we have to find the most suitable project for you.
What you need to do:
- Complete the application form ( Word / PDF ) and send it to us together with 2 recent passport photos,€350 deposit, and recent CV.
- Do a telephone interview (or in person if you live in Cork and/or want to call in).
- A confirmation letter of enrolment will then be sent within 10 working days.
If you prefer we can send you the application form by post.
For more information about applying to volunteer with EIL please see How do I apply? or contact Anton.
Cost & Details
We guarantee no hidden costs.
We encourage you to compare our costs with other organisations and a careful comparison of what is included and what is not included is always advisable.
What Is Included
- Pre-departure information and preparation workshop
- Pick up service from the airport (arrival and departure)
- Guided comprehensive cultural orientation upon arrival
- 2 weeks home stay with half board in Santiago
- 32 hours intensive Spanish course during stay in Santiago
- 1 excursion during stay in Santiago
- Accommodation with half board during volunteer placement
- Free internet access at EIL Chile office during stay in Santiago
- Placement in a volunteer work project
- Ongoing support from EIL Chile office, local representatives and mentor within project
- Round trip tickets from orientation site to volunteer work project site
- Contribution for part of local transportation expenses during volunteer project
- Free access to online TEFL resources
- Debrief workshop on return to Ireland
- Invitation to join the EIL Development Education Network
What Is Not Included
- Flights and airport taxes
- Personal expenses
- Lunches
- Visas
- Medical, liability and travel insurance (available for €10 per week)
- All lunches during programme
The EIL Development Education Network
Our volunteers work and live alongside local people in local communities in some of the most deprived areas in the world. It is in response to their experiences that the EIL development education programme was set up. On their return to Ireland we ask our volunteers to be the voice for the stories of the people they worked with and to highlight their experience of poverty and inequality. Then together we campaign to make a difference by promoting global justice, human rights, fair trade, debt relief and greater equality and respect among the peoples of the world. Our goal is to see global justice and equality reach the top of the Irish agenda.
Costs
| Duration | Cost |
|---|---|
| 8 weeks | €1999 |
| 12 weeks | €2599 |
| 16 weeks | €3169 |
Medical, liability and travel insurance available for €10 per week.
Prices are reviewed annually and may be updated in the first week of November.
Visit our WHY PAY? and FUNDRAISING pages.
Protect the environment: EIL Carbon offset system
Compensate for the CO2 that your flight will generate by helping to plant trees in Guatemala.
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Stories from the field
Country info
Chilean History in Brief
Before the arrival of European settlers, southern Chile was the home of the Mapuche, a people known for their fighting ability. The Incas of Peru dominated much of the north.
The first European to reach Chile was the Portuguese navigator, Ferdinand Magellan, in 1520. Thirty years later, the Spaniards, who had conquered Peru, began to establish settlements in Chile. The colonists took up farming and forced the indigenous people to work for them. The Mapuche Indians resisted Spanish conquest but gradually the Spanish established themselves as settlers. Chile declared independence from Spain in 1810. It took more than 15 years of struggle until Spain recognized its independence. In 1818 Bernardo O'Higgins became Chile's first leader. He tried to reduce the power of the landowners and the Catholic Church.
Chile fought and won the War of the Pacific from 1879 to 1883 against Peru and Bolivia and gained control of the copper and nitrate deposits of the Atacama Desert. The earnings from exporting nitrates (which are used to make explosives and fertilizer) fuelled the country's economic growth.
Chile was neutral in the First World War and the country's economy boomed because of the demand for nitrates. A period of instability and mass unemployment followed the war because Germany started exporting synthetic nitrates and the Chilean nitrate industry collapsed. During the Second World War, Chile once again supplied nitrates, copper and other wartime materials. In 1970, Salvador Allende was elected President, the first Marxist to head a government in the Western hemisphere. He began a series of economic and social reforms that included placing many industries and some banks under government control. He tried to carry out land reform and to improve the lot of the poor.
Military leaders overthrew the Allende government in 1973 and formed a junta (military government) led by General Augusto Pinochet. Although many Chileans supported Pinochet, Chileans who publicly opposed the junta were imprisoned or exiled. Thousands disappeared, never to be heard from again.
Pinochet privatized state-owned industries, imposed wage and labour controls and increased exports of fruit, forestry and sea products. Although Chile's economy grew under the junta, the gap between the rich and poor increased.
In 1988 Chileans voted Pinochet out of office in a plebiscite. One year later, in December 1989, Chile held open and free presidential and legislative elections. The Christian Democrat Patricio Aylwin Azócar, leader of the Coalition of Parties for Democracy (Concertación Democrática) formed by Christian Democrats, Socialists, Radicals, the Party for Democracy and other smaller groups, was elected to a four-year term. The new government had to reinforce the democratic consensus and at the same time, try to smooth civil-military relations; it had to handle the delicate question arising from the human rights abuses of the year after 1973; and it had to maintain economic growth while attending to the social inequities left by the outgoing regime. Reinforcement of the democratic consensus was undoubtedly enhanced by economic success (the growth rate average was a 6% per cent in this period). The Coalition’s economic aims were summarized in the phrase “growth with equity”: its program accepted the market economy as a reality and stressed both the containment of inflation and the continued promotion of export. In December 1993 Eduardo Frei Ruiz Tagle, leading the Coalition of Parties for Democracy, won the presidential election with a 58.5% of the votes. His main achievements were an educational reform, a deep improvement in the infrastructure of the country and the most important reform of justice system in 100 years. Also, between 1994 and 1997 the Chilean economy experimented a strong development with an annual average increased rate of 7,8% . In the last two years of Frei’s term Chile was affected by the Asian crisis and because of that economic development averaged 5,6% annually for his government.
On January, 16 , 2000 the governing coalition won a third consecutive presidential election when Ricardo Lagos defeated Joaquin Lavín (right wing candidate), 51.32 percent to 48.68 percent.
During the dictatorship Mr. Lagos spent much of his exile in the United States, where he was a visiting professor at the University of North Carolina. In the 1980's, he helped lead the opposition to General Pinochet and move the Socialist Party from its Marxist orientation to a social democratic one. After, Lagos was Ministry of Education (1990- 1994) and Ministry of Public Works (Infrastructure) during the Frei government
Landscape
Chile is a long, narrow country that occupies more than half of the western coast of South America. It stretches 4,265 km from north to south but averages only 177 km from east to west. To the north, Chile borders Peru and to the east, Argentina and Bolivia. The Pacific Ocean forms the coastline to the west and south. There are many islands off the coast, including Easter Island (which the Chileans call Rapa Nui) and Robinson Crusoe Island.
Chile is south of the equator, therefore its seasons are opposite from The Northern Hemisphere ones. January and February are the hottest months and July and August are the coldest. The weather becomes cooler as one travels farther south.
The Andes Mountains run the length of Chile. The Coastal Range is a small mountain chain that runs along Chile's western coast. The mountains are home to Chile's wildlife such as pink flamingos, llamas, alpacas, pumas and vicunas.
Chile has five distinct regions: the Great North, the Little North, Central Valley, Forest Chile, and the Far South. The Great North is the region of the Atacama Desert. The climate is arid and supports little wildlife. Copper and other minerals are found here. South of the Atacama Desert is the Little North. It was once a silver mining region. People who live here grow fruit and grain or raise cattle.
Central Valley is considered Chile's heartland. Chile's three largest cities, Santiago, Valparaiso and Concepción, are located here. Moderate climate conditions sustain rich farmland. People in this region grow wheat, grapes, oranges, melons and tomatoes and raise cattle. Forest Chile, or the Lake District, is a heavily forested region with rich grazing lands, many lakes and several volcanoes, some of which are still active.
The Far South makes up one third of Chile's land mass, but has only 3% of its population. This region is covered in mountains, grasslands, volcanoes and glaciers and there are important oil and mineral deposits. Most people in this region make their living by fishing, farming or raising sheep. Here one can find Chile's national bird, the condor, more than 200 species of fish and colonies of penguins and sea lions. Chile's most southerly point is Cape Horn, famous for its violent storms.
Climate
As a result of its enormous north-south extension and vertical topography, Chile contains nearly every imaginable variety of climate, with the exception of the moist tropical climate typical of equatorial nations. In the north we find the world's driest desert -- rain has never been recorded in some parts of the Atacama - with great variation between daytime and nighttime temperatures. The coast enjoys a mild climate year-round, while in the Altiplano, summer temperatures average 10ºC during the day and drop to as low as -13ºC at night. The climate of the central region is of that blessed variety known as subtropical Mediterranean, with long, dry summers (November-March, max. temp. 30C) and short, mild, relatively rainy winters (max. temp. 10-15ºC, min. rarely below 0ºC). South of the Biobio rainfall increases, falling more or less steadily throughout the year, with minor variation between daytime and nighttime temperatures.
The weather in Patagonia, though extremely variable, is often wet, cold and windy. Throughout the country, the proximity of the Pacific and the Andes creates numerous pockets of localized weather patterns known as microclimates. The weather of both Easter Island and Robinson Crusoe is extremely pleasant throughout the year.
Best time to visit:
- Atacama, Easter Island: throughout the year
- Central Region: October through April
- Ski Centers: June through September
- Lake District: September through April
- Patagonia: October through April
Temperatures
Santiago, due to its position in the central region, has a Mediterranean climate with well-defined seasons. Spring, between September and November is mild, which contributes to the flourishing green color of the plants and trees. Summer, between December and February, is dry and hot with temperatures that can reach over 30°C (87º F). At night it cools down slightly, and on the coast this temperature drop can be much more extreme. Autumn is between March and May, and temperatures decrease gradually. In winter, mornings are cold, some as low as -2º C (28º F) and although the temperature rises at midday it rarely exceeds 15°C (60ºF).
Rainfall
It begins to rain in April and reaches its highest level during June and July, then decreases gradually to almost nothing in November. The average annual rainfall in Santiago is 384 mm (14.9 in).
FAQ
Questions
Is it safe?
Who volunteers?
Can I go with a friend or family member and can we be placed in the same project?
Is the deposit refundable?
Can I combine more than one country?
How long can I go for?
When can I go?
How much does it cost?
What’s the difference between EIL’s volunteer abroad programme and others?
Why aren’t volunteers paid/given expenses?
Why do volunteers have to pay for their programme?
I would like to participate in the programme but I didn’t realise how much it would be or simply can’t afford it.
How do I apply?
When should I apply?
Can I come in to discuss options?
What visa do I need?
What vaccinations should I get?
What are the age limits?
Do I need any special skills/qualifications?
Can I work on a specific project?
I already have a good language skills – can I drop/reduce the language course?
What is the accommodation like?
Will there be other volunteers going at the same time as me?
What does the optional insurance cover?
Can I apply from northern Ireland/UK/outside Ireland?
Answers
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Is it safe?
We only place volunteers in locations where it is safe to do so. Traveling to a developing country can be challenging, but most people travel without encountering trouble.
Volunteers are briefed on safety issues during the predeparture workshop, during the orientation in-country, by the host family.
We have an emergency system in place with 24h emergency phones (in Ireland and overseas). It is advised to check government travel advice for your destination. Check the websites of the Irish Dept. of Foreign Affairs and the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Also read the safety information that we send you and of course exercise caution in any country.
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Who volunteers?
EIL volunteers come from a range of different backgrounds. Our volunteers are:
- Students and young people willing to volunteer abroad during their holidays, between jobs or on a year out.
- Office workers, teachers, farmers, nurses, engineers, factory workers, waiters and just about anybody wishing to help, take some time out or just looking for a different experience during their holidays.
- Retired people who want to put their time and skills to good use.
- Apprentices and students who need to complete an internship or work experience.
- Youth clubs, family groups, clubs, school groups or groups of friends.
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Can I go with a friend or family member and can we be placed in the same project?
It is possible to apply with one or several friends, family members or a partner and to be placed in the same accommodation and project.
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Is the deposit refundable?
The vast majority of the applicants are accepted in the programme but if your application is not successful, we will refund your deposit. Otherwise, the deposit is not refundable.
Can I combine more than one country?
It depends on the combination of countries. As we are dealing with two different programmes you will have two different programme fees. We may be able to look at a reduction of our administration fees but this is a small part of the fee. In the case of Latin American countries you may be able to do the language course in one of the countries thus reducing the fees in the other country. This will depend on our office in country and we need to make arrangements with them to do this.
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How long can I go for?
Programme lengths vary from minimum 2 weeks to 11 months, depending on which country you choose. 2/3 weeks programmes are available in Guatemala, Thailand and Vietnam. Though if you choose to go for such a short period it is important to have realistic expectation as regard as what you can achieve.
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When can I go?
You can join most of our programmes any time of year. Many of them have flexible start dates. We have set start dates in South Africa, Nepal, Nigeria, India, Morocco but they have at least one every month. If you are looking for a teaching placement we need to check the term times in that country.
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Will there be other volunteers going at the same time as me?
If this is a priority for you to be placed with other volunteers we will indicate you the programmes where you are very likely to be with other volunteers. If there are volunteers going to the same destination at the same time we will put you in touch via e-mail so you can become acquainted. There may well be other international volunteers from other countries working with you. However, be prepared that you may be the only international volunteer there. This is a greater opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and get to know local people if you are not relying on other volunteers. Be prepared that you may feel isolated or lonely sometimes. Accommodation in volunteer house and volunteer camps (with other international volunteers) are available in Thailand, Vietnam and India.
How much does it cost?
The programme fee varies depending on which country you choose and the length of programme. All the programme fees and what is included are on our website and in our country specific information sheets. To give an idea, programme fees start at €785. If the full length of language course isn’t needed, we maybe able reduce the programme fee. Our fees do not include flights, visas, vaccinations, medical and travel insurance, and personal expenses.
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What’s the difference between EIL’s volunteer abroad programme and others?
- EIL is an established Irish not for profit intercultural learning organistion
- We work with sister organisations who are members of the EIL worldwide network.
- We will thoroughly analyse your profile, needs and expectation and match it with the most suitable volunteer programme
- Our programme are flexible: placements are available in 15 couintries, from 2 weeks to 11 months with start dates year-round and a wide range of project is available
- Volunteers are placed in local projects supporting local initiatives
- We offer an authentic cultural experience including a full cultural orientation and most programmes include stay with host family.
- Safety is the first priority: our volunteers have 24-hour support in country from our National office, the local co-coordinator as well as mentors on the project.
- Our programmes fees are very competitive and cover accommodation, meals, transfers, support - with some exceptions.
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Why aren’t volunteers paid/given expenses?
We place volunteers in local partner organisations in developing countries. These organisations need volunteers because they can't afford enough paid staff and are not in the position to offer expenses/pay volunteers. EIL and the partner organisations we work with are not for profit making organisations and depend on the support of volunteers. Please see Why pay? for more information.
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Why do volunteers have to pay for their programme?
EIL and our in-country partner organisations are non-profit making organisations. The programme fee covers the cost of placing a volunteer in the project, to provide accommodation, meals, transfer and transport, pre-departure & in-country support and insurance. The projects volunteers are sent to in developing countries cannot afford to cover these costs themselves. Please see Why pay? for more information. Many volunteers cover some of the costs by raising funds. Fundraising support is available and we will send you a fundraising pack.
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I would like to participate in the programme but I didn’t realise how much it would be or simply can’t afford it.
We recognise that some of our participants are students and affording the programme fee is an issue. Many volunteers cover some of the costs by raising funds. Fundraising information and advice is available. We also have a number of travel awards and scholarships available every year. Keep an eye on our website for these awards.
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How do I apply?
Applying for the Volunteer Abroad programme is a straight forward process: after receiving your application and CV we will contact you to find out more about your interests and motivation for wanting to be a volunteer. We then send your information to our colleagues in the country of your choice and they make your placement. As soon as they confirm a suitable placement for you, we will send you all the information necessary to finalise your preparations. Although we are usually able to accept late applications, you should try to return this form not less than 8 weeks prior to your intended date of departure. The earlier you apply, the more time we have to find the most suitable project for you.
What you need to do:
- Complete the application form ( Word / PDF ) and send it to us together with 2 recent passport photos, €350 deposit, and recent CV.
- Do a telephone interview (or in person if you live in Cork and/or want to call in).
- A confirmation letter of enrolment will then be sent within 10 working days.
If you prefer we can send you the application form by post.
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When should I apply?
Although we are usually able to accept late applications, you should try to return this form not less than 8 weeks prior to your intended date of departure. The earlier you apply, the more time we have to find the most suitable project for you, and you will also need time to sort out your flights, visas and vaccinations.
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Can I come in to discuss options?
You can discuss options over the phone or if you live locally you are welcome to come in. Before you take the trouble to visit us at our offices, we recommend thinking about where you would like to go, what placement you are interested in, when you want to go, how long you want to go for and why you want to volunteer. Call to make appointment.
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What visa do I need?
The type of visa will depend on where you are going and for how long. Visa information is available on our website and on the info sheets we can post you. However you are responsible for your visa and you should contact the Irish Embassy or Consulate for the destination country in good time prior to departure for the requirements and application procedures.
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What vaccinations should I get?
For legal reasons we cannot give advice on this. Please contact your doctor or the Tropical Medical Bureau.
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What are the age limits?
You have to be over 18 for most programmes. If you are on the younger than 18 please contact us to discuss the options. There is no upper limit.
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Do I need any special skills/qualifications?
No. We are looking for people who are independent minded travelers. Living in a developing country demands flexibility, initiative, maturity and drive. Of course if you have particular skills and experience that you would like to use then we will take this into consideration when finding a suitable placement. Please see Is this for me?
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Can I work on a specific project?
You can indicate the type of project that you would like to work on and if you have a particular example in mind from our website then you can indicate it. This is not guaranteed. Our partner organisations will suggest a placement for you. They are well placed to match your skills and interests to the right placements.
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I already have a good language skills – can I drop/reduce the language course?
Sometimes this is possible – we would have to know what level you are at and check this with the national office in-country first.
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What is the accommodation like?
It will depend on the country and project, either with a host family, in a volunteer house / camp or with an independent room at the project site. It may be basic compared to the standards you are used to here. We will provide details of the family or accommodation you will be staying in before you leave.
What does the optional insurance cover?
Basic travel, medical and liability and baggage insurance. Information on what it covers is available in the insurance booklet we will send to you. We can also check with our insurance company if you have specific queries.
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Can I apply from northern Ireland/UK/outside Ireland?
- Northern Ireland: we can take applications.
- UK: We will pass your details onto EIL UK and ask them to get in touch.
- Other: Please visit Federation EIL to find the nearest EIL office to you.