Volunteer Abroad: India: youth volunteer camps

Youth volunteer camps

This programme is specifically designed for 18-30 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.

Many different projects are available in these two locations. You can spend your day assisting local teachers in rural schools teaching English or Maths, playing games with the children and making sure they get regular health check ups. Or maybe you would like to participate in health workshops for adolescent girls, or make a difference volunteering in an orphanage or a school for mentally challenged children.

Not only do these programmes offer the chance to volunteer with reputable projects in the area, they also include exciting and varied cultural learning experiences such as Yoga and Indian cooking workshops. These programmes are specifically designed to offer you a real experience of India, where you will enjoy meaningful cultural interaction and opportunities to travel and experience the wonderful surroundings.

New Programmes for 2010:

Goa, Jaipur, Animal Rescue and combinations programmes (in 2 or 3 locations) are now available!

Download here new programmes information (pdf).

Main Features

Orientation course on arrival
2 locations: Rajasthan and Himalayas
Homestay during orientation in Jaipur
Food and accomodation in a Volunteer Camp during project
Indian cooking and Yoga workshops
Excursions: Camel safari, Trekking...
Projects: teaching, welfare, Women empowerment
From 4 to 12 weeks

India volunteer group: A photo of a group of volunteers and locals in an Indian community

Ask a question

Call me back

Projects

The volunteer activities in these programmes primarily relate to education and child care in various institutions that we have identified as appropriate for volunteer and local intervention. We constantly seek expansion of the positive influence of the programmes by including new activities that can engage volunteers in gainful activities for the local population.

Volunteers will visit the local projects as part of their orientation, there they will choose together with the local staff their preferred project for the duration of the programme. Projects vary depending on the needs of the location, volunteers should be prepared to be flexible with regard to their project placement. Teaching and Education, Women Empowerment and Child care are the common activities that we offer in the Rajasthan and Himalaya regions. Most of the volunteer work will be carried out in the mornings. In Himachal, volunteers may also have the opportunity to get involved in extra afternoon volunteer work (see bellow).

Teaching and Education

Volunteers teaching in rural schools has been one of the most successful interventions of our local partner and the most popular activity. Volunteers participate in educational enhancement for students of primary school specifically in the areas of English, Maths and enhancing creativity. In order to promote participation of more and more volunteers in this activity, you will be provided with detailed workbooks and guidelines for teaching. Those participants who have no formal education or practical experience in teaching can also carry out this activity comfortably with the help of aids provided.

The volunteer activities in the field include:

Regularly teaching children English and Mathematics in the schools.
Creating a playful environment and enhancing the creativity of the children through painting, playing games, singing etc.
Working with local teachers in creating low cost teaching material and to train them in making education more fun for the children.
Each volunteer will take responsibility for the everyday attendance of a few children to the school, aim to improve overall interest in the school and reduce drop-out rate.
Ensuring regular health check ups for the children in each school through cooperating with the local doctors and hospital staff.
Creating basic hygiene awareness amongst children on a regular basis.

School for Snake Charmers' children (Rajasthan): Working with this ancient and very interesting nomadic community will be a culturally and socially rewarding experience. Volunteers will be involved in regularly imparting education to the children attending school, spreading awareness about the importance of education amongst community members.

Welfare and Child Care

In addition to the attention at schools, early childhood care and education is an area of critical need in rural areas. Drawing upon experience over the last few years our partner has taken up the responsibility of maintenance and care of local child care centres, and volunteers are encouraged to get involved. Also called Anganwari, these centres carry out holistic child care in the area.

Volunteer activities include:

Personal attention and care to the children coming to the center everyday.
Give assistance to the local worker for record maintenance for each child based on health, vaccination, growth and nutritional condition.
Making and feeding the children a specially prepared nutritious meal everyday with the help of a local worker.
Continuous survey of all pregnant women and new born babies in the area for regular health check ups and vaccination.
Creating a colorful and enjoyable environment for the children with games, stories and other creative activities (all material support and training would be provided by the host organisation)
Developing the motor skills of the little children through various games etc

School for Mentally challenged children, Thakardwara (Himachal): Since June 2005, international volunteers have been working at this special school for the mentally challenged. As a result of this intervention, the number of students has grown and attendance of children has become much more regular. Severely understaffed, the two teachers in the school are often struggling to give adequate attention to each of the approximately 20-odd students enrolled in the school. The volunteer activities in this institution would include: assisting teachers in completing assignments for the students, organizing education and fun activities for the children, and visiting students' homes for sensitization of the family towards their children with special needs.

Women Empowerment

A variety of educational and confidence building activities are organised for the benefit of adolescent girls and women of the local community by volunteers. These activities are geared towards expanding the horizon of this often neglected section of the community with the purpose of giving them a sense of self-worth and empowerment.

Volunteers contribute significantly in the areas of:

Computer training: In the fact developing world the knowledge of computer can give the students a employability advantage and make it easier for them to access modern means to information and expression. Volunteers can make use of the well tested and developed modules of imparting basic computer skills to enthusiastic local girls and women.
English classes: In an increasingly unilingual world , knowledge of English can make a huge difference to the confidence, employability and social status of an individual. With English not being the first language in the rural areas, people from a vast majority of Indian population miss out on quality opportunities of gaining confidence in the sue of language. Volunteers, with their involvement in teaching English to local women can help the project achieve a multitude of objectives like empowerment and increasing employability.

Extra Afternoon Volunteer Options in Himachal:

If you would like to get involved in more volunteer work than your core option offers. You may have the option to further volunteer work which can include the following:

- Additional tutoring for slow learning children:

With the help of regularly updated records of school children, interested volunteers can take up special classes for children that need more tutoring at their homes. This activity can have the additional benefit of building more confidence in the community about volunteers’ work and awareness about the need for regular schooling.

- Maintenance of institutional facilities:

During some afternoons, the volunteers can take up maintenance, renovation and decoration of their various work places like schools, daycare centers etc. Such work will not be available on a continuous basis and hence may be seen as an extra activity that the volunteers would carry.

Programme details

Locations

Rajasthan

The north-western state of Rajasthan is well known for its rich history and colourful culture. As the most popular tourist destination in India, Rajasthan offers many opportunities to participants for sightseeing within the region, during, after, or before the programme.

Himachal

This Himalayan location is situated around the regionally important town of Palampur in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The camp is located 30 kms from Dharamsala, the capital of the exiled Tibetan government and centre of Tibetan Buddhist culture, adding another cultural dimension to the program to the numerous opportunities that the programme offers.

Arrival and Orientation

You will arrive in Dehli where you will be picked up in the airport.

After a night in a hotel, you will be transferred to Jaipur where you will start your orientation. You will spend four nights in a host family and you will be provided with information on how to carry out your work, cultural do's and don'ts, safety issues and other practical tips.You will also take some time to do a bit of sightseeing before heading to Agra for your over-night visit to the Taj Mahal (optional). Following this you will take an overnight train to Palampur to start your volunteering project.

Accommodation and Meals

Accommodation will be at a local facility in the area that you will be working in. Rooms will be based on a minimum of 3 people sharing and bedding and simple furniture will be provided. The bathroom may or may not be en suite, depending on the location of accommodation. There will be no "shower" but you will have access to bucket baths of hot water. Work placements will be in deprived villages that receive little attention from official side. Most meals are included and will consist mainly of vegetable and sometimes fish curries, Indian breads, rice and fruit.

Recreational Activities

There will be plenty for you to do in your free time. There will be access to special workshops on aspects of Indian culture including yoga and Indian cooking. Some volunteers take up the opportunity to borrow a bicycle and tour the local countryside. Some plan excursions to local points of interest, whereas others will just take the time to relax. Most Friday evenings, volunteers arrange a small party or get together to celebrate the end of the working week.

Project Support

Throughout your stay in India you will have the support and guidance of a coordinator and their team. They will be able to help you with any questions or advice you may need during your stay and provide you with competent assistance. The staff will be on hand throughout the day.

In addition, we will provide you with a 24 hour emergency contact number before you depart, so that you can contact one of our staff in Ireland at any time should you need to.

Start Dates and Programme Durations

This programme is available for participation with 4, 8 and 12 weeks week options.

The programmes start on fixed dates which are joined by participants from many different countries. The starting dates of the 4 week and 8 week options are the same and the schedule includes the first week as orientation in Jaipur, the "Pink City", a very popular destination for national and international visitors.

Himachal 2010		Rajasthan 2010
Start date	End date*	Start date	End date*
18 Jan 10	14 Mar 10	25 Jan 10	21 Mar 10
15 Feb 10	11 Apr 10	22 Feb 10	18 Apr 10
15 Mar 10	9 May 10	22 Mar 10	only 4 weeks prog.
12 Apr 10	6 Jun 10	9 Aug 10	3 Oct 10
10 May 10	4 Jul 10	6 Sept 10	31 Oct 10
7 Jun 10	1 Aug 10	4 Oct 10	28 Nov 10
5 Jul 10	29 Aug 10	1 Nov 10	26 Dec 10
2 Aug 10	26 Sep 10	29 Nov 10	23 Jan 11
30 Aug 10	24 Oct 10	27 Dec 10	20 Feb 11
27 Sep 10	21 Nov 10
25 Oct 10	19 Dec 10
22 Nov 10	16 Jan 11
20 Dec 10	13 Feb 11

* Please note that the end dates listed are for the 8 week programme, the start dates are identical whatever the programme length.

It is also possible to stay in two locations for a small extra cost (e.g. 8 weeks in Rajasthan + 4 weeks in Himachal).

Visas

Six-month tourist visas are issued by the Indian Embassy. You must have proof of onward/return travel.

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

Predeparture orientation and support
Pickup at the New Delhi airport and one night in Delhi hotel
All transfers by dedicated or public transport required by the program including:
- for orientation program in Jaipur
- local sightseeing wherever applicable
- All excursions included in the program.
- Local transport at project locations.
- Overnight journeys at the start and the end of the program.
Home-stay with local English speaking families in Jaipur during orientation (4 nights).
Sightseeing of Amber fort in Jaipur with optional Elephant ride
Accommodation on site the basis on of minimum triple occupancy.
Dedicated transport during the working days for transportation between projects and accommodation.
All meals during the working days, orientation days
One-week workshop for the group on yoga and/or Indian cooking (1 workshop for 4 weeks programme and 2 for 8 weeks)
Dedicated on-site assistance of an English speaking translator cum helper for the first four weeks of the program (including the days of orientation program).
All material required for various activities during the volunteer work like color pens papers, sports equipment etc.
Assistance in setting up local support for the volunteers' activities in coordination with the local NGOs
Free access to online TEFL resources for teaching projects
Debrief workshop on return to Ireland
Invitation to join EIL Development Education Network
Other facilities provided in the field for comfort and recreation of volunteers include:
- Amenities like refrigerator, DVD player, television etc.
- Video and books library; Board Games.
- Information and assistance for independent excursions during the weekends.

Excursions for Rajasthan:
- Tiger safari at Ranthambore National Tiger Reserve. For any reason related to weather or particular instances like closure of the National Park, if Tiger Safari is not possible then an overnight Pushkar Excursion will be organised.
- Camel safari excursion (only for 8 weeks programme) included for the volunteers with overnight camping in the desert, including dinner and breakfast.
For Himachal:
- Trekking trip in the Himalayas for a total of 2 nights and 2 days (including travel time to destination) with overnight camping inclusive of all meals and necessary gear.
- A one-night, two day excursion to Amritsar (only for 8 weeks programme), the holy city of Sikh religion, where the volunteers can visit a host of historical and religious sights. The famous Golden temple in Amritsar is the holiest shrine of Sikhism. Participants can also visit the "Wagah border closing ceremony" between India and Pakistan.

What is not included

Visa Fee
Flights
Medical, liability and travel insurance (available for €10 per week)
Personal expenses

Optional excursion

Taj Mahal trip (on the 4th day of the orientation programme): €94

Costs

Duration	Cost
4 weeks	€1299
8 weeks	€1735
12 weeks	€2155

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.

Photos & Videos

Photos:

Stories from the field

Stories from our volunteers:

Ber and Sarah, Public Helath and Health Promotion Students in UCC tell us about their internship programme in India

27 May 2010 - 9:57am

Any previous views we had of India have completely changed for the better. When we remember back to the EIL pre-departure workshop and the chat you gave on culture shock, we really did not realise how much of a cultural difference we were letting ourselves in for. Everything is so unbelievably different and challenging, but we wouldn't want it any other way.

"the best experience of my life so far": last post from Aedin in India

15 Mar 2010 - 4:33pm

In India anyway, you’ll undoubtedly see heart-breaking poverty and inequality, and you'll experience some very basic living conditions sooner or later! But for every bad feeling, there are a hundred good ones! You will meet brilliant people, you’ll be helping people who really need it and appreciate it, and you’ll finish your placement a happy and changed person.

Latest news from Aedin in India (Week 4)

18 Feb 2010 - 12:06pm

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.

"I love India", Aedin Clynes writes after two weeks in India - Individual Programme

9 Feb 2010 - 12:04pm

Although the work in the school is physically tiring and emotionally draining, I'm really enjoying every minute of it. It can be difficult to discipline the children, as they see foreign volunteers more as their friends than teachers. But I'm working on it! And I can see they're making progress already.

May 1st - Food Glorious Food - Bread, Potatoes and RICE

12 May 2009 - 3:07pm

Continuing away at work with the special needs children at their school in camp. it is great to be working regularly with the same kids and building up a good relationship with them. They are really beautiful kids and each have their own distinctive and strong personalities and it is a pleasure working with them every day. Unfortunately in Indian society there is a big stigma attached to these kids as they are not viewed a 'Normal'(Anyone can tell me what defines Normality I'd love to know). so it is very important that we give them a loving environment and build up their self esteem and develop their life skills.

April 21 – Himachal Volunteer Camp: Same Same, but different

12 May 2009 - 3:03pm

I am now based in a volunteer camp in the village of sungal a few miles outside the town of Palampur in Himachal Pradesh in northern India. it couldn't be more different than the previous area i was based in. it is like a different country. Like I have said on many occasions this is a country full of many contradictions and the differences between these two areas is a big one. The landscape, infrastructure, housing, people etc are all so different it is amazing. But yet in many aspects the underlying problems in India exist just as much here too. SAME SAME BUT DIFFERENT

April 10 - Rajasthan Volunteer camp: My Thoughts Half way True this Incredible Adventure

12 May 2009 - 2:58pm

I was reading back over my journal and amazed at how far i have come over a short period of time. after taking a while to settle in, these children really broke into my consciousness. you never really get used to seeing the poverty that these kids live in but you do learn to look beyond it and see and get to know them for who they are and that is when the special experience grows.

April 4 – Rajasthan Volunteer Camp: Washing clothes in a bucket

12 May 2009 - 2:49pm

Our projects continue all be it at a slower pace as exams are starting for the kids. the cycling club continues each evening and it is still my favourite project. this week 3 of the girls were cycling on thier own and it was fantastic. on Tuesday Chunni who is a 12 year old girl took off on her own on the bike. she was the first and it was such a great sight.

March 25 – Rajasthan Volunteer Camp: The Maradonna of India

12 May 2009 - 2:44pm

its important that we pay particular attention to the girls and make them feel as important as the boys as this is not often regarded as the case and many are pulled out of school at a very young age. some of the stories you hear about the treatment of women in some sections of society here would frighten you.

March 13 – Rajasthan Volunteer Camp, first impressions: laugh or cry

12 May 2009 - 2:33pm

But yet note this trough all these obstacles and barriers these kids are continuously smiling and laughing and it truly is a great privilege to at least pass thru their lives and get to meet them. I honestly think that they are giving me far far more than i will ever give in return.

Country info

History

Indian history dates back to 3000 BC. Excavations in Punjab and Gujarat reveal that the Indus Valley civilisation was a highly developed urban civilisation. In fact the two cities of Harappa and Mohenjodaro, situated on two sides of the river Ravi, are known to have been built on a similar plan. But that only meant a new wave of urbanisation was taking place along the Ganges around 1500 BC. This has been recorded in the Rig Veda - the earliest known literary source composed in this period that sheds light on India's past.

The Great Dynasties

By 6th century BC, the Magadh rulers dominated the Northern plains. It was also the time when new thinking emerged in the form of Buddhism and Jainism to challenge Hindu orthodoxy. The Magadh rule was followed by the rule of Chandragupta Maurya (322-298 B.C.), one of India's greatest emperors. The Mauryan reign peaked under the reign of Ashoka the Great who extended his empire from the Kashmir and Peshawar in the North to Mysore in the South and Orissa in the East. Not only was Ashoka a great ruler, he was one of the most successful propagators of Buddhism in the country. After Ashoka's death in 232 B.C. the empire began to disintegrate and the country was repeatedly raided and plundered by foreign invaders, leaving India disunited and weak for the next 400 years. Stability returned with the reign of Chandra Gupta I (380-412 A.D.). His rule is considered the golden period in Indian history when art and culture flourished and the country prospered.

Unlike the North of India, foreign invasions had little impact on life in South India which also saw the rise and decline of many empires. These included the Cholas whose rule extended to Sri Lanka and South East Asia, the Pandyas, the Cheras, the Pallavas and the Chalukyas. Under the various rulers, arts and craft in the South also saw the emergence of various styles of architecture and some of the grandest architectural accomplishments in the South - the most famous being the exquisitely crafted Chola bronzes. These were followed by the Hoysala and the Vijaynagar empires - among the greatest Hindu empires.

The Muslim Invasions

The first Muslim invasions of the country started with the Mahmud of Gazni, who plundered the sub-continent for its riches between 1001 and 1025. Later Mohamed Ghori defeated Prithviraj Chauhan, the Tomar ruler of Delhi and left it in charge of his deputy, Qutub-ud-din, the man who built the Qutub Minar in Delhi. His rule was followed by that of the Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid and Lodi dynasties. Known as the Sultanate of Delhi, it was during this period that the Muslim rulers introduced Islamic concepts of society and governance to most of the sub-continent, though the South remained largely untouched.

In 1525, Babur, a descendant of Timur, as well as Genghis Khan invaded Punjab and eventually founded the Mughal empire in India. His rule was followed by that of his son Humayun. Humayun was ousted by Afghan chieftain Sher Shah but resumed power after Sher Shah's death. Sher Shah is, however, remembered as the one to build the Grand Trunk road spanning from Peshawar to Patna. Humayun's reign was followed up by his son Akbar who actually consolidated power and extended the empire across North India and parts of South India. One of India's wisest rulers and most able administrators, Akbar's reign is considered to be one of the best the country has known. Akbar was succeeded by Jahangir, followed by his son Shah Jahan - best known as the builder of the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort and the Jama Masjid. Shah Jahan's reign was followed by Aurangzeb's. The death of Aurangzeb saw the decline of the Mughal rule in India.

British Rule

Over the centuries India had always been attractive to traders, and one of the first Europeans to come to India was the Portuguese trader Vasco da Gama who landed at Calicut, sailing via the Cape of Good Hope in 1498. The Portuguese established their colony in Goa in the 16th Century but they did not expand it though their rule continued till 1961. Vasco da Gama was followed by the French, the Dutch and the English, all of whom were lured by the commercial interests that India offered. By the last quarter of the 18th century the English established themselves as the dominant power in India and they set about making revolutionary changes in the social, political and the economic life of the country.

Towards Independence

The disintegration of the Mughal empire, fighting among the Maratha rulers and inability of the various rulers across the country to unite against a common enemy saw the British consolidate their position in the country. However, the 19th century saw a revival of national pride and social reform and the Indians began to tire of the suppressive British rule. Things reached a flash point in the second half of the 19th century when the first war of independence in 1857 broke out in Meerut. It was sparked off by the introduction of a new rifle and cartridge by the British in the Army. The cartridges which soldiers had to bite off, allegedly contained pork and beef tallow, which offended the religious sentiments of both Hindus and Muslims. The soldiers rebelled, reached Delhi and proclaimed Bahadurshah Zafar the sovereign ruler of India. They were eventually overpowered by the British.

But there was no looking back for the Indians who wanted social reform and freedom. The Indian National Congress was set up and educated Indians started formulating strategies to assert their birthright to independence. The anti-British sentiment became a mass movement with the arrival of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi who devised a unique strategy for India's freedom struggle based on non-violence and civil disobedience. He conceived and led the non-cooperation movement in 1922, the Salt Satyagraha in 1930 and the Quit India Movement in 1942. All of which pushed the British into agreeing to transfer power on August 15, 1947, the day that is now celebrated as India's Independence Day. Today, India is the world's largest democracy with a federal form of government.

Religion

As the birthplace of four major religions that exist even today, India is rightfully known as the land of spirituality and philosophy. The most dominant religion in India today is Hinduism with almost 81% of the people being Hindus. One of the truly ancient religions of the world, Hinduism is believed to have developed nearly 5000 years ago.

Around 500 BC two other religions made their mark in India: Buddhism and Jainism and today while these two religions together account for no more than 1.2% of the population, their impact on Indian culture and sensibility is far in excess of that. Between them these three ancient religions - Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism - molded Indian philosophy and thinking. One comparatively new religion in India is Sikhism, which was established in the 15th century. Today about 2% of Indians are Sikhs. There were other attempts to create new religions in India, and though they did not always succeed, they add to the mystic lore and spiritual depth of the land

Along with the religions that developed in India, there are followers of non-Indian religions as well. Islam is the chosen faith of a hefty 12% of India's population. Christians account for more than 2%, and Zoroastrians (Parsis) though a tiny minority, still make their presence felt. There are also a few thousand Jews in India

Culture

Continuity is perhaps the most remarkable feature of Indian society and culture. Over the centuries, communities belonging to different races have come together and mingled in the mainstream of Indian life to make this land a unique composite of different cultures.

Though India is marked by many differences pertaining to geographical features, racial elements, language, customs, modes of dress and eating and so on, its identity as a socio-cultural whole is clearly perceived both by Indian and outsiders.

The varied cultural multiplicity of India is a rich repository of folkloristic materials that provide the scope of sociological and anthropological, linguistic and folkloristic investigations. The rich cultural heritage of India finds expression in the daily life and social life of the people.

Climate

The climate of the country varies from region to region. The North enjoys a cold climate in the winter months between November and March. The coastal areas have a tropical climate throughout the year, while the plains and most central and southern regions of the country are hot in the summer months of April to June. Most of the country has a vigorous monsoon, which lasts from July to October.

Located in the northern hemisphere, India shares its borders with Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh. The rest of the land is surrounded by sea.

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

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.

Back to the top
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.
Back to the top
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.

Back to the top
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.

Back to the top
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.

Back to the top
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.

Back to the top
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.

Back to the top
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.

Back to the top
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.

Back to the top
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.
Back to the top
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.

Back to the top
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.

Back to the top
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.

Back to the top
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.

Back to the top
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.

Back to the top
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.

Back to the top
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.

Back to the top
What vaccinations should I get?

For legal reasons we cannot give advice on this. Please contact your doctor or the Tropical Medical Bureau.

Back to the top
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.

Back to the top
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?

Back to the top
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.

Back to the top
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.

Back to the top
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.

Back to the top
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.

Back to the top
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.
Back to the top

EIL Intercultural Learning