Volunteer Abroad: Nigeria | EIL Intercultural Learning

Nigeria

Nigeria is the heart of West Africa and the most populous country on the continent. It contains an incredible diversity of cultures, with over 450 ethnic dialects, and it bustles with music, rhythm and colour.

Nigeria is currently run by a democratically elected government, but underlying ethnic and religious tensions remain and some areas of the country. Widespread poverty is at the root of many of Nigeria’s current problems.

Volunteering in Nigeria is a challenging but rewarding opportunity for those who want a genuine experience of modern Africa. Safety is a key factor - only projects in a safe location have been chosen. Participants work alongside their local counterparts on a range of vital projects, gaining hands-on experience and an understanding of life in Nigeria.

Main Features

6 day orientation including visits and excursions
Homestay with a local host family
Projects: teaching, welfare, health and human rights
From 3 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.

Teaching

English is the official language of Nigeria, making it possible for volunteers to help in the teaching of young children in a range of areas. Subjects where volunteers can assist include music, arithmetic, reading and writing, physical and health education and art. Placements are available in public primary schools in both urban and rural areas, and in private boarding schools. No specific qualifications are needed for primary school placements, but volunteers looking towards a career in teaching will find it particularly worthwhile.

SOS Children's Village is a non-governmental, charitable organisation providing permanent homes and education for orphans and children in need until they are able to lead an independent life. It has two sites, in Lagos and Ogun, with a kindergarten, primary school and vocational centre at both locations and over 200 resident children. SOS aims to give these children a family they can identify with as their own and an education that will provide them with a future. They needs volunteers to teach children elementary subjects and vocational skills (computers, sewing, metal work, arts and craft).

Welfare

60% of the population of Nigeria live below the poverty line. On of the effects of this is that members of society who are in need of special care are often left in a particularly vulnerable position. Volunteers are needed to work in a range of organisations which care for the poor and for people with disabilities. Volunteers must be patient and committed, and able to cope with distressing situations.

The Catholic Relief Centre was established in 1986 by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in response to the need for accommodation and food for the poor and homeless. The Centre also provides accommodation at a reduced price to people who have nowhere to live on health grounds and those who have been rejected by their family. The centre feeds about 120 people daily. Volunteers interested in social work and caring are required to assist in the running of the centre.

Health

Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country, and has both a very high birth rate and a very high infant mortality rate. Like many African countries, it suffers from a widespread HIV/AIDS problem, with an estimated 3.5 million people currently living with the disease. Several organisations have been set up with the aim of educating and assisting the population on issues of family planning and sexual health. Volunteers with medical qualifications and experience are particularly needed, but there are also non-medical positions in administration where volunteers can play a part.

The Society for Family Health (SFH) is a non-profit organisation founded in 1985 and now has locations around the country. The SFH works to combat the problems of rapid population growth, the spread of HIV and poor maternal and child health. It does this by providing the poor with access to contraceptives and educating the people on safe sexual practice. Volunteers do not necessarily need formal qualifications, but must have an interest in public enlightenment programmes on HIV/AIDS and family planning.

Human Rights

Despite the transition to civilian government in recent years, ethnic and religious tensions remain within and between Nigeria’s 36 states. Human rights and particularly the rights of women are an area of concern. A number of organisations exist to promote and protect human rights and to resolve conflicts in Nigerian society. Volunteers with a knowledge of and interest in human rights are required for administrative and campaign work. Most human rights projects will require applicants who have experience of human rights work, a legal background or are law students.

The Human Rights Research and Development Centre is an independent NGO established in 1992 which works to create a consciousness on the realities of human rights in Nigeria. It is involved in the settlement of conflicts and human rights education. Volunteers work in the areas of administration, data collection and education.

Programme details

Arrival & Orientation

On arrival in Nigeria, you will be met at the airport in Lagos and transferred to the city of Ibadan where you will stay for the 6-day orientation. The orientation is designed to help you adjust to life in Nigeria. There will be a series of visits and discussions on issues such as health and culture, as well as local language lessons. You will be given a city tour and shown how to use public transport and other services.

Accommodation

During the orientation week, you will stay in Bed and Breakfast accommodation in Ibadan. You will then be transferred to your volunteer placement accommodation. For most placements, you will stay with an approved home-stay with a Nigerian family. This will include 2 meals per day during the week and 3 meals per day at the weekend. The home-stay accommodation usually has basic furnishings and in some instances there may be no running water and only sporadic electricity, so volunteers should not expect the same level of comfort they find at home. Living with a local family is a great way of meeting people and learning about their culture. For some placements you will be accomodated at project site.

Start Dates

There are fixed start dates but this can be flexible if necessary.

2010 start dates:

January 12 & 26, February 9 & 23, March 9 & 23, April 13 & 27, May 11 & 25, June 8 & 22, July 13 & 27, August 10 & 24, September 14 & 28, October 12 & 26, November 9 & 23, December 14.

Visas

Participants must arrange a visa before travelling to Nigeria. Please contact us for more 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
Voluntary work placement
6 day orientation
Bed and Breakfast accommodation while on orientation in Nigeria
Homestay accommodation and food (2 meals a day weekdays, 3 meals a day weekends) or at project site while on work placement
Ongoing support service from local office
Transfer from the airport to orientation and from orientation to work placement
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
Entry visa fees
Medical, liability and travel insurance (available for €10 per week).
Airport drop-off at the end of the programme
Personal expenses
Lunch on weekdays

Costs

Duration	Cost
3 weeks	€999
4 weeks	€1099
6 weeks	€1199
8 weeks	€1249
12 weeks	€1399
16 weeks	€1569
20 weeks	€1749
24 weeks	€1929

Medical, liability and travel insurance available for €10 per week.

Prices are subject to change and are reviewed annually in 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

Videos:

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

Photos:

Stories from the field

Stories from our volunteers:

The Power of Naija (2)

1 Sep 2010 - 5:10pm

Jack Hamilton, from co.Down, volunteered in Nigeria during the summer 2010, on return he shares his experience with us.

I found that it was immediately impossible to put the experience into a concise article as ‘Nigeria’ itself refuses to be categorised. The people identify themselves primarily through their tribe rather than nationality, the international press fails to account for the complexity of the country and therefore any stereotype of Nigeria is doomed to be extremely limited if not entirely false.

The Power of Naija (1)

1 Sep 2010 - 4:58pm

Jack Hamilton, from co.Down, volunteered in Nigeria during the summer 2010, on return he shares his experience with us.

The fact of the matter is that Nigeria is an incredibly vast and complex nation, most of which is not represented by newsworthy stories that seep from the problematic Oil Delta Region and in more recent times, the Middle Belt.

The majority of this article was written while on my way to the airport to leave Nigeria. The bus bounced and cajoled its way from Osogbo to Lagos as I sat with my head out the window, as far as common sense would permit. Dust battered my face as the sun set over the forests of palms trees and the reckless driver veered between potholes and oncoming tankers as if the two were equal obstacles. This, for me, was Nigeria. A complete barrage on the senses but in an utterly addictive way.

There are no innocent victims of HIV and AIDS.

30 Aug 2010 - 10:22am

Count down

12 Aug 2010 - 9:55am

Hi everyone! Hope you are all well! Nigeria is still a delightful muddle to me:) I feel like a count down has begun today as I was reminded of the date by one of the students in my computer class. Up until now I have been concentrating on the days of the week to forget the return to Ireland. Work is still so interesting!

Having the time of my life in Nigeria.

26 Jul 2010 - 12:32pm

I'm in the third week on the global awareness programme in Nigeria,Where to start? The area we are in and the country as a whole is like a cultural oasis. So many things like the food (incredibly spicy and eaten without cutlery), the customs (using your left hand for many things is rude), the transport (the main way of getting around is by motorcycle taxi and helmets are non-existent) and the conditions (electricity goes several times a day) are unlike anything we are used to.

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

15 Jan 2010 - 12:35pm

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.

Nigeria 2 months on

29 Oct 2009 - 2:08pm

Oisin Brogan from Tralee Co. Kerry spent 6 months volunteering in Nigeria and shares his story with us.

8 Sep 2009 - 10:10am

I had taken on the running of a Kidz Klub. I founded a soccer club in the local primary school I had gone out of my way to visit people. Me! Visit people, with no invitation. Something I wouldn't have thought of in Ireland. I have never considered myself a go getter, as they say, someone to get up and do something. Set me a task, I'll do that for you. but taking the initiative ... Nigeria forced that out of me.

feels like home!!!

8 Aug 2009 - 12:03pm

Hi everyone & Angela. Welcome to this weeks blog. This week Nigeria has really started to feel like home. I am confident about travel outside of my comfort zone and I am having a lot of fun at chiprom now that Eva is back to her healthy self. This week I have not being keeping my diary so much I don’t know why maybe I and having to much fun to write in it. I went to coco dome and had some really food, steak and chips no not a bit of ebba (dough) in sight, I really enjoyed it.

look at the fake Oyinbo!

1 Aug 2009 - 9:18pm

Hello everyone

Welcome to this weeks blog!

Country info

Nigeria - the most populous country on the African continent, and home to one-in-four sub-Saharan Africans - is a nation of tremendous ethnic, cultural, religious and geographic diversity. Despite internal migration and diversity, the country can be informally divided into three main regions; the South (the agricultural and commercial centre, home to the Yoruba ethnic group, and predominately Christian), the North (the traditional base of military power, home to the Hausa and Fulani ethnic groups, predominately Muslim), and the East (the site of Nigeria's vast oil reserves, and home to the Ibo ethnic group).

Nigeria's history, since independence from British colonial rule in 1960, has been littered with military dictatorships, economic mismanagement and corruption, civil wars, human rights abuses, and ethnic and religious conflict. In 1999, Nigeria made a peaceful transition into civilian rule under the leadership of President Olesgun Obasanjo, although many challenges remain. Despite being the fifth largest oil producing country in the world, along with substantial mineral and agricultural resources, 66% of the population fall below the poverty line of $1 a day. This puts Nigeria among the 20 poorest countries in the world.

Despite this, there is still unfaltering optimism among Nigerians that their nation will indeed make it to the ball! The people are generally warm and friendly, and the cities are vibrant with the hustle and bustle of modern cities the world over. Indeed, the very thing that makes Nigeria so difficult to unite into a single republic is also its attraction. The diversity of peoples, languages, histories and religions all rubbing shoulder to shoulder, makes Nigeria a fascinating country to visit.

Fact sheet

Land Area: 923,768 sq.km
Nigeria is situated in West Africa. It borders with Niger on the North, the Atlantic Ocean to the South, Cameroon to the East, Chad to the Northeast, and Benin to the West.
Population: 131, 859,731
Capital: Abuja
Ethnic groups: Nigeria is Africa's most populous country, and is composed of more than 250 ethnic groups. The following are the most populous; Hausa and Fulani 29%, Yoruba 21%, Igbo 18%, Kanuri 4%, Ibibio 3.5%, Tiv 2.5%
Languages: English (official), Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo (Ibo), Fulani
Major religions: Islam 50%, Christianity 40%, indigenous beliefs 10%
Literacy: 68%
Life expectancy: 47 years
Infant mortality rate: 97.14 per 1,000 live births
Adult HIV prevalence: 5.6%
Timezone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) + 1
Currency: 1 Nigerian Naira = 100 Kobo
GDP per capita: US$1,000
Economy: Industry, including crude oil, petroleum products, coal, tin, and rubber. Nigeria is the fifth largest oil producer in the world, and oil dominates the economy. Agriculture, including cocoa, peanuts, palm oil, corn and rice.

HIV/AIDS in Nigeria

Although HIV prevalence rates are lower in Nigeria than many other African countries such as South Africa and Zambia, the size of Nigeria's population means that there are an estimated 3,600,000 people living with HIV/AIDS, with 57% of these being women. This is the largest number for any country other than South Africa and India. State prevalence rates vary from as low as 1.2% in Osun state to as high as 12% in Cross River state, highlighting the claim that there are explosive and localised epidemics in some states.

In 2004 it was estimated that there were 300,000 deaths from AIDS, and 2 million AIDS orphans in Nigeria. There has also been an alarming increase in the number of HIV positive children in recent years, 90% of whom contract the virus from their mothers.

Public Holidays

New Year's day 1st January
Id el Kabir (Feast of Sacrifice) 10th January*
The Prophet's Birthday 10th April
Good Friday 14th April*
Easter 16th/17th April*
Labour day 1st May
Democracy day 29th May
National day 1st October
Id el Fitri (End of Ramadan) 23rd October
Christmas day 25th December
Boxing day 26th December
Id el Kabir 31st December

*Dates are for 2006; these dates change from year to year.

Climate

With Nigeria being between the equator and the Tropic of Cancer, it gets pertty hot. Specifically, there are 2 main ‘temperature regions'. The tropical region in the South usually has temperatures around 90F and the subtropical regions in the North have temperatures between 60F and 100F.
There are 2 main seasons. One of the seasons is called the ‘rainy season', and usually lasts from about May until September in the North, and about March to November in the South. The other season is called the ‘dry season', and that lasts the remainder of the year. In the South, there is also a period around December until January called ‘Harmattan season' during which it gets cold and dry.

Greetings

Nigerians are quite friendly and many will walk up to you to shake your hand warmly; you respond with a handshake. It is not uncommon for people you do not know to go out of their way to start a conversation with a simple greeting. The Nigerian culture demands that young people greet old people by kneeling (for female) or lying prostrate (for male). It is, however, accepted that foreigners give a handshake. Do not greet with the left hand, this will seem offensive or rude. You will stand out in the crowd so you should expect young children to shout out calling "OYINBO" or ‘white person'. This is not an offensive term. You can just wave back without waiting or stopping to talk to them. There are also some people on the street that will want to touch you out of curiosity. This may seem offensive but they are not out to offend you.

Local food

The Nigerian meals are probably very different from the ones you are used to. Their staple diet consists of dough (made from Yam / cassava) and stew or soup. There are different types of soups. Rice served with stew is also one of the popular meals; it may be served with fried plantain or beans. Jollof rice is also a meal you will want to try. You can have meals made from potatoes. Bread is available everywhere and eaten by most people. You can also find roasted plantain with roasted peanuts, by the roadside. You will also find roasted corn if there is corn in season - this is one local snack you will want to try. Please note that some Nigerian meals are spicy. It is good to experiment and it will take some time for you to adjust to the new taste. There are different types of food specific to different geographical areas. You will discover that while some people eat very hot and spicy food, others do not. There are different types of fruits and vegetables you can find locally. You will also find other tinned food you are used to from stores in the big cities.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.
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EIL Intercultural Learning