Short Term International Volunteer Projects in Asia, Middle East, Africa and Latin America
Concordia
Vacancy: Short Term International Volunteer Projects in Asia, Middle East, Africa and Latin America
Company: Concordia
Category: Gap year projects (Conservation, Teaching, Construction & building)
Dates: Projects run mainly between June and September, although a spring and winter programme is avaialble
Cost: £150 registration fee + £30 Preparation weekend fee. Volunteers fund their own travel and insurance. Volunteers pay an on arrival fee of approx. £100 that covers board and accommodation and funds the programme in the country.
Support In Place: Pre-departure phone and email support; Preparation weekend before departure; local project co-ordinators look after the volunteers; host organisation 24 hours full support ; evaluation and feedback once back in the UK.
Age limit: 19+
Short term projects in Asia, Middle East, Africa and Latin America
These projects come from community-based initiatives which focus as much on the intercultural aspect of having an international group working within a local community as on the practical work itself.
They do not involve humanitarian or aid work. Instead, they promote understanding and co-operation between the North and South countries and give participants the opportunity to learn from living a completely different way of life.
Generally, projects involve basic environmental, construction or renovation work although there are some social, archaeological and arts-based projects available, depending on the country. Many projects will also involve a social aspect such as health promotion or youth awareness issues.
Here are some examples of projects that might be available:
* Organise activities for street children in India
* Helping with a HIV awareness in Ghana
* Constructing a safe drinking water and sanitation building in Uganda
* Improve children’s education in Peru
* Protect marine turtles in Mexico
What is Concordia?
Concordia's aim is to encourage international youth exchange as a means of promoting personal development, greater cultural awareness and international understanding.
What are International Volunteer Projects?
International Volunteer Projects bring together individuals from around the world to participate in two to four week projects. Volunteers work as part of an international team to support community-based initiatives that would not be possible without their help.
What types of project are there?
Over 1500 projects take place every year so there is a wide range of options to choose from. Generally projects fall into the following categories: environmental; construction; renovation; archaeology; agriculture; working with children or youth; social work; working with people with special needs; arts or culture; festival work; and teaching.
Why do an international volunteer project?
To experience different cultures, ideas and beliefs and also share your own...to work alongside local people in local communities, thus gaining a real insight into their country, cultures and traditions...to learn new skills and broaden your horizons...to meet new people and explore new places...to be part of a global movement working towards equality and peace between all people...to make a difference even when you only have a short amount of time to spare.
The main short term programme for the summer is available on our website every year at the end on March. Opportunities are available in winter and spring as well.
PLEASE NOTE THAT IN ORDER TO APPLY VOLUNTEERS MUST BE RESIDENT IN THE UK. Volunteers who are not UK citizens but live in the UK at the time of the application are welcome to apply.
What our volunteers say
"My time on this project was indeed the best two weeks of my life! I know that sounds clichéd but I have never enjoyed myself more and would love to go back. If you like working with kids then this is the project of dreams. Thank you very much" (Thomas Bennett, renovation and social project in Vietnam, 2007)
"We went our to organise a sports festival for young disabled kids but ended up working with drug and alcohol addicts in a rehabilitation home – on the last day playing bongos and chatting with the residents it was hard not to cry as they thanked us for making a difference in their lives. One addict said ‘it may have just been another days work for all of you but for us it is a day we will never forget – the day people from all over the world cared enough to listen to our stories”. Wow! We also arranged a breakdance contest, attended by hundreds of breakdancers from all over Mexico. As we frisked the dancers on entry (for spray cans) and welcomed top djs to the underground car park where the event took place. We all realised we were entering into a subculture we had never known existed. Through my project I met some amazing people and really managed to experience Mexican culture as I was welcomed into peoples’ homes and lives freely. I loved every minute of it and learnt a lot about myself and others. ‘In case of emergency’, breakdance!’". (Jeannine Richards, Social project in Mexico, 2004)
"The international volunteer experience is a wonderful opportunity to meet people from all backgrounds and walks of life and in many cases removes the previous misconceptions showed by many regarding developing communities. The tirelessly warm welcome from locals and strong, positive ethos between international volunteers will help to cement friendships, future relations between North and South, and some of the most amazing memories/experiences of my life. I can’t wait to go back". (Paul Knowles, Kikooba Health Centre project, 2006)
"It was one of the best experiences of my life and I will think about different aspects of my time there for the rest of my life!" (Joanna Edmonds, social project in Amhedabad, India, 2006)
"I had an amazing two week project . It was a great experience – I learnt a tremendous amount about myself, about Thailand, the Akha people and about cultural exchange and its values.
These two weeks were invaluable. I carry memories of this time which are very special and I will treasure. It isn’t the work itself but the taking part, experiencing and sharing together, living and learning together with people from different countries. I now have friends all over the world who I know I will visit at some point in the future. I would thoroughly recommend this project to anyone". (Caroline Stocks, social project in Thailand, 2005).