SEEDS, Volunteer in Iceland - Environmental & Cultural Projects

  Iceland

Reykjavik

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks and 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: April to October

Description: SEEDS hosts International workcamps (short-term voluntary service projects) on environmental, nature and outdoors related issues.

Since 2006 SEEDS has hosted around 1000 international volunteers from 45 different countries in Iceland. Some of our workcamps are directly related to festivals, artistic, cultural or sports gatherings. Our projects are located in every corner of the Icelandic map! The groups are formed by 8 up to 20 committed individuals, from (between 5 and 12) different countries.

We have diverse types of projects: We work on environmental, nature, outdoors and agriculture related issues in the Eco-village of Solheimar, Drangajokull Hornstrandir, the Langanes Peninsula Thórshöfn, Akranes, Patreksfjordur, Reykjavík & Blafjoll and Dalvík.

Some others of our workcamps are directly related to festivals and artistic, cultural or sports gatherings as in Patreksfjordur, Kvikmyndahatio - Film Festival,Hafnarfjordur, Vikingahatio - Viking Festival, Akraneskaupstaour - Irskir dagar, Irish Days!, Patreksjordur - Hiking & Culture Festival, Dalvik - Fiskidagurinn Mikli (Great Fish Day, Reykjavik: Hinsegin Dagar, Menningarnott & Maraþon (Gay pride, Cultural night and the Marathon) and for the RIFF - Reykjavik International Film Festival.

The types of the projects are mainly nature or environmental oriented, and volunteers perform different types of tasks, for instance ecological research, removing invasive growth (lupines, luppina), building of walking paths or hiking trails, cleaning up the coastline, reforestation and erosion control works, construction or renovation of a community building, monument or community centre, etc... In the cultural/festival related jobs, SEEDS came into action helping in the organization of the happenings and also taken part actively in the events.

Activities developed by SEEDS, SEE beyonD borderS, include:
- International workcamps
- Long/Medium term Voluntary Service
- Exchanges
- Seminars, training sessions
- Practical and language training.

We bring together volunteers from different nationalities and backgrounds aiming at building up international understanding and therefore encouraging peace while working for an identified need. All parties involved benefit: The individual volunteers, the local hosting communities and Iceland as a whole! While working in teams tackling certain projects, SEEDS also addressed among them human, social and environmental concerns, promoting intercultural and common learning.

One of the basic pillars of responsible travelling is giving back, making a positive, personal or group contribution to the people and places we are visiting: Many of our participants want to visit Iceland and get to know the country from a different perspective, being able to interact with locals and at the same time dedicating some of their time to support particular projects and addressing specific needs of the hosts.

SEEDS, SEE beyonD borderS, in Iceland works closely with local communities, their administration or authorities and with other Icelandic associations. Jointly we develop projects aimed at fulfil an identified need or to help in the development of particular actions that are already being undertaken.

Highlights: SEEDS gathers groups of 4 to 20 international volunteers, people of different cultures, ideologies, and nationalities that live and work together for two to four weeks on a project addressing an identified need.

Additional to the inner intercultural side of the group itself, volunteers socialize and work with the local people and at the same time have the unique opportunity to experience Iceland in a different way; usually our camps are located in places of extreme beauty and most of the activities are performed outdoors.

Qualifications:
- We would like volunteers applying for our projects to have a motivation for working with international groups on mostly nature-protection, conservation and cultural-related projects.
- Volunteer's enthusiasm and interest in order to engage with people, to work in teams are highly appreciated.
- Particular interest in environmental issues as in sustainability might be very useful when developing the activities for the groups.
- There are no special or additional specific qualifications or practical skills needed.

The work involved in this project:
1. Might be physically demanding and a reasonable level of physical fitness and health is required.
2. Can be intensive and very demanding so patience is required.
3. Involves a lot of outdoor activities and as weather conditions in Iceland are variable, and often cold, we recommend volunteers to be prepared for different situations, to take with them warm, waterproof clothes and shoes. As working outdoors, we suggest volunteers to bring working and comfortable clothes as sturdy walking/hiking shoes/boots.

Cost in US$: US$ 100 - US$ 200 (EUR 80 - 140)

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Volunteers taking part in SEEDS projects are mostly in the age 18 to 26, looking for an alternative way to explore Iceland and at the same time willing to have an enriching intercultural experience with the other participant and the local islanders. Apart from travelling volunteers want to give back, making a positive, personal or group contribution to the people and places visited: Many of our participants want to visit Iceland and get to know the country from a different perspective, being able to interact with locals and at the same time dedicating some of their time to support particular projects and addressing specific needs of the hosts. While mingling with Icelanders, volunteers want to learn about the local culture and have the opportunity to build friendships; additionally, they develop new skills working under unfamiliar surroundings.

Age Range: 18+. No upper age limit

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Iceland Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 8 to 20

Application Process Involves:

• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Job and Internship Network

SEEDS, SEE beyonD borderS - Iceland's Mission Statement: SEEDS aims at promoting respect for cultural diversity, mutual understanding and environment protection through activities which empower, promote and aid people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds to take effective citizen actions in order to build opinions and take positions about our active role in the future development of the world in terms of peace, tolerance, cross-cultural learning and sustainability. SEEDS, SEE beyonD borderS, provides them possibilities and opportunities to live, study, experience, exchange, research and work together.

Year Founded: 2005