Assist Children and Adults in Poland!

  Poland

Siedlce,  Zakopane

Length of Position: two to three weeks
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks and 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: year round

Description: During the fall and spring, volunteers teach in rural elementary and high-school classrooms in the Siedlce region, east of Warsaw. The primary objectives are to intensify the young students' desire to learn English and to enhance the adults' ability to communicate in English. Emphasis is on conversation, and teachers and non-teachers alike are helpful. Summer teams teach at English language camps in the Tatra mountain village of Zakopane in southern Poland or at a manor house near Siedlce. Volunteers and Polish school students live and study together, take trips and play American games. Volunteers also work with children with special needs in two settings: a boarding school for physically- and mentally-disabled girls and an orphanage for children from dysfunctional homes. Volunteers play, read and exercise with the children, giving them the extra attention every child deserves. No experience is necessary; however, volunteers with experience working with the disabled and in special education are very helpful.

Highlights: This is an exceptional opportunity to experience authentic Polish life. Our program started soon after Poland gained indepenende, through an invitation from Rural Solidarity. Our current host in Poland is the county government of Siedlce. With this exceptional access, you can witness, first-hand, what has propelled this thriving country toward membership in the European Union. During free time, volunteers may visit the attractions of both the Krakow and Warsaw regions. Near Krakow, volunteers may tour many of the sites depicted in the film "Schindler's List," as well as Wawel Castle, Auschwitz and the salt mines. Free-time arrangements and costs are your responsibility.

Qualifications: If you are a native English speaker, have energy to work with kids, an open mind, and are willing to serve as part of a team and take direction from local leaders, you will make a positive contribution to this exciting volunteer program. You need not have previous teaching experience. However, if you have experience working with handicapped children, you are especially needed for the group home project.

Cost in US$: $1,795 - $2,495

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Our volunteers are culturally curious and open-minded people looking to contribute to a community development project and to improve their understanding of different ways of life. They are all ages, from various ethnic backgrounds, and of all different professions, such as educators, students, laborers, medical professionals, full-time parents, computer professionals, artists, lawyers and the like.

Age Range: adults of all ages; minor with adult

This Program is open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Poland Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Global Volunteers's Mission Statement: "Adventures in Service". Founded to help advance peace, racial reconciliation, and mutual international understanding between peoples of diverse cultures through short-term volunteer service on long-term community development programs. We maintain partnerships with local leaders and indigenous host organizations worldwide and mobilize up to 300 teams of volunteers annually to work alongside local people on work projects central to their advancement. We also raise funds to support our international and domestic partners and to provide child sponsorships for educational, social and medical assistance. Global Volunteers is in special consultative status with the United Nations.

Year Founded: 1984