Volunteer in Ireland!

  Ireland

Bray,  Galway

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Year round

Description: Meet new people, learn valuable work and life skills, become part of an Irish community and contribute to worthwhile causes. This program combines a family homestay with volunteer placement in a local organization.

Participants volunteer their time for 35 to 40 hours/ week. Projects are available in several different fields including: environmental protection, cultural activities, peace-building, activities for children, assistance for disabled persons, and assistance for homeless people.

Participants will be matched with host projects according to their interests and availability(all placements will be subject to availability'specific projects or geographical locations can not be guaranteed ). Placements are made by our local co-ordinators who support participants for the duration of their stay. A certificate of participation will be awarded at the end of the programme.

Program Locations:
Bray - A popular seaside town with a population of 26,000 and close to the spectacular scenery and historical landmarks of Co. Wicklow.

Galway City - Famous for its traditional music, pub life and literature, Galway City has a population of 70,000 and is close to Connemara, known for its wild coastal scenery.

County Kerry - Picturesque Kerry is situated in the warm south-west of Ireland. It boasts the highest mountain in Ireland, numerous Neolithic sites and a thriving Gaelic-speaking population.

Garrigaline - A small town 20 minutes south of Cork city (pop. 250,000), Carrigaline is ideally situated between the busy city and charming coastal villages. The welcoming local community has a strong sense of identity.

Highlights: The popular image of Ireland until recently was of a rural country with close knit communities and a slow pace of life. In the 1990's an economic boom transformed Ireland, modernizing the country and attitudes with it. While the standard of living has risen considerably, many challenges have been created in its wake.

Wealth in Ireland is very unevenly divided, and many marginalized groups are as needy as ever. Those with special needs, young people at risk, and older people in Ireland are finding difficulty meeting their needs in the Ireland of today. Our environment is under threat from over development, and there is rising conflict between those wishing to progress the economic boom and infrastructure and those wishing to preserve Ireland's unique natural and cultural heritage.

By choosing to volunteer in Ireland with VIP you will make an immeasurable contribution to the efforts of projects aiming to tackle some of the most critical issues facing Ireland at this time.

Qualifications: Minimum Age: 18 participants should possess a flexible attitude, open mind and genuine interest in cultural exchange and community service. A Teaching Assistant Program is available for students in training to become teachers and for experienced teachers.

Salary / Pay: Participants do not receive any payment from the project. For the short-term program, participants will stay with a selected host family. All meals will be provided. For the long-term program, participants will be housed in dormitory style accommodations provided by the host project. Full board is included from Monday to Friday while engaged in the program. For both programs, a local co-ordinator will be available to provide support.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Committed to volunteer work, interested in learning about the people and culture of Ireland. Open, flexible, creative and able to relate well to the community.

Age Range: 18 and older, except US citizens 19 and older

Participants Travel to Ireland Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Volunteers for International Partnership's Mission Statement: Volunteers for International Partnership offers each international volunteer an opportunity to learn a culture from the inside while doing valuable community service, peer to peer, in a stimulating new environment. VIP is committed to: *Careful selection and preparation of the volunteer, host family and Host Organization. *Emphasis on the education and self-awareness gained through international community service and volunteering. *Planning the volunteer's intercultural experience to highlight enrichment from cultural differences. *Full immersion in the host culture through orientation, language training, worksite and housing selection. *Individualization of volunteer placement design to take full advantage of volunteer differences in skill, age, experience and diversity. *Effective evaluation of the experience and the Host Organization. *Strong efforts to enhance the volunteer's social adjustment to regional habits and customs. *Choosing volunteer service projects that are worthwhile, safe, meet the needs of the local community and are conducted responsibly with regard to environmental, social and local issues.