VOLUNTEER ABROAD Learn about how you can volunteer in teaching, social care, sports and more!
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ABOUT VOLUNTEERING ABROAD
WHY VOLUNTEER?
WHAT PROJECT IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Volunteering Abroad is a fantastic way to travel and experience a local community, whether you are a student looking to do something different over your holidays, taking a career break or taking up a new challenge in retirement.
Below is a short description on some of our most popular projects. Talk to your USIT agent for full details of all projects in your destination country.
The following are some of the reasons why Volunteering is a great form of travel for people no matter what destination you pick: 1. Experience the real culture of the country of your destination – unmatchable by even the best trips that money can buy. 2. Be part of the local culture, interacting with the locals on a day to day basis experiencing their daily life up close. 3. Make a positive contribution to a community or environment conservation project. 4. Gain valuable work experience whether it’s just out of personal interest or in pursuit of a particular career, volunteering abroad stands out on your C.V. 5. Get local tips on visiting the tourist hotspots and see them from the local point of view. 6. Travel and stay local in the safety of an organised programme, either in a shared Volunteer housing or host family environment.
USIT Volunteer | volunteer@usit.ie | 01.602.1906
Teaching and education projects Volunteers are involved in the daily care and teaching of local children. You will assist in the local community schools teaching subjects such as English, Maths and Art. Caring for the elderly Volunteers helping on this project will be dedicated to the care of the elderly in the community, many of whom have disabilities and need extra patience and attention. Child Care Holistic development of children in a local orphanage, community run creche or school is one of the goals that runs through all of our volunteering destinations. This is achieved by volunteers contributing to a child’s cognitive, academic, emotional and social growth. Women empowerment program A variety of educational and confidence building activities are run for the benefit of adolescent girls and women of the local community. These activities are geared towards expanding the horizon of this often neglected section of the community with the purpose of giving women a sense of self-worth and empowerment.
Medical For Volunteers with an interest in the medical field, our local medical projects can offer great insight into the running of local clinics or hospitals in under funded communities. For most of our medical projects, the volunteers role is geared as an observational and assist post only so there is no experience required. However some of our medical projects in our African destinations do require a certain level of experience to participate. Healthcare awareness Often within the communities that our projects are based in there is a lack of fundamental education around general healthcare and hygiene. The aim behind this type pf project is to educate local communities on issues ranging from household general hygiene routines to water borne diseases. Monk teaching project There is a high need for teachers in Monk Education centres. As the focus of the centre tends to be on religion, the subjects of English, Maths, Art and Craft are often left out, these are the gaps in education that the volunteer will try to fill. Sport Our sport projects are mainly concentrated on providing coaching services to both young children and teenagers in the local community. The volunteers are encouraged to impart any personal training experience they have with particular sports activities. GAA and Soccer are usually a big hit but you can teach them anything, just be aware that resources are slim on the projects so activities with a lot of equipment required may not be possible. Renovation (minor construction) Volunteers participate in building and decorating buildings in need of a revamp for the local community like schools or day care centres. It’s worth noting that the emphasis is not on heavy construction at all and very often volunteers with an artistic flare will enjoy having the freedom to create colourful wall murals – of course the local children will insist on helping you out!
A TYPICAL DAY 7:00am - 8:30pm Breakfast at accommodation
8:00am - 1:00pm Project volunteering work
1:30pm - 2:30pm Lunch
3:00pm - 4:00pm Cultural workshops- as per program schedule
4:00pm - 5:00pm Preparation meeting and lesson planning for next day 5:00pm - 5:30pm Tea/coffee at accommodation
7:00pm - 10:30pm Dinner at accommodation & personal time Weekends are free time for excursions and personal time. Usually our volunteers take this opportunity to see local attractions such as the Taj Mahal, Monkey Temple or hit the local beaches and markets.
spaces for local children living with HIV. Many of whom are orphaned and are segregated from much of their local community. These projects need Volunteers who are open minded and adore spending time with children. Tasks vary on this project but are always focused on the well being of the children, whether that’s teaching some English, playing games or educating on basic hygiene.
Care for children with HIV Many of the communities in which our projects are based stigmatise people living with HIV. This project is based around schools or orphanages that have created safe Find out more about our programmes on usit.ie
THAILAND
THAI L A ND
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
PROJECT TYPES
Well known as a mecca for tourism, Thailand tends to keep the life of those in poverty behind a delicate veil from the rest of the world.
Child care
Our Volunteer Thailand Programme takes our participants to communities on the other side of this veil to get involved in projects hoping to make a difference to the lives of all involved.
Teaching monks
These projects are located in the Northern city of Chiang Mai, whose name literally means “new city.”
Teaching Caring for the elderly
ACCOMMODATION Shared Volunteer Complex is located in the quiet Amphure Muang area of Chiang Mai
MEALS
Chiang Mai is one of the few places in Thailand where it is possible to experience both historical and modern Thai culture coexisting side by side: the city features centuries-old pagodas and temples next to modern convenience stores and boutique hotels.
Some meals included excluding weekends
For many years travellers have thought of Chiang Mai simply as the base from which they could plan trekking and rafting trips to hill tribe villages and explore other provinces.
November - Early April
However, once there, you may be in for a surprise, as there are so many things to discover other than historicial temples; diverse ethnic tribes, elephant camps, authentic Thai cookery schools, handicraft workshops, cultural performances, and breathtaking scenery make Chiang Mai one of Asia’s most attractive tourist destinations.
USIT Volunteer | volunteer@usit.ie | 01.602.1906
TRANSPORTATION Some transport included
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL PRICE Volunteer: fr €894 (insurance, garda vetting to be included) – €100 off if flights booked through USIT Volunteer and travel: fr €1304 (insurance, garda vetting to be included) – €100 off if flights booked through USIT
INDIA
I NDI A
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
PROJECT TYPES
Explore the mystery and majesty of India, lending your own skills and interests to contribute to the people and culture of this great country. We have exciting projects in several different areas of India.
Child care
Himalayas means the home of snow. Right on the foothills of Himalayas and 35 km from the seat of His Holiness The Dalai Lama is our partner’s Himalayan Camp at Palampur. Amidst the Kangra, valley Palampur is famous for its picturesque sites, tea gardens and affable people. The air is pure, the climate is soothing and the views are breath-taking, which makes a traveller fall in love with this place.
Medical & healthcare
Goa attracts more travellers than any other location of India. Beautiful sandy beaches and influence of Portuguese culture makes Goa a magnet for attracting tourists. Young travellers specially find Goa interesting because of the vast array of activities it can offer. Our partner’s accommodation in Goa is located in South Goa near the Majorda Beach. This part of Goa is untouched by heavy tourist traffic and is serene and peaceful.
MEALS
Pink City, Jaipur is a jewel in the Indian heritage. Being part of the Golden Triangle of tourism in India, it is one of the most visited and photographed cities of the world. Famous sites like—The Wind Palace, Amber Fort, City Palace and Jantar Mantar keep the tourists glued to the city.
PRICE
Teaching Caring for the elderly Women empowerment Sports Renovation Elephant village
ACCOMMODATION Shared facilities
Some meals included excluding weekends
TRANSPORTATION Some transport included
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL October - March
Volunteer: fr €1001 (insurance, garda vetting to be included) – €100 off if flights booked through USIT Volunteer and travel: fr €1289 (insurance, garda vetting to be included) – €100 off if flights booked through USIT
Find out more about our programmes on usit.ie
VI ET N A M
VI ETN AM
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
PROJECT TYPES
Vietnam has always been a popular destination for many tourists when travelling through Asia.
Orphanage/child care
It has a beautiful coastline and wild jungles ready to be explored, coupled with the vibrant and bustling cities of Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh – Vietnam has it all for the traveller looking to excite their senses!
Teaching
However, outside of the tourist areas there are communities locked in a daily battle with poverty. It’s in these communities that our Volunteers will find themselves. Volunteers will be working with children along with elderly people and our volunteer projects aim to improve the lives of all those living within these communities. All of our volunteer projects are based in Vietnam’s largest city; Ho Chi Minh City.
Caring for the elderly Care for children with HIV Care for disabled children
ACCOMMODATION Shared complex located in Ho Chi Minh City
MEALS Some meals included excluding weekends
TRANSPORTATION Some transport included
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL February - April & August - October
PRICE Volunteer: fr €937 (insurance, garda vetting to be included) – €100 off if flights booked through USIT Volunteer and travel: fr €1251 (insurance, garda vetting to be included) – €100 off if flights booked through USIT
USIT Volunteer | volunteer@usit.ie | 01.602.1906
SI R LA N KA
SRI L A NKA
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
PROJECT TYPES
Nestled away in the South East coast of India, many people think of Sri Lanka for honeymoons before they consider it as a Volunteer destination.
Child care
But the truth is that in rural locations in Sri Lanka seven out of ten people have no access to electricity, and almost half of the population does not have access to safe drinking water. Malnutrition in children is common for many locals in Sri Lanka.
Sports
Our volunteers will be helping out projects set up to assist the most vulnerable in the community. Volunteers arrive and stay in the city of Colombo - the capital city in Sri Lanka, it is also known as the financial and commercial capital of the country. Located on the west coast of the island, Colombo is a busy and vibrant city with a mixture of modern life and ancient historical colonial buildings and ruins that offers a variety of experiences.
district in Colombo.
Women empowerment Monk teaching Turtle conservation
ACCOMMODATION Shared Volunteer Complex is located in the Battara Mula
MEALS Some meals included excluding weekends
TRANSPORTATION Some transport included
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL December - March
PRICE Volunteer: fr €894 (insurance, garda vetting to be included) – €100 off if flights booked through USIT Volunteer and travel: fr €1251 (insurance, garda vetting to be included) – €100 off if flights booked through USIT
Find out more about our programmes on usit.ie
N EPA L
NEPA L
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
PROJECT TYPES
With over 50 project sites in the area of Kathmandu alone, Nepal is the biggest and most popular Volunteer destination available through USIT.
Child care
Volunteers will live and work in the city of Kathmandu while on their placement. Stay in a typical Nepali Volunteer house complete with modern amenities and just immerse yourself on a cultural journey in the heart of Nepal.
Women empowerment
Work on our various projects- teach English, assist in any other lesson types, implement creative teaching methods or train local teachers in a particular school. You could also spend time with the children living at one of the orphanages, help them with their homework or just play games with them! Or perhaps you want to help improve the education of women on one of the empowerment projects or spend time with the elderly? You can get involved with as many project types as you want while here to find which type of project suits you best.
Teaching Caring for the elderly Healthcare awareness Beautification & renovation Sports
ACCOMMODATION Shared Volunteer Complex
MEALS Some meals included excluding weekends
TRANSPORTATION Some transport included
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL October - November
PRICE Volunteer: fr €844 (insurance, garda vetting to be included) – €100 off if flights booked through USIT Volunteer and travel: fr €1167 (insurance, garda vetting to be included) – €100 off if flights booked through USIT
USIT Volunteer | volunteer@usit.ie | 01.602.1906
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
PROJECT TYPES
Costa Rica is one of the most popular and beautiful tourist destinations in the world with its rugged coastlines, majestic volcanoes and heavenly beaches. Our volunteer programmes allow you to experience the culture of this charming, idyllic country while also contributing to various elements of Costa Rican life.
Child care
We have volunteer projects in various locations across Costa Rica. You could work with children in a day-care centre or residential facility and provide care and support through creative projects and stimulating play, or you could work in a children’s museum and become immersed in something educational and interactive, while also having lots of fun!
Ecological conservation
Any green thumbs can put their skills to use in the beautiful Botanical Gardens, or lend their expertise to a local family farm in the peaceful village of Pacquera. Or maybe you would like to help in the conservation of endangered turtle and monkey species? The options are endless! Volunteers can stay with host families and experience authentic Costa Rican food while becoming immersed in the country’s culture. On days off you are free to explore and discover the best of what Costa Rica has to offer.
Teaching Teaching children with disablities Emergency medical services Animal care & conservation Farm maintenance Marine park project
ACCOMMODATION Home stay or shared Volunteer Complex
MEALS Some meals included excluding weekends
TRANSPORTATION Some transport included
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL December - April
PRICE Volunteer: fr €799 (insurance, garda vetting to be included)
Find out more about our programmes on usit.ie
COSTA RI CA
COSTA R ICA
GA HN A
GHA N A
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
PROJECT TYPES
Ghana has long been one of USIT’s most popular volunteer destinations and many volunteers find themselves changed by the end of their experience.
Orphanage/child care
It is one of our tougher placements due to a lack of western comforts e.g. Little hot water, Internet and Wi-Fi is rarely found in the rural locations and electricity can run out on occasion.
Teaching children with disablities
But these are life’s little luxuries that we’ve got used to and volunteers surprise themselves at how quickly they adapt to more basic living conditions. While the initial orientation is completed in the capital city of Accra, volunteers will be transferred to a range of project locations through local communities in Ghana.
Host family
Depending on the location of the placement the volunteer may find that they are the only western person living in their village and this can throw up its own set of challenges, but at the end of it our volunteers say Ghana is a rewarding, enlightening & confidence building experience - well worth it!
USIT Volunteer | volunteer@usit.ie | 01.602.1906
Teaching Medical & healthcare Sports
ACCOMMODATION MEALS Some meals included excluding weekends
TRANSPORTATION Some transport included
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL November - March
PRICE Volunteer: fr €869 (insurance, garda vetting to be included)
ALL OUR VOLUNTEER PROJECT LOCATIONS
NEPAL INDIA COSTA RICA
GHANA
VIETNAM THAILAND
SRI LANKA TANZANIA
ZIMBABWE
MOZAMBIQUE
SOUTH AFRICA
BOLT ON PACKAGES
fr €
759 20 DAYS
RAJASTHAN AND VARANASI ON A SHOESTRING | INDIA Drink in a kaleidoscope of colour and culture, experience the spiritual Ganges, marvel at the Taj Majal & wander the markets in of Rajasthan.
19
6
Simple hotels, hostels, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches sleeper train & camping & 2 dinners
fr €
ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY | NEPAL 799 15 DAYS
Take in panoramic views and prayer flags in the Himalayas, explore rhododendron forests and tiny hamlets, meet local yak herders, experience teahouse lodges and high passes.
14 Bus, minibus & walking
Simple hotels, guesthouses & teahouses
1 1 lunch
Bus, minibus & walking
Find out more about our programmes on usit.ie
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