VOLUNTEER
volunteer programme
| VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME |
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1. Why volunteer?More and more people are realising that we're all part of a global community as well as being part of our own countries. We've all felt poor and unfortunate, but there are so many others in the world that have it much worse than you. Remember back in the day when your mother taught you that it's better to give than receive? Or even "eat all your vegetables, there are kids starving in Africa"? Volunteering with street kids in Brazil or helping to build much needed wells in Nigeria will give you a whole different outlook on your own circumstances. Few volunteers come back unchanged from their experiences, with new found zest for life and appreciation for what they have. Plus, it looks really good on your CV! 2. Why does it cost to volunteer?It may seem strange at first that you have to pay to go somewhere and work for free, but remember no-one is getting rich off your efforts! The truth is that the places that need the most help are usually like that because they can't afford to pay for it. They're very grateful for your work, but the money to pay for your food and language classes has to come from somewhere. Many organizations in New Zealand are very keen to help you raise funds for things like this - so get together with a few mates and wash some cars, mow some lawns or sell some chocolates to raise the money to go. You'll get much more out of your experience if you do at least some fund raising yourself. 3. What kind of work will I do?We have a wide range of projects for you to go to - so it really depends on where you want to go and what your skills are. From teaching English to children in China to helping repair damage to the Amazon in Brazil, we can use willing hands and smiling faces everywhere. 4. How do I apply?First have a browse through our partner website: Volunteers For International Partnership (VIP) and decide where you want to go.Then get in contact with us. We will send you the application form for the country you have chosen. Once youhavereturned this form andpaid the deposit we will give you a one day orientation in Wellington, Auckland or Christchurch (we can come to other places if there's a group of you so talk your mates into going too!). You will also get a handbook that explains all about visas, immunisations, air tickets, insurance etc to help you get organized for your trip. We will contact you again once you are back home to see how things went, and seeif you are keen to come to the next orientation day to let new volunteers know what they are in for. 5. How long can I stay?We have projects as short as 2 weeks (eg in Ghana) through to 36 weeks (eg in Turkey) Most countries have a range of programme lengths so check it out on the country links to the side. 6. Do I have to speak another language?No - English is fine. You will receive language lessons prior to starting your volunteer project in some countries. These vary from 3 days to 2 weeks of lessons and are designed to give you enough functional language to get by. Of course your fluency will improve while on the project, but you will always be in touch with an English speaker to assist you if needed. 7. Will I be safe?Volunteer safety is a major concern for us (we are guessing it's pretty important to you and your family too!) so a great deal of effort has gone into making sure that you are in a safe environment. That being said, you need to play the game too and keep to the rules set out for you. 8. Where will I live while I'm there?Most countries arrange a local host family for you to live with. This is the best way to get to know the local culture and be more than "just a tourist". You may not know who your host family is before you arrive and in some countries you may stay with more than one family as you stay in different areas. One thing is certain; your host family will enjoy watching you learn about their country and try the local food. Be prepared to accept what is offered to you - it will surely be the best they can afford! 9. Which countries can I visit?Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Ecuador, Ghana, Great Britain, Guatemala, India, Ireland, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, South Africa, Turkey, USA 10. What do I get out of it?Well, we were giving away air guitars to each participant but unfortunately we ran out, so we're trying to get hold of some air jet skis instead... Seriously though, we could talk about improving your character or feeling good about helping others or making new friends (which is all true) but if you go into this just for what you can get out of it then the best you'll get is an air guitar.
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