Short Term International Volunteer Projects in Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, Japan and South Korea

Vacancy: Short Term International Volunteer Projects in Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, Japan and South Korea
Company: Concordia
Category: Conservation, Community development, Construction & building
Dates: Projects run mainly between June and September, although a spring and winter programme is avaialble
Cost: £150 registration fee-Volunteers fund their own travel. Board and accommodation provided by the host organisation free of charge
Support in place: Pre-departure phone and email support; local project co-ordinators look after the volunteers; host organisation 24 hours full support ; evaluation and feedback once back in the UK.
Age limit: Volunteers must be aged 16+

Short term projects in Europe, Eastern Europe, Russia, North America, Japan and Korea

This is our largest programme, containing hundreds of different volunteering opportunities every year. Projects available in these areas of the world run mostly during the summer from June to September. A few projects are also available in winter and spring.

Here are some examples of projects that might be available:

* Paint an orphanage in the Ukraine
* Build footbridges in Canada
* Supervise a theatre camp in Finland
* Renovate a historic railway in Slovakia
* Participate in human rights workshops in Serbia
* Work in an ecological village in Korea
* Volunteer with refugees in Belgium
* Set up a music festival in Germany
* Restore a castle in France
* Assist with holidays for people with special needs in the USA
* Volunteer at a nature reserve in Italy
* Carry out archaeological work in Greece
* Rebuild a children’s playground in Croatia
* Help with arts activities in Turkey
* Promote organic farming in Japan
* Volunteering and group co-ordinator opportunities in the UK

What is Concordia?
Concordia's aim is to encourage international youth exchange as a means of promoting personal development, greater cultural awareness and international understanding.

What are International Volunteer Projects?
International Volunteer Projects bring together individuals from around the world to participate in two to four week projects. Volunteers work as part of an international team to support community-based initiatives that would not be possible without their help.

What types of project are there?
Over 1500 projects take place every year so there is a wide range of options to choose from. Generally projects fall into the following categories: environmental; construction; renovation; archaeology; agriculture; working with children or youth; social work; working with people with special needs; arts or culture; festival work; and teaching.

Why do an international volunteer project?
To experience different cultures, ideas and beliefs and also share your own...to work alongside local people in local communities, thus gaining a real insight into their country, cultures and traditions...to learn new skills and broaden your horizons...to meet new people and explore new places...to be part of a global movement working towards equality and peace between all people...to make a difference even when you only have a short amount of time to spare.

The main short term programme for the summer is available on our website every year at the end on March. Opportunities are available in winter and spring as well.

PLEASE NOTE THAT IN ORDER TO APPLY VOLUNTEERS MUST BE RESIDENT IN THE UK.

Volunteers who are not UK citizens but live in the UK at the time of the application are welcome to apply.

What our volunteers say

"Fantastic. One of the best, and certainly one of the most memorable two weeks of my life". (Joe Illingworth, Adventure Camp volunteer project, Estonia 2006)

"Working on the project was a unique experience – I hope to do many more. Everyone should be a volunteer!" (Ruth Simister, Festival project in Italy, 2007).

"I had a fantastic experience with Concordia. It really helped me improve my French, meet some wonderful people and gain some work experience in an area (art) which I’m really interested. I’m really gald I chose this option for my university vocation residence. Highly recommended" (Hannah Gibson, art project in France, 2007)

"I enjoyed this project hugely. As well as allowing me to contribute to the local community, I was able to get to know young people from all over the world. This was for me a learning experience in many different ways. I will definitely be attending more workcamps in future" (Emily Winterbottom, renovation project in France, 2006)

"The experience is one that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I had great fun doing something worthwhile and making some amazing friends at the same time" (Thomas Bennett, renovation project in Germany, 2006)

"I will definitely do it again next summer , it was an unforgettable two weeks" (Aliya Thobani, Athens, 2005).