Info

Organising leisure activities and teaching English to children... supporting people-veterans and children- affected by the Agent Orange ...renovating an orphanage in Hanoi...

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, with projects in over 60 countries world wide, is available on our website every year at the end on March. Opportunities are available in winter and spring as well. If you want more information don't hesitate to contact the office.

"My time on this project was indeed the best two weeks of my life! I know that sounds clichéd but I have never enjoyed myself more and would love to go back. If you like working with kids then this is the project of dreams. Thank you very much" (Thomas Bennet, renovation and social project in Vietnam, 2007)

"I’d recommend a project in Vietnam with this host organisation to anybody. They were well organized and included a lot of extras at which I was pleasantly surprised, like the weekend excursion. Once again I had a great time volunteering, meeting lots of new people from all over the world, acquiring new skills and learning so much about another country and culture from the experience. The host did all they could to enhance this and of course succeded. I think volunteer projects are a valuable way to build bridges between people and places, and this one was no exception in making me think about different palces and history in different ways. So, I’ll be back next year…" (Elizabeth Minor, Agricultiral/Agent Orange project, Vietnam 2006)

Duration

Projects last on average 2-4 weeks

Start Dates

Projects are available year round but the majority take place between June and September.

Costs / Benefits

Registration fee of £150 and volunteers pay their own travel. Food and accommodation are provided on the project. Volunteers have to attend a preparation weekend in Brighton (dates available in February, June and July) at the cost of £30. Finally, there is an extrafee to be paid on arrival of approx. £150 that goes towards food, accommodation as well as the running and development of the entire programme in Vietnam.

Requirements

No specific requirements. Most projects are available to volunteers aged 19+. Volunteers should be motivated and committed to the entire lenght of the project.