Learning Enterprises Expanding horizons through global volunteerism - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Learning Enterprises Expanding horizons through global volunteerism

Who are we?

What is Learning Enterprises?  Established in 1992 - a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.  We send university students to villages across the world who want a volunteer English speaking teacher.  Our volunteers live with a host family; complete immersion in the local culture.  We are completely student-run, all our staff are volunteers and alumni.  We run a tight ship - No program fee.  We believe in our volunteers - you control your experience

Why join an LE program this summer?  To be of service to a community who need your skills and talents.  To discover another culture - and be an ambassador for your own.  Work for an international not-for-profit organization.  Meet like-minded people and become a part of our vast alumni body.

Our Mission  To foster creativity.  Expand horizons through the use of English.  Cross cultural exchange.  Spread the spirit of volunteerism.  Provide rewarding work experience for young people - both in country and on return.

How does it work  During the academic year, we recruit volunteers.  Meanwhile, schools in our program countries ask for summer teachers.  Our country directors select host families and schools for our volunteers.  LE exists to bring the two communities together.

Explaining our programs  Developed programs are our established programs that have been running for several years.  Transitioning programs are currently lacking one or more of the key aspects of an LE program. Transitioning programs may have previously been pilot programs or developed programs.  Pilot programs are generally in their first or second year of operation. Prepare to step into the unknown with a sense of adventure as you break new ground.

Our Programs

The Americas • Panama • Brazil

Panama  Developed program.  June 9th to August 4th 2015  Number of Volunteers: 10  Language Requirement: Intermediate  Location: Rural Los Santos region  Living Conditions: Basic  Cheap cost of living  No visa requirement for US citizens.

Brazil  Pilot program  Dates: 1 st June to 9 th July  Number of volunteers: 5-8  Language Requirement: None (though Spanish is helpful)  Location: Sao Paulo (city program)  Living Conditions: mostly modern  Takes place during the school year but your work will be supplementary to the English classes they already take

Europe • Poland • Hungary/Slovakia • Croatia/Romania • Moldova

Poland  Developed program.  June 22nd - August 2nd 2015  Number of volunteers: 18-20  Language Requirement: None.  Location: small/ mid-sized towns across Poland, mostly rural  Living Conditions: Modern.  No Visas required for US or EU citizens

Hungary and Slovakia  Developed program  16th June - 3rd August  First established Learning Enterprises Program.  Number of Volunteers: 12-15  Language Requirement: None  Location: Rural - small towns  Living conditions: Modern  Duration: 3 weeks in Hungary/3 weeks in Slovakia  No visa required for US or EU citizens

Romania and Croatia  Developed program  Dates 23rd June to 9th August 2015  Number of volunteers: 14-20  Living Conditions: basic to moderate,  Rural setting  Teaching locations;  Summer camp;  Youth centre;  Orphanage;  Villages  No visa required for US or EU citizens

Moldova  Transitioning program  Dates June 29th to July 26 th  Number of volunteers: 7-8  Language Requirement: None  Village Setting: Rural  Living Conditions: Fairly basic  Leadership potential  Need to be adventurous – will be part of a new era

Africa • Mauritius

Mauritius  Developed program  July 12th to August 17 th (open to change)  Number of volunteers: 9-13  Language Requirements: French  Location: Rural, Urban, Suburban  Living Conditions: Modern  Requirement of a village service project.  Small island -> will spend lots of time with the other volunteers

Asia • Mongolia • China • Thailand

Mongolia  Transitioning program.  June 6th to July 4th 2015  Number of volunteers: 4 – 6  Language Requirement: None.  Village Setting: Urban (Ulaanbataar)  Living Conditions: Fairly modern  Ideal program if you need to fit in other plans during the summer

China  Developed program.  July 6th - August 8th 2015  Number of volunteers: 18-20  Language Requirement: None  Location: Very rural  Living Conditions: Basic  Teach and stay with a Chinese teaching-partner

Thailand  Transitioning program  Dates: June 15th to August 2 nd 2015  Number of volunteers: 18-20  Language Requirement: None  Location: Rural villages (Central plain)  Living Conditions: Modern  Duration: 7 weeks  Requirement of a volunteer service project

Program structure  All of our programs have a basic structure:  Orientation - the first few days are spent preparing to teach and live in country.  Mid-point - around the middle of the program there is a break to reflect on how things are going and share ideas.  Wrap-up - time to reflect on what's passed at the end of the programme.  Furthermore, all volunteers will undertake a common teacher training program prior to departure which will take place on campus and on-line.

The next steps

Is Learning Enterprises for you?  You decide what you will do in the classroom - nobody will hold your hand.  Volunteering doesn’t end in the classroom.  LE is run by student volunteers.  Times can get tough in foreign countries.  Unexpected challenges are guaranteed.  Self-sufficiency and independence required.

How much will it cost?  No program fee.  Essentials are covered by your host family.  $20 application fee before the 11th of January and $30 application fee thereafter.  Volunteers are asked to fund raise about $200-250 for the organization.  Bring some small gifts for your host family.  Vaccinations, visa etc.  LE requires each volunteer to submit a $500 security deposit check which we will only cash if you drop out of the program after committing.  LE takes no responsibility for your travel costs: You may apply to LE's travel fund - selection is highly competitive and you should not apply on the basis of receiving a travel grant. Many alumni have previously successfully applied for funding from colleges etc.

Application  Pay application fee and fill in a short application form online.  Interviewed by your Campus Director.  Then passed onto the Program Director of the program you have applied to.  You can choose up to two programs - so if you don't get your first choice, you may be interviewed for your second.  Rolling applications - the sooner you apply the better.

Dates  24th November - Applications open ($20 to apply)  11th January - Application cost rises to $30  15th February - All applications close

Questions?  Visit us: www.learningenterprises.org  Email your campus directors at: info@learningenterprises.org