Description:
Iceland is a large mountainous island in the North Atlantic Ocean, between Europe and North America. Today, Iceland has some of the world's highest levels of economic and civil freedom. Volunteers in Iceland can walk on a glacier, read the ancient Sagas, watch graceful whales, and indulge in incredible cuisine. Iceland has an unforgettable natural world which begins on the doorstep of its clean and friendly cities and ends miles from human settlements. While exploring the Icelandic culture and warm people, you can learn a lot about life in a unique and fascinating country. Although a beautiful country, there is still a great need for volunteers! You can make a difference in the lives of the people here!
United Planet's Volunteer Abroad Quest program, celebrating 60 years of long-term voluntary service, offers signature pre-departure and in-country training, personal volunteer support, meaningful volunteer opportunities, diverse cultural and learning activities, local excursions, a strong host family network, and much more.
Highlights:
Long-term Volunteer Quests are available for 6 months and 1 year. Volunteers receive personal and customized support and take part in intensive pre-departure training and in-country orientations as well as mid-year and final year camps with other volunteers from all over the world. You do not need any specific skills or language abilities to take part. You will attain new skills, competencies, and broadened global perspectives through your involvement in the long-term Quest program!
As a long-term volunteer, you will have the exciting opportunity to gain an even deeper understanding and appreciation of a foreign land and culture through service, language and inter-cultural training, cultural learning activities, and exploration.
United Planet is the proud US and Canadian partner within the International Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE) Federation, the oldest long-term volunteering federation in the world. With over 60 years of experience, the ICYE Federation has a proven track record and upholds the highest standards for excellence in serving both the volunteers and the communities involved.
There are many interesting destinations both in developed and developing countries. You can support children in communities throughout France and Italy; assist in agricultural, environmental, and community projects in New Zealand, Nepal, and India; help with AIDS/HIV programs in Uganda, Russia, Nigeria, or assist in human rights issues in Brazil, Bolivia, Mozambique, and Lithuania. These are just a few of the many opportunities that we offer!
United Planet is committed to the accessibility of programs for all. For less than the cost of living independently in many of our program countries, you can participate in a fully supported and well-structured international voluntary exchange program with over 60 years of experience. We hope that you will recognize and take advantage of this special opportunity.
Iceland:
Glaciers, hot springs, geysers, active volcanoes, mountain peaks and lava deserts are the scenic landscapes you will enjoy in Iceland.
Specific projects in Iceland:
* Drug Prevention Projects: Volunteers support local organizations which assist people addicted to alcohol and other substances. It is not only a great opportunity to work with less fortunate people within a different cultural context, but also to give the people in the organization the chance to meet young foreign people.
* Social projects: Volunteers work with people living with physical and mental disabilities where the goal is to give each person the opportunity for personal growth in a creative working environment.
* Healthcare Projects: Volunteers work at a local clinic, which emphasizes the learning of preventive measures in order to avoid various illnesses and to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Volunteers will always be in the role of an assistant at the clinic, tasks can range from work in the greenhouse and assisting in the kitchen to helping patients directly and working in the youth center.
* Elderly Care Projects: Volunteers assist elderly citizens in a local organization. The main activities consist of building and maintaining the comfortable atmosphere of the institution and looking after the residents. The philosophy of the organization puts special emphasis on providing the best care for the residents and fulfilling the physical, social and spiritual needs of each individual.
Language:
English
Cost Includes:
Emergency evacuation services,
Housing
and In-country orientation/Training
* Food & lodging in your host country (host family or residential live-in at project)
* Local transportation to the volunteer site
* Health, accident, and third party liability insurance
* Preparation before departure/ evaluation on return
* In-country orientation, language course, mid-year camp, and final evaluation
* Intensive support and supervision during your year
* Monthly stipend for incidental expenses
* Diverse cultural and learning opportunities
Experience Required: no
Typical Volunteer Projects:
childcare/children,
community centers,
community development,
community health,
community organizing,
culture,
disability issues,
drug or alcohol recovery,
handicapped,
hospital,
social services, social work,
teaching,
volunteering,
women,
youth
and youth development
Typical Volunteer: People of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to join us. We are extremely proud of our international volunteers. Each and every volunteer strives to be a good ambassador through their flexibility, courage, open-mindedness, positive spirit, and genuine desire to make a difference. To help prepare you for the predictable and unpredictable aspects of your time abroad, you will be offered comprehensive pre-departure training and in-country orientations, as well as personal support from our Program Coordinators. We will work with you to help you gain the tools you need for a fun, safe and successful volunteer abroad experience.
This Program is open to
American
and Canadian
Participants.
.
Typical Living Arrangement:
Home-stays
Participants Travel to Iceland
Independently
Typically Participants Work
Independently
Or
in Groups
Application Process Involves:
- Phone Interview
- Written Application
Typically The Application Process Time Is 24hours
Post Services Include:
Alumni Network
Job and Internship Network
United Planet's Mission Statement: As an international non-profit organization, United Planet (UP) strives to create a world in which all people understand, respect, and support one another. United Planet's global network of leaders and volunteers fosters cross-cultural understanding and addresses shared challenges to unite the world in a community beyond borders. In 2008, United Planet was one of only ten organizations selected by CNN to be part of its "Be the Change" initiative.
Year Founded: 2001