Occupational Therapy, Applied Sciences, Youth Development , Education in Bulgaria

  Bulgaria

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer Departure Dates

Description: What ways will you serve?
Isla seeks undergraduate or graduate students working professionals, and retirees to assist with a local host organization's mission to de-institutionalize orphanages by assisting in the provision of quality, community-based care for disadvantaged children and young persons.

The opportunity for students, working professionals, and retirees with a background and interest in human development; occupational, physical, art, and music therapy; applied sciences; youth development; and education to serve in rural Bulgaria is an amazing way for aspiring professionals to step outside the box of traditional volunteer work. The need for assistance compared to the amount of assistance available is so great that Isla volunteers will have the advantage of helping to lay the foundation for successful practices in rural Bulgaria while developing their own skills in leadership and sustainable development.

The following is a sampling of needed assistance -
"Activity Program for Community Living Consultants: Assist in the design and implementation of a community living activity program for children and adults with moderate to severe mental disabilities, to provide skills for transition from life in an institution to life in small family-type homes.
"Teach marketable working skills or crafts to adults with moderate to severe mental disabilities.
"Individual Care Plan Consultants: Assist in the design and implementation of Individual Care Plans for children and adults with moderate to severe mental disabilities, to provide transition from life in an institution to life in small family-type homes
"Therapists: Work individually or in small groups with children and adults with moderate to severe mental disabilities in a rehabilitation capacity (occupational therapy, art therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, behavior management)

Highlights:
Why Isla? Isla offers...
* Individual short term volunteer and internship placements unique to your skill set facilitated and supervised through a local host organization.

* Opportunities to work with community initiated projects focused on sustainable development.

* Sustainable development training from Village Earth, one of the leading community based development training organizations in the U.S., prior to departure to destination.

* Flexible programs from 2-9 week volunteer opportunities to 9-52 week internships as well as 2-3 week alternative service learning trips.

* In-country cross-cultural orientation and mid-term reflection and training sessions led by Isla group leaders.

* An ideal opportunity to gain experience in your field of study and authentic international work experience beneficial in a competitive economy...

Qualifications: Who should apply and how are you different?
Isla seeks undergraduate and graduate students, working professionals, and retirees who are adventurous, able to adapt quickly to a foreign environment, have the ability to take initiative, who are flexible and open-minded, service-oriented and who possess good communication skills. Applicants with training or experience sufficient to train others in therapeutic methods are also encouraged to apply.

Cost in US$: Average Fees: 8 weeks at 3,585; 12 weeks at 4365

Program fees include your placement, pre-departure web-based training in sustainable community development, in-country cross-cultural orientation and materials, basic language training, room and board, mid-service development workshops and reflection group sessions, final debriefing and evaluation, medical and emergency evacuation insurance, safety and security, in-country ground transportation from the airport to the training site, and experienced Isla staff.

Not included: Domestic and international airfare and airport taxes, the cost of your passport, visas, and immunizations, and laundry service.

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Scholarships are Available. Contact Isla for information regarding scholarships for which you may qualify

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone Interview
• Resume

Isla - International Service Learning Alliance 's Mission Statement: Isla- International Service Learning Alliance - offers unique volunteer and internship opportunities for individuals to work side by side with local community members who are trying to solve global problems at the local level. These partnerships provide a framework for people from different cultures and life experiences to learn from one another, discover their commonality and create a synergy that catalyzes progress. For the participant, Isla programs provide a rich cultural, service learning experience that combine cross-cultural and sustainable development training with a high impact hands-on service project. Isla programs assist communities with their worthy endeavors, provide volunteers with practical education in sustainable community development, and promote cross-cultural understanding.