PROGRAM SUMMARY

Looking for a working holiday with a difference? Want to live and work in some of the most vibrant and exciting places in the world? When was the last time you left work knowing you had made a positive impact on the lives of others?

If you want an extraordinary travel experience and you want to develop invaluable skills while meeting likeminded individuals from all over the world, then volunteering with IEP will change your life.

IEP offers an extensive range of volunteering opportunities to Cambodia, Costa Rica, Peru and South Africa. With IEP you have the opportunity to share your skills to make a constructive contribution to developing countries and the lives of the people living there. You will be placed in a volunteer position according to your skills, experience and preferences.

IEP works in close collaboration with our network of partner organisations worldwide, all of which are leading travel and work experience providers in their respective countries. No matter where you choose to go in the world, you will have full pre-departure support from IEP including preparation, placement before departure and pre-arranged accommodation. Volunteer placements are managed locally so there is a support system in your host country as soon as you arrive.

Eligibility

Volunteers will probably be working in rural or urban areas which are under-developed, so it's essential to have the maturity to cope with the conditions while being useful at the project. Previous overseas travel experience and/or family support in your chosen destination will be looked upon favourably. All participants accepted onto the program will interview with IEP to assess their suitability for destinations and projects.

For ALL PROGRAMS you will have to satisfy the following criteria. Additional eligibility requirements will be explained further under each destination heading.

When you volunteer with IEP, you will:

• Choose your destination.
• Be personally placed according to your skills, experience and preferences.
• Receive full pre-departure support and advice.
• Attend a group orientation upon arrival.
• Have full in-country support from your host organisation for the duration of your placement.

With IEP’s range of exciting volunteer opportunities, you have the opportunity to experience the challenges and rewards of living in the following countries:

Cambodia - Download full placement notes here
All projects are based in and around Siem Reap, the gateway for visits to the temples of Angkor just 3km away.

Costa Rica - Download full placement notes here
Whether you want to work on your Spanish or your surfing, Costa Rica will change your life with its friendly people and unique landscape. Placements often have an environmental or ecological focus.

Peru - Download full placement notes here
Placements are focused on health and education, giving volunteers the opportunity to share and develop their skills while gaining insight into this beautiful and fascinating country.

South Africa - Download full placement notes here
Experience this vibrant and varied country with IEP’s range of volunteering and work opportunities. Volunteer projects are based in or around spectacular Cape Town, while participants on Work South Africa can pursue employment opportunities across the country.

PLACEMENTS
Your placement will be determined by your skills, experience and preferences, and also by the opportunities available in your chosen country at the time of your travel. Some placements are seasonal and you should be flexible and positive about the opportunities available to you. During the application process, IEP will work closely with the partner organisation in your chosen country to best match your strengths and interests with an appropriate placement.

Although previous work and travel experience is an advantage, the most important pre-requisites are an enthusiastic attitude, a sense of adventure and a desire to help others.

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM OPTIONS
The placement notes (found on each countries page) provides comprehensive information about each program. Information covered includes eligibility, visa conditions, departure dates and project opportunities. Each program is unique so please refer to this information to help you consider which will best suit you. Some questions to consider when deciding on a program include:

• What sort of environment are you interested in working in- rural or urban?
• What sort of project do you want to get involved in? Environmental, health, education?
• Are you willing to learn another language?

If you would like to speak to anyone in regards to programs and placements please contact IEP’s volunteering department on 1300 300 912 or info@iep.org.au.