We work in a wide range of projects located all around the world. When you go abroad with IVA, you specify when you want to go, where and what project you want to do. Some IVA programs are:
I. Global-Virtual Internship and Volunteer program:
International Volunteer Academy – IVA are inviting students, young people or any volunteers who would like the opportunity for exposure to a wide range of work and experiences for Internship or Voluntary positions within our rapidly growing, fast-paced organization (available for all students and youth also for those who need to intern or volunteer for their studies, make researches etc.). Groups of any size are also welcomed.
-Bloggers - promote our social campaigns throw internet;
-Image maker - making booklets, creating video spots, creating thematic photos, creating promotional materials;
-Fundraising - Writing and proof reading grant proposals, researching and contacting sponsors;
- Project research and creation – researching grant opportunities and creating projects to fulfill requirements. Justifying proposals with statistical evidence as well as forging domestic and cross-border partnerships;
Learn about the fascinating history and cultures of Eastern Europe. Participate on archaeological digs, work for a local newspaper, volunteer in Georgia, Russia – Saint Petersburg, Estonia or Take care of orphaned children In Moldova; coach sport or undertake care work, learn Russian or teach English.
III.
Volunteer
in Africa or Intern in Africa
Volunteer on one of the most vibrant continents in the
world. Teach English to school children, work on a human rights project, do construction
work in Ivory Coast or GhanaIV. Volunteer in Asia and Intern in Asia
What is IVA? IVA stands for International Volunteer Academy. We’re a group of young and young at heart people from across the world who want to make a difference. Our Motto “Creating a Youth Culture of Peace through Service.” Through our own efforts as well as through working with other young people, we serve global community.
The more practical and external definition of IVA is it is a training program for young people to become skilled in the field of Social and IT Work. These skills can be acquired through working within a local community, experiencing international service work, and creating personal projects.
2. To organize activities for youth transcending race, religion and culture
1. Character Education
2. Cultural exchange
3. Interreligious cooperation
4. Studying universal values
5. Living for the sake of others
4. To assist students in organizing personal projects
5. Provide Interns, Students, Volunteers and youth with experience in the cutting edge IT sector
6. Provide Marketing experience to Interns, Students, Volunteers and youth
7. Advice youth in the first steps for the family and business life
If you wondering what differentiates us from other similar providers. There really are a lot of programs out there, which is great!
The following facts set us apart from other volunteer organizations and that we feel are important to consider when contemplating such a significant endeavor.
Flexibility and Variety
Your options with International Volunteer Academy are limitless. Through our local staff and our long association in each country, we work with different settings, covering teaching, childcare, healthcare, light construction, landscaping, human rights, IT and conservation. If these projects are not in alignment with your needs and skills a project can be tailored just for you. No other organization gives you a custom made service project.
You can also just apply for what you want. This enables us to match intern and volunteer skills and aspirations to a suitable placement and allow volunteers to join us when it is best for them. Also with some projects are no set start dates and programs run continuously throughout the year, so we can easily fit your schedule. Whenever volunteers arrive and at whatever time, our staff are waiting at the airport for them with all the details for their project fully prepared.
This flexibility also allows people to combine programs, to live and work with friends, and to work at the placement which inspires them most.
Your room will be very modest but comfortable. Host families live in secure houses and neighborhoods and are closely screened and monitored, with regular checkups, before every new volunteer moves in.
We also ensure they can provide you with quality home-cooked meals. Food is at the heart of a society so be ready to eat of the local cuisine!
In line with our commitment to being a positive influence in the communities we work, host families are decently compensated, but are also interviewed for friendliness and to make sure they are motivated by the right reasons. They will welcome you into their family and home and be eager to share their customs with you and have you teach them about your own culture.
There are some locations where host families are not possible, mainly on groups or set dates, and conservation projects. This does not mean we will not have evaluated your accommodation for quality and comfort.
In addition, participants could find FREE accommodations and book them before they join local project in any country with by www.stay4free.com, www.hospitalityclub.org etc. free accommodation exchange services.
Safety
This is an important part of the service International
Volunteer Academy offers you. Your safety and security is our prime concern - we
have many procedures and systems to ensure you have the support you need to
enjoy your placement with peace of mind.
Our Assurances to you:
Security: We take your security very seriously. Before we go
anywhere, the countries must be politically stable and safe. If they are not,
we don't go. We also have the added security of our own who know the local area
in detail. Pre-Departure Advice: Once you've been accepted on to our projects you will receive a package which includes applying for a visa, packing lists, and cultural advice about the country you are visiting, and participant handbook. Our Project Developer will contact you once you have applied and is always available to give advice and answer any questions you may have - both before you go and while you are away.
Placement Details: Before you go, you will be allocated your placement details. These include addresses and numbers for your host family, and details regarding your placement and supervisor.
Overseas Staff and Offices: We have offices in the countries we volunteer so there will always be a support staff for you.
Contact Between Staff and Volunteers: Our staff regularly visit host-families, volunteers, and placements to ensure everything is running smoothly. We maintain a cycle of monitoring all volunteer accommodation and placements.
Accommodation: our overseas staff check all accommodation regularly. Accommodation is only accepted if it is clean, hygienic, and comfortable. We strive to have at least one member of the family be able to speak basic English, and the family will understand International Volunteer Academy’s aims. They must also be interested in having an English speaker to stay. Detailed records are kept of every host family, and these are updated after inspection visits. Checks are made before and during volunteers' stays.
Supervisors: Each volunteer, regardless of whether on a teaching, medical, conservation, or other placement is allocated a supervisor. The supervisor is not only responsible for enabling volunteers to carry out their work, but also for ensuring that they are happy and assisting them at their placement with any problems or concerns.
Meeting on arrival: Upon arrival you will go through an immigration station to determine whether your visa and/or other papers are in order. It is common for individuals to be asked about the purpose of their visit, the length of their stay, their accommodations, and finances. For "purpose of entry" put "tourist." As you come out of customs, our staff will be awaiting you and they will display IVA signs. If you do not see a person holding an IVA sign, please call the phone number you were given. Introduce yourself and explain that you are waiting for pickup at the airport. Local representatives will give you directions on how to proceed.
- A Welcome Pack with details of
the local office and other volunteers, maps, and other useful information
(such as banks, doctors, and public transport);
- A tour of the area on local
transport that you'll need to use regularly
- We'll advise you on local
customs and what to expect while you are away and help you feel confident
in your new environment.
- We have special educational
programs to integrate you in the society and work service
Health and Insurance: IVA will do everything possible to ensure that you are healthy and comfort throughout the project. However, you should be aware that the standard of care in each nation differs. Food and water quality as well as sanitary conditions may not be what you are accustomed to. Every effort has been made to ensure the highest health standards. However, part of the responsibility for health maintenance is yours. Be sure to eat wisely and to get enough rest.
Meaningful Projects
The idea of “meaningful” is what drives every program. By
this we mean that every project we offer has been arranged by us to be meaningful
to you and the organization you’re volunteering for. Put simply: busy,
constructive volunteers are happy volunteers and in turn, their host
organizations are happy too.To make this happen, we are constantly challenging our local staff to improve the support we offer the projects and to improve the volunteer experience through enhanced support and backup, before and after their project. Continuous improvement is key.
Our local staff are people. Some are social workers, some conservationists, other are teachers, lawyers, physical therapists, or experienced NGO employees. They understand what placements are needed in relation to development and maximum benefit to the local community and economy.
They are a part of the community: committed to it and, like IVA as a whole, committed to long-term sustainable positive impact through the combined efforts of our volunteers.
We pride ourselves on the support we give an enormous breadth of existing placements across the Caribbean and the fact that, through our local staff, we are able to establish new programs and initiatives where they are needed, such as shelters for street children in, human rights research and advocacy, or conservation work.
Becoming a part of a Vibrant Volunteer Community
By going on an IVA program, you are joining a
community of fellow volunteers and local people in developing countries -
working hard, traveling, and having a good time while achieving meaningful
goals. You will make great friends with your host family, colleagues, and the
people living in your host community. You will also make great friends of the
other IVA volunteers we send out.You will not only learn the traditions and customs of the country you are volunteering in, but also those of your fellow volunteers. You can also take part in the exchange by teaching your colleagues about the favorite parts of your culture.
Most do not realize this multicultural aspect of International Volunteer Academy until they arrive, but it is a distinctive part of our unique appeal. You will return with friends from across the globe and plans to visit them someday, or host them back home yourself.
It is also possible to volunteer with your friends from home and we can place and accommodate you together if you would like. Just request this where we ask on the application.