Via One- And Two-year Volunteer Program Brochure 2007

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Last year, VIA volunteers . . . . . . Worked with midwives and community health workers in Jambi, Sumatra . . . . . . Created and taught a satellite literature course for students in underserved areas of Southern Vietnam . . . . . . Worked with a rural theatre team to combat child trafficking in rural Laos . . . . . . Educated children about marine conservation in North Sulawesi, Indonesia . . . . . . With her Tibetan students, started a nonprofit for women in Western China . . .

“I couldn’t be more happy about my decision to come here. Thank you for giving me this chance to explore the depths of my capabilities in this challenging and beautiful place.” Tien Truong Myanmar Volunteer, 2006-07 Vietnam Volunteer, 2004-06

. . . Taught English to former street children in Hanoi . . . . . . Produced a bilingual magazine with middle school students in Hunan Province . . . . . . Matched Burmese students with internships at international NGOs in Yangon, Myanmar . . .

Long-Term Volunteer Opportunities in:

China Vietnam Indonesia

Myanmar

Laos

Be the

change

you wish to see in the

world.

. . . Taught villagers how to construct efficient cookstoves in Central Java . . .

- Gandhi

Next year, what will you do?

Address: 965 Mission Street, Suite 751 San Francisco, CA 94103 Phone: 415-904-8033 Email: [email protected] Website: www.viaprograms.org

www.viaprograms.org

Highlights of the

non-profit

non-governmental

non-religious

Since 1963, VIA has placed more than 1600 volunteers in 14 Asian countries. VIA operates without government or religious affiliation. Our independence and small size allow us to focus on a simple mission: to provide schools, colleges, and non-profit organizations with committed volunteers while offering Americans an opportunity to work with local communities in Asia. Each year we select approximately 50 applicants dedicated to furthering open communication and understanding between Asia and the US. While most of our one- and two-year posts require a college degree, the key element of eligibility is a keen interest in Asia and a desire to learn through hands-on experience and cultural immersion. Summer programs are also available! Visit http://www.viaprograms.org for details.

experience

Sample Posts Guangzhou Training Center for the Disabled Guangzhou, China Teach vocational English to physically disabled adults Mitra Aksi Sumatra, Indonesia Design and lead reproductive health training programs Vietnam Plus Long My, Vietnam Teach English to district and provincial officials in the rural Mekong Delta

Extensive Training in the US, Thailand, and Host Country VIA emphasizes individual and group preparation before arrival at your post. We provide over 5 weeks of training, including cross-cultural training conducted by staff, a 2-week intensive TESOL course in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and a 3-week survival language course. Many volunteer posts also provide ongoing language tutoring throughout the year. Affordable Programs VIA keeps program fees low thanks to the loyal support of former volunteers. Fees cover partial airfare, training, visas, in-country orientation, living and housing stipend, medical insurance, an annual conference, and much more. VIA makes every effort to accomodate applicants with financial hardship - over 40% of our volunteers receive a partial scholarship. Don’t let cost be a hurdle! Volunteers are VIA! Volunteers help make major programmatic decisions by consensus. We rely on volunteers to explore and open new posts, give feedback on future direction, and assume important leadership roles. Many positions, from field staff to the Board of Directors are filled by current and former volunteers. Building Networks, Developing Careers Many former VIA volunteers have used the skills honed in Asia to develop successful careers in education, international development, business, global health, and environmental activism. Volunteers become part of a supportive and ever growing network of people with shared interests and experience.

Annual Calendar October

Applications Available

Late February

Applications Due

Early March

Interviews

Mid-March

Notification of Acceptance

April

Spring Orientation

July

Training in Thailand

August

Training in Host Country

September

Begin Volunteer Service

“My two years as a VIA volunteer gave me a one-of-akind opportunity to learn about Vietnamese society and culture, study the language, and explore the country - all of which provided a strong foundation for my current work as a scholarship administrator for Vietnamese students who want to study in the U.S.” Jessy Needham Program Officer, Fulbright in Vietnam Vietnam Volunteer, 2003-05