Isla | International Service Learning Alliance

noreply@blogger.com (Isla) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:44:00 +0000

W e are pleased to announce that ISLA and the Foundation for Community Development and Empowerment (FCDE) have merged. FCDE is a non-profit development organization that works to achieve sustainable development using a Community Driven Development model.

We believe that merging ISLA’s experience attracting and supporting highly qualified internship candidates with FCDE’s community development work will help achieve both organization’s vision of advancing development in the neediest regions of the world.

ISLA’s intern and volunteer programs are currently being integrated with FCDE’s community development program so that we can offer internships and service learning opportunities that best help further the goals and objectives of the developing world communities in which we work.

Please visit FCDE’s site at: http://internationalcommunitydevelopment.org to learn more.

WELCOME

The Isla Team

UCD Volunteer Fair Jan. 26, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Isla) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:34:00 +0000

Isla is traveling to Denver, 26 Jan, for the Volunteer Fair at the University of Colorado Denver, led by UCD's Service Learning Coordinator, Eric Pianowski, RPCV Bulgaria.

If you are in Denver, stop by the Isla table in the North Classrom Atrium at the UCD Auraria Campus, 10.00am-3.00pm.

Isla Is On the Road Again...

noreply@blogger.com (Isla) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:30:00 +0000

International Service Learning Alliance will be recruiting volunteers for Isla projects in Bulgaria, Ghana, Peru, and India at the next CSU Study Abroad Fair on 28 January from 10.00am - 3.00pm at the Lory Student Center on the CSU campus in Fort Collins, CO. Please spread the word! Stop by the Isla table and visit with the Isla representatives. Hope to see you at the fair!

noreply@blogger.com (Isla) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 22:54:00 +0000

Volunteer in Bulgaria...

Imagine immersing yourself in a 2-8 week short term volunteer or a 9-52 week internship in a rich cultural, service learning experience that combines training in sustainable development with a hands-on service project related to your area of expertize and interest...

Did you know that this is possible in the beautiful country of Bulgaria? Two former Peace Corps volunteers made an amazing video of their volunteer experiences in Bourgas on the Black Sea in Bulgaria. One of the volunteers was assigned to an environmental organization who has also partnered with Isla.

If you have a background in natural resources or wildlife biology, please click here to have a look at the wonderful possibility of volunteering in beautiful Bulgaria. Isla is recruiting volunteers and interns who have majors or experience in one or a combination of natural resources, wildlife biology, environmental conservation and education, ecotourism, GIS, watershed management, IT, and more to serve on projects with a local host organization.

For more information regarding opportunities in Bulgaria click on

Isla Bulgaria.

noreply@blogger.com (Isla) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:28:00 +0000

Isla In the News....

Isla representatives travel to many study abroad and career fairs throughout the academic year. In fact, we are rapidly approaching fair season! Here is an article regarding an event Isla attended at the University of Northern Colorado last fall '09...

http://www.uncmirror.com/news/philanthropic-organizations-talk-to-students-about-volunteering-1.779339

Happy Holidays and A Happy New Year from Isla

noreply@blogger.com (Isla) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 18:00:00 +0000

All the Best in the New Year!

We are reaching the end of our 2009 Challenge Grant fundraising effort to support Isla projects abroad, but it is not too late to contribute. A generous donor has offered to match tax-deductible donations of up to $10,000! Please spread the word!

Thank you for supporting Isla's service learning volunteers and their efforts to assist the many worthy projects of our partner organizations in Ghana, Bulgaria, Peru, and India! We appreciate your help large or small as this helps us to meet our organizational goals!

Donations can be made here.

Please note that we're now accepting applications for Summer and Fall 2010 service learning volunteer and internship programs!

Click here to read the latest Isla newsletter.

Scholarship Opportunity

noreply@blogger.com (Isla) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:07:00 +0000

Are you looking for a scholarship that will help defray the cost of program fees for your Isla volunteer work or internship experience abroad? Isla programs qualify for a grant opportunity offered by InterExchange...

The Christianson Grant is awarded three times a year to individuals (18-28 years of age) who have arranged their own work, volunteer, or internship abroad program for a minimum of six months. The grant program does not support independent research projects, academic study abroad programs, missionary work or religious programs.

Award Amounts: $2,500 to $10,000

Annual Application Deadlines: March 15, July 15, & Oct 15

Grant notification - Recipients are notified approximately 6-8 weeks after each grant deadline. Apply by March 15 for Isla summer and fall departures; by July 15 for Isla fall, winter, and spring departures; by October 15 for Isla winter, spring, and summer departures.

Eligibility Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents; between the ages of 18 and 28; participating in a work, internship, or volunteer abroad program; committed to a program duration of at least six months; and willing to submit a written report upon completion of their program.

How To Apply

Complete and sign the Christianson Grant Application
Personal essay - A short essay (1-2 pages) that answers the following question: How will your work abroad experience help you to become a global citizen?
Supplemental Essay - A brief essay (2-3 paragraphs answering one of the following questions: 1. What do you feel you can contribute to the mission of your chosen organization? 2. What do you hope to learn from your chosen work abroad experience?
Two letters of recommendation from academic instructors and/or employers - signed and sealed (may be submitted separately)
Resume (no more than 1 page)
Photocopy of valid U.S. passport or permanent resident card
$50 non-refundable application fee (check or money order payable to InterExchange, Inc.)

More information: Christianson Grant

Fundraising for Program Fees

noreply@blogger.com (Isla) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:57:00 +0000

As you make your plans to volunteer abroad you may be asking yourself, "how do I pay for an Isla service learning experience?"

The good news is that it is possible to do your own fundraising to cover your program fees for a volunteer service learning experience abroad! Isla will show you how. Click here Isla Fundraising Resource Kit to learn about scholarships and fundraising efforts that will help you finance your Isla service learning trip, short term volunteer or internship program. Good luck!

Isla Service Learning Trip to Peru

noreply@blogger.com (Isla) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:22:00 +0000

December 28, 2009 - January 11, 2010

Application Deadline - 20 November 2010

Isla offers a unique opportunity to live, learn, and serve in Peru in coordination with Village Earth and the Shipibo Nation. Immerse yourself in two weeks of a rich cultural, service learning experience that combines cross-cultural and sustainable community development training with short-term, high impact hands-on service projects in a Shipibo village in the Ucayali region of the central Peruvian Amazon.

Apply today for an Isla Service Learning trip to Peru to receive:

· a practical education in international sustainable development

· hands-on work experience related to your background and interests on a worthy endeavor identified by the Shipibo community

· reflection and evaluation of the experience

· a valuable and rewarding cultural and international volunteer work experience.

Click here to learn more...Isla Peru

UNC Jobs and Internship Fair

noreply@blogger.com (Isla) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:52:00 +0000

See you at the University of Northern Colorado Jobs and Internship Fair today, 13 October, from 10.00am to 3.00pm at the University Center! Later today, we'll be on a panel with Peace Corps and AmeriCorps representatives to share volunteer opportunities at 7.00pm at the University Center. Hope to meet you at the fair!

Volunteer in an Orphanage in Bulgaria

noreply@blogger.com (Isla) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:27:00 +0000

would like to share a video, The Cedar Foundation 2009, regarding the amazing work of one of our partner organizations, The Cedar Foundation, whose project focuses on deinstitutionalizing orphanages in Bulgaria. Isla is currently recruiting volunteers and interns for The Cedar Foundation for the Spring and Summer 2010.

Isla has identified the need for care workers with a background in therapy as well as individuals who can train care workers in home for children and adults with moderate to severe mental disabilities in methods and practices in Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Art or Music Therapy or Behavioral Management. This need is suitable to a longer term volunteer/intern.

For the Short Term Volunteer, such as a summer experience abroad, Isla seeks applicants with a background in Youth Development and Education to work, teach, and play with the children. Applicant's experience may include working with children as a camp or after-school counselor or a local community experience working with youth, teaching, youth groups, etc.

For more information, contact Isla at info@isla-serve.org or call 970 372-9515

It's the Study Abroad Fair season!

noreply@blogger.com (Isla) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 03:39:00 +0000

Isla is hanging out in our hometown of Fort Collins tomorrow, 24 Sept., for the next Study Abroad Fair. This time we're presenting at the Front Range Community College Study Abroad Fair from 10.00am - 2.00pm. Stop by and say hello!

And where will we be on Friday, 25 Sept.? Colorado State University, that's where! CSU is hosting a Study Abroad Fair at the Lory Student Center from 10.00am - 2.00pm. Yes, Isla reps will be there, too! Come by and learn more about how you can obtain a fantastic, valuable international service learning work experience with Isla.

Isla Is On the Road Again...

noreply@blogger.com (Isla) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:40:00 +0000

Isla representatives are heading east to Greeley to participate in the University of Northern Colorado's Fall Study Abroad Fair...stop by for a chat with Isla reps! Find out about the new Isla Service Learning Trips as well as our short term volunteer and internship programs abroad!

Well see you Wed., Sept. 23 from 10.00am - 3.00pm at the University Center on the UNC campus.

Isla visits the University of Wyoming

noreply@blogger.com (Isla) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:11:00 +0000

On Friday, 11 September 2009, from 10.00am-3.00pm, Isla representatives will be available at the University of Wyoming's Study Abroad Fair.

Come and visit the Isla table where we will share information regarding Isla alternative break service learning trips, short term volunteer, and internship programs abroad.

We'll see you at Prexy's Pasture, west of the Student Union on the University of Wyoming Campus.

Isla 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Isla) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:24:00 +0000

is beginning to consider volunteer and internship opportunities for the Winter, Spring, and Summer 2010! Stay tuned...

Another Fair for Isla

noreply@blogger.com (Isla) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 22:23:00 +0000

Come and visit Isla representatives at the BeLocal Fair on the Plaza at Colorado State University on 29 April from 10.00am-2.30pm. Click here to find out what this event is all about on Isla's Facebook page or here on the BeLocal website! And stop by for a visit with Isla representatives at the Fair on the 29th!

A Sampling of Isla Volunteer and Internship Opportunities in Natural Resources in Bulgaria

noreply@blogger.com (Isla) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 22:12:00 +0000

Natural Resources in Bulgaria

Many opportunities for wildlife and natural resource conservation, management, program development and implementation. This is also a great opportunity for individuals to discover the beauty and rich culture of Bulgaria and travel to incredibly gorgeous areas of Eastern Europe! Here is the scoop on three of Bulgarian partners working in natural resources:

Green Balkans Wildlife Rehabilitation and Breeding Centre has released a new video regarding their work with wildlife. Work along side four other European volunteers with Green Balkans on wildlife rehabilitation and breeding projects.

Watch the video, relax, and enjoy the fantastic music of Bulgaria here !

Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds would like to receive volunteers and interns with a background in natural resources, biology, geography, watershed management, and more. Check out their website above to see the fantastic work they do and the gorgeous areas where they work in Bulgaria.

BlueLink Information Network aims to create a free forum for exchange of information via the internet in order to support sustainable development, democracy and civil society in Bulgaria. BlueLink is looking for volunteers and interns to engage in capacity building of the organization. A volunteer intern may assist in the development of an on-line shop, marketing of BlueLink services, fundraising for specific projects, BlueLink user research, and research and evaluation of suitable on-line applications. Volunteers should have a background or interest in the environment, web programming knowledge, marketing and PR skills, and good writing and analytical skills.

Bulgarian language skills are not required for any of these projects because while Bulgarian is spoken, the working language is in English due to the many worldwide volunteers these organizations receive.

Details on each program are found here: Bulgaria Programs Details

Isla Volunteers and Interns Wanted for the Summer and Fall 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Isla) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 18:41:00 +0000

Occupational Therapy in Bulgaria
The opportunity for OT and other applied science students, working professionals, and retirees to serve at the Cedar Foundation's Gorna Koznitsa Project is an amazing way for aspiring as well as experienced professionals to step outside the box of traditional volunteer work. The Cedar Foundation is taking the lead in de-institutionalizing orphanages in Bulgaria. The need for OT development 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 occupational therapy in rural Bulgaria while developing their own skills in leadership and sustainable development!

Isla seeks OT students and professionals 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. Please note that while occupational therapy is a major need, the project will also benefit enormously by volunteers who have other related skills such as art and music therapy, education, and other applied sciences.Bulgaria Partners

Natural Resources in Peru
Isla is offering a unique opportunity to travel and work in the Ucayali Region of the Peruvian Amazon with host organization, Village Earth, and the Shipibo Nation to individuals with knowledge of:
Environmental conservation, outdoor education, or ecotourism
Natural resource management or wildlife management
Ecotourism
NGO capacity building in coordination with the Village Earth project leader and Shipibo indigenous organizations. (Spanish language skills required)
Aquaculture
Teaching English as a Second Language, English, and Teaching
Peru Partners

Learn About the Isla Peru Program - Where? Village Earth Latin Dance Party Fundraiser!

noreply@blogger.com (Isla) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 22:07:00 +0000

Viva la Salsa! Let's Dance! Village Earth is having a Latin Dance Party 24 April 2009, beginning at 7.30pm, at Club Tico in City Park, Fort Collins, to benefit their projects in Peru! Isla representatives will be present to share our program opportunities!

Viva La Salsa! has a $5.00 cover and offers beverages, food, and plenty of dancing! Come early to avail of the free salsa dance lessons!!

Isla has partnered with Village Earth in two ways. First, Village Earth provides Isla participants with excellent pre-departure training in the Principles of Sustainable Community Development. Secondly, Isla and Village Earth have partnered to provide an Isla Summer 2009 service learning program in Peru beginning 20 June 2009.

Isla will be at the party to share details regarding this wonderful opportunity in Peru. And of course we hope to dance the night away, too! Come and join in the fun!

Isla Participates in Sustainability Fair at UNC

noreply@blogger.com (Isla) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:00:00 +0000

University of Northern Colorado is hosting a Sustainability Fair on Wednesday, 15 April, 11.00am - 2.00pm at the University Center in Greeley, CO to celebrate Earth Day and provide a forum for the local student population and community to learn about local and international sustainable social enterprises and opportunities.

Stop by and visit the Isla table to speak with an Isla representative to learn about our short term volunteer work (from 2-9 weeks) and internship (from 9-52 weeks) service learning opportunities in Peru, Bulgaria, Ghana, and India. Isla programs focus on and provide all participants with valuable training in sustainable community development.

Please note that it is not too late to apply for the Summer 2009 programs! We're also accepting applications for the Fall 2009 and Spring 2010!! We hope to see you at the Fair!

As President Barack Obama says "...it's only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you realize your true potential".

Important Dates for Isla 2009 Programs:

noreply@blogger.com (Isla) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 19:18:00 +0000

Summer Program Departure Dates 20 June Peru, Bulgaria, Ghana, India
Application Deadline* 1 May
On-line Training** 18-22 May

Fall Program Departure Date 12 September
Application Deadline* July 2009 Bulgaria, Ghana, India
On-line Training** 31 August - 4 September

* Contact Isla for placement availability after application deadlines.
**The Principles of Sustainable Community Development, conducted by Village Earth.

Isla Peru Summer Program 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Isla) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 21:40:00 +0000

Isla Summer Program in the Ucayali Region of the Central Peruvian Amazon.
Term: Peru Summer Program 2009
Program Start Date: 20 June 2009
Volunteer Program Description Isla is offering this unique opportunity to travel and work in Peru with host organization, Village Earth, to individuals with knowledge of:
Environmental conservation, outdoor education, or ecotourism – Participants will contribute to the physical construction of natural trails, buildings for nature centers, and signage in a wildlife refuge.
Natural resource management or wildlife management – Participants will do research doing transects in the reserve to record animal and plant species as well as research regarding individual species.
Ecotourism - research on the potentials and impacts of eco-tourism in the region.
NGO capacity building in coordination with the Village Earth project leader and Shipibo indigenous organizations. (Spanish language skills required)
Aquaculture - Assist in fish farming operations, business skills, fundraising, grant writing
Teaching English as a Second Language, English, and Teaching – Teaching English to Shipibo youth and adults.

Program Dates: Program start date is 20 June and extends for 8 weeks. Isla recommends the 8 week program, however it is possible to participate for shorter periods (3-4 weeks, 5-6 weeks). Contact Isla for your preference.

Cost $85 application fee. Fees range from $3,000 to $5,400 depending on the number of participant weeks and number of participants. *Fees decrease significantly for groups of 2 or more. Contact Isla for more information regarding fees.

More Information contact Isla

The Principles of Sustainable Community Development

noreply@blogger.com (Isla) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 18:11:00 +0000

Are you curious about Isla's web-based pre-departure training in the Principles of Sustainable Community Development conducted by Fort Collins based Village Earth? Read on as we have prepared some information to satisfy your curiosity.....

Course Description The course is designed to prepare Isla participants for the world of service learning by engaging them in critical reflection on the ethics of service as well as practical strategies for creating a meaningful experience for all stakeholders.

During this course participants will:

· Examine different theories of development and poverty

· Analyze the historical and global processes affecting their particular project/study area

· Come to recognize and articulate their role in community development processes

· Use tools to garner genuine community input.

Course Format The course will take place over the course of one week, with each day focusing on a different topic. The course will be delivered online. All materials for the class will be available for download from our website accessible to registered participants. Materials will include readings, audio and visual files as well as discussion questions. Village Earth staff will monitor the class and facilitate daily discussion for up to 2 hours each day.

A one hour prep session will be held the Friday before the start of a class to ready students in the use of the Webinar tools. Participation in this session is required to provide time for students to make any needed adjustments to fully participate and ensure time is not taken up on the first day simply trying to navigate the Webinar tools and technology. Although participants will not be graded, successful completion of the course will require that participants thoroughly and critically complete all readings and assignments and fully participate in live discussions.

This course is organized around a set of readings, videos, and audio files that will be used to generate and guide our online discussions. These resources will be available on line and students will be expected to complete any given assignment and be ready for discussion at the start of the each day’s session.

We hope this information has satisfied your curiosity!

Isla Volunteers and Interns Wanted for the Summer and Fall 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Isla) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 06:30:00 +0000

Natural Resources in Bulgaria

Many opportunities for wildlife and natural resource conservation, management, program development and implementation. This is also a great opportunity for individuals to see incredibly gorgeous areas of Eastern Europe! Details on each program are found here: Bulgaria Partners

Youth Development in India

These opportunities are in the urban schools and orphanages of Mumbai and will open student's eyes to the issues facing children in poverty, orphanage program development and alternative education, awareness and youth development programs. For anyone who's been intrigued and wanted to make a difference after seeing the movie "Slumdog Millionaire" this is the perfect opportunity for them to get involved and make a difference! Details found here India Partners

Construction Management, Youth Development, Water Resources Management, and Business Development in Ghana

Our partner, Project Okurase, is building a skills training and formal education center to empower AIDS/HIV orphans. They are at the beginning stages of construction and seek construction management volunteers to continue to build the Nkabom Center - which will consist of 15 buildings. Youth development and business development opportunities within Project Okurase are also very exciting - we are specifically seeking a few volunteers with apparel merchandising skills and marketing to develop a line of clothing based out of Project Okurase! Details found here: Ghana Partners

Scholarship Opportunity for Isla Programs

noreply@blogger.com (Isla) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 00:46:00 +0000

ATTENTION! Calling all Isla internship applicants looking for ways to help pay for your program fees for your Isla international service learning experience!

InterExchange is offering individuals who wish to participate in a work, volunteer, or internship program abroad for a minimum of six months the opportunity to apply for the Christianson Grant.

From the InterExchange Website...."The Christianson Grant is open to individuals who have sought out and arranged their own work abroad programs. Proposed programs must be at least sixth months in length and emphasize a work component. The grant program does not support independent research projects or academic study abroad programs.

Award Amounts: $2,500 to $10,000
Annual Application Deadlines (only complete applications will be considered): March 15, July 15, & October 15
Grants are disbursed to award recipients in two installments. The first installment will be dispersed once their arrival has been confirmed by a supervisor. The second installment will be dispersed upon receipt of a completion report.

Eligibility Applicants must be:

U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents
Between the ages of 18 and 28
Participating in a work, internship, or volunteer abroad program
Committed to a program duration of at least six months
Willing to submit a written report upon completion of their program

How To Apply Please submit the following:

Completed and signed Christianson Grant Application
Personal essay
Supplemental Essay
Two letters of recommendation from academic instructors and/or employers - signed and sealed
Resume (1 page)
Photocopy of valid U.S. passport or permanent resident card
$50 non-refundable application fee (check or money order payable to InterExchange, Inc.)

Telephone interviews may be conducted as part of the selection process. Applicants must indicate their availability for contact.

Please mail your application to the following address:
Attn: Grant Selection Committee
InterExchange Foundation
InterExchange, Inc.
161 Sixth Avenue
New York, NY 10013
Application deadlines - 15 March, 15 July, & 15 October.

More information: http://www.interexchange.org/grants/christianson-grant.html