L.O.V.E. KOREA - LOng-term Volunteer Exchange in Korea -
Infos über IWO und ihre längeren Projekte
Introduction of IWO
IWO is a non-profit, non-governmental organization established in 1999 to promote world peace, global citizenship, youth and community development, and cultural exchange through international volunteering. We are a member of CCIVS (Coordinating Committee for International Voluntary Service) at UNESCO, Paris; a member of Alliance of European Voluntary Service Organisations. an as well as executive member of NVDA (Network for Voluntary Development in Asia);
We believe that we can promote peace by contributing to mutual respect and capacity for peaceful coexistence between all countries through international volunteer projects which will bring understanding of cultural differences and diversity between all societies. We believe that the bright future of our planet resides within the power of youth.
LOVE PROJECT
We wish to draw your attention to our three months, LOVE(Long-term Volunteer Exchange),Korea. There have been about 250 international volunteers who have participated in these LOVE projects since 2003 and this year we have organized 16 LOVE projects in which volunteers from all over the world can participate in and gain the experience of international volunteering as well as taste Korean culture. IWO is looking forward to meeting motivated and active volunteers for the year of 2012!
Our main aim as an organization is to exchange cultural diversity through positive influence on our host organization partners and their local communities. To accomplish this, we make sure each of our participants are thoroughly educated and trained so they can actively fulfill each mission presented to them during their volunteer exchange.
Through the project we hope ...
To local people
-Knows and understands other cultures.
-Get help and solidarity on their social issues from volunteers
-Get new ideas & energy from young international volunteers
To volunteers
-Understand Korean culture
-Learn to respect the different culture between volunteers and locals
-Learn active attitude toward responsibility for the environment, youth and society
1. General Information
■ Qualifications:
- Volunteers must be between 19 to 40 years old.
- All volunteers are required to speak English well enough to communicate and carry out the program activities. Volunteers are also encouraged to learn Korean, as the effort made to communicate in the local language will be very much welcomed by the local people.
- Each volunteer should be motivated to complete their assigned projects successfully and have a heart willing to learn about Korea and the local cultures.
■ Number of Volunteers:
- 2-3 international & national volunteers in each project
■ Duration:
- About 3 months
■ Accommodation & Food:
- Meals and accommodation are provided during the project period by host organization. However, depending on the project, volunteers may be also required to cook for themselves
■ Work:
-Work hours and schedules vary from program to program, but prepared to work around 6 to 8 hours a day, Monday to Friday. Additionally, you may be asked to join certain activities on weekend if necessary.
-Volunteers should respect the local working condition and style as well as, follow instructions particularly given during their project.
■ Free Time:
-Volunteers are responsible for organizing their own free time after their daily work and for the weekend. If needed, host organizations will help volunteers find information on travel procedures and local activities.
■ Visa:
-Once the applicant is accepted, IWO will provide a Visa Invitation Letter on request; however, any f further paperwork and/or documentation should be prepared and obtained by the participant him or herself.
* Notice : Participants from the following countries do not require a special visa in order to travel to Korea, if leaving within a 90 day period:
: European Union (Exceptions: Portugal - 60 days; Cyprus - 30 days)
: Some Asian countries (Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia)
: U.S.A, (Exception: Canada-6 months)
Please check with the Korean Embassy in your country concerning proper visa requirements.
If you like to stay longer before/after the project up to 1 year in Korea, you may check the WORKING HOLIDAY VISA programs in your country (Australia, Canada, Newzealand, Japan, France, Germany, Ireland, Sweden, Denmark, Ireland, Hongkong, Taiwan). It's easy to get and convenient to use.
■ Insurance:
-IWO provides insurance for accidents only, during the project. It covers only a percentage of the cost (co-pay) at maximum 40% according to the insurance regulations for foreigners in KOREA. Therefore, volunteers MUST bring their own insurance for health, travel and the 3rd compensation
■ CERTIFICATE OF GOOD CONDUCT (CGC)
-All volunteers are required to submit CGC.
:All international partner organization should check and inform immediately to IWO once they found criminal records.
■ Submission of necessary documents
- Firstly, we send the information sheet and confirmation slip to volunteers accepted, volunteers should send back the confirmation slip together with insurance certification, CGC by Email(koreamtv@workcamp.org)
※If volunteers do not submit the documents in the due time, they may lose the place.!!
■ Phone Interview
-Phone interview might be required, if necessary.
■ Travel to Orientation and Program Site:
-There is no pick up service - by IWO or any of the hosting organizations- from the airport, so volunteers need to travel to the orientation site according to the info-sheet presented to them. Public transportation in Korea is very easy and convenient to navigate, so do NOT worry.
-Volunteers will move to the project site with 1 or 2 fellow volunteers after orientation (3 Days).
-Volunteers are responsible for all personal travel costs from/to orientation and project site.
■ Orientation:
-Upon arrival in Korea, there is a mandatory 2 nights, 3 days orientation before moving to the project site.
-Accommodation and food will be provided.
-At the orientation meeting, participants will be trained as long-term volunteers through conflict management workshops, case study revision, helpful advice from ex-participants and Korean cultural nuance awareness workshops. Through these workshops, we hope that volunteers will be encouraged to remain active throughout the duration of their program and will gain the confidence to explore the local region for themselves.
■ Participation Fee:
-Upon arrival, volunteers must pay €200 to IWO. It covers the cost of volunteers' training; Orientation, Mid-term evaluation, Final evaluation
■ Further Important Information:
- The participation in illegal drugs or any other illegal activities during IWO projects is strictly prohibited.
- Smoking and drinking alcohol is not permitted inside the accommodations in the project site.
- Depending on the location of the program, internet access in the accommodation and working place may be limited or nonexistent.
2. Contact Information
- LOVE KOREA Program Coordinator (Incoming): Sojung AHN (Ms.)
- E-mail: koreamtv@workcamp.org
- Website: www.1.or.kr
- Tel: +82-(0)2-568-5858 Fax: +82-(0)2-335-3487
- Address: 504-29 YonNam-Dong, 121-869 Seoul, Korea
■ Introduction of Local Children Center (LCC)
: Several LOVE projects are cooperated with Local children Center. The center has been supported in many ways by motivated volunteers all over the world.
1. Background
: From the early 1980s, people moved to city getting a job followed by Korean industrialization. While parents were working outside till the late of the night, children had not fully cared by their parents from security, nutrition and education. And also most of them are disadvantaged financially unfortunately. Due to the reason, religious institution started the services for children those who needed good hands.
In 2004, those places were recognized as an official place as a shelter of the children who are in needs, under the law. And it has been partly supported by government financially. However, financial support from the government is still quite limited.
2. General Information
- 10~30 children at a LCC (8 ~ 16 years old)
- 1 ~ 3 teachers and a few volunteers
- Monday ~ Friday (from 2 ~9 pm, mostly)
3. Roles of LCC
- Protection: Guidance for daily-life, nutrition (meal providing), staying until parent' back from work
- Education: Help of homework, teaching school's subjects (English, Science etc)
- Entertainment: Provide various activities(travel, sports, music, arts, picnic etc)