[Tlc] VIA Volunteer Programs in Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand

Wed Dec 24 03:03:54 PST 2008

VIA (Volunteers in Asia) is pleased to announce that we have several
long-term volunteer posts available in Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand (as well
as Myanmar, China, Vietnam, and Indonesia) and we will accept applications
until February 6, 2009. VIA has over 45 years experience serving Asian
communities, and we are very excited to offer exciting new opportunities
throughout the region for our 2009 intake of volunteers...

     ***Please distribute widely***

Application Period Now Open for VIA's Long-term Volunteer Opportunities and
Short-term Programs in Asia

*What is VIA?** *

VIA (Volunteers in Asia) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization
headquartered in San Francisco that aims to increase understanding between
the US and Asia through programs promoting cross-cultural education and
service. VIA was founded in 1963 at Stanford University by the Dean of
Freshman Students. We send long-term volunteers to East and Southeast Asia
for a minimum of one year (with the option of staying a second or third
year). We also offer short-term programs during the summer in China,
Indonesia and Vietnam. For information about all of our programs, please
visit the VIA website at www.viaprograms.org or e-mail us at
info at viaprograms.org. For applications and information on how to apply,
please visit our website and look up Programs in Asia: How to
apply.<http://www.viaprograms.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=28&Itemid=65'How>

*What types of opportunities are available in 2009?*

*Long-Term (1 & 2 Year) Programs* - For 45 years, VIA has been partnering
with Asian institutions in need of native English-speaking volunteers. VIA
provides extensive training and a wide array of support to all volunteers.
For 2009, VIA offers positions teaching English and/or working with
community non-profit organizations in the following countries:

Cambodia<http://www.viaprograms.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=19&Itemid=56>--
Our newest country program, VIA offers long-term volunteer positions
working with NGOs in Cambodia starting in 2009.

China<http://www.viaprograms.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20&Itemid=57>--
Opportunities with VIA in China include volunteer positions working
with
underserved groups and with non-profit organizations.

Indonesia<http://www.viaprograms.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=21&Itemid=58>--
True cultural immersion in your host community is just one benefit to
working with VIA and a partner NGO or school in Indonesia.

Laos<http://www.viaprograms.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22&Itemid=59>--
VIA supports volunteers at a small number of educational and community
organizations in the captivating Lao PDR.

Myanmar<http://www.viaprograms.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=23&Itemid=60>--
The right applicants will have the option of partnering with VIA and
local institutions to help improve the lives of the people of Myanmar.

Thailand<http://www.viaprograms.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=24&Itemid=61>--
VIA is carefully growing in Thailand as we aim to provide quality
opportunities to help under-served populations in the region.

Vietnam<http://www.viaprograms.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=25&Itemid=62>
-- From the rural Mekong Delta to the capital of Hanoi, VIA works with a
range of schools and non-profits throughout Vietnam.

Eligibility: VIA long-term programs are open to US residents who speak
English with native fluency and have a bachelor's degree (by summer 2009).
Local language skills, teaching experience, and development experience are
not required.

*Summer Programs* - VIA will offer four small-group cultural programs in
summer 2009:

Bali Service-Learning
Program<http://www.viaprograms.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15&Itemid=51>(Indonesia)
-- Live with Balinese families, study language and culture and
volunteer with local non-profits.

Introduction to Traditional Chinese
Medicine<http://www.viaprograms.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17&Itemid=53>(China)
--Learn about Traditional Chinese Medicine while sharing
perspectives about Western Medicine.

Teach-in-Hue<http://www.viaprograms.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=52>(Vietnam)
-- Learn about Vietnamese culture and development while teaching
English and volunteering at local non-profits.

Viet-Am<http://www.viaprograms.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18&Itemid=54>(Vietnam)
-- Explore your Vietnamese-American heritage while teaching
English and learning about community development.

Eligibility: VIA summer programs are designed primarily for college
students, but open to any US residents 18 and older.

*Why volunteer with VIA?*

EXPERIENCE - VIA has been dedicated to promoting productive exchange between
Americans and Asians since 1963. We are constantly evaluating and adapting
our programs to ensure an experience that benefits both the host community
and the VIA participant.

TRAINING - VIA long-term volunteers receive over 5 weeks of training in 3
countries, including language training, cross-cultural training, and
training in teaching English and working with NGOs. Summer participants also
receive orientation and training, which varies by program.

LIVING EXPENSES - For long-term participants, housing, a monthly stipend and
medical and evacuation insurance are provided, among a range of benefits.
Summer participant program fees include housing, program fees, and medical
and evacuation insurance.

SUPPORT - VIA provides myriad types of support, including visa processing
and personalized support by dedicated full-time staff members in the US and
in Asia. Long-term volunteers also receive teaching and cross-cultural
materials, an annual conference of volunteers, travel costs within Asia and
back to the United States, a vast network of current and former VIA
volunteers, and much more.

REAL CONTRIBUTIONS - All of VIA's programs emphasize working with
institutions that promote local solutions. VIA volunteers become successful
members of their host community. VIA participants also play a role in each
program's long-range growth by providing feedback, suggesting changes and
approving new institutional affiliations.

LOW PROGRAM FEES, PLUS SCHOLARSHIPS & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE - VIA aims to
make all our programs affordable. We use donations from previous volunteers
and grants from foundations to provide highly subsidized fees for each
program, all while maintaining a high level of personal attention. There are
a limited number of scholarships for certain programs, and the vast majority
of those who apply for financial assistance receive a reduction in their
fee.

*How Can I Learn More about VIA?*

* *

Start by reading the program-specific, FAQ, and application-related pages at
www.viaprograms.org under the "Programs in Asia" menu. Applications will be
accepted between January 1 and February 6, 2009. If you have further
questions, please contact the appropriate staff member listed below. General
inquiries can be sent to: info at viaprograms.org

Nathan Camp – indonesia at viaprograms.org

- *Bali Service-Learning*  (Summer)

- *Indonesia Long-term*

Lillian Forsyth – vietnam at viaprograms.org

- *Viet-Am *(Summer)

- *Teach-in-Hue* (Summer)

- *Vietnam Long-term*

Daniel Mandell – daniel at viaprograms.org

- *Cambodia Long-term*

- *Laos Long-term*

- *Myanmar Long-term*

- *Thailand Long-term*

Anjali Mutucumarana – china at viaprograms.org

- *Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine* (Summer)

- *China Long-term*

-- 
Daniel Mandell
Regional Asia Program Director
Volunteers in Asia (VIA)
San Francisco, CA USA
Chiang Mai, Thailand

+66 81 366 3325 mobile
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