[Tlc] TLC-volunteer

[justinm at ucr.edu]

FYI.
Thanks,
justin

Volunteers in Asia (VIA) will be accepting applications for our summer Bali Service-Learning Program and our one- and two-year volunteer positions in Indonesia until February 6, 2009. Applications are also being accepted for VIA's programs in Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.
While Barack Obama's heritage has brought recent attention to Indonesia, the world's third-largest democracy is still poorly understood in North America. Volunteers in Asia (VIA) offers two kinds of programs for adventurous Americans interested in having an in-depth experience in Indonesia.

What opportunities does VIA offer in Indonesia?

    * The VIA Indonesia long-term volunteer program seeks to facilitate cross-cultural understanding between the United States and Indonesia while supporting Indonesian institutions (schools and nonprofits) that have limited access to resources. Operating for over 40 years and open to college graduates living in the US, VIA provides extensive training and support to our volunteers, who serve a year-long term, which they may choose to extend.

    * The VIA Bali Service-Learning Program is a two-month summer program open to adults 18 and older. VIA uses its connections, experience, and emphasis on small-group volunteering to help volunteers take advantage of all the island has to offer. VIA trains and places a small group of 5-10 volunteers in the middle of a dynamic Balinese community and gives them the support they need to get to know the island from a variety of perspectives. Here are some photos from last year's program that give just a taste of how some parts of the program look.

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.

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.

What Is the Full Lineup of VIA Programs for 2009?

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

    * Bali Service-Learning Program (Indonesia) -- Live with Balinese families, study language and culture and volunteer with local non-profits.

    * Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine (China) --Learn about Traditional Chinese Medicine while sharing perspectives about Western Medicine.

    * Teach-in-Hue (Vietnam) -- Learn about Vietnamese culture and development while teaching English and volunteering at local non-profits.

    * Viet-Am (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.
Program Fees: VIA summer program fees range from $500 to $2400. Financial assistance is available. For more details, see the VIA program fees Web page.

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 -- Our newest country program, VIA will offer long-term volunteer positions in Cambodia starting in 2009.
    * China -- Opportunities with VIA in China include volunteer positions working with underserved groups and with non-profit organizations.
    * Indonesia -- True cultural immersion in your host community is just one benefit to working with VIA and a partner NGO or school in Indonesia.
    * Laos -- VIA supports volunteers at a small number of educational and community organizations in the captivating Lao PDR.
    * Myanmar -- 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 -- VIA is carefully growing in Thailand as we aim to provide quality opportunities to help under-served populations in the region.
    * Vietnam  -- 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.
Program Fees: VIA's long-term program fee is $2000, regardless of whether volunteers spend one or two years in-country. Financial assistance is available. For more details, see the VIA program fees Web page.

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 until 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

www.viaprograms.org


______________
Dr. Justin McDaniel
Dept. of Religious Studies
3046 INTN
University of California, Riverside
Riverside, CA 92521
951-827-4530
justinm at ucr.edu