Who we are & what we do
CTL Ireland –
the Center for Travel and Learning - is an Irish based organisation committed
to promote responsible volunteering in Irish communities. Our staff has years
of experience supporting international volunteers and placing them in local
projects. We are driven to provide a positive and sustainable impact alongside
our local partners. Our volunteer programs involve an immersion within
local communities and the Irish culture. The programs allow participants contribute
their skills and energy to support local projects in achieving their
goals. Programs are also designed to encourage participants to learn and
reflect on their experience. We support individuals and groups all throughout
their program, from the orientation workshop until the final evaluation. All volunteers start their program in friendly and vibrant city of
Cork before joining their host project.
Why volunteering
in Ireland?
- Safe
- Friendly
- English speaking
- Strong sense of community
- Huge social & environmental challenges despite the economic growth
- Rich and diverse culture
- Wonderful landscapes
- Attractive excursions and activities during free time
- Easy access through air travel
- Youngest population in Europe
Ireland is a wonderful country; it is safe,
friendly, English speaking, rich in heritage, history and culture. From
vibrant, exciting cities to spectacular countryside – it’s a magical place
to visit. It’s also a wonderful place to stay and immerse yourself. The best part of an experience in Ireland is probably connecting
with local people. Visitors find Irish people friendly, welcoming and
very supportive. As an Irish saying goes: “there are no strangers here, only
friends you haven’t yet met.” We
are proud to promote Ireland abroad as the exciting, beautiful and welcoming
country that it is.
Ireland may be a “developed” country but the
country is also facing huge social and environmental challenges. Despite the
economic recovery, Ireland remains a hugely unequal society. There is in
Ireland a strong sense of community with many inspiring initiatives taking
place at local level. CTL Ireland selects very specific community
based projects where participants can have an authentic and worthwhile
experience.
Meaningful
local projects
We have carefully selected a number of
host projects which provide participants with worthwhile and challenging
volunteer work programmes. Our projects are focused on making a positive impact
in local communities. Projects include:
- Centres for people with disabilities
- Farms promoting sustainable food
production
- Charities supporting the most
vulnerable people
- Women empowerment projects
- Summer camps with children
- Homework clubs with refugee children
- Arts Centres promoting the Arts and creativity
in the community
Our commitments
- Selection
of projects which positively impact the community
- Worthwhile
volunteer work programme
- Comprehensive
orientation on arrival
- Ongoing
support from project mentor
- Back-up
support from CTL Ireland staff
- 24/7
emergency support
- Risk
Management and Emergency Procedures in place
- Affordable
fees including pick up in Cork Airport, transfer to project, accommodation and
food
Who are we looking for?
Immersing
yourself in a new culture and volunteering in a local project is a challenging
experience! We are looking for people with the following characteristics:
- Willingness to adapt to a different culture
- Hard working
- Genuine desire to contribute to positive change
- Flexible and patient
- At least an Intermediate level of
English
- Participants must be over 18 years old
when programme starts
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