International Service Learning Alliance

FAQ: Program Details; Safety and Security; Accommodations; Personal Health; Application; Contact Us

FAQs.

Program Details

What is service learning?

“Service-learning is a form of experiential education where learning occurs through a cycle of action and reflection as participants work with others through a process of applying what they are learning to community problems and, at the same time, reflecting upon their experience as they seek to achieve real objectives for the community and deeper understanding and skills for themselves. ”(http://www. servicelearning. org)

Each Isla service learning experience includes a serving and a learning component. The service component centers on the participant’s work on a community based project that has been identified by Isla in coordination with a host organization and the participant as an endeavor that is a benefit to the community and for the experiential education it provides the participant. The learning component is derived from Isla training and the practical hands-on experience of the service project.

Isla is dedicated to providing a rich, rewarding and life changing experience for each participant and meaningful assistance to partner host organizations.

Why do I pay a fee to volunteer?

Isla’s programs are designed to support sustainable development projects by partnering with local non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) whose work is often dependent on outside resources. These local organizations, which we frequently refer to as host organizations, are unable to pay for the staff support they need and are therefore very appreciative of the volunteer programs we offer. But, the cost of volunteer support must be absorbed by someone. Therefore, the fees you pay to Isla go directly to funding your expenses, such as your accommodations, medical and emergency medical insurance, in-country support and administration, and legal and logistical costs. Isla tries very hard to minimize these costs while making every effort to assure a quality experience.

The following excerpt from How to Live Your Dream of Volunteering Overseas by Joseph Collins, Stefano DZerega, and Zahara Heckscher, published by Penguin Putnam, Inc. , 2002, will help you understand why a fee is necessary:

“Prospective volunteers are surprised to learn that many programs charge their volunteers a fee to participate. At first, this can seem ridiculous - Why should you pay money to work for free? Aren't you already forgoing income you could be making? Here are a few things to keep in mind while trying to understand why the vast majority of programs charge international volunteers a fee.

The local organizations and projects with which you volunteer overseas have limited resources and are seldom able to subsidize your trip or cover the costs of hosting you. (These costs include housing, feeding and transporting you, among numerous other things. ) If they did have the financial resources to pay an international volunteer, it would almost certainly be more beneficial and cost-effective to hire a local person instead, someone who already knows the language and culture and is likely to stick around. Identifying appropriate host organizations overseas and working with them is time-consuming, takes resources, and requires an experienced and professional staff. The process of preparing, training, transporting, housing, feeding, and supervising volunteers is not cheap. Additional services such as health care, re-entry assistance, travel medical insurance, and more, all add to the expenses of a program. The costs of recruiting volunteers, producing literature, answering the phones, sending mailings, developing a web site, and interviewing potential volunteers are significant. ”

Indeed, Isla service learning programs are committed to offering our local partners with individuals who wish to work side by side with community members who are trying to solve global problems at the local level. These partnerships provide a framework for people from different cultures and life experiences to work together and learn from one another. While Isla volunteers assist communities with their worthy endeavors and contribute to cross-cultural understanding, they also receive valuable practical education in sustainable community development. Thus, while it is necessary to pay a fee to volunteer in an Isla program, the benefits to both the host organization and the volunteer/intern are invaluable.

How does the Isla Internship Program (9-52 weeks) work?

The Isla Internship Program is designed for university students, graduates, working professionals, or retirees, who are interested in applying their education, skills, expertise, experience, and passion to a worthy project that focuses on sound sustainable development principles. Isla interns are involved in learning, assistance, and implementation of a specific project or activity as identified by Isla in coordination with a host organization and the participant. Isla matches the applicant’s skill set and interests with an appropriate host organization. The applicant is given the opportunity to list country, program area, and host organization preferences during the application process.

Isla Training and Support

Isla will provide pre-departure web-based training in the skills necessary to work effectively as a development professional and to adapt to your new environment and the work you will be doing with your host organization. During your stay abroad, Isla provides in-country support as well as scheduled mid-service training and periodic reflection sessions.

Sustainable Community Development Training

Critical to the support that Isla provides you prior to your departure and during your stay abroad is the training you will receive in sustainable community development. The first part of this training will be held via participation in a web-based training with a small group of Isla participants prior to your departure. You will learn about the history of international development, development issues and concerns, and your place as a volunteer or intern in the development process. You will be provided with the skills to observe your environment, perform an effective needs assessment, prepare and manage your work plan, and build key partnerships with members of the community using mapping techniques. You will also receive training in cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity. Upon arrival in-country, you will receive a follow-up and country-specific training.

Housing Arrangements

During your first few days in-country, you will stay in a small hotel or hostel during the in-country orientation with a small group of Isla participants. Following your training, Isla will try to accommodate you individually with a host family as we believe this is the best way for you to immerse yourself into the local language and culture and form friendships with an extended family and community. After your first 9 weeks in-country, you may choose to find your own accommodation either on our own or with a roommate.

Please note that there are circumstances where it is difficult to arrange a host family stay due to financial or space constraints of our hosts. In this case, you will be housed in a hostel or apartment from the start.

Host Organization

After your in-country orientation, you will meet the host organization with whom you will work. Initially, you will get to know the staff and observe the work environment, resources, and the work currently in progress. Upon your arrival, you will also work with your supervisor to develop your work plan in coordination with Isla. Your work plan should be completed the first few days at work. The work plan will guide you through your project work and the Isla team will continue to provide support as needed.

Seed Funding

When you have completed your work plan, you may apply to Isla on behalf of your host organization for $200 seed funding that goes to support the implementation of your work with your host organization. Following the completion of 9 weeks of your internship and successful completion of a grant writing workshop, you may be eligible to apply for an Isla mini-grant of up to $500 that will further support your project.

How does the Isla Short Term Volunteer Program (2-12 weeks) work?

Isla short term volunteers are primarily, engaged in learning and assistance on projects that are selected because they are easy to learn or implement in a short period of time, such as teaching English, helping design and implement a community garden,helping with the renovations of an orphanage, working in a summer camp for at-risk youth, and so on.

Isla Training and Support

Isla will provide pre-departure web-based training in the skills necessary to work effectively as a development volunteer and to adapt to your new environment and the work you will be doing with your host organization. During your stay abroad, Isla will provide in-country support as well as scheduled mid-service training and periodic reflection sessions.

Sustainable Community Development Training

Housing Arrangements

Please note that there are circumstances when it is difficult to arrange a host family stay due to financial or housing space constraints of our hosts. In this case, you will be housed in a hostel or apartment with other participants or host country nationals.

Host Organization

After your in-country orientation, you will meet the host organization with whom you will work. Initially, you will get to know your organization while also working with your supervisor to develop your work plan in coordination with Isla. The work plan, which must be completed the first 2-3 days upon arrival to work, will guide you through your project work.

Seed Funding

When you have completed your work plan, you may apply to Isla on behalf of your host organization for $200 seed funding that goes to support the implementation of your work with your host organization. Depending on the length of your volunteer program, you may be eligible to apply for an Isla mini-grant that will further support your project.

Will I have an orientation before I leave?

Yes, you will have an orientation before you leave to embark on your Isla program in the form of information delivered to you via an electronic orientation handbook and a five-day web-based training. While many international volunteer programs wait to provide an orientation until arrival in-country, Isla requires that all participants complete a five-day web-based interactive training in the Principles of Sustainable Community Development prior to departure. Isla has partnered with Village Earth (www. villageearth. org), a leading international development organization with years of experience in sustainable community development and training, to design and conduct the interactive training on-line for a group of Isla service learning participants. Upon arrival in country, Isla participants attend a 3-4 day follow-up training that also includes country-specific details.

Why does Isla require pre-departure training?

Isla’s mission is to provide training in sustainable community development so that you both understand your role in the development process and to give you the tools necessary to work effectively with the community and host organization with whom you will work. Whether you are a short term volunteer or a longer term intern, we believe it is critical that you receive this training in advance so that you arrive equipped to make the best use of your short time in country utilizing best practices in sustainable development Furthermore, we could fly everyone to our home base for training in Fort Collins, Colorado, but we would prefer to minimize our carbon footprint and make use of on-line technology to provide valuable interactive training to a group of Isla participants in the comfort of your own home.

In other words, we would like to prepare you prior to your departure in a sustainable way via on-line training technology so that when you land in your destination country you already have a good foundation in the principles of sustainable development. You will also be able to meet, begin to network, and form friendships with other Isla participants who will be off to various Isla destinations.

What kind of training do Isla participants receive?

Upon acceptance into the program, Isla service learning participants will receive a handbook via the internet that contains important information regarding the assignment, pre-departure preparations, country specific and cultural information, and fundraising. The fundraising information will provide guidance on ways in which you can raise funds to help defray the cost of your program fees.

In addition, all Isla participants are required to attend a five-day, web-based pre-departure training course in the Principles of Sustainable Community Development, conducted by Isla’s U. S. based partner, Village Earth (www. villageearth. org). It is critical that you take this course before your departure because its purpose is to help you understand your role in the international development process and provide the skills you need to integrate in the local community and host organization. You will meet and learn alongside other Isla participants via an interactive on-line course from professional Village Earth trainers. This course must be completed before departure to your designated country.

Upon arrival in-country, you will participate in a 3-4 day orientation training that will give you the additional skills necessary to integrate into your host country and community, host family, and host organization. You will be given instruction in basic language training; country specific information, such as host family relations, personal health, safety and security, and getting around; and skills needed to work effectively with your host organization. For the duration of the training, you will stay in a hostel or training center with other Isla participants. At the close of the training, you will move to your site where you will meet your host organization and settle into your housing arrangements. Please note that you may receive additional training from your host organization if necessary.

While the bulk of your training will be made up of the aforementioned learning opportunities, you will also receive in-service training mid-way through your service that provides further training in subjects that will benefit you and your host organization. These sessions also provide the opportunity for you to reflect on your experience thus far. Your service will end with a wrap-up evaluation and reflection session with Isla staff.

What program areas does Isla offer?

Isla offers short term volunteer and internship opportunities in the following program areas:

Environment

Youth Development

Education

Health

Business Development

Am I required to speak a foreign language?

In Isla’s core countries, Bulgaria, Ghana, and India, you are not required to speak the local language. However, you will be given basic language training and the opportunity to continue language training for a fee with a tutor at your site if you so desire. You will be assigned to a host organization where either English is spoken or you will be assigned to someone who will translate the local language into English for you.

In the countries of Latin America, you will be required to have a working knowledge of Spanish.

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Safety and Security

Does Isla offer programs in safe locations?

In-Country Safety and Security Policy and Protocol

As we select the countries in which we work, Isla places much importance on the safety and security of our participants during their stay on an Isla program abroad:

Isla in-country staff receive training regarding Isla safety and security policy and protocol and are required to determine safety and security measures based on the Isla program country in which they are responsible. Upon the participants’ arrival in-country, the names of participants and the duration of their stay is registered with the U. S. Embassy. Isla staff are also trained to handle any kind of personal, local, or national emergency. They are also responsible to stay abreast of and monitor local news and events on a regular basis.

Our partner host organizations are briefed and agree to follow Isla’s safety and security policy, protocol and expectations.

Isla participants receive safety and security training from our knowledgeable in-country staff upon arrival in their designated country. At this time, participants receive emergency contact cards that provide information regarding medical and emergency evacuation procedures and contact telephone numbers for Isla staff and other important emergency telephone numbers.

Isla also maintains a 24-hour hotline in the U. S. for friends and family to reach Isla staff regarding any urgent matters.

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Accommodations

Where will I live while I’m abroad?

During your first few days in-country, you will stay in a small hotel or hostel during the in-country orientation with a small group of Isla participants.

Following your training, Isla will accommodate you with a host family as we believe this is the best way for you to immerse yourself into the local language and culture and form friendships with an extended family and community. Generally speaking, most host families are middle class by their country standards, but you should bear in mind that the homes are often very basic and your privacy may be limited. Your meals will be taken with the family with either a full board (3 meals a day) or half board (2 meals a day) arrangement.

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Personal Health

Am I insured when I am abroad through the duration of the Isla program?

Yes, Isla will provide you with medical and emergency evacuation insurance which is included in the program fee. Isla Medical and Evacuation Insurance FAQs are provided to answer questions regarding our insurance program. If you would like to learn more about the benefits please click here.

If I already have medical insurance, must I take the insurance provided by Isla?

Yes, you must take the medical and the emergency evacuation insurance provided by Isla. Many health insurance policies do not cover you while you are abroad. Even if your medical insurance covers you while you are abroad, it will not cover emergency evacuations. Isla’s supplemental insurance covers both of these. It is very critical that all Isla participants have the same reliable standardized coverage.

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Application

Completing the Application Process

Where do I find the application form?

The Isla application form is found online on the Isla web site. Please complete the application using the online form here.

How do I submit the application form?

Please follow the directions on the on-line application form. You will be able to submit your application by the click of a button on our web site.

Can I print the application form and send it by snail mail to Isla?

No. We prefer that all application forms are submitted electronically via our web site. Once you have completed the online form, the system will give you a copy of completed information that you submitted to Isla.

What do I need to submit with my application form?

You will find that the application process is very easy. Follow the application procedure per the directions on the Isla web site and submit the following:

Resume/CV   You may submit your resume/CV on the online application form.

Statement of Purpose   You must write a 1-2 page Statement of Purpose which you will submit on the online application form.

References   You will see in the online application form, that you must provide contact information for two personal references who are familiar with your skills and abilities. You need to ask one of your two referees to be a reference for you. We suggest you choose a referee who knows you well, such as a professor, colleague, or employer. It is not recommended to ask a family member.

Then you must download the Reference for Isla Applicants Form and save it as Your Name References.doc or as a .pdf document. Email it to your designated referee who you will ask to complete the reference form and write a letter of recommendation. Your referee must submit this information to Isla as a Word Document attachment to info@isla-serve. org within one week of your application. Though we prefer electronic mail, it is possible for your referee to send a hard copy to Isla.

Submit a non-refundable application fee of $85. 00 by mail or PayPal.

If submitting by mail, please make your payment by check or money order in U. S. dollars to Isla and mail to Isla, 1317 W. Mountain Ave. , Fort Collins, CO 80521.
If submitting by PayPal, please follow the instructions at the end of the online application form, or click on the Donate link on the Isla web site and click on the Participant’s Fee link and submit $85.

Why must I submit a resume/CV with my application?

Your resume/CV is another way for us to get to know you better so that we can best match your skills, experiences, and interests with an appropriate host organization.

Is there an application fee and how do I pay this fee?

Yes, there is a non-refundable application fee of $85. 00 which can be paid by check or money order and submitted by mail to Isla or online with PayPal by following the instructions on the online application form.

How should my letter of reference be sent to Isla?

You must download the Reference for Isla Applicants Form and save it as Your Name References.doc or as a .pdf document. In other words, if you are Jane Doe, save your document as JaneDoeReferences.doc. Email it to your designated referee who you will ask to complete the reference form and write a letter of recommendation. Your referee must submit this information to Isla as a Word Document attachment to info@isla-serve. org within one week of your application. Though we prefer electronic mail, it is possible for your referee to send a hard copy to Isla.

Is there an application deadline or do you accept applications on a rolling basis?

We do have application deadlines, but we accept applications on a rolling basis. In other words, you don’t need to wait until the application deadline to get your application into Isla. In fact, we recommended that you apply early before the deadline as you will receive priority. For more information about the application process and important program dates and deadlines refer to Requirements.

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Choosing Isla Program Preferences

Is it possible to list my country preferences?

Yes, Isla allows you to choose three country preferences, three program dates, and the duration of your program. Also, if you are having difficulty choosing or you simply are very flexible, you have the option to choose no preference and we will place you where the need is greatest based on your skills, experience, and interests.

Is it possible to list my program area preferences?

Yes, you may indicate and rank on the online application the program areas you prefer and the activities that interest you. This is important because, while you may have a main interest or expertise, such as work with youth or the environment, you also have other skills that may be very useful to your host organization. So please let us know what all of your skills and interests are so that we can best match you to the needs of one of our partner host organizations

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Language Requirements

Is it possible to work as a volunteer or intern in the countries of Bulgaria, India, and Ghana without speaking Bulgarian, Hindi, or any of the many languages of Ghana?

Yes. You will be assigned to organizations who speak English or who will assign you with someone who can help with translations. However, for the most part you will be able to work in English. Please note that you will receive basic language training during training and if you would like to continue with language instruction, Isla will help you find a language tutor at your site for a fee.

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The Process from Application to Acceptance into an Isla Program

What happens after I submit my application form?

Isla will confirm receipt of your application via email and will review all of your application materials. If you are accepted, you will receive information regarding your tentative acceptance into the program within 2-4 weeks. You must confirm your participation in the program by signing a contract and paying a deposit of $300, which will be credited toward the total fee amount of your program. Isla will conduct an interview with you two months before the start of the program.

Why is the initial acceptance tentative and when will my program details be finalized?

This initial offer is tentative because we have based your acceptance only on what we’ve learned from your written application. To get to know you better we need to conduct an interview with you to learn more about your goals, your understanding of our program and our expectations, and to assess your language skills if applicable. This information will help us place you with the host organization that is most appropriate for your needs, interests, experience, time commitment, and skills. This is also an excellent opportunity for you to ask questions and address any concerns you have about our program and living abroad so that you can be sure that Isla is the program for you.

Is it possible that I might not be accepted into the program after the interview?

Yes, this is possible, but not very likely. At this point your written application has already gone through much scrutiny to reach approval and acceptance. However, there may be circumstances that may lead us to cancel your acceptance into the program. This could be that during the interview, the Isla team may have discovered that you did not reach an adequate level of social and emotional maturity, cultural awareness, or experience that the program requires or perhaps a medical issue arises that prevents you from working in a developing country, or for some other reason out of our control.

When will I hear about my final placement and project?

After the interview, we will decide on your placement. You will receive information regarding the activities for which you may be involved, but you will not know for sure what the finer details of your work will be until the first week at your site. At this time you will prepare a work plan with your supervisor. This work plan will be the guide for your work throughout the duration of your program.

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Acceptance into an Isla Program

What information will I receive after I am fully accepted into the program?

When you are accepted to the program and assigned a country and host organization, you will receive an official letter of acceptance with a confirmation contract; a description of your host country and organization; an Isla service learning guide; and a pre-departure manual filled with country specific and cultural information, resources and travel details; and an invoice for the remainder of your program fees.

When must I pay my program fees?

You should submit your program fees six weeks before the start of your program by going to the Isla web site and click on the Making a Payment link on the Apply menu. Here you will find the possibility to pay with a credit card or by PayPal. You may also send a check or money order made out to Isla and mail it to 1317 W. Mountain Ave. , Fort Collins, CO 80521. If you are unable to pay in full at this time, please contact Isla.

Are the application and program fees refundable?

The application fee of $85 and the confirmation deposit of $300 is non-refundable. If you have paid your program fees before the start of the program, a certain percentage of the fees will be refunded to you, but if the program has already started your program fees are non-refundable.

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Preparations

Now that I have been accepted into an Isla program, how do I prepare myself?

There are several things you can do to prepare for your Isla service learning experience, such as reading all of the materials that Isla has sent you carefully; staying in tune to the Isla web site and blog; and connecting with the various social networks. You may also want to begin to taking language lessons.

Am I required to take the web-based training in the Principles of Sustainable Community Development?

Yes, it is mandatory to take this training course. Isla’s mission is to provide training in sustainable community development so that you both understand your role in the development process and to give you the tools necessary to work effectively with the community and host organization with whom you will work. Whether you are a short term volunteer or a longer term intern, we believe it is critical that you receive this training in advance so that you arrive equipped to make the best use of your short time in country utilizing best practices in sustainable development Furthermore, we could fly everyone to our home base for training in Fort Collins, Colorado, but we would prefer to minimize our carbon footprint and make use of on-line technology to provide valuable interactive training to a group of Isla participants in the comfort of your own home.

Will there be any other training?

Yes, you will have a 3-4 day orientation upon arrival. Click here for more information.

Am I responsible for booking my own flights and securing my own passport, visa and vaccinations?

Yes, you are responsible to do all of these. You should arrange for your passport as soon as possible, while booking flights, visa, and vaccinations should be done at least one month before your departure date.

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