Are Isla programs suitable for working professionals and retirees?
Isla programs are available to people 18+ years of age. While the average Isla participant is a college undergraduate or graduate student, Isla programs are also suitable to the working professional and retiree who may be...
A working professional who wants to work on a meaningful project abroad to develop his/her skill set in an international context...
A mid-career professional who wants to take a sabbatical from his/her job to work internationally to enhance his work experience or make a career change to international development, business, or non-profit work… A retiree who wants a structured and safe international service experience that is meaningful and provides the opportunity to bring a lifetime of skills and experiences to a partner organization and local community in need.
Whatever the motivation, working professionals and retirees provide valuable knowledge and skill transfer to Isla’s partner host organizations and the local communities they serve.
The volunteer benefits as he/she obtains new perspectives, enhanced cross cultural understanding, and skills necessary to work effectively in the global market place. Isla’s training in sustainable development and cross cultural awareness and sensitivity provides an excellent opportunity for professional development.
Exciting programs for working professionals and retirees:
Short Term Volunteer Program (2-12 weeks) – If you have only a limited time available for service then the short term volunteer program is for you. Short term volunteers are primarily engaged in learning and assistance on projects that are selected specifically because they are easy to learn and complete in a short period of time, such as painting an orphanage or renovating a school, harvesting a community garden, or assisting in a house building project for a low-income family, teaching English, working in a summer camp for at-risk youth, assisting with a short-term research project, or helping a business prepare their business plan, marketing strategy, etc.Internship Program (9-52 weeks) - If you are interested in serving a worthy endeavor for a longer period of time related to your expertise, experience, or interest then the internship program is for you. Isla volunteer interns are generally involved in learning, assistance, and implementation of a specific project as identified by Isla and the partner host organization in coordination with the participant. Intern projects are most beneficial to a host organization when they assist in general operations, implement collaborative project work, and/or participate in extensive research projects
Isla service learning programs provide an excellent opportunity for the older volunteer to share their wealth of knowledge and skills with local communities in need. In return, the volunteer has the opportunity to engage in international sustainable development, to enhance professional skills, and experience a wonderful travel adventure.
