Isla Training.
ISLA Handbook – 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 (international transportation, visas, immunizations and personal health, medical insurance, safety and security, etc.), country specific and cultural information, and fundraising.
Pre-Departure Training Course in the Principles of Sustainable Community Development – All Isla service learning 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 partner, Village Earth (www.villageearth.org). Isla believes in the value of pre-departure preparations for all participants so that they are better equipped to understand what their role is in the development process as well as to acquire the useful skills needed to integrate into the local community and host organization. Participants will receive on-line training, assignments, and chats with fellow participants.
In-Country Orientation conducted by Isla - Upon arrival in-county, a small group of newly arrived participants receive training in the skills necessary to integrate into the host culture, community, host family, and host organization. The following is a list of orientation topics that will be addressed to prepare participants for their service learning experience:
o Basic language training – Isla will provide participants with basic language training. If participants would like to continue private language instruction at site, tutors are available for an additional fee.
o Country specific training:
o Introduction to the host family or other housing arrangement
o Host Family Relations
o Personal Health
o Safety and Security
o Getting Around – Transportation
o Service Learning
o Grant Writing
o Needs Assessment
o How to Get Along with Your Host Organization
o Introduction to Host Organization
For the duration of the three-day orientation, participants will stay in a hostel or small hotel with the group. At the close of orientation, participants will move to their designated housing arrangement.
Project specific training by Host Organization – Host organizations may have their own training requirements before a participant begins his/her assignment.
