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Just think about...
Living abroad for a year (or six months), learning new language and getting to know a culture from the inside, developing new perspectives. Through ICYE, young people aged 18 to 25 (up to 30 in certain countries), with or without qualifications, after secondary school or during their university studies or (un)employment, have the opportunity to live in another country with a family or a in a residential project, and work as volunteers in a wide variety of voluntary work placements.
ICYE is a non-profit organisation that offers long and short-term exchanges combining home stays with voluntary service in more than 34 countries around the world, promoting youth mobility, intercultural learning and international voluntary service.
ICYE is a leader in international youth exchange programmes, offering more than 50 years experience. Their New Zealand office is based in Mount Maunganui in the Bay of Plenty.
To be a volunteer with ICYE means to integrate in the life and work of the hosting organisation and wider community. Volunteers are encouraged and supported to get involved in the planning and managing of distinct activities, take part in staff meetings, and to take on responsibilities according to their skills and interests, as well as the needs of the project.
An important aspect of the voluntary service experience is the volunteer's active participation in the life of the community in which he/she lives and works. There is no such thing as a 'typical' volunteer, but you should be:
- flexible, communicative, and open to new experiences,
- willing to learn new skills
- broad-minded and self-reliant
- committed to inter-cultural understanding
In order to apply to the ICYE Programmes, you need to get in touch with the ICYE New Zealand Committee, who will provide you with more detailed information about conditions of participation, application forms and selection procedures.
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