Deadline: Feb 6th!
Volunteers in Asia (VIA) will be accepting applications for our summer
programs and our one- and two-year volunteer positions in Asia until
February 6, 2009. Applications are being accepted for summer programs
in Bali, China, and Vietnam and long-term volunteer positions in
Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.
viaprograms.org --> Programs in Asia
What is VIA?
VIA (Volunteers in Asia) is a non-profit, non-governmental
organization headquartered in San Francisco that aims to increase
understanding between the US and Asia through programs promoting
cross-cultural education and service. VIA was founded in 1963 at
Stanford University by the Dean of Freshman Students. We send long
term volunteers to East and Southeast Asia for a minimum of one year
(with the option of staying a second or third year). We also offer
short-term programs during the summer in China, Indonesia and Vietnam.
For information about all of our programs, please visit the VIA
website at www.viaprograms.org or e-mail us at info@viaprograms.org.
What types of opportunities are available in 2009?
SUMMER PROGRAMS - VIA will offer four small-group cultural programs in
summer 2009:
* Bali Service-Learning Program (Indonesia) -- Live with Balinese
families, study language and culture and volunteer with local
non-profits.
* Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine (China) --Learn
about Traditional Chinese Medicine while sharing perspectives about
Western Medicine.
* Teach-in-Hue (Vietnam) -- Learn about Vietnamese culture and
development while teaching English and volunteering at local
non-profits.
* Viet-Am (Vietnam) -- Explore your Vietnamese-American heritage
while teaching English and learning about community development.
Eligibility: VIA summer programs are designed primarily for college
students, but open to any US residents 18 and older.
Program Fees: VIA summer program fees range from $500 to $2400.
Financial assistance is available. For more details, see the VIA
program fees Web page.
LONG-TERM (1 & 2 YEAR) PROGRAMS - For 45 years, VIA has been
partnering with Asian institutions in need of native English-speaking
volunteers. VIA provides extensive training and a wide array of
support to all volunteers. For 2009, VIA offers positions teaching
English and/or working with community non-profit organizations in the
following countries:
* Cambodia -- Our newest country program, VIA will offer long-term
volunteer positions in Cambodia starting in 2009.
* China -- Opportunities with VIA in China include volunteer
positions working with underserved groups and with non-profit
organizations.
* Indonesia -- True cultural immersion in your host community is
just one benefit to working with VIA and a partner NGO or school in
Indonesia.
* Laos -- VIA supports volunteers at a small number of educational
and community organizations in the captivating Lao PDR.
* Myanmar -- The right applicants will have the option of
partnering with VIA and local institutions to help improve the lives
of the people of Myanmar.
* Thailand -- VIA is carefully growing in Thailand as we aim to
provide quality opportunities to help under-served populations in the
region.
* Vietnam -- From the rural Mekong Delta to the capital of Hanoi,
VIA works with a range of schools and non-profits throughout Vietnam.
Eligibility: VIA long-term programs are open to US residents who speak
English with native fluency and have a bachelor's degree (by summer
2009). Local language skills, teaching experience, and development
experience are not required.
Program Fees: VIA's long-term program fee is $2000, regardless of
whether volunteers spend one or two years in-country. Financial
assistance is available. For more details, see the VIA program fees
Web page.
Why volunteer with VIA?
EXPERIENCE - VIA has been dedicated to promoting productive exchange
between Americans and Asians since 1963. We are constantly evaluating
and adapting our programs to ensure an experience that benefits both
the host community and the VIA participant.
TRAINING - VIA long-term volunteers receive over 5 weeks of training
in 3 countries, including language training, cross-cultural training,
and training in teaching English and working with NGOs. Summer
participants also receive orientation and training, which varies by
program.
LIVING EXPENSES - For long-term participants, housing, a monthly
stipend and medical and evacuation insurance are provided, among a
range of benefits. Summer participant program fees include housing,
program fees, and medical and evacuation insurance.
SUPPORT - VIA provides myriad types of support, including visa
processing and personalized support by dedicated full-time staff
members in the US and in Asia. Long-term volunteers also receive
teaching and cross-cultural materials, an annual conference of
volunteers, travel costs within Asia and back to the United States, a
vast network of current and former VIA volunteers, and much more.
REAL CONTRIBUTIONS - All of VIA's programs emphasize working with
institutions that promote local solutions. VIA volunteers become
successful members of their host community. VIA participants also play
a role in each program's long-range growth by providing feedback,
suggesting changes and approving new institutional affiliations.
LOW PROGRAM FEES, PLUS SCHOLARSHIPS & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE - VIA aims
to make all our programs affordable. We use donations from previous
volunteers and grants from foundations to provide highly subsidized
fees for each program, all while maintaining a high level of personal
attention. There are a limited number of scholarships for certain
programs, and the vast majority of those who apply for financial
assistance receive a reduction in their fee.
How Can I Learn More about VIA?
Start by reading the program-specific, FAQ, and application-related
pages at www.viaprograms.org under the "Programs in Asia" menu.
Applications will be accepted until February 6, 2009. If you have
further questions, please contact the appropriate staff member listed
below. General inquiries can be sent to: info@viaprograms.org
Nathan Camp - indonesia@viaprograms.org
- Bali Service-Learning (Summer)
- Indonesia Long-term
Lillian Forsyth - vietnam@viaprograms.org
- Viet-Am (Summer)
- Teach-in-Hue (Summer)
- Vietnam Long-term
Daniel Mandell - daniel@viaprograms.org
- Cambodia Long-term
- Laos Long-term
- Myanmar Long-term
- Thailand Long-term
Anjali Mutucumarana - china@viaprograms.org
- Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine (Summer)
- China Long-term
