Adventures in Volunteering

EDUCATIONAL

Canadian Teachers’ Federation
The Canadian Teachers’ Federation sends as many as 60 volunteer teachers to approximately 15 different countries every year to provide professional assistance in the schools of the developing world. Beginning with a humble program in Nigeria in 1962, CTF’s Project Overseas now works with teachers and children in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the South Pacific.

Participants must be official members of the CTF, possess an appropriate teaching certificate, have a minimum of five years experience teaching in Canada and be prepared for either a summer assignment which runs from July to August or a winter project that lasts for three to six weeks between September and June.

While teachers do not receive a salary, all travel and living expenses are paid for by CTF and valuable overseas work experience is gained in a new cultural environment. Application forms can be found at provincial teaching organizations across Canada.
Tel: 866.283.1505

Foundation for International Training
The Foundation for International Training (FIT) was founded in 1976 with the belief that people are the most critical resources for development, and carries out this conviction through technical training that strengthens human capability.

FIT offers eight month CIDA-sponsored Youth Internships in economic development, civil society, human resources and gender issues. Interns spend the first month training in Canada before the six-month international placement and spend an additional month wrapping up their experience and job-hunting upon return.

CIDA requires that applicants have a University degree, are between 19 and 30 years old and have experience in the field of international development. Interns receive a stipend to cover their travel and living expenses.
Tel: 905.305.8680

World Literacy of Canada
Based on the belief that illiteracy is both a cause and consequence of poverty and underdevelopment, World Literacy of Canada (WLC) recruits interns to promote adult and child literacy in partnership with organizations in India.

The India Summer Program combines an element of cultural exchange with traditional volunteerism. “We see it as a cultural exchange and a way for people in India to learn more about Canadians and vice versa,” says Overseas Program Manager Sibel Cicek. For four weeks, Canadians age 18 and over who have experience in literacy, education, teaching, health, science or international development can work on community development projects in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

WLC also offers several CIDA-sponsored internships every year, which begin in September and last for eight months – with two months spent in Canada both before and after the international placement. Interns are needed to share their expertise in areas that include early childhood education, community library programs, and social enterprise programming. Applicants must be recent post-secondary graduates and young enough to fall between the ages of 19 to 30.
Tel: 416.977.0008

VOLUNTOURISM

Choice Humanitarian
True to the credo “travellers for change,” Choice Humanitarian offers week-long volunteer expeditions to provide support for local community projects in Guatemala, Mexico, Kenya, Bolivia and Vietnam that are “village-owned, village managed, and village-driven,” says Emily Franson, Director of Community Outreach.

Schoolhouse construction, water system implementation, latrine digging and rainwater harvesting are sort of self-sustaining projects that volunteers can work on during their expedition, while staying in camp tents and (occasionally) hotels near the work site.

For those who want to commit to a longer stay overseas, Choice offers custom-made Field Internships, working with individuals to identify the right opportunity based on skill sets and personal preference. Choice is currently looking for interns with interests in reforestation, agriculture, engineering, construction, accounting, reporting, marketing, health assessment and childcare but they are also open to fresh ideas proposed by applicants.
Tel: 888.474.1937

Horizons of Friendship
In a hybrid of traditional tourism and educational volunteerism, Horizons of Friendship, a non-profit organization based in Cobourg, Ontario, offers 10-day “Exposure Tours” to Canadians who want to learn about development issues in Central America and Mexico.

The tours operate with a humanitarian focus, “providing a direct contact experience with hard working communities and individuals,” explains Jessica Farias of HOF. Activities are designed for Canadians of all ages and abilities and include project site visits, meetings with local community organizations and excursions to cultural and historic sites. Participants also have the opportunity to help out in local communities, through small projects such as painting a house or working at a women’s shelter.

Average cost for the tours is $3,000 and includes airfare, accommodation, meals, and ground transportation. The tours run in February of every year, with limited spaces (about 20) to ensure a small group travel experience.
Tel: 905.372.5483

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