Ireland – Education Experience

Ireland is a European island, located just west off the coast of England. Ireland’s tourism is growing, and the welcomeness from its inhabitants and their abundant hospitality play a large role in this. Ireland is also well-known for its lush, green landscape.

Based on previous experience, volunteers will be placed in either a playschool, summer camp program or community center. During the school year, volunteers at the playschools will work with children between the ages of three and twelve to organize and run the after-school activities club, and in the summer assist with summer camps. Volunteers in the community centers an help in different ways including organizing and running youth clubs and homework clubs as well as assisting with basic childcare tasks. Volunteers may also assist in the community garden. Specific tasks will vary based upon previous experience, time of year and project needs.

Play School After-School Club: This placement is located in Cork and accepts volunteers September through June.

Kids aged: 3-12
Minimum duration: 6 weeks
Police clearance: Volunteers staying 10 weeks or longer will require an extra Irish Vetting process (minimum 4 week processing time)
Volunteer Tasks: Volunteers will assist the after-school club staff in organizing activities including arts and crafts, baking or drama class, outside time, lunch and a third activity of the day.

Summer Camps: Volunteers will be placed in one of three summer camps during the months of July and August.
Placements are assigned according to availability and needs of the community.

Cork Summer Camp:
This summer camp in Cork works with children aged 3-12. Volunteers will assist the camp counselors in organizing fun activities such as the rope swing, face painting, dodge ball, mud garden, treasure hunts etc. Minimum duration of six weeks is required. Volunteers staying 10 weeks or longer will require an extra Irish Vetting process (minimum 4 week processing time).

Clonmel Summer Camp:
This summer camp hosts children from ages 4-12. This summer camp is very focused on sports and outdoor activities. Volunteers may be involved in assisting camp counselors organizing activities such as obstacle courses, team sports, giant bowling, treasure hunts, art and crafts, zumba and dance classes and more. Minimum duration of three weeks is required. Additional Irish Vetting process required for all participants regardless of duration. (minimum 4 week processing time).

Kinsale Summer Camp:
This summer camp caters to teenagers, aged 13-17 and is for adventure-lovers. Volunteers will help the camp counselors organize activities such as sailing, kayaking, rock climbing, archery and more. Experience in these specific sports is not a requirement; however volunteers should have some experience with outdoor sports activities in general. Volunteers will be trained by instructors and it generally takes two weeks to get familiar with the equipment, health and safety rules etc. Minimum duration of four weeks is required.

Internet: Internet is available with most host families and in the shared apartments.

Laundry: Laundry is available with host families and in the shared apartments.

Accommodations: Volunteers will stay in a hostel the night of Arrival Day, in a shared, mixed-gender room with 3-7 other people. Volunteers will be staying with host families for the remainder of their stay. Volunteers will either have a private room or share with one other volunteer of the same gender. During summer months, volunteers will have the choice to stay in a private room in a shared apartment. Meals are not included with the apartment option.

Food:  All meals are included during work days and on weekends if volunteers stay with their host families. Lunch on Arrival Day is not included. Meals are not included with the apartment accommodations.

Please take note of this project’s minimum requirements:

• Minimum age of 18
• Police clearance
• Intermediate level of English
• CV/ Resume
• Previous experience working with children
• Energetic, open-minded and ability to work in a team

Some of the country’s most well-known destinations are easily accessible, and around three hours away. Highlights include the sea cliffs of Moher, the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, the wildflowers of the Burren and more! The local field team can assist volunteers in planning fun things to do and see.