Middle- and long-term volunteering  

Overview
Costs
Terms and conditions
Enrollment procedure
Join a project now !

Quick links

Other countries
Home page
Download area
Infopool
Contacts
Write to us
Short-terms (workcamps)
Add to 'Favourites'

Phones:
Canada 416-943-4900
Canada 604-628-7400
Canada 514-316-8500
Canada 780-638-2500
Canada 613-454-5500
USA  
    310-882-7400
USA       646-582-9000
USA       617-841-0400

Let us call you <<click>>















Volunteer projects in SOUTH KOREA

Cultural and educational programs for students in Jeongeup
Jeongeup, Jeonbuk          June 26 - August 23, 2013
Jeongeup, Jeonbuk          September 25 - December 12, 2013

Volunteer project: From the early 1980s, during the Korean industrialization, people started moving to the cities for a job. Unfortunately most of these people were financially disadvantaged and while they were working till late at night, children had not been fully cared for in terms of security, nutrition and education. Due to this reason, religious institutions started providing services for children. This is the beginning of the Local Children Centers. In 2004, these places were recognized officially as a shelter for children who are in need, under the law. And they have been partly supported by the government. However, financial support from the government is still quite limited. The Local Children Centers are operated by a local church. The centers have many children who are growing up in families with one parent, or grandparents. The centers provide children with not only a shelter so that they are protected until their parents come back from work, but also with educational and cultural opportunities, so that they can open up a door to a new experience. Most of the children have fewer opportunities for meeting foreigners, so with the help of international volunteers, the local children can experience global awareness while volunteers can feel the warmth and kindness of a rural Korean community.

Jeongeup, connected to Mt. Naejang National Park and Mt. Ibam, is an especially stunning city to tour during the spring and fall seasons. But as the government usually develops infrastructure depending on the population of the region, many people in this area are isolated from these benefits. Due to this, the local youth do not have many opportunities to be involved with international people. In this respect, this project will play an important role in bringing a taste of international culture to the local children and people.

Volunteer work: The Local Children Center in Jeongeup provides protection (guidance in daily-life, providing meals and shelter), education (help with homework, teaching school subjects such as English, science, etc.) and entertainment (various activities like travel, sports, music, arts, picnics, etc.) for the children. The volunteers will support the Center in providing these services to the children.
The project site was officially opened in January of 2012. The Youth Center is aiming to develop English language programs for the local children and youth. The volunteers will plan and organize their own English conversation classes for the different age groups. The volunteers will be working with 10 to 30 children, 8 to 16 years old. There are 1 to 3 teachers at the Center. Volunteers will also help other local children centers in the village. They will work from Monday to Friday (from 2 to 9 pm mostly).

Free time: Mountain hiking, local festivals, exploring the nearby historical sites.

Profile of the volunteer:
• Teaching experience or interest in teaching (especially with non-formal methods)
• Ability to teach and communicate in English
• Previous volunteer experience with children (preferred but not necessary) and interest to work and socialize with them
• Skills to manage club activities (e.g. music, dance, sports, theatre, etc.)
• Interest about Korea (learning the language and culture of the local area)
• Initiative, positive and out-going personality

Number of participants: 3

Language: English

Documents to be submitted: Motivation letter, resume and a picture are required with application.

Accommodation: Dormitory room at the local children center.

Location: Jeongeup, Jeonbuk Province, in the southwest of Korea, about 3 hours south of Seoul by Express bus.

Terminal: Incheon International Airport

Age range: 19 - 40 years old

Participation fee: $590 CAD

Extra fee: 200 Euro

The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.

                                                                                                         

 

Volunteers’ training days in Seoul  

 

After-school educational and culture program for kids from rural areas
Yeongdeok, Gyeongbuk          June 26 - August 23, 2013
Yeongdeok, Gyeongbuk          September 25 - December 12, 2013

Volunteer project: Yeongdoek is a small town which is famous for its beautiful scenery of East Sea and delicious sea foods such as snow crap, anchovy, etc. Many tourists visit and enjoy their time in Yeongdeok, especially in summer time. Although it’s a good place to live, since there are not enough job position, parents work in the near city and came back late in the night. Due to this reason, their children are not fully cared by their busy parents. The host organization gives children a shelter which can protect them until their parents come. It also cares for these children to study as if they would with their parents.
These children usually live in rural areas, where there are very few opportunities to experience diverse cultures. Your participation in this project will open up a door to a new experience for the local children and youths.

Volunteer work: Together with Korean volunteer, international volunteers will organize and manage cultural and education programs such as foreign language (mainly English), outdoor activities and etc for children who attend in the Local Children Centers. The children at the centers are mainly elementary students with few middle school students. Students normally stay at the center after their school from 2 PM and stay until around 8PM. There are 10 to 30 children in the Center, 8 to 16 years old, and 1 to 3 teachers.
Any kind of activities and ideas are welcomed by the host organization as long as they provide the local children the opportunities of cultural exchange. The local children are very open and interested about different countries in the world.

Free time: If you can’t decide between mountain and sea, Yeongdoek is perfect place for you. Wherever you go, you can experience real nature.

Profile of the volunteer:
• Previous volunteer project experiences with children (preferred but not necessary)
• Interest about Korea (learning the language and culture in the local area).
• Ability to teach and communicate in English (non-formal English teaching)
• Initiative and active personality
• Skills to manage club activities (e.g. music, dance, sports, theatre, etc.)
• Flexibility and positive mind
• Not very strict vegetarian

Number of participants: 2

Language: English

Documents to be submitted: Motivation letter, resume and a picture are required with application.

Accommodation: Dormitory room at local children center

Location: Yeongdeok, Gyeongbuk-do; in middle-east part of Korea.; about 5 hours from Seoul by Express bus.

Terminal: Incheon International Airport

Age range: 19 - 40 years old

Participation fee: $590 CAD

Extra fee: 200 Euro

The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.

                                                                                                         

 

 

Support the educational and cultural exchange programs for children on Wando Island
Wando, Jeonnam          June 26 - August 23, 2013
Wando, Jeonnam          September 25 - December 12, 2013

Volunteer project: The project supports a local children center operated by the local church. The center has many children who are growing up in families with one parent only, or with grandparents. The center provides the kids with a shelter and protection, as well as educational and cultural opportunities, so that children can open up a door to a new experience. Most of them have fewer opportunities for meeting foreigners, so with the help of international volunteers, the local children can experience global awareness while volunteers can feel the warmth and kindness of this rural Korean community.
The children stay in the center until their parents come back from work, and receive guidance for daily-life, meals, help with homework and different school subjects (English, Science, etc.), and entertainment (various activities like traveling, sports, music, arts, picnics, etc.). The volunteers will join in providing support in these areas.

Wando is an island located about 500 km southwest of Seoul. Connected to the mainland by a bridge, Wando is famous with beautiful sea, clean air, and abundant seafood, which is of the highest quality in the region. However the local youth do not get many opportunities to be involved with international people. In this respect, this project will play an important role in bringing a taste of international culture to the local children and people.

Volunteer work: International and a Korean volunteer will join the English Language institution at Wando as an English language instructor to elementary school students, ages 8 to 13. And also you are asked to help the local children center for leading your own class for about 20 students, such as English or any other activity class you want, 1~2 hours a day. During the program, there will be a few English camps which will take place in the Language Institution, so any ideas that volunteers come up with for activities will be much appreciated.

- English Language Institution is a non-profit institution for needy children in Wando. The main English teacher is from the Philippines and it is under his/her instruction that volunteers will lead vocabulary, conversation, and writing classes through formal methods of instruction.
- The Local Children Center is a non-profit care center for children in Wando. Volunteer may have classes such art, music, English, cultures, dance, etc. The class will be designed by volunteers’ ideas only, so that if you have any talent or hobby to teach, it will be very nice.

Free time: During the weekends, there are lots of things to do in Jeonnam area, various local festivals, beautiful nature and historical places. The students may invite you to join outdoor activities such as a camp or visiting other areas of the country during the weekend.

Profile of the volunteer:
• Ability to actively join outdoor activities with teenagers
• Ability to teach and communicate in English (non-formal English teaching)
• Previous volunteer experience with teenagers
• Skills to manage club activities (e.g. music, dance, sports, theatre, etc.)
• Interest in learning Korean language and culture
• Flexibility and positive mind

Number of participants: 2

Language: English

Documents to be submitted: Motivation letter, resume and a picture are requested with application.

Accommodation: In a residential house at the local children center. Three meals a day are provided.

Location: Wando, Jeonnam Province; about 5 hours away from Seoul by bus.
At Wando-gun, the local people live a simple and easy life, caring for each other, and whichever direction you take, the beautiful beaches and blue sea as well as scenic islands that are lined up one by one, await you.

Terminal: Incheon International Airport

Age range: 19 - 40 years old

Participation fee: $590 CAD

Extra fee: 200 Euro

The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.

                                                                                                         

 

 

Organizing cultural and education programs for children in rural areas
         Uiryeong, Gyeongnam          September 25 - December 12, 2013

Volunteer project: From the early 1980s, during the Korean industrialization, people started moving to the cities for a job. Unfortunately most of these people were financially disadvantaged and while they were working till late at night, children had not been fully cared for in terms of security, nutrition and education. Due to this reason, religious institutions started providing services for children. This is the beginning of the Local Children Centers. In 2004, these places were recognized officially as a shelter for children who are in need, under the law. And they have been partly supported by the government. However, financial support from the government is still quite limited. The Local Children Centers are operated by a local church. The centers have many children who are growing up in families with one parent, or grandparents. The centers provide children with not only a shelter so that they are protected until their parents come back from work, but also with educational and cultural opportunities, so that they can open up a door to a new experience. Most of the children have fewer opportunities for meeting foreigners, so with the help of international volunteers, the local children can experience global awareness while volunteers can feel the warmth and kindness of a rural Korean community.

Uiryeong is a small town famous for its beautiful scenery and for the delicious traditional Korean rice cakes called "Bangae-deok". Since the government usually develops infrastructure depending on the population of the region, many people in this area are isolated from the benefits. Although it’s a good place to live, since there are not enough job positions, parents work in a nearby city and come back late. The project is in support of a children’s center providing care, educational and entertainment programs for about 30 children and youth in the community.

Volunteer work: Together with Korean volunteer(s), the international participants will organize and manage cultural and education afterschool programs such as foreign language classes (mainly English) for children of different ages who attend the center. The children at the center are mainly elementary school students and few middle school students. They normally stay at the center after school, from 2 pm until around 9 pm.
Any kind of activities and ideas are welcome, as long as they provide the local children with opportunities for cultural exchange. The local children are very open to new programs and interested about the different countries in the world.
The volunteers will work from Monday to Friday while the kids are at the center (2 pm - 9 pm on most days).

Free time: There is a sports complex nearby. You can also visit many traditional sites around this area such as mountains, temples, villages, palaces, etc.

Profile of the volunteers:
• Teaching experience or interest in teaching (especially with non-formal methods)
• Ability to teach and communicate in English
• Previous volunteer experience with teenagers, interest to work and socialize with them
• Skills to manage club activities (e.g. music, dance, sports, theatre, etc.)
• Interest about Korea (learning the language and culture of the local area)
• Initiative, positive and out-going personality

Number of participants: 3

Language: English

Documents to be submitted: Motivation letter, resume and a picture are required with application.

Accommodation: Volunteers will be accommodated in the local children center.

Location: Uiryeong, Gyeongnam-do province in the southeast of Korea. About 5 hours from Seoul by Express bus.

Terminal: Incheon International Airport

Age range: 19 - 40 years old

Participation fee: $590 CAD

Extra fee: 200 Euro

The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.

                                                                                                         

 

 

Organic farming with the residents of an alternative community
Sanan, Gyeonggi          September 25 - December 12, 2013

Volunteer project: Historically, and even now, people have been searching for the true definition of a peaceful, harmonious, and “happy life”. In pursuit of the answer to this question, a group of people gathered in 1984 in what is now Sanan Village, an idealistic community which follows the philosophy of an environment-friendly, non-possessive society. As of today, around 20 families reside within this communal village, and the residents are encouraged to pay more attention to the preservation and conservation of the environment while also freely sharing public resources. People of village live together, work together and share together. The volunteers should follow their way of life. Main income of the village is chicken farming. Their organic products, mostly eggs, are sold at the market in the city and are popular with those who prefer eco-friendly products.
Those who are interested in a new, prospective way of living - one which is very different from a "normal and capitalized” life - may obtain some fresh ideas about their life through this program.

Volunteer work: Volunteers will assist the villagers with organic farming, taking care of chickens, and household work such as cooking and cleaning in the village kitchen.
Various festivals are taking place often in the village. You may have chance to meet many people through those events.
In the chicken house, the volunteers will be taking care of the chicks, old chickens, feeding them and giving medicines. They will also work in the egg-selection-facility (collecting eggs). In the village kitchen, the volunteers will help prepare meals for the residents.

During the project, volunteers will be able to not only eat healthy and organic food from nature but also experience different way of life with warm-hearted locals.
You may have chance to learn Korean and Japanese too as you'll possibly meet a few Japanese residents. There will be further culture exchange through sports, cooking, and various activities.

Free time: You can join various festivals in the village. In addition, Sanan is fairly close to Seoul, so you will have a chance to explore the capital of Korea.

Profile of the volunteer:
• Interested in agriculture and communal life
• Interested in interacting with new people
• Previous volunteer experience (preferred but not necessary)
• Interest in experiencing a simple farming life
• Initiative and active personality
• Flexibility and positive mind
• No allergies to chicken

Number of participants: 3

Language: English

Documents to be submitted: Motivation letter, resume and a picture are required with application.

Accommodation: In a house of the community. Three meals a day are provided, all organic.

Location: Sanan Village in Hwaseong Gun, GyeongGi Province, about 1 hour south-west of Seoul by Express bus.

Terminal: Incheon International Airport

Age range: 19 - 40 years old

Participation fee: $590 CAD

Extra fee: 200 Euro

The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.

                                                                                                         

 

Music, education and cultural exchange program for Korean children
Samcheok, Gangwon          September 25 - December 12, 2013

Volunteer project: From the early 1980s, during the Korean industrialization, people started moving to the cities for a job. Unfortunately most of these people were financially disadvantaged and while they were working till late at night, children had not been fully cared for in terms of security, nutrition and education. Due to this reason, religious institutions started providing services for children. This is the beginning of the Local Children Centers. In 2004, these places were recognized officially as a shelter for children who are in need, under the law. And they have been partly supported by the government. However, financial support from the government is still quite limited. The Local Children Centers are operated by a local church. The centers have many children who are growing up in families with one parent, or grandparents. The centers provide children with not only a shelter so that they are protected until their parents come back from work, but also with educational and cultural opportunities, so that they can open up a door to a new experience. Most of the children have fewer opportunities for meeting foreigners, so with the help of international volunteers, the local children can experience global awareness while volunteers can feel the warmth and kindness of a rural Korean community.

Samcheok is a city of tourism with beautiful beaches and a cave. But the standard of living is not developed nearly as well and the education facilities are not enough for the local community. The host organization is a local church and they run local children's center to provide educational and cultural opportunities to children. They offer not only studying with books but also various extracurricular activities to them. Musical team and Korean traditional music performance team, which are particular offering of this center, perform a road show for local people. The host wants to give the kids an intercultural experience through the volunteers' participation.

Volunteer work: Together with Korean volunteer(s), the international participants will organize and manage cultural and education programs such as foreign languages (mainly English), various outdoor activities, etc. for the children who attend the local Children's Center. The children at the center are mainly elementary school students and few middle school students. They normally stay at the center after school, from 2 pm until around 9 pm.
Any kind of activities and ideas are welcome, as long as they provide the local children with opportunities for cultural exchange. The local children are very open and interested about the different countries in the world.

Free time: There are many beautiful beaches, mountains and sightseeing places to visit during the free time. A big fish market is also famous in the area.

Profile of the volunteers:
• Teaching experience or interest in teaching (especially with non-formal methods)
• Ability to teach and communicate in English
• Previous volunteer experience with teenagers, interest to work and socialize with them
• Experiences related to music or theatre
• Skills to manage club activities (e.g. music, dance, sports, theatre, etc.)
• Interest about Korea (learning the language and culture of the local area)
• Initiative, positive and out-going personality

Number of participants: 3

Language: English

Documents to be submitted: Motivation letter, resume and a picture are required with application.

Accommodation: In the local children center.

Location: Samcheok, Gangwon Province in the northeast of Korea, about 4 hours from Seoul by Express bus.

Terminal: Incheon International Airport

Age range: 19 - 40 years old

Participation fee: $590 CAD

Extra fee: 200 Euro

The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.

                                                                                                         

 

 

Intercultural classes and eco-farming activities with the students of Green Dream School
Muju, Jeonbuk          September 25 - December 12, 2013

Volunteer project: Surrounded by the beautiful mountains of Muju, an area so distinguished as to have received the nickname of the “Korean Alps”, lies an alternative high school called the Green Dream School. The school is part of the unique education system of alternative schools in South Korea, which places emphasis on the values of nature preservation, peace establishment, democracy, and independence of thought.
The school focuses on teaching traditional Korean cultural arts and history, eco-farming, foreign languages, autonomic study, and peace community building through various non-formal methods and outdoor experiences. Therefore, the school likes to host international volunteers who are able to bring fresh atmosphere, information on different countries, cultures and languages to enhance the intercultural learning activities in the school, and build and enjoy friendship with the students. It will be a very unique experience for the volunteers who are interested in sharing it with the school students, as well as for the students who will get a chance to experience diverse cultures.

Volunteer work: Since the purpose of the project is to foster the idea of global citizenship among the Green Dream School students, volunteers will run English conversation classes (basic or intermediate level) focusing on various topics related to global citizenship (cultural differences, peace, human rights, sustainable development, and so on). Volunteers are asked to help the English teachers as well.
Also, the volunteers will join some of the other classes such as eco-farming (growing flowers, vegetables, working in rice fields), sports and arts to get closer to the students. Volunteers will have unique experiences with the students joining them for outdoor activities (swimming, hiking ...), field trips, visiting cultural and historical spots of Korea. There are 10 to 40 students at the school, at the age of 17-19 and 1 or 2 English teachers.

Free time: You can join in field trips such as mountain hiking and rafting trip. Visiting famous places in the area is also possible.

Profile of the volunteers:
• Teaching experience or interest in teaching (especially with non-formal methods)
• Ability to teach and communicate in English
• Previous volunteer experience with teenagers, interest to work and socialize with them
• Skills to manage club activities (e.g. music, dance, sports, theatre, etc.)
• Interest about Korea (learning the language and culture in the local area)
• Initiative and active personality
• Flexibility and positive mind

Number of participants: 2

Language: English

Documents to be submitted: Motivation letter, resume and a picture are required with application.

Accommodation: In the school dormitory. Three meals a day are provided.

Location: Muju, Jeollabuk-do province in the southwest of Korea, about 3 hours south from Seoul by express bus.

Terminal: Incheon International Airport

Age range: 19 - 40 years old

Participation fee: $590 CAD

Extra fee: 200 Euro

The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.

                                                                                                         

 

Eco-farming and intercultural exchange program for students
Sanmael, Ganghwa Island          September 25 - December 12, 2013

Volunteer project: This project is organized with “Sanmaeul High School” in Ganghwa Island. The school is running by a unique education system as an alternative high school. The school focused on eco-farming education, students' independency, peace, as well as foreign languages. In this sense, the school is trying to bring intercultural learning into the school so that students will get a chance to experience diverse cultures.

Volunteer work: Volunteers will mainly join the eco-farming activities at the school with some of the staff. Occasionally, volunteers can help with some other manual work. Once a week, the volunteers will lead an after school class on volunteers' talents or skills such as foreign languages, dance, music and so on. While volunteers join various school activities, they could bring intercultural atmosphere and diverse culture into the school. Volunteers will work with 10 to 40 students at the school (ages 17-19) and 1 or 2 English teachers.

Free time: Ganghwa Island is very beautiful and there are many places to go like mountains and beaches.

Profile of the volunteer:
• Volunteers must enjoy physical work; farming, manual work
• Previous volunteer project experiences with teenagers (preferred but not necessary)
• Interest about Korea (learning the language and culture in the local area)
• Ability to teach and communicate in English (non-formal English teaching)
• Initiative and active personality
• Skills to manage club activities (e.g. music, dance, sports, theatre, etc.)
• Flexibility and positive mind

Number of participants: 2

Language: English

Documents to be submitted: Motivation letter, resume and a picture are required with application.

Accommodation: In a guest house. Three meals a day are provided.

Location: Ganghwa Island: about 1 hour away from Seoul by bus. It’s a big island, very near to the mainland.

Terminal: Incheon International Airport

Age range: 19 - 40 years old

Participation fee: $590 CAD

Extra fee: 200 Euro

The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.

                                                                                                         

 

Teaching English and organising leisure time activities for children
Donghae, Gangwon          September 25 - December 12, 2013

Volunteer project: From the early 1980s, during the Korean industrialization, people started moving to the cities for a job. Unfortunately most of these people were financially disadvantaged and while they were working till late at night, children had not been fully cared for in terms of security, nutrition and education. Due to this reason, religious institutions started providing services for children. This is the beginning of the Local Children Centers. In 2004, these places were recognized officially as a shelter for children who are in need, under the law. And they have been partly supported by the government. However, financial support from the government is still quite limited. The Local Children Centers are operated by a local church. The centers have many children who are growing up in families with one parent, or grandparents. The centers provide children with not only a shelter so that they are protected until their parents come back from work, but also with educational and cultural opportunities, so that they can open up a door to a new experience. Most of the children have fewer opportunities for meeting foreigners, so with the help of international volunteers, the local children can experience global awareness while volunteers can feel the warmth and kindness of a rural Korean community.

Donghae city is located in the southeastern part of Gangwondo. The area is rich in beautiful mountains and coast. In summer time, many tourists crowd into the beach in Donghae. The children center is located is one of the poorest areas in Donghae city, and most of the children at the center are socially & economically disadvantaged. After school, children (between 8-16 years old) come to the center and receive protection, meal, help with homework and take part in educational and entertainment programs (travel, sports, music, arts, picnics, etc). The international volunteers will support the center in running the different programs for the kids.

Volunteer work: Teaming up with a Korean volunteer, you are asked to:
- Take care of children while they are in the center (give a hand to a hard working teacher at the center)
- Prepare and run English classes with other volunteers (2~3 classes a day)
Teaching English will be your main task. The children’s level of English is mostly very basic. Many children in the center lack confidence and interest in learning English. However, they started getting interested in English thanks to previous international volunteers.
If you have any other special skills to teach, you can also lead activity classes with the children (music, drawing, etc.) Sometimes, you will be asked to join weekend activities with the kids on Saturday, e.g. to go to the cinema, mountain, etc.
The volunteers work from Monday to Friday (from 2 to 9 pm mostly). There are 10 to 30 kids and 1 to 3 teachers at the center.

Free time: A big traditional market, a library and a beautiful beach are all near the center. And you can also find a modern style market, a cinema and a gym in downtown which is 10 minutes away by bus. There is a historical Buddhist temple called ‘Samhwasa’ and many famous beaches in Donghae.

Profile of the volunteer:
• Teaching experience or interest in teaching
• Ability to teach and communicate in English
• Love for children
• Previous volunteer experience with children (preferred but not necessary)
• No strict dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan)
• Interest about Korea (learning the language and culture of the local area)
• Initiative, positive, out-going and open-minded personality

Number of participants: 3

Language: English

Documents to be submitted: Motivation letter, resume and a picture are required with application.

Accommodation: Home-stay at the pastor’s house (next to the center & and the church).

Location: Donghae, Gangwon. It is 3,5 hours away from Seoul.

Terminal: Incheon International Airport

Age range: 19 - 40 years old

Participation fee: $590 CAD

Extra fee: 200 Euro

The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.

                                                                                                         

 

 

After-school education program for children in Yeongwol
         Yeongwol, Gangwon          September 25 - December 12, 2013

Volunteer project: From the early 1980s, during the Korean industrialization, people started moving to the cities for a job. Unfortunately most of these people were financially disadvantaged and while they were working till late at night, children had not been fully cared for in terms of security, nutrition and education. Due to this reason, religious institutions started providing services for children. This is the beginning of the Local Children Centers. In 2004, these places were recognized officially as a shelter for children who are in need, under the law. And they have been partly supported by the government. However, financial support from the government is still quite limited. The Local Children Centers are operated by a local church. The centers have many children who are growing up in families with one parent, or grandparents. The centers provide children with not only a shelter so that they are protected until their parents come back from work, but also with educational and cultural opportunities, so that they can open up a door to a new experience. Most of the children have fewer opportunities for meeting foreigners, so with the help of international volunteers, the local children can experience global awareness while volunteers can feel the warmth and kindness of a rural Korean community.

Yeongwol gun is surrounded by mountains and a long river. It is a farming and nature area. There are many working parents who don't come back home till late at night. The local youths don't have many opportunities to get involved in activities or interact with international people. This project will play an important role in bringing a taste of international culture to the local children and people. The Center was rebuilt from an old school and now it has enough facilities to care for many children after school. There is a big playground, a kitchen, classrooms and a big volunteers’ room designed by a professional.

Volunteer work: Together with a Korean volunteer, the international volunteers will
- Take care of children while they are in the center (assisting a hard working teacher at the center)
- Prepare and run English classes (2~3 classes a day)
Teaching English to primary school students and middle school students will be your main task. Their level of English is mostly basic except some of the middle school students. So they lack confidence and interest in English. However, they started getting interested after the first contact with international volunteers last year.
If you have any special skill, you can also lead activity classes with children (music, drawing, etc.). You will work from Monday to Friday (from 2 to 9 pm mostly) with 10-30 kids (8 to 16 years old) and 1-3 teachers. Sometimes, you may be asked to join weekend activities with the kids on Saturday such as going to the cinema or to the mountains.

Free time: Feel free to visit the surrounding Gangwon area, participate in various local festivals, experience Korean mountain climbing, and visit nearby historical sites. There is a famous river named Jucheon, surrounded by mountains. If you are a nature lover, Yeongwol is the place for you!

Profile of the volunteer:
• Teaching experience or interest in teaching
• Ability to teach and communicate in English
• Love for children
• Previous volunteer experience with children (preferred but not necessary)
• No strict dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan)
• Interest about Korea (learning the language and culture of the local area)
• Initiative, positive, out-going and open-minded personality

Number of participants: 3

Language: English

Documents to be submitted: Motivation letter, resume and a picture are required with application.

Accommodation: The volunteers will be accommodated in a dormitory room at the children center.

Location: Yeongwol, Gangwon. It is 4 hours away from Seoul. Although it is an isolated area surrounded by mountains, there is a shuttle bus from the center to downtown every day.

Terminal: Incheon International Airport

Age range: 19 - 40 years old

Participation fee: $590 CAD

Extra fee: 200 Euro

The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.

                                                                                                         

 

click here for short-term projects in South Korea

to see a short movie from a Korean project with kids, click here

click here for volunteer programs in other countries

FOR FULL, STARTED AND PAST PROJECTS, CLICK HERE