Visions in Action: Volunteer Positions in Africa, 2000

1989 - 1999 A DECADE OF DEVELOPMENT

ORGANIZATION PROFILE
Visions in Action is a nonprofit organization that offers six month and one-year volunteer positions in six African countries and Mexico. Positions are available with nonprofit development organizations, research institutes, health clinics, community groups, and the media. The program features a month-long orientation, including intensive language study, followed by a five or 11 month volunteer placement. All seven countries have one year programs; the six month option is possible in South Africa,Liberia and Mexico only.

PROGRAM AREAS
*Community Development *Health Care
*Small Business Development *Women's Issues
*Youth&Children *Micro Finance
*Environment *Scientific Research
*Journalism *Social Science Research
*Housing & Urban Planning *Human Rights & Democratization

PROGRAM COUNTRIES
Based in
South Africa Johannesburg
Zimbabwe Harare
Tanzania Arusha and Moshi
Uganda Kampala
Liberia Monrovia
Burkina Faso (Some French required) Ouagadougou
Mexico (Some Spanish required) Mexico City and Oaxaca

REQUIREMENTS
Volunteers must be at least 20 years of age, and have two years of college or equivalent work experience. Most volunteers are university graduates; the average age is 27. The program is open to people of any nationality. Couples are encouraged to apply as well.

HOUSING
Volunteers are normally housed in major urban areas in coed group houses, living in a supportive community. Rural placements are possible.

FINANCES
Volunteers are required to cover their own costs for airfare, housing and living expenses; community and individual sponsorships are encouraged. Partial scholarships available for nationals of developing countries. Program fees vary by country. The average cost is $4000 + airfare + spending money ($5500-7500 total). Many Visions in Action volunteers have been able to fundraise some or all of their program costs, which are tax-deductible for the donor. Visions provides tips and support to assist you with fundraising (Ask for our fundraising guide). Student loans may be deferred.

ORIENTATION & PLACEMENT
Each program consists of a 3-4 week orientation in the host country, which includes intensive language training, followed by a 5 or 11 month volunteer placement with a local nonprofit organization, clinic, news agency or research institute. Volunteers interview with several organizations before choosing their placement.

PROGRAM DEPARTURES & APPLICATION DEADLINES

Program Application Deadline Late Application Deadline Departure

Tanzania April 1 May 15 July

South Africa April 1 May 15 July

Mexico April 1 May 15 July

Burkina Faso May 1 June 15 August

Uganda June 1 July 15 September

Liberia June 1 July 15 September

Zimbabwe October 1 November 15 January

South Africa October 1 November 15 January

Mexico October 1 November 15 January

Liberia December 1 January 15 March

For applications contact:
Visions in Action, 2710 Ontario Road NW, Washington DC 20009
Tel: 202-625-7402
E-mail: Visions@igc.org (Please mention you have already seen our basic information)Visit our website at:www.visionsinaction.org