International Job Search

The International Volunteer Program

Thank you for your interest in the International Volunteer Program, and in volunteering overseas. We are looking for individuals who are flexible, open-minded and demonstrate a desire to help others. Applicants wishing to go to France must have an intermediate level of French.

Please complete the following application and return it to the address below. Please also include:

Essays (see reverse)
3 letters of recommendation from individuals who know you well (such as teachers, employers and supervisors)
1 letter from your local law enforcement authority indicating that you have no history of abuse of vulnerable populations such as children or the elderly.
2 current photographs (passport style are best)
a deposit of $250, made out to SWIFT. This deposit is returned only if you are not accepted into the program.

The remainder of the program fee ($1,250) is due 10 days after you receive your acceptance into the program. No places are guaranteed until full payment is received. Applications are due no later than March 15th, 2003.

Thank you for your interest in our program. Please send your application packet to:

The International Volunteer Program
7106 Sayre Dr, Oakland, CA 94611
510 339 1107 fax: 510 339 0729

PART I. - Personal Information

Name:__________________________________________ Birth date:_______________________
(Exactly as in your passport for the flight ticket purchase)

Citizenship?_____________________ If not U.S. - what is your status? _____________________

Name of University (if applicable): __________________________________________________

Major & Year:___________________________________________________________________

Permanent address: _______________________________________________________________

Email address:_____________________________________________ Phone:________________

Address at University (if applicable) _________________________________________________

Phone:_________________________

University address valid until what date? ____/____/____ Best time to call: _________________

Do you have any dietary restrictions we should be aware of? ______________________________

How did you hear about this program?________________________________________________

French program applicants only:

1. How many years have you studied French _____________________?

2. Indicate your level of French ____________________ in the following areas using this scale:

2 - minimally capable 3 - moderately capable 4 - capable 5 - fluent

Reading____ Writing____ Speaking____ Understanding____

The fee includes a round trip flight ticket from San Francisco or New-York, a volunteer placement, lodging and meals for only 6 weeks. We can provide a flight ticket valid 8 weeks at no additional cost, for two weeks of independent travel arranged and paid by the volunteer. Please specify your choice:

depart from New York	ticket valid 6 weeks	UK Program
depart from San Francisco	ticket valid 8 weeks	France Program

PART II - QUESTIONS

Please type your responses to the following essay questions. Use as much space as you like, but write at least 1/4 page per section. Feel free to add any additional information you feel is relevant. Applicants to the France Program: please complete this section in French.

PROGRAM GOALS - Why are you interested in doing volunteer work abroad? What would you hope to achieve during your experience?

PERSONAL DESCRIPTION - Describe yourself: Your interests, your values and your skills. Tell us about your personal, academic and professional goals. What qualities do you feel you can offer within a volunteer position?

RESUME - Please add your resume (it may be in French or English). It will be forwarded to your agency.

VOLUNTEER CHOICES - This gives us an indication of your interests. We work to create the best match, but cannot guarantee your first choices.

Working with people with physical disabilities	_________
Working in a Museum	_________
Outdoors activities	_________
Office related experience	_________
Working with Elderly people	_________
AIDS related issues	_________
Working with people from disadvantaged backgrounds	_________
Working in a hospital or health care related fields	_________
Working with children	_________

Number the above 9 choices in order of preference and discuss your top five choices. Why are you interested in this kind of work? What experience and/or abilities can you offer?

-CONTRACT -

I hereby submit my application packet with the deposit of $250.00, as a request to participate in the International Volunteer Program (IVP). I understand that this deposit will be returned to me should my application be denied. If my application is approved, I agree to pay the balance of one thousand two hundred and fifty dollars ($1,250.00), ten (10) days after I receive the notice of approval. I understand and agree that no place(s) will be held or reserved for me until I pay the balance of one thousand two hundred and fifty dollars ($1,250.00). Should my application be approved, I agree to fulfill my obligations to IVP and to my placement agency and to abide by the rules and regulations set forth by IVP and by my placement agency. I further agree to abide by all the laws and regulations in the country, state and county where I will participate in the International Volunteer Program. I understand and agree that should I decide to leave the position assigned to me for any reason, no part of the fee that I may have paid will be returned to me. I hereby release and forever discharge the International Volunteer Program, any and all participating agencies, SWIFT, their trustees, directors, employees, officers and staff, including their respective properties, from any and all damages arising from or related to any injury, illness, or death and/or property damage sustained by me or any other person or entity, during my participation in the International Volunteer Program. I hereby agree to defend and hold harmless all participating agencies, SWIFT, their trustees, directors, employees, officers and staff, including their properties, from any and all damages, including but not limited to costs, fees, attorneys' fees, and/or judgments, relating to or in any way connected to my participation in the International Volunteer Program, including but not limited to all my acts and omissions during said Program.

I hereby declare that I read carefully this contract and understand its content.

Signature______________________________________________________ Date_________________

North American Volunteer Application