Int’l Internship & Volunteer Network

Discover Infinite Possibilities

 

Discover Greece

Inclusive Programs 

 

The Islands of Greece boast some of the most stunning scenery and breathtaking views in the world!  Fiskardo, recognized as the jewel in the crown of Kefalonia, is a small village at the northern extremity of Kefalonia (Chephalonia), the largest of the Ionian Islands. 

 

Fiskardo is the most picturesque place on Kefalonia and is very much a tourist destination during the summer, with up to 7,000 inhabitants from all over the world.  Pastel colored Venetian buildings look down on the fisherman preparing their nets for the next trip and rows of boats tied along the L-shaped waterfront.  Enjoy views of the wildflowers scattered among the rugged landscape as you relax in one of the many café’s.  Like the island, locals are warm, friendly and proud to showcase all the splendor this island has to offer!

 

Experience the wonder, tranquility and beauty of Greece!

 

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Program & Placement Opportunities

Applicant Requirements

Application Process ~ Benefits of Participation

Start Dates, Duration & Sample Program Schedule

Program Fees & Inclusions

Other Important Information

 

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 Program & Placement Opportunities

To learn more about the opportunities available in Greece, select your program of interest below. 

Horse Patrol

Dolphin Observation

Environmental Museum

Underwater Research

Radio Broadcasting

Rescue Team

 

 

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Start Dates, Duration & Sample Program Schedule

 

Placements are available Year-Round! 

 

Dolphin Observation and Underwater Research are offered annually between

May 1st to October 15th.

 

Although our Inclusive Program is based on a duration of four (4) weeks, participants may choose to extend their program for a maximum of six (6) months for an additional charge per week.   

 

Following is an example of how a four (4) week program may be scheduled.  We invite you to visit one of the following links for further information on each option;

 

 

Week 1 – Orientation/Introduction

Weeks 2 & 3 – Volunteer Program Opportunities

Week 4 – Holiday Week

 

 

Week 1 ~ Orientation/Introduction

 

Duration: Two to Three (2-3) hours per day, during Week 1

Location: Fiskardo

 

2008 Program Start Dates: 

 

Your Welcome Orientation will take place in Fiskardo’s Environmental Museum.  Established in the old elementary school, the Museum is situated at the top of the hill in the village of Fiskardo, possessing unique views from all sides of the surrounding sea and landscape.

 

Your orientation will take place from 2-3 hours per day, during your first week, and will include a history of the island and its surrounding areas, safety precautions, an introduction to the Greek language, and much more.

 

 

 

 

Weeks 2 & 3 – Participants May Experience Greece at its Fullest by taking part in one of the program options noted below:

 

Horse Patrol

Dolphin Observation

Environmental Museum

Underwater Research

Radio Broadcasting

Rescue Team

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Horse Patrol:

Volunteers in this project will patrol the area surrounding Fiskardo, mainly to assist locals and tourists, and to notify the proper authorities in case of an emergency.

 

IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT VOLUNTEERS ON THIS PROJECT

HAVE PREVIOUS RIDING EXPERIENCE!!

 

The stable facilities, situated 2 km outside of Fiskardo, follow the traditional Greek system. The stables in Greece are not “closed stables” with compartments as you may be used to in many Northern Countries. It is mainly a wooden shelter, protected from all sides from the wind. They are man-made and simple.  Many improvements to the existing stables are underway, thus participants need to bring not only excellent riding experience, but many ideas and an appetite for hard work!

 

The horse patrol consists of a minimum of two riders. Volunteers involved in the horse patrol project will be responsible for the following:

 

  • CARING FOR HORSES
    Volunteers will be expected to care for the horses that are used for the patrols. This includes feeding, brushing and washing them on a regular basis.  In addition, participants will be responsible for maintaining and cleaning the stables, including working to improve the stable’s facilities (i.e. paint the wood, replace old wood, repair the fence etc).

 

  • EXERCISING AND TRAINING HORSES
    Participants will regularly exercise and train the horses in order to keep them fit.

 

  • HORSE PATROLS
    During the summer months, horse patrols usually take place very early in the mornings (before the sun becomes hot), or later in the afternoon when the temperature drops. In the winter, horse patrols may take place at any time of the day. In some instances, participants may have an opportunity to take part in 2-3 day patrols, away from the facilities.  Patrols and horses love this opportunity to spend the night in the open air.

 

  • FOOTPATH INVESTIGATION AND OPENING FOR HORSE PATROL ROUTES
    This is a very important part of the patrols responsibility, as they work to ensure that new footpaths are created for the horses to travel safely.  In Greece, and in Kefalonia specifically, there are no open/flat fields or meadows where the horses can ride or feed. The footpaths and surrounding areas are very rocky and mountainous, and flat areas are extremely reduced in size.
     

In some cases there may be up to 4 volunteers for this project at one time.  This means that you may not have daily contact with the horses, leading to maybe 1-2 days at the stables a week.

 

Like most stables, the daily schedule is a routine, thus early mornings and late evenings will be necessary and participants must commit to helping out in all areas on a daily basis.  The horse patrol project is an extremely challenging yet enjoyable project.  At the same time, this project demands a lot of work from each participant.  An example schedule for a typical day might be as follows:


07:00 - Breakfast
07:30- 09:00 Feeding the Horses/ Cleaning the Stable
09:00 -12:30 Free Riding, Horse Training or Patrol
13:30 – 15:00 Feeding the Horses
15:00 – 18:00 Free Riding, Horse Training or Patrol, Cleaning the Stable
18-30 -19:30 Feeding the Horses

 

Participants must understand that this is NOT a riding school, and no training will be given to participants on horse riding, therefore, experience is ESSENTIAL!

 

The winter days can be extremely wet and cold! In addition, the summers can be extremely hot and long, and horse riding can only take place early in the morning and late in the afternoon!

Horses in Greece do not have shoes and they can face difficulties while riding on rocky paths. Although we have special boots for the horses, it is not always are easy for them to wear while riding. Free riding, which means walking around the mountains, going swimming with them in the sea, etc. is an awesome experience!  Horses from this project may also be used to assist the rescue team!

 



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Underwater Research:

Participants of the Underwater Research Project will take part in the "UNDERWATER RESEARCH DIVER" course as developed by the Ionian Sea Research Centre. In addition, participants will conduct research on endangered species and participate in stranding rescues, shark awareness and environmental promotion and awareness.

 

The Underwater Research Project encourages participants to develop new areas of study.  As our host organization must report to the Ministry of Agriculture once a year, participants will present their plan, and show how they would approach this new study. Research topics have varied slightly through the years and include studies on a bivalve mollusc called Pinna nobilis, an eelgrass called Posidonia oceanica and an alga called Caulerpa racemosa.

  • STRANDING RESCUE:  This part of the project involves gathering sightings of marine animals, mainly dolphins. Sightings often demand long, inactive hours spent on land or a ferry boat, and sometimes the research boat, looking for mammals. Maps and reports are made of visitor, fisherman and participant sightings collected.  In the event an injured animal is reported, the team goes out to help.  Most of the rescue missions we undertake are, unfortunately, without success.  Many times the animal is dead prior to us arriving, but our successful rescue missions are spectacular! Upon rescuing a six gill shark, caught on the net of a local fisherman and thought to be dead, the shark was released from the nets strangulation and proved to be very much alive! Our participants felt sympathy for the predator and asked the fisherman to release him. The fishermen agreed to release the shark, but he asked for compensation due to the damage done to his fishing nets. Our volunteers held a fund raiser to raise the money needed and once the goal was met, the shark was brought back to the open sea and it was released in the deep.

 

  • SHARK AWARENESS:  This project increases awareness, of tourists and locals, about the importance of sharks in the sea.  People are educated on the shark’s nature, and the belief about the shark being the top predator of the world’s oceans is diminished. A shark display has been created, in the Environmental Museum, dedicated to the sharks, and including informational leaflets and a Shark coloring book for children, offering the opportunity to young people to learn about sharks through game .

 

 

 

Dolphin Observation:

Participants will observe and record data about the dolphins using boats, GPS, wind measurement equipment, binoculars and sound recorders.

 

The aim of the project is to register existence and numbers of species in a specified area.  This also includes assessing and monitoring their populations, places that they frequent and their movements over the years, by inputting data onto maps. The project aims to the identify potential threats to cetaceans and their environment arising from increasing recreational boat traffic in the area. This research is purely observational and will be taken either from the research boat, the coast, opportunistic sightings and interviews of crew members of recreational boats. Location, identification and interaction with cetaceans will be undertaken respecting all international recognized standards, practices and ethics for cetacean observation.

 

  • FIELD RESEARCH METHODS:  In order to determine the populations and movements of cetaceans in this area, participants in this project may undertake…

 

    • Regular research trips, following transects on pre-set orientations from Fiskardo. Binoculars, GPS and cameras will be taken along to observe and record cetacean data. Photography of dorsal fins will also be carried out to develop a photographic database of those within the schools and pods present in the area.
    • Costal observation from two set point (old lighthouse of Fisakrdo) and Emplisi Bay (covering approximately 40% of the activity) and finally
    • Interviewing tourists on sailing/motor yachts approaching the area.

 

All research data is given once a year to the local authorities and Ministry of Agriculture for further processing.  *Note:  Swimming among the groups, or feeding the group, is strictly excluded from the practices of this project.

All data from any sighting will be recorded on pre-printed sightings forms and at the end of the research trip this data will be entered into the computer. In cases of bad weather, the project retains the right to cancel any trip or modify the program without further notice. It may not always be possible, and is not obligatory, that the research boat will return to the port of Fiskardo every day.

 

There is also a strong awareness aspect to this project. This may include preparing leaflets and flyers, making presentations with slides and video, developing questionnaires, painting signs, creating children's comics, distributing and collecting sightings forms to visitors and sailing groups and talking to visitors in the Environmental Museum to collect sightings and talk about local marine issues.

 

The dolphin project provides an opportunity to see wild and wonderful things!  However, the dolphin project might not be what you may think it is!  It is important that you read the following information carefully before you decide to join the dolphin team!

During the winter, there is no boat, which means participants will be spending most of the time looking for dolphins from the coast.  This project is purely observational, which means there is NO contact with these wonderful mammals! Daily contact with dolphins cannot be guaranteed, and you might never see a dolphin throughout the duration of your project! The fact that there may not be any dolphin sightings remains very useful statistical data for us.

 

 

*IMPORTANT:  ALL PARTICIPANTS IN THE DOLPHIN OBSERVATION PROGRAM MUST POSESS A DIVING CERTIFICATION.  IN THE EVENT A PARTICIPANT DOES NOT HAVE A CERTIFICATION, THEY MAY TAKE A COURSE IN THE DIVING CENTER ON SITE,TO OBTAIN PROPER CERTIFICATION AT AN ADDITIONAL COST.

 

 

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Environmental Museum:

Volunteers will maintain and work to further develop a local Environmental Museum.  In addition, participants will serve as a tour guide for international visitors.

 

The Fiskardo’s Environmental Museum is established in the old elementary school of Fiskardo, situated at the top of the hill in the village of Fiskardo, possessing unique views from all sides of the surrounding sea and landscape. Both the building and the land were originally donated to the village around 1940 by a rich local named Vandoros. After his death, the building was offered to the community for cultural purposes.

 

As a school, the building has a short history. Even so, many important people of today have spent many years of learning in this building. After the school was abandoned, due to immigration and lack of children, the building has been occasionally used as a location for customs, a classroom for the English language, a shelter for immigrants, a classroom for pottery lessons, and every now and then, has also been used as a voting place.

 

In 1999 the building was partially offered to FNEC in order to be refreshed and transformed into an Environmental Museum. The entire work in the Museum was undertaken by volunteers, including repairing and refreshing the old building. In early 2000, the first part of the Museum started receiving visitors. The success was enormous, mainly because our Museum is a small unconventional interactive place, and visitors are requested to touch in order to learn. It is obvious that no professionals help was asked and that gave to the visitors more appreciation for our volunteer work. In 2001 the Environmental Museum had changed completely, and now both rooms of the building are used by volunteers. May 12, 2001, was the official opening day of the remodeled museum.  It is now recognized as a place where our work is presented to the public, in addition to the place that hosts our offices and other working areas.

 

As all of the work displayed in our Environmental Museum has been made by volunteers, it is obvious that some tasks undertaken by them are extremely demanding and offer a unique opportunity that they may never get again. Such examples are the digging for recovery of a 5 m long whale skeleton, the washing of the bones, and their final reconstruction.

Following is an example of the projects participants may take part in:

 

  • UPDATING AND RUNNING OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL MUSEUM: Volunteers will have an opportunity to develop and construct new displays for the Environmental Museum.  In addition, participants may guide visitors on their tour of the displays and maintain the garden. 

 

  • PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES:  Publishing of environmental issues and activities.

 

  • PRESENTATIONS: Carried out weekly in the summer with slides and video. The volunteers will work for the development of such presentations and also will be asked to take part in these by speaking to the audience.

 

  • LEAFLETS, VIDEOS and CD-ROM: Participants may produce an array of media to promote the Environmental Museum and the exhibits. Volunteers are welcome to develop and implement their own ideas related to the club activities and interest.

 

  • NEWSPAPER:  Volunteers have an opportunity to design, write and publish a newsletter 6 times/year.

 

  • CHILDREN’S AWARENESS:  During the summer months, the Environmental Museum undertakes children’s education days, in which the local children are introduced to environmental issues through games, theater plays, happenings etc. The volunteers create and develop such happening and perform them in the presence of the local children.

 

  • HELPING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY:  Anytime assistance is needed in the local community, volunteers partner with area residence to provide relief.

 

 

 

Radio Broadcasting:

Volunteers will broadcast and maintain radio broadcasting equipment. Participants have an opportunity to use their imagination and skills to develop and enhance radio programs.  As this is an “amateur” radio station, new ideas, plans and happenings are encouraged and welcomed.  Participants in this program must have strong English language skills.

This is a project created in 2001, based on the work of one of our former volunteers from Sweden. The success of the project was enormous and a year after the participants departure, the radio stopped.  In 2007, Radio FNEC started broadcasting again, during the tourist season, and continues to entertain and inform locals and tourist today.

Volunteers working in this project should be prepared to undertake the daily program of FNEC radio, including making the schedule, playing music, live broadcast etc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Rescue Team:

The rescue team started its activity un-officially in summer 2000, as participants of the project were often asked by local police to assist with the club’s boat in rescue activities. These activities included search of boats that had emitted MAY DAY and / or towing of boats experiencing engine damages. Sometimes our volunteers were called to assist the local police in traffic accident and similar occasions. Over time, it was decided to officially form a Rescue Team that would be active in cases of emergencies assisting the local community.

In 2001 the rescue team had already put together basics of training and uniforms. During this time, the first specialized equipment is brought to the Rescue team. The summer of 2001 proves to be incredibly busy and the need for special training and more equipment becomes demanding. The highlight of the season is the spectacular rescue of a 25m Motor cruiser that lost both anchor and steering and was in danger to crash on the rocks of Fiskardo harbor.

 

In September 2001 the Greek General Secretariat for Civil Protection (department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs) decides to register, assist and coordinate the first network of voluntary rescue organizations in Greece. The G.G.S.C.P. proceeds to a public call to all active rescue teams in Greece to give proof of their ability to assist the state in cases of mass accidents, natural catastrophes etc. FNEC becomes the first Voluntary Organization that was accepted, as fulfilling the criteria and becomes the registration Number 01/2001. As first measure of support the club receives approx 10.000€ in order to supply equipment. The recognition of the Greek state forces us to seek more training – more equipment – more action.

 

During 2002, the FNEC Rescue Team adopts yellow as the official color of the Rescue Team and creates a distinguished Rescue emblem. In 2002 the club becomes member of the International Association for Safety and survival at sea and decides to transform the Nissan 4X4 pick up to a Fire extinguishing vehicle. The car is now carrying a water fire pump and 2 reservoirs of water for forest fire fighting.

 

Although our rescue team is spending time and money for Land missions, the sea rescue missions are those that give our rescue team the credibility and recognition. The Rescue team is involved in numerous rescues in the sea that year. Sailing Companies that are active in our area and their customers have been saved from our rescue team donate the club equipment. In the year 2003 the rescue team buys from the Austrian Red Cross a second hand Ambulance fully equipped and an All Terrain Vehicle for the needs of the rescue team. New equipment is brought and the radio communication between the rescue group teams and our Headquarter is established. Now every member of a rescue team mission curries a portable radio in order to communicate.

 

In August 2003, the FNEC RESCUE TEAM faced their biggest challenge, as a strong earthquake hits the island of Leykas and our rescue team is asked to provide help to the citizens. Five members of the rescue team assist the local population during the next 4 days immediately after the earthquake. This action gives us confidence that we are really in the position to be successfully involved in a crisis situation. The ambulance has proven a valuable tool and during the summer months the rescue team transports numerous victims to the Argostoli hospital or provides First Aid to people until further help is available. Also in the summer of the year 2003 our rescue team saves the boat and the lives of 5 American tourists on the board of a sailing yacht that had lost in the middle of a huge storm the steering of the boat as well as the anchor. This is the first case of marine rescue that our team was called for help from the Operational Headquarters of the Ministry of Marine.

 

Any volunteer involved in the RESCUE TEAM should be advised that RESCUE missions can not be scheduled or pre-planned. It is possible that for many weeks or even months, our rescue team remains inactive. That also means that there cannot be daily schedules for the rescue team. Emergencies occur at any time of the day or night and usually they occur exactly when no one is expecting them. Therefore rescuers must be ready for action at any time of the day or night, weekends or days-off.

All volunteer rescuers will be trained according to our equipment and local conditions. Unlike other voluntary rescue teams that are mainly responsible to assist until professional help arrives, we are most probably expected to curry a rescue mission from the beginning to the end, as there are no professional forces in the area we are active.

Our volunteer rescuers should be aware that they might have to face and deal with horrible accidents, unpleasant situations, strenuous conditions and life risking operations. Once on the place of the incidence there is no time for doubt or stepping back. A rescuer who is not prepared could endanger the success of the rescue mission and / or the life of his comrades. The ability of dealing with blood and the deceased is a must for all those involved in the rescue missions.

Training of the rescuers is on-going. As the variety of incidence we are expected to deal with is large, the FNEC rescue team will appreciate any volunteer that has special knowledge they are able to contribute.

 

Fiskardo's Voluntary rescue team acts whenever an accident occurs, when a nautical accident is reported or in cases of mass catastrophes, case in which volunteers might have to leave the facilities in Fisakrdo and travel for a period to another place in Greece or even the world.

 

Volunteers are expected to take part in equipment cleaning -repairing and maintain. All car, boats and other vehicles need to be kept in operational – good condition. Training will cover a considerable part of their stay. Training will be repeated almost every week.

 

During the winter, rescue missions are less frequent and the majority of the time there is nothing happening. This is the time dedicated to training and maintaining the equipment, etc.

Although there are typically about 4 volunteers on this project, not everyone will be needed on the same rescue mission and there will be other opportunities for everyone to take part

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 Week 4 ~ Holiday Week

 

During Week 4, participants are encouraged to relax and visit all the wonders that the island has to offer!

 

Included in our Discover Greece Inclusive Program Fee is a daytrip, by boat, to various bays and/or islands in and around Kefalonia.  Participants may also enjoy a visit to a neighboring island; Ithaka, Lefkas or Zaynthos, depending on the weather and schedule for the day.

 

In the evening, participants will be treated to a barbecue and have an opportunity to socialize with locals and other participants.

 

The remainder of the week, participants are free to experience a variety of additional activities and sightseeing opportunities on their own. Participants are responsible for any fees applicable to additional chosen activities, but are not required to utilize a specific provider.  The Int’l Internship & Volunteer Network does not promote one provider over another and is not responsible for any agreement entered into between our participants and the chosen provider. 

Additional activities may be arranged in advance, or while on the island.  Following are examples of additional options:

 

Dive Certification or Dive Experience

 

Cruise to Neighboring Islands & Beaches

(Kefalonia boasts one of the best beaches in Europe, Myrtos. A must see during your stay!)

 

Sea Adventure Cruise

 

Horseback Riding

(Reserved for experienced riders only!!  There is no charge for this activity.)

 

& many more… 

 

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Discover Greece

Inclusive Program Fee & Inclusions

 

The cost of our Discover Greece Inclusive Program is $1650.00 USD. In addition to the standard Inclusive Program Inclusions noted below, this program also includes:

 

  • Accommodations - Accommodation is offered in our private camp, either in caravans or large tents with beds called lavvos. These tents are about 3-4 meters in diameter and about 3 meters high. This allows room for two beds inside each tent with plenty of additional space to relax. The living conditions are extremely basic, so if you feel this type of accommodation is not suited for you, we are happy to arrange for a rented room on your behalf, at an additional cost of 500-1200 Euro per month.

 

  • Holiday Week/Planned Sightseeing Activity - Included in our Discover Greece Inclusive Program Fee is a daytrip, by boat, to various bays and/or islands in and around Kefalonia.  Participants may also enjoy a visit to a neighboring island; Ithaka, Lefkas or Zaynthos, depending on the weather and schedule for the day. In the evening, participants will be treated to a barbecue and have an opportunity to socialize with locals and other participants.  *Note:  Participants are responsible for all fees associated with additional planned sightseeing activities.   

 

  • Ground Transportation - will be provided to/from the airport and to/from the daytrip noted during the holiday week.  The camps are located 1.8 miles from the project site and participants may choose to be driven at a specified meeting time each morning, or they may walk.  Participants will be on own for any transportation outside of those noted. 

 

Standard Inclusive Program Inclusions

 

  • IIVN & Receiving Organization Program Application Fees.

  • Preferred Placement Matching ensures each IIVN participant is given placement priority over other programs participants. 

  • Passport & Visa Assistance   

  • Airport Transfers upon arrival/departure in Host Country.  
  • Arrival Orientation to ensure a smooth transition. Will vary based on country selected and may include language instruction, native food & cooking techniques, an introduction to the host countries culture and customs including traditional dance, music, religion & other social activities.

  • Professional Guidance in securing Int’l Travel /Medical Insurance 

  • Customized and Professional Program Development - taking into consideration each participant's personal goals, experience and qualifications, in addition to the Host Employer/Association needs.

  • Confirmed Program Placement - prior to departure. 

  • Pre-Departure Materials - including detailed Participant Handbook outlining important Int’l Travel & Program Information.

  • Academic Credit – Your higher education institution maintains complete decision making over the extension of credit for participation.  IIVN is pleased to provide your educational institution with information necessary in an effort to assist the institution with this decision.

  • Certificate of Completion

  • Local Program Supervision, 24/7 Emergency Service and Participant Support - to ensure all of your needs are met.

  • Project Training & Materials to assist with your assigned project tasks.

  • IIVN Commitment to ensuring that every participant is 100% satisfied with every aspect of their program!  The highest level of personal attention and service is provided to each participant, prior to and throughout their program duration. 

 

Unless otherwise noted, our Discover Greece Inclusive Programs DO NOT include: 

·         Passport/Visa Fees or Other Necessary Legal Work/Travel Documents

·         Int’l Travel/Medical Insurance

·         Personal Expenses

·         Immunization Fees (as applicable) 

·         Ground Transportation outside of what is noted above.

·         Accommodation upgrades or housing options outside of what is noted above.

 

 

 

Other Important Information

 

Participants should plan to spend about $100 Euro per month for food.  It is recommended that participants planning to eat out more often then preparing food on their own, should budget additional costs accordingly. 

 

Participants interested in accommodation other than what is provided as noted above, should budged an additional cost of 500-1200 Euro per month.

 

 

Language Classes:

All participants must be fluent in English.  Knowledge of the Greek language is helpful, but not necessary.  Those wanting to attend Greek language classes during their program, may do so at an additional fee.

 

 

Meals:

Each camp has a kitchen, bathroom facility with manual flushing, and a coffee shop/common area where you can relax and socialize with other participants. Participants are responsible for purchasing and preparing their own food.  Regular trips to a large discount super market in Argostoli are taken, for purchase of food and additional personal supplies which may be needed.  Each camp is located about 1.8 km from the project sites and participants may either ride together at a designated time each morning, or walk.

 

 

Visa:

Participants from Australia, Canada, all EU countries, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and the USA are able to enter and stay in Greece for a maximum of 90 days without a Visa.  Participants from countries other than those listed must contact the Greece Consulate of their home country for further details.

 

 

*It is very important that all participants understand the following:

 

·         Our “Discover Greece” programs are non-formal learning opportunities and are not meant to be a formal educational experience. Things you will learn as a participant in our programs in Greece may not be directly related to your education.

 

·         Participants of our “Discover Greece” programs must understand that the time spent in this magnificent country is not intended to be a “vacation”, but rather an opportunity for you to contribute to the betterment of society, the environment and nature. 

 

·         The meaning of “Volunteering” is a participant’s charitable contribution of their time and efforts to a cause that has personal meaning to the individual.  Volunteers of these projects should not expect to take more than they are prepared to give.

 

·         The living conditions of our Discover Greece program are VERY BASIC and may not be suitable for every participant! Some participants let their enthusiasm overtake their ability of adapting in such difficult living conditions, but later the reality destroys their motivation. The living conditions in Greece are like living back in the 18th century! If you are planning to volunteer in Greece for an extended period of time, you need to carefully and realistically consider if you are able to cope with the accommodation provided. For those who are unsure about their ability to live in such basic conditions, a shared room accommodation in a nearby private house or hotel may be arranged on your behalf at an additional cost.  In order to secure alternate housing arrangements, participants must advise us of their interest in securing such accommodation as soon as possible, prior to departure from their home country.

 

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