The Interchange
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One World Global Education Program
Mission Statement
To help North Americans understand how their lives are interconnected with the poor of the "Majority World" through immersion living, solidarity work and spiritual reflection in developing countries.
Purpose
More specifically, the program objectives are:
- To develop in participants the principles, attitudes and skills needed to cross cultural barriers and help them understand the changes in their own lives and worldviews brought about by the experience.
- To provide participants with the opportunity to work in solidarity with people in developing nations on a variety of locally-inspired projects and learn by experience the effects of development and aid projects in an economically poor region.
- To provide the opportunity for experiential observation and study of the economic and political relationships between the so-called Third World and North America, and to inspire participants to work for a more just global society.
- To provide participants with the opportunity to grow spiritually through a process of prayer and reflection on an immersion experience among the poor of the Third World.
- To help participants to seriously examine their lifestyle and that of Canadians in general, in the light of their experience of living and working in developing nations, and to encourage them to live, speak and act with more global responsibility.
Nature of Work
While the opportunities for project work vary for each program, in-country placements may involve:
- language learning and family home-stays
- agricultural, medical, or educational work
- volunteer work with food programs, women's rights groups, and orphanages
Placement
- West Africa (Ghana)
- Central America (Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador)
- India
- Mexico
There is a possibility that One World will run a program in Kenya in the near future.
Time Frame
- Eight month programs, September to April.
- Mexico, six weeks
Commitment Begins
September
Remuneration
No
Cost to Participate
$6500 & $1600
Requirements
Participants must be at least 18 years old, and be in good physical and emotional health. Participants must be willing to embrace the goals and philosophy of the One World Program, and have a desire to travel and live as a member of the group.
Other Details
Eight month programs include one month preparation in Ontario (Sept-Oct), six months in-country from Oct. to March (participants will usually have two or three placements during this time) and a one month debriefing in Ontario (March-April).
The Mexico summer program is six weeks long and includes a week of preparation, four weeks in-country, and a week of debriefing in Ontario.
After applying to the program, the selection process involves reference letters, an interview, an introductory weekend in May, and the preparation period in September. Participants need to fundraise or pay the full cost of the program ($6500 for 8 month programs and $1600 for Mexico) which includes: -- Airfare and visas -- Basic living costs for the preparation and debriefing periods (food, travel, accommodation) -- All living and travel costs while in-country.
Each participant is responsible for arranging their own insurance, obtaining a valid passport, and acquiring appropriate vaccinations.
Contact Info
Pamela Girardi
One World Global Education Program
314B Paisley Rd.
Guelph, ON
Canada N1H 2P9
PH:(519) 837-1636
programs@oneworlded.com
www.oneworlded.com
Last updated: 2006-10-15