CTL Ireland

Who we are & what we do

 CTL Ireland – the Center for Travel and Learning - is an Irish based organisation committed to promote responsible volunteering in Irish communities. Our staff has years of experience supporting international volunteers and placing them in local projects. We are driven to provide a positive and sustainable impact alongside our local partners. Our volunteer programs involve an immersion within local communities and the Irish culture. The programs allow participants contribute their skills and energy to support local projects in achieving their goals. Programs are also designed to encourage participants to learn and reflect on their experience. We support individuals and groups all throughout their program, from the orientation workshop until the final evaluation. All volunteers start their program in friendly and vibrant city of Cork before joining their host project.

 Why volunteering in Ireland?

• Safe
  
• Friendly
  
• English speaking
  
• Strong sense of community
  
• Huge social & environmental challenges despite the economic growth
  
• Rich and diverse culture
  
• Wonderful landscapes
  
• Attractive excursions and activities during free time
  
• Easy access through air travel
  
• Youngest population in Europe

Ireland is a wonderful country; it is safe, friendly, English speaking, rich in heritage, history and culture. From vibrant, exciting cities to spectacular countryside – it’s a magical place to visit. It’s also a wonderful place to stay and immerse yourself. The best part of an experience in Ireland is probably connecting with local people. Visitors find Irish people friendly, welcoming and very supportive. As an Irish saying goes: “there are no strangers here, only friends you haven’t yet met.” We are proud to promote Ireland abroad as the exciting, beautiful and welcoming country that it is.

Ireland may be a “developed” country but the country is also facing huge social and environmental challenges. Despite the economic recovery, Ireland remains a hugely unequal society. There is in Ireland a strong sense of community with many inspiring initiatives taking place at local level. CTL Ireland selects very specific community based projects where participants can have an authentic and worthwhile experience.

 Meaningful local projects

 We have carefully selected a number of host projects which provide participants with worthwhile and challenging volunteer work programmes. Our projects are focused on making a positive impact in local communities. Projects include:

• Centres for people with disabilities
  
• Farms promoting sustainable food production
  
• Charities supporting the most vulnerable people
  
• Women empowerment projects
  
• Summer camps with children
  
• Homework clubs with refugee children
  
• Arts Centres promoting the Arts and creativity in the community

Our commitments

• Selection of projects which positively impact the community
  
• Worthwhile volunteer work programme
  
• Comprehensive orientation on arrival
  
• Ongoing support from project mentor
  
• Back-up support from CTL Ireland staff
  
• 24/7 emergency support
  
• Risk Management and Emergency Procedures in place
  
• Affordable fees including pick up in Cork Airport, transfer to project, accommodation and food
  

 Who are we looking for?

 Immersing yourself in a new culture and volunteering in a local project is a challenging experience! We are looking for people with the following characteristics:

• Willingness to adapt to a different culture
  
• Hard working
  
• Genuine desire to contribute to positive change
  
• Flexible and patient
  
• At least an Intermediate level of English
  
• Participants must be over 18 years old when programme starts