volunteer in russica: learn from ccs alumni - ccs webinar presentation
DESCRIPTION
CCS webinar presentation on the incredible experience our volunteers have volunteering abroad in Russia -- featuring CCS Russia alumni! To watch the webinar recording please visit: http://www.crossculturalsolutions.org/media-center/webinars.aspx Presenters: Alexandra Raab, Program Enrollment Manager Gwyn Knauer, Program Enrollment Manager The topics of this webinar included: Volunteer Placement - what volunteer work would be asked of me? Cultural & Learning Activities - what activities would be/have been included? Living Arrangements - what is a home base? Weekend & "Free Time" Activities - what can we do on our own? Presenter's personal volunteer experience Learn more on volunteering abroad with CCS in Russia, and other countries: http://www.crossculturalsolutions.orgTRANSCRIPT
Volunteering in Russia: Learn More from CCS Alumni
Agenda
• Introductions
• Yaroslavl
• Home-Base
• Volunteer Placements
• Cultural & Learning Activities and Free Time
• Important Russia Details & Next Steps
• Q&A
Introductions
• Claire
• Gwyn
• Sharon
• Marge
• Lauren
"I can't tell you how much I would like to go back to Russia. Not a day goes by that I don't dream a little of being there, even living there. You didn't tell me the place was going to hypnotize me."
-Joseph, Russia volunteer
Yaroslavl, Russia
Яросла́4 вль
Quick Facts:•2010 marked the 1000th anniversary!•Pop: 800,000•Five hours to Moscow•On the Golden Ring of ancient Russian cities•Modern city but lots of natural beauty and architectural gems
What is Yaroslavl like?•Safe and quiet•Grocery stores, pharmacies, kiosks, flower vendors and other shops•Trams provide a very convenient way to get around •There are lovely churches and scenic points along the Volga and Kotorosl River embankment•There are very important cultural places like Church of Elijah the Prophet
Established in 2001
Programs:•Volunteer Abroad (2 to 11 weeks) •Insight Abroad (1 week) •Intern Abroad (4-11 weeks)
Area of focus: Social Services (also offer a focus in Russian Culture and Language if interested!)
Highest re-enrollment rate of any program site!
In-Country Staff
Home-Base•Apartments flats in 3-story apartment building, located in the district of Krasnoperekopsky close to the city center•Capacity is 25, bedrooms for 2-6 people•Have ability to reserve double or single rooms!•Computer, but internet café 20 minutes by tram•Washing Machine
Volunteer Placements: Partners & Issues
• Positive Childhood Development
• Improving Quality of Life of Marginalized Elderly
• Supporting People with Disabilities
• Each volunteer will work with multiple placements• Three hour shifts, often twice a day• Focus on craft-making/art therapy• Translators accompany volunteers
Volunteer Placements:Unique Aspects
Cultural & Learning Activities
• Russian language lessons• Excursions to
– Yaroslavl city tour, museums, churches, kremlins– Other Golden Ring cities– Moose Farm
• Lectures/guest speakers on Russian culture, history and the social services system
• Cooking classes
Weekends & Free Time
Travel can be expensive •$30-$50 weekly plus about $450 for each trip to Moscow or St. Petersburg. Local city trips are roughly $150.
Winter!
Important Russia Information
• Plan ahead! – enrollment deadline 8-10 weeks in advance– Lengthy visa time-line (about $200)– Health screening process – required medical
tests due to the special permission we have to work in Russia’s social services system
• Airport – fly into Moscow Sheremetyevo-2 International Airport (SVO) – Arrive before 3pm on the start date
Next Steps
• Look at available dates (2011 & 2012)– Summer dates still available: Aug 7, Aug 21
• Call a Program Enrollment Manager– 1-800-380-4777– [email protected]
Questions?
