INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS
 
Our operations are linked to a number of Non Governmental Organizations - NGOs, with whom we develop volunteer programs to cater to the specific challenges these organizations face, while benefiting the communities they serve. Simultaneously, the programs provide gratifying experiences to the foreign volunteers as they witness the social and/or environmental changes that their work invokes.

The volunteers partake in projects developed and operated by a local partner organization and their respective community councils. Volunteers have a unique experience of by actively participating in developing communities for a fairer world while creating a rich personal opportunity for cultural exchange.

The programs also provide training for volunteers and communities, generate income and employment, and do so in an open ethical manner by sharing the revenues with partner NGOs.

The Placements are specially developed according to the volunteer's abilities and interests. They are ideal for those who are keen to become a partner of a development project. Our individual programs take place in the city of Rio de Janeiro and Salvador. We have also scheduled some group programs in the Amazon Forest. The programs can last up to 24 weeks. Volunteers who stay longer will be more beneficial to the partner organizations and they will learn more from the experience themselves.

To avoid eventual misunderstandings, it is important to mention that Iko Poran acts only as a facilitator in the placement and lodging process. The success of the programs depends on the volunteers' ability to plan what they are going to do before they come with a positive attitude.

What is included in our programs:
- Development of the volunteer placement together with the partner organization;
- Initial support to locate public transportation means to and from the project;
- Program management and administrative fee;
- Donation to the partner organization (50% of the NET placement fee ie R$400);
- Orientation and information about getting around the city, guides, listings, tips, maps, health issues and safety;
- Airport pickup by an Iko Poran representative;
- Lodging during the first four weeks in one of our comfortable accommodation places;
- Assistance in the case of emergencies.

What is not included (for example):
- Travel to Brazil;
- Visa costs (if necessary);
- Insurance (Volunteers should buy their own health and travel insurance);
- In-country transport (except airport pickup);
- Meals.

Program Fee:
First four weeks or shorter periods R$ 1,500.00
Each additional week R$ 180.00 (includes lodging) - please pay in advance to secure the length of your stay

1US$ is approximately *R$ 1.64 (*quoted in early June, 2008)

Payments:
It is not necessary to send any payment in advance.
The volunteers may begin their placement only once they have paid the program fee in full and in cash upon arrival. This way, the volunteers do not need to think about money anymore and can concentrate on their programs and on the results achieved.

When?
The programs take place all year round, but we have arrival days that are set to help us organize airport pick-ups, accommodations and placements. Volunteers should arrive on the second and fourth Fridays of each month. If you want to arrive on a different day, please contact us to check availability and cost.

Program Length
From 3 to 24 weeks

Work Schedule:
It varies. Volunteers may work part time as well as full time from 10 to 20 hours per week or more. The schedule is defined together with the partner organization and the volunteer.

Lodging:
Our volunteers are lodged in wonderful Guest Houses in Santa Teresa, one of Rio de Janeiro's most enchanting neighborhoods. A bohemian area with an intense cultural life. It stands out for its unusual architecture and the hundred and ten years old tram which still runs through its winding cobbled streets. A residential sanctuary in the heartbeat of the Mata Atlantica (Tijuca national park), the world's largest urban subtropical rainforest, it provides ready access to the Christ statue of Corcovado as well as to the city center, sambadromo (the place where the samba schools compete) and beautiful beaches. With an atmosphere reminiscent of that of a small town, it enchants visitors with its panoramic views of the 'Marvellous City', offering a variety of options for eating local dishes to international cuisine. The houses have cable TV, free Internet access 24x7, fully equipped kitchens, laundry service and cleaning service as well as many other facilities. Iko Poran volunteers stay in BIG shared rooms. Linen is provided. Please bring your own bath towel. The houses are located in the best area of Santa Teresa, walking distance to the area where all the bars and restaurants are, as well as to the supermarket, drugstore, bakery, health clinic, and easy public transportations.

Food and Meals:
Brazil is a relatively inexpensive country for foreigners, but it all depends on your lifestyle. As described above, Iko Poran houses also have fully equipped kitchens where the volunteers may cook. A meal at a restaurant may be as cheap as R$ 7.00 in very nice and healthy popular restaurants or up to R$ 30.00 in nicer places.

Transportation:
Buses cost R$ 2.10 and subway costs R$ 2.60.

Upon arrival volunteers receive a complete guide with information about public transportation, drugstores, ATM machines, banks, restaurants, markets, shopping malls, beaches and other useful information.

Language Requirements:
The official language in Brazil is Portuguese. It is highly recommended (but not mandatory in all cases) that the volunteers have basic knowledge of Portuguese or Spanish (or a Latin language with the same structure). If volunteers can grasp a little, it will definitely take them a long way.

Portuguese Classes:
We have a partnership with a Portuguese teacher that comes to our houses to offer group lessons organized in three distinct levels. The fee is only R$ 25.00 per hour when volunteers pay in advance together with the program fee. Or, R$ 30.00 per hour if payments are not made in advance. The classes last 1:30h each.

Performance Indicators:
In order to ensure a rewarding and gratifying experience for the volunteers and for the partner organizations, specific benchmarks and objectives will be reviewed by all parties at the end of the internship. This will allow for ongoing future improvements as well as provide the volunteer with a measure of their impact on the development project during the internship period.

Please also read the General Conditions