Welcome to VINE UK

A UK network of charities all who organise International Volunteer Exchange Programmes

All 2010 International Volunteering Projects are now LIVE on our websites, see below for more details >>>>

Would you like to go on a short term international volunteer project and not pay a fortune?

If yes then please visit our websites to check out all our new 2009 short term volunteer projects. Projects start from £150 which includes all your food and accommodation, you just need to get your travel and insurance.  Come on and get involved>>>>>>

What makes us different?

• We are all non-profit organisations
• Volunteers pay a contribution of around £180 towards the costs of participating, and their own travel costs. There are no hidden extras.
• We all host volunteers on projects in the UK; we are exchange organisations
• We are all working towards peace and intercultural awareness
• All our projects are organised by the community, for the community, wherever they take place
• We provide various training and preparation for volunteers, offering opportunities to meet our staff and returned volunteers
• We offer volunteering programmes from a weekend to a year
• There are many ways to volunteer and get involved when you return home
• Between us we have more than 200 years (yes, 200!) experience of organising international volunteer exchanges!
• We have more than 2,000 volunteering opportunities in other countries on offer every year.

What kinds of volunteering programmes are offered?

• Weekend projects (mostly through UNA Exchange, in Wales and Concordia, in England), usually from a Friday to a Monday. Hands on practical work, usually involving environmental improvements together with other volunteers, many of whom are international students in the UK.
• Two/three week International Volunteer Projects worldwide, from Argentina to Zambia and 70 other countries in between.
• Individual placements of between 2 and 12 months.
• European Voluntary Service projects, individual placements of up to 12 months funded by the European Union.
• Youth exchanges for small groups, eg. of 4-5 volunteers, on specific themes.
• Seminars and study visits on specific themes in other countries.
• Training programmes as preparation for volunteering abroad, and to become a trainer.

What is an International Volunteer Project?

• A group of volunteers from different countries working together for two-three weeks.
• A programme of meaningful work, organised by the local community.
• Projects include environmental, construction, archaeological work and activities with children, people with disabilities and elderly people. Also festivals and community arts activities.
• Volunteers usually live together as a group, working and spending their freetime together.
• Projects are offered in places, urban or rural, that you are unlikely to spend time in as a tourist or traveller.
• Volunteers pay a contribution up to £180 to the UK sending organisation for projects in Europe, North America and Japan/Korea, travel/insurance costs plus personal expenses. Food and accommodation are provided by the host community.
• For projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America, the VINE members do not share the same system of fees. Volunteers pay a contribution of between £150-£200 and a similar amount to the partner organisation on arrival, travel/insurance costs plus personal expenses. Food and accommodation are provided by the host community.

For more information on VINE-UK members and their programmes please visit their sites:
	Volunteer Action for Peace VAP is an independent volunteer organisation working for peace and sustainable development. We organise voluntary work projects in the UK and we send British volunteers around the world with a particular emphasis in the work with Africa, Asia, Middle East and Latin America. We also send volunteers for longer periods (1-12 months). VAP is an accredited European Voluntary Service sending and hosting organisation.   Web // www.vap.org.uk Email // action@vap.org.uk
	International Voluntary Service The International Voluntary Service (IVS) is a peace organisation working for the sustainable development of local and global communities throughout the world. Founded in 1931, IVS is the British branch of Service Civil International (SCI), a worldwide network of like-minded organisations supporting the mutual exchange of volunteers for the benefit of local communities. SCI was founded by Pierre Ceresole who, in 1921, led a group of French and German volunteers to work together to repair a French village that had been destroyed during World War I. Pierre set up SCI to further the aims of peace, justice and understanding in the world. Web // www.ivsgb.org Email // info@ivsgb.org
	UNA Exchange Based in Cardiff, with projects across Wales, UNA Exchange sends volunteers from the whole UK. We also run weekend projects, youth exchanges and global awareness work in schools/community projects. Lots of opportunities to volunteer in Wales and 50+ countries worldwide.   Web // www.unaexchange.org Email // info@unaexchange.org
	Concordia Based in Brighton, with projects across England, Concordia sends volunteers abroad from the whole of the UK. Concordia also sends volunteers on EVS long term projects as well as lots of short term volunteering opportunities. Web // www.concordiavolunteers.org.uk Email // info@concordiavolunteers.org.uk
	Xchange Scotland Based in Glasgow, xchange Scotland is a new organisation with projects in Scotland, international youth exchanges and seminars, and a partnership with UNA Exchange which provides opportunities to volunteer abroad. Web // www.xchangescotland.org Email // xchange.scotland@yahoo.com

 

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