What is a group project
Group projects can offer a team of young people the opportunity to travel overseas and participate in a volunteering and cultural experience, tailor-made to their specific interests, budget and time commitment.
This type of project is ideally suited to members of youth/community organisations or university students looking to find projects consistent with their interests and activities at home.
A group project will provide an excellent opportunity for volunteers to develop intercultural awareness and communication skills as well as building a team and providing a focus for a group interest or challenge for example through a fundraising initiative.
What kind of work can we do?
The project can have an environmental, social or arts focus and will be developed specifically to meet the needs of the local community.
We encourage full immersion in the host community and encourage volunteers to learn some of the local language and be prepared to learn about different cultures and ways of living as well as sharing aspects of their own life and culture.
Where can you go on a group project?
We have partners in over 60 countries and we can use this network to find a suitable project for your group. First time volunteers may be interested in a European project in Belgium, Spain or the Czech Republic while more experienced groups can look to Russia or Japan for their adventure.
How many volunteers can join a group project?
A typical project would involve between 5 and 15 volunteers. Depending on circumstances they may travel independently or be accompanied by a leader from the organisation (if you’d like, UNA Exchange can provide a leader).
How much does a group project cost?
Costs vary depending on the destination, length of the project, type of work, standard of accommodation, support required and amount of sight-seeing. We usually ask that groups make their own travel arrangements but the food, accommodation and a basic social programme would be included in the price. A typical cost would be from £400 per person for a two-week project.
How do we apply?
If you are a member of an organisation, a member of staff interested in creating a group project or would like to find out more then email us at [email protected].
St John’s group projects
For three years we have supported groups of young people from St John to participate in international volunteering projects in the Czech Republic, Russia, and Japan. As well as the opportunity to make a contribution to their host community, volunteers were able to share their first aid knowledge in local schools and meet groups with similar interests along the way. For St John it was a fantastic way to reward their most dedicated volunteers, build a strong team and create new ideas for more activities within the organisation.
Cardiff University Group projects
UNA Exchange works closely with Cardiff University’s Global Opportunities Centre to offer groups of students the opportunity to participate in tailor-made international volunteering projects. Projects are a minimum of 28 days long and bursaries are available to help with the cost of the project and travel. Last year we hosted projects in Japan and the Czech Republic. Many more opportunities will be available in 2016.