UCD Volunteer Fair Jan. 26, 2010

Isla is traveling to Denver, 26 Jan, for the Volunteer Fair at the University of Colorado Denver, led by UCD's Service Learning Coordinator, Eric Pianowski, RPCV Bulgaria.

If you are in Denver, stop by the Isla table in the North Classrom Atrium at the UCD Auraria Campus, 10.00am-3.00pm.

Isla Is On the Road Again...

International Service Learning Alliance will be recruiting volunteers for Isla projects in Bulgaria, Ghana, Peru, and India at the next CSU Study Abroad Fair on 28 January from 10.00am - 3.00pm at the Lory Student Center on the CSU campus in Fort Collins, CO. Please spread the word! Stop by the Isla table and visit with the Isla representatives. Hope to see you at the fair!

Volunteer in Bulgaria...

Imagine immersing yourself in a 2-8 week short term volunteer or a 9-52 week internship in a rich cultural, service learning experience that combines training in sustainable development with a hands-on service project related to your area of expertize and interest...

Did you know that this is possible in the beautiful country of Bulgaria? Two former Peace Corps volunteers made an amazing video of their volunteer experiences in Bourgas on the Black Sea in Bulgaria. One of the volunteers was assigned to an environmental organization who has also partnered with Isla.

If you have a background in natural resources or wildlife biology, please click here to have a look at the wonderful possibility of volunteering in beautiful Bulgaria. Isla is recruiting volunteers and interns who have majors or experience in one or a combination of natural resources, wildlife biology, environmental conservation and education, ecotourism, GIS, watershed management, IT, and more to serve on projects with a local host organization.

For more information regarding opportunities in Bulgaria click on

Isla Bulgaria.

Isla In the News....

Isla representatives travel to many study abroad and career fairs throughout the academic year. In fact, we are rapidly approaching fair season! Here is an article regarding an event Isla attended at the University of Northern Colorado last fall '09...

http://www.uncmirror.com/news/philanthropic-organizations-talk-to-students-about-volunteering-1.779339

Happy Holidays and A Happy New Year from Isla

All the Best in the New Year!

We are reaching the end of our 2009 Challenge Grant fundraising effort to support Isla projects abroad, but it is not too late to contribute. A generous donor has offered to match tax-deductible donations of up to $10,000! Please spread the word!

Thank you for supporting Isla's service learning volunteers and their efforts to assist the many worthy projects of our partner organizations in Ghana, Bulgaria, Peru, and India! We appreciate your help large or small as this helps us to meet our organizational goals!

Donations can be made here.

Please note that we're now accepting applications for Summer and Fall 2010 service learning volunteer and internship programs!

Click here to read the latest Isla newsletter.

Scholarship Opportunity

Are you looking for a scholarship that will help defray the cost of program fees for your Isla volunteer work or internship experience abroad? Isla programs qualify for a grant opportunity offered by InterExchange...

The Christianson Grant is awarded three times a year to individuals (18-28 years of age) who have arranged their own work, volunteer, or internship abroad program for a minimum of six months. The grant program does not support independent research projects, academic study abroad programs, missionary work or religious programs.

Award Amounts: $2,500 to $10,000

Annual Application Deadlines: March 15, July 15, & Oct 15

Grant notification - Recipients are notified approximately 6-8 weeks after each grant deadline. Apply by March 15 for Isla summer and fall departures; by July 15 for Isla fall, winter, and spring departures; by October 15 for Isla winter, spring, and summer departures.

Eligibility Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents; between the ages of 18 and 28; participating in a work, internship, or volunteer abroad program; committed to a program duration of at least six months; and willing to submit a written report upon completion of their program.

How To Apply

• Complete and sign the Christianson Grant Application
• Personal essay - A short essay (1-2 pages) that answers the following question: How will your work abroad experience help you to become a global citizen?
• Supplemental Essay - A brief essay (2-3 paragraphs answering one of the following questions: 1. What do you feel you can contribute to the mission of your chosen organization? 2. What do you hope to learn from your chosen work abroad experience?
• Two letters of recommendation from academic instructors and/or employers - signed and sealed (may be submitted separately)
• Resume (no more than 1 page)
• Photocopy of valid U.S. passport or permanent resident card
• $50 non-refundable application fee (check or money order payable to InterExchange, Inc.)

More information: Christianson Grant

Fundraising for Program Fees

As you make your plans to volunteer abroad you may be asking yourself, "how do I pay for an Isla service learning experience?"

The good news is that it is possible to do your own fundraising to cover your program fees for a volunteer service learning experience abroad! Isla will show you how. Click here Isla Fundraising Resource Kit to learn about scholarships and fundraising efforts that will help you finance your Isla service learning trip, short term volunteer or internship program. Good luck!