What is Concordia? Concordia's aim is to encourage international youth exchange as a means of promoting personal development, greater cultural awareness and international understanding.

What are International Volunteer Projects? International Volunteer Projects bring together individuals from around the world to participate in two to four week projects. Volunteers work as part of an international team to support community-based initiatives that would not be possible without their help.

What types of project are there? Over 1500 projects take place every year so there is a wide range of options to choose from. Generally projects fall into the following categories: environmental; construction; renovation; archaeology; agriculture; working with children or youth; social work; working with people with special needs; arts or culture; festival work; and teaching.

Why do an international volunteer project? To experience different cultures, ideas and beliefs and also share your own...to work alongside local people in local communities, thus gaining a real insight into their country, cultures and traditions...to learn new skills and broaden your horizons...to meet new people and explore new places...to be part of a global movement working towards equality and peace between all people...to make a difference even when you only have a short amount of time to spare.

The main short term programme for the summer, with projects in over 60 countries world wide, is available on our website every year at the end on March. Opportunities are available in winter and spring as well. If you want more information don't hesitate to contact the office.

"I had an amazing two week project . It was a great experience – I learnt a tremendous amount about myself, about Thailand, the Akha people and about cultural exchange and its values. I felt very welcomed in the camp by the Akha people. Our leader was excellent, he went out of his way to make us feel at home and have an enjoyable experience. Meeting 23 people from 10 different countries has really widened my horizons and opened up my world- it has made me realise how large the world is, how diverse, but also how small, as in we carry similar values no matter what culture. These two weeks were invaluable. I carry memories of this time which are very special and I will treasure. It isn’t the work itself but the taking part, experiencing and sharing together, living and learning together with people from different countries. The leaving party was especially memorable – we were treated like revered guests, given delicious food and shown traditional cultural daces. Later we all danced and ate together, sharing food we had made from our own countries. I now have friends all over the world who I know I will visit at some point in the future. I would thoroughly recommend workcamps to anyone". (Caroline Stocks, social project in Thailand, 2005).