[International] A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUNG AMERICANS AND RUSSIANS TO VOLUNTEER ABROAD!

For more information on the opportunity listed below, please contact IREX directly. IREX is a reputable organization!

A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUNG AMERICANS AND RUSSIANS TO VOLUNTEER ABROAD!
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> IREX (the International Research and Exchanges Board) is currently accepting applications for American and Russian participants for its U.S.-Russia Volunteer Initiative (USRVI). IREX (the International Research & Exchanges Board) is an international nonprofit organization providing leadership and innovative programs to improve the quality of education, strengthen independent media, and foster pluralistic civil society development.
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> DEADLINE: May 15, 2006 (Program subject to the availability of funds.)
> Applications can be 1) requested from usrvi@irex.org or 2) downloaded from www.irex.org or www.irex.ru starting April 12, 2006.
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> PROGRAM OVERVIEW
> The goal of the U.S.-Russia Volunteer Initiative (USRVI) is to engage both Russian and American citizens, organizations, and businesses in cooperative volunteer activities through short-term bilateral exchanges.USRVI provides a unique opportunity for young people interested in promotion of Healthy Lifestyles and/or Community Development to volunteer for approximately eight weeks in nongovernmental organizations(NGOs) and/or governmental service centers throughout Russia and the United States. Volunteers will be placed with organizations working to promote Healthy Lifestyles and/or Community Development.
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> Those selected will be offered pre-service training and orientation in Moscow prior to beginning their volunteer assignments. Immediately after completing their assignments, volunteers will be invited to a capstone conference in Washington, D.C. with their counterparts in order to share their experiences. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to collaborate with their Russian home/host organizations in developing follow-on projects after returning home.
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> FINANCIAL PROVISIONS OF THE PROGRAM
> * Round-trip travel from volunteer's home city to their host city;
> * Visa processing;
> * Limited accident and sickness insurance;
> * Housing and monthly living allowance; and
> * Pre-service training, orientation, and capstone conference.
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> ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
> Volunteer applicants should:
> * Be available to participate in the program between late September and late November 2006 (final dates to be determined).
> * Be available for semi-finalist interviews in mid-June [Note: Russian semi-finalists must be available to travel to Moscow for in-person interviews; American semi- finalists must be available for phone interviews).
> * Be a US or Russian citizen and currently hold a valid, active international passport.
> * Be between the ages of 20 and 30 at the time of the application deadline.
> * Be able to receive and maintain a Russian or US visa.
> * Submit a completed application with all required documents by the application deadline.
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> Russian language ability is not required of American participants, but is strongly encouraged.
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> QUESTIONS?
> Contact Oksana Jensen at IREX by e-mail at USRVI@irex.org or by phone at 202-628-8188.