A Unique Opportunity for Young Americans and Russians to Volunteer Abroad!

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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

Russian language ability is not required of American participants, but is strongly encouraged.

QUESTIONS?
Contact Oksana Jensen at IREX by e-mail at USRVI@irex.org or by phone at 202-628-8188.

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