Location:

Manila, Philippines

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

High School

Term:

Year Round

Program Overview

Program Description:

ELI works with several orphanages on Leyte Island. Each orphanage houses 45 to 100+ orphans, abandoned children, and runaways. While the orphanages do a wonderful job of providing the basics, orphans are deprived of many opportunities necessary for their development. Through education, individual attention, and compassion, children are empowered to challenge a life of further poverty and exploitation. The Philippines has been described as one of the world's best-kept secrets: this nation of 7,000 tropical islands offers pristine white beaches, turquoise waters, ancient rice terraces, virgin rainforests, volcanoes and some of the friendliest people in Asia. Explore this magical place and its diverse culture through an ELI volunteer placement on the historic island of Leyte. All ELI Programs are set up on a completely individual basis according to the interests and skills of each participant and the current needs of the local organizations we work with. Participants in the ELI programs experience the famous hospitality of the Philippines through staying with a local host family.

Volunteers provide basic daily care for the children and are also encouraged to actively participate in programs such as health education, games, drawing and painting. With such a variety of ways to participate, the orphanage experience provides volunteers many meaningful ways to approach service.

Pre-departure Support: ELI's expert staff will be happy to assist you with planning your trip Airport Pickup: Participants are met when they arrive at the airport in Tacloban and brought to their homestay In-Country Orientation: Each program starts with a 2-3 day orientation to help participants get their feet on the ground and able to navigate the island. In-country Staff Support: ELI's coordinator in the Philippines has years of experience working with Volunteers She is very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency. Accommodations: Participants stay in with local host families and experience the warm hospitality of the Philippines and are provided with home cooked meals.

Setting Description:

The Philippines is an archipelago of over 7000 islands that stretches from South China to the northern tip of Borneo. The country has over a hundred ethnic groups and a mixture of foreign influences which have molded a unique Filipino culture. Its diverse ecosystems along with its even more diverse cultural history make it one of the most fascinating destinations in the world. A home to lively festivals, friendly people, cities and villages, beautiful beaches, tropical rainforests, volcanoes, waterfalls, and coral reefs teeming with life, the Philippines is truly a unique jewel in the South China Sea. Borocay All ELI programs are based in Tacloban City on Leyte Island in the Visayas region of the Philippines. While travel to some of the southern islands, especially Mindanao, is considered dangerous, Leyte, like most of the Philippines is safe for travelers. The islands offer a laid back pace of life. The culture is a fusion of indigenous Austronesian, Hispanic, Chinese, Islamic, and A

Cost:

Cost varies. Please contact ELI Abroad for more information.