Short-term & Customized: Northern Ireland
In a region torn by conflict for many of the past several decades, Amizade cooperates with organizations dedicated to Peacemaking, Reconciliation, and Youth Development.
The backdrop to this program is Northern Ireland’s stunning and fascinating beauty. Experience the richness of both rural and urban settings, visit both Catholic and Protestant neighborhoods and discover Belfast, a city like no city in the world. Participants will gain a first-hand look at the history of the Troubles, meeting with ex-combatants, politicians and youth workers with both experiences in the conflict and peace process.
OVERVIEW
Amizade program participants often have opportunities to listen to traditional Irish Music, visit beautiful sites on the North Coast including the Giant’s Causeway, view or visit the pub where the Irish Republican Army was founded, and learn about local history from the individuals who made it.
QUICK FACTS
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland
Lodging: Hostels or budget hotels
Language: English
QUICK FACTS
Flight: Dublin, Ireland & Belfast, Northern Ireland
Food: Lots of fish, meat, potatoes, vegetables, bread, coffee, and tea
Additional Requirements: None
HOW TO PLAN A PROGRAM
We pride ourselves in creating mutually empowering and safe global service-learning programs. This means that when you develop an experience with Amizade, you’re building a responsible, intentional, and community-driven service-learning program. Programs typically have three phases: (1) pre-immersion, (2) immersion, and (3) re-entry. Amizade works with you in all three phases to develop your program, including to build curriculum, itineraries, budgets, evaluation, follow-up, and sustainability.
The first step in building your program is to have a chat with us. We’re a people-powered organization, which means a little less tech and a little more human conversation. Send us an email, give us a ring or fill out this form to initiate the start of your journey.
Once we’re all feeling good about a potential collaboration and have a clear, co-created vision, Amizade and its partners submit a proposal to you. The proposal will include an overview of what you might be engaging in, a draft itinerary, health and safety information, and a transparent line-item budget.
After the proposal is agreed on, we send over a digital contract. This includes important legal and financial considerations. After a signed contract and a non-refundable $1,000 deposit are submitted, we can officially lock in your dates and begin the process of preparing for your program.
This phase includes pre-departure orientations (we mandate at least one with our staff), learning about the process of travel, culture, service, and the community you are visiting. This is also when family and community sensitization takes place, as well as any relevant coursework. Often this is when we see group bonding start, comfort zones being extended, and new challenges (as well as some nerves and excitement).
This is the travel phase. Community engagement, reflective practice, academic inquiry, and exploration all should be taking place at this time. All of our programs are a mixture of service, workshops, and cultural and recreational activities. Participants will step out of their comfort zones, try new things, engage complex issues, be introduced to new networks and ideas, and bond. Often this can be a very disrupting, inspiring, and transformational experience.
After a transformative experience, we sometimes can fall right back into the grind of life when we return home. It can be tough, isolating, and confusing. Re-entry is perhaps the most important phase for determining what kind of neighbor – the very person – you become. It’s also the easiest to ignore. In this phase, there should be a serious reflection, advocacy, support systems, and/or a plan for community engagement, or social action. Depending on the design and funding of your program, Amizade can help create a plan and opportunities for participants.
Since 1994 we have been thought leaders and pioneers in developing best practices in responsible global service-learning, study abroad, and solidarity-building volunteering experiences. We work with:
Universities (faculty-led, alternative break, and semester abroad)
High Schools
Community and Religious Groups
Corporations
Government Agencies
OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS
YOUTHWORKS
At the heart of YouthWorks (CIC) is the sincere belief that intercultural understanding & the development of global citizenship is essential to an increasingly connected global world.
NORTHERN IRELAND TEAM
Stephen Hughes
Site Director
Nick Grimes
Site Liaison
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Find a sample itinerary of activities in Northern Ireland.