EIL Intercultural Learning

BACKGROUND

EIL Intercultural Learning is an Irish “not for profit” organisation which provides intercultural learning opportunities through study abroad, youth leadership, language training, travel awards, group educational programmes, and other cultural immersion activities for over 2,500 people each year.

CURRENT PROJECTS

EIL Intercultural Learning delivers Development Education activities to the Adult and Community sector through a committed group of volunteers who are part of our network of previous programme participants.

Development Education (DE) is about increasing awareness and understanding of the rapidly changing and unequal world in which we live. It also encourages people to think critically about what connects the lives of people, rich and poor, across the world. After participating in our programmes, people become a part of the EIL Network and are invited to take part in activities promoting global justice and respect among the peoples of the world.

• Encouraging and empowering participants in EIL volunteer and exchange programmes overseas to act as global awareness multipliers in their communities in Ireland.
• Raising awareness and increasing understanding of gender and human rights issues through public actions and events.
• Highlighting SDGs issues through the participants of the unique Global Awareness Programme.

The EIL Explore programme involves DE orientations and workshops delivered by the EIL Global Education Committee with a focus on global citizenship and the using the UN's SDGs as a framework to focus on global issues that are specific to their overseas programmes. The EIL Network also delivers elements in Study Abroad programmes involving DE methodologies.

The Global Citizen Award (GCA) is a programme that encourages international volunteers to use their overseas experience to take action and raise awareness of global justice on their return to Ireland. There are 3 levels of the GCA, Bronze, Silver and Gold, each with various requirements. The GCA offers free webinars to the general public in conjunction with other DE organisations.

The EIL Seed Fund Micro Grant Scheme assists returned volunteers and change-makers to overcome barriers by providing successful applicants with funding, guidance and support to implement their own awareness-raising projects in Ireland. Volunteers can apply to the Seed Fund as individuals or as part of a group. There are three rounds each year, Spring, Summer and Autumn.

Every November EIL network members and staff come together to engage in Development Education workshops, activities, debates, and information on global issues at the EIL Network Weekend.