I am Under 18, where can I go?
Ecuador
Explore Ecuador 2018
Age profile: 16 - 17 years of age (on 1st of June 2018)
No. of places available: 1
Travel dates: End of June 2018
Duration: Four weeks
What's included:
• Return flights from Ireland to Ecuador, plus insurance
• Arrival in Quito
• Spanish language classes
• Excursion to Mindos cloud forest
• Transfer to Riobamba in the Andes to live with a local host family
• Mountain trekking and horseback riding on Chimborazo
• Some time volunteering on a project in the local community
"Thanks to EIL I have now gained a greater in depth knowledge into the kind of person I am and will continue to be . EIL has not only giving me incredible and memorable memories for life it has given me the opportunity to meet new people, create change and see the importance of global awareness all through my love of travelling and thanks to EIL I will forever strive to be the best global citizen that I can be !! " - Stephanie, 2016
This is four fully funded exciting weeks in a country famous for its array of vibrant indigenous cultures, colonial architecture, volcanic landscapes, and friendly people. During this time, you will live with an Ecuadorian family, learn basic Spanish, go on excursions to the rainforest, and much more.
A real taste of life in Ecuador - you will experience the culture, food, language, traditions and people of this culture-rich country and will have a lot of fun!
An experience abroad can challenge you in many ways - Read more about what challenging can mean
Japan
-
Ready to experience real Japanese life?Ready to be a cultural ambassador?
Explore Japan
Age profile: 16 - 17 years of age (on 1st of June 2018)
No. of places available: 1
Travel Dates: End of June 2018
Destination: Suwa region, Japan
Duration: 4 weeks
What's included:
- Return flights from Ireland to Japan
- Return transfers via Narita Airport
- Full board and accommodation with Japanese families
- Experience of attending a Japanese High School
- Visits to local schools & community to introduce Ireland
- Japanese language classes
- 24 hour in country support by the Japan-Ireland Friendship link
"My trip to Japan was something that spawned right out of my wildest dreams. Living and experiencing the Japanese way of life that was so intertwined with its beautiful culture and kind people, was something that not only satisfied the Japan enthusiast inside of me but also shaped me as a person who now knows of her own heaven on earth! " - Katie, 2016
This exciting four-week programme is based in the beautiful region of Suwa, located in the Japanese Alps about two hours to the south of Tokyo. During this time, you will act as an Ambassador for Ireland, sharing Irish culture and tradition as you learn about that of Japan. The Award is fully funded by EIL and the Japan-Ireland Friendship Link.
This is an exciting opportunity for a young person with a zeal for Irish culture and a genuine interest in Japan.
あなたのアプリケーションで頑張って!
An experience abroad can challenge you in many ways - Read more about what challenging can mean
Secondary School
Explore Secondary School in Europe 2018
Age profile: 15 - 17 years of age (on 1st June 2018)
No. of places available: 2
Travel Dates: August to November 2018
Duration: First term of 2017/2018 academic year
What's included:
- Return flights & insurance
- Full board and accommodation with host families
- Host school administration
- 24 hour in-country support from experienced staff
- Pre-departure orientation and support
- Transport and Accommodation for youth camp weekend in Brussels
This Award is open to students (15 - 17 yrs) however secondary school programmes abroad are most popular with students entering Transition year (e.g. Sept 2018), as it therefore does not affect their Senior Cycle curriculum.
"It has made me more confident in my ability to deal with new situations myself and not have to ask somebody else for help. My experience also improved my ability to travel and find my way around, how to make new friends and discover new things." - Andrew, 2015
This exciting, 3 month programme is a host-family and school-based cultural opportunity.
- Make new friends
- Learn a language
- Explore a different culture
Youth Camp in Brussels: At the end of their stay, the students will meet with up to 240 students at the 4 day ECTP (European Citizenship Trimester Programme) camp which will give them the opportunity to share their experiences, attend workshops discussing active EU citizenship and visit the European Institutions in Brussels.
Important: This is a study abroad experience through a European language other than English. Your destination will depend on the availability of places in countries that use your language of choice.
An experience abroad can challenge you in many ways - Read more about what challenging can mean
Youth Activist - Governor's Institutes of Vermont (USA)
Explore Youth Activist- Governor's Institutes of Vermont (USA) 2018
Requirement: demonstrated involvement in a community group
No. of places available: 5
Age profile: 16 - 17 years of age (on 1st of June 2018)
Travel dates: 30th June - 12th July 2018
Duration: 10 days (plus travel days)
What's included:
- Return flights/transfers from Ireland to Vermont, plus insurance.
- Accommodation and all meals at Governor's Institute of Vermont
- Pre-departure support and preparation (including predeparture week-end on May 26-27th)
- Travel as part of a group
- Group leader support for duration
- Participate in the 4th July parade
- All programme materials & activities
- Debrief week-end workshop on September 16th-17th 2018
“My experience at Governor's institute of Vermont was fantastic. I learned so much about current issues, gained valuable skills and met amazing people. I now feel empowered to make a greater change in the world and GIV has given me the confidence to do this. I am really grateful that I was given this opportunity as GIV has really brought out the best in me while shaping so many of my perspectives" Jason, 2017 Vermont Explorer
EIL Explore are excited to offer the Youth Activist award to five young people who have demonstrated leadership potential while being actively involved with a group in their community.
The Vermont Governor’s Institute each year, brings together 60 – 70 dynamic young leaders and challenges them to ask and answers difficult questions, by exploring different sides of issues and political perspectives.
It challenges participants to find solutions to the local and global problems that directly impact young people.
- Discussions with key politicians, activists and community leaders
- Team building challenges, leadership skills workshops
- Field trips, sports, campfires
- Creative simulations, including a Mock Congress
- Arts & cultural activities
An experience abroad can challenge you in many ways - Read more about what challenging can mean






