Experiential Learning International

Cause Area

  • Advocacy & Human Rights
  • Children & Youth
  • Education & Literacy
  • Environment
  • International

Location

2828 Speer Blvd. Suite 230Denver, CO 80211 United States
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Organization Information

Mission Statement

To provide dedicated students and professionals with an affordable portal for international service. By placing volunteers with local initiatives we support needy communities throughout the developing world

Description

ELI is a non-profit organization founded by Dr. Kevin O'Neill in 2001 as an affordable venue for international exchange and public service. Our full name, Experiential Learning International, reflects our philosophy that the most compelling life lessons come through experience, and that international service experiences are among the most profound influences on our sense of self and our view of the world.

We partner exclusively with local organizations to create opportunities for globally-minded citizens who want to get beyond the tourist experience and make a lasting impact on communities in need. Our placements are not tours or pre-fabricated volunteer programs but individualized, deeply authentic opportunities for cultural exchange and learning. Participants in our programs walk away with the satisfaction of contributing to the ongoing development of the host country and real insight into the daily lives of the people in it.

Reviews

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by Michael W. (2010-01-24 16:13:06.0)
I applied to volunteer in Kenya through ELI in March 2008 for a start in September 2008. I discussed my placement with ELI in great depth via email and I was very happy with what I was promised by ELI. Unfortunately, from the first day of my placement, my supervisors asked me to do work which I had specifically requested I not do. ELI seemed powerless to change the situation. When I complained to them, ELI essentially told me that they took no responsibility in ANY WAY for what happened to me in the field. Their role was simply that of middleman. Their local representative was weak and ineffectual and told me to "take it easy". I gave up on my placement half-way through as it was just not what I had signed up for. Furthermore, I never enjoyed any of the great-sounding orientation that I was promised by ELI. I therefore lost around US$1000 to ELI. ELI have never apologised or refunded my program fees; on the contrary, they got all legal on me and referred me to the waiver form I signed.
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