Guidelines - Responsible Exchange and Volunteering 2018

xi. Cultural Diversity insights and information An informative, yet brief, document on cultural diversity that highlights the richness this brings to the exchange experience. Avoid reinforcing stereotypes but inform participants on any specific aspects they should be aware of. This could include sensitivity to dress, prayer practices, food etc. It is suggested that places to visit of cultural interest and recommended readings relevant to the cultures that participants will engage with are also shared in this section. xii. Activities and contact numbers for free time fun planning A list of preferred suppliers for activities, trips and tours offered in the area

xiii. T-shirt / arrival branded goodie A small branded “Welcome goodie” or t -shirt is always appreciated by participants and helps many feel more immediately part of something bigger than themselves.

Orientation to the project Detail and methodology around orientation should be included in the partnership agreement or MOU and where possible developed as a collaborative exercise by the partners to the project. Different projects and programs will approach orientation differently. If the program is part of an established exchange suit such as the Engagement Global exchanges, there are specific guidelines and requirements that must be fulfilled. Some programs have a dedicated week orientation (seminar) time, others have a few days or less and may be quite site or project specific. School exchanges may approach orientation differently and have an extended orientation and preparation period over several months. Longer orientations will deal with aspects such as socio-political developments, conflict management, a language introduction, cultural and racial awareness and sensitization etc. Effective partnerships will have had clear dialogue and collaborated on project participant arrivals. In many cases, participants will have been

African German Youth Initiative Page 30 of 67

Click for Contents Pages