A Walk through the History of Madeira is a project that intends to present the culture and history of Madeira through guided tours and other cultural activities such as exhibitions or fado concerts.
WHERE?
The guided tours take place across Funchal in several locations such as the Historical City Centre, the City Hall or the Jesuits’ College of Funchal, among other attractions and landmarks.
WHAT'S THE POINT?
By performing the guided tours and explaining their purpose to the guests, the volunteers assume an important role in the promotion of social support programmes developed by the University of Madeira Students' Union which enable various endeavours such as the refurbishment of the University of Madeira, providing school supplies and daily meals to less fortunate students or acquiring scientific publications for the library of the University of Madeira.
MAIN ACTIVITIES
Volunteers work Monday to Friday for 7 hours daily or on Saturday mornings, with two days off per week and 2 vacation days per month. Their main role is to lead two-hour guided walking tours in Funchal, usually twice a day, with the possibility of a third tour if needed. Tours are conducted in English and the volunteer’s native language, welcoming diverse audiences.Volunteers are expected to promote inclusion and respect for different cultures, following the principles of the European Solidarity Corps (ESC).
The main tasks of the volunteers are:
· To collaborate at the Students’ Union’s attractions by performing guided tours or assisting the visitors in the service points (25 weekly hours).
· To research scientific articles, chapters and excerpts of technical and scientific publications in the field of social sciences (c. 5 weekly hours).
· Writing articles for advertising on various platforms, both on paper and digital.
· Performing translations of scientific documents.
· Collaborate in the organization and promotion of exhibitions and other cultural activities.
·To promote and to participate in other activities developed by the Students’ Union, as well as proposing possible projects and activities to undertake as personal projects.
LOGISTIC ARRANGEMENTS
Accomodation
The chosen volunteers will be accommodated in shared rooms in one of the various students' residences in Funchal, where they will live alongside other young volunteers and university students. Their rooms will include a shared closet, bathroom, desk, chair, and bookcase, as well as free Internet access. All accommodation expenses are covered by the hosting organization.
Within a 5-10 minute walk from most residences, volunteers will find supermarkets, bakeries, pharmacies, post offices, medical clinics, restaurants, and leisure spots.
For those staying in residences located farther from the city center, a monthly public transportation pass valid throughout Funchal will be provided to ensure convenient travel.
And best of all, the sea is always nearby!
Meals
During the mobility period, each volunteer will receive a monthly allowance for meals, which will be transferred together with the pocket-money at the beginning of each month.
You will be able to order some meals through us, but you are also able to cook your own food at the Residence.
Local transportation
Most of the students' residences are just a 10-minute walk from the workplaces, so you can easily reach your destination on foot. For those staying in a residence a bit farther away, the bus ride takes approximately the same amount of time. And let’s be honest: when you’re in a beautiful city like Funchal, why take a bus?
If your participation is required for an exceptional event or activity that requires transportation, we will either provide the means of transport or reimburse the cost.
PROFILE OF THE VOLUNTEER
Age
We don’t have any special criteria regarding the age of the volunteers. Therefore, you just have to have between 18 and 30 years to apply for our project!
Skills
A minimum of Intermediate (B1) English level is required, to guarantee a good adaptation both during the volunteering hours and leisure time.
Other languages are not required but are valued, as are digital skills such as photography, image editing or video editing.
Personality
The candidates should be proactive, communicative and motivated to take part in a project with a strong focus on investigation, interaction with the public and with a structured daily routine.
HOW TO APPLY?
Required documents
1.Your Curriculum Vitae (CV) in English.
2. A personalized Motivation Letter, also in English.
3. ID Card.
4. National insurance number.
5. Optional: A portfolio of photography/video/image editing (this can include a blog, an Instagram page, a YouTube channel, a PowerPoint file, etc.).
Where to send them?
You must upload these documents and fill out the application form on the platform https://myerasmus.pt/ under the "Prospective Volunteers" button. Please make sure you provide the contact details of your Sending Organization (the ESC organization in your country).
What happens next?
When we receive your application, we will contact you, by e-mail, to start the selection process! Be sure to check your email regularly, including your SPAM folder, so you don’t miss this opportunity because of a misplaced email.
