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CICD - College for International Co-operation & Development

Why choose CICD - College for International Co-operation & Development?

College for International Co-operation and Development (CICD) offers programmes of 4, 10 or 10 months, with international studies, training and preparation for volunteers for development projects in Africa and India. Training takes place in England. Previous experience is not needed, you need to be 18+, with EU passport, team spirit and strong motivation!

Reviews

Nadežda
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Cooperation

I have cooperated with the school and its students and graduates and it was always great.
Teachers are eager to cooperate and find solutions for all the challenges. Students are well prepared for projects prior to arrival.

We regularly organize common events like sports, theatre or educational conferences where teachers and students take the lead and support with humble tasks. They are responsible and reliable school

Strong value base at the school and readiness to act! Value experience-based learning, student-centred education, educated critical thinking and global perspectives!

Pros
  • experience
  • international
Cons
  • busy
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Svetlana
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

People full of stories!

Was hosted by this lovely community a few years ago! Since then follow them closely, students and teachers. Find it very inspiring what they do and also the way they do it. It is not always that volunteering is a positive thing, but what these guys are doing is a different story! the conversations at lunch and dinner times are not about the importance of helping somebody or saving somebody, not about I've done this and I've done that... it is about the issues that other countries/nations are facing, what are the reasons for that and how best is to get first handed information, how to join those who are struggling and rather learn from them and share the experiences.
If you are one of those people who rather be surrounded by people who discuss ideas then it is the best place to be!
Funny fact, you are able later on in life to meet many of the students of this place all over the world.
So yeah, full of content and action programme, a community for life and likeminded friends who actually walk the talk out here.

Pros
  • you meet and befriend people who are full of stories
Cons
  • it is the very intense programme
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Karin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing way to make a difference - both developing yourself and make sustainable change for people in need

I have realized what a big impact the students have at the projects they work at in Africa and India - at the same time each of the students develop their own skills and many have found their future path in life. Friendships for life and experience that stay with you - never give up and always look for solutions!
The experiences students gain from this is with them the rest of their life!
Go for It!
I really want to recommend this programme to others - It is a learning curve.
To make changes in this world takes a lot so I think the way you develop in this programme is useful.
The students have to be humble and hard working when they arrive in the project in Africa or India. They must show respect and look for what the people need - not with a starting point in own ideas, but share ideas and make them happen!
I advice many to join this - we need to get together and work hard to take up the challenges of the future with Climate Change and Global warming!
In this programme we unite about making changes - alone we can not change musch, but together we can!
Let us do it - in this programme or in similar programs taking place around the world.

Pros
  • Knowledge about the world
  • Skills in cooperating with others
  • Positive experiences with looking for solutions
Cons
  • You have to pay or join the gaia course
  • Challenging
  • Ready to cook and clean as a part of your daily life
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Åsa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Experience that will change your life

When you start this journey and experience all the different aspects from the beginning in the program at the school and then in meeting a new reality in the project you will be challenged and learn things you never thought you would be able to do . The learning is more on an expeirence based way and you get challenged going outside your comfort zone completely. The world is a classroom and you will discover that people around the world are very similar and giving and that gives you hope for the future and also courage to be part of making a better future for us all

Pros
  • you dont need to have a long cv to do the program you only need to go outside your comfort zone and take a challenge
Cons
  • none
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Justinas
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A really impactful organisation

I have many friends who have finished the programmes here and they are extremely positive about their experience, it is really a school of life. It can be tough and hard work, but you get the skills to become a more capable human being.
There is a lot of support in the school, but you also need to stand on your two feet and be open for challenges.
The teachers are very passionate about working together and easy to reach. There is no traditional teacher - student relation.
The school is also very safe and have strong safety policies when traveling.

Pros
  • Supportive and friendly teachers
  • Safe in school and projects
  • Economical support
Cons
  • The programme can be challenging
  • Buildings are a bit old
  • You need to be ready to self organize

Programs

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

I was looking for something different, something new!

I chose a volunteering program that would challenge me and take me out of my comfort zone. I wanted to travel, see new realities, and help others. I chose this program because it offered everything I wanted and even more -- I always wanted to get to know different cultures and also live in a community!

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

Thankfully CICD help with everything -- food, accommodation, education, preparation, practicalities, everything! Together with my teammates and with support from CICD, I went to Mozambique for 6 months after being in the UK for another 6 months.

Without CICD this would simply have been impossible for me, and there's no way it would have been so successful without their help and support.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Get ready for the cold in the UK, and the heat in Africa! I would advise you to start fresh, let go of any preconceived ideas you have, be open to change, new experiences, and the adventure, and appreciate everything. Be flexible and you will have a great time!

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

Every day with CICD is different and challenging in its own way. You study things from a new point of view and are forced to form your own opinion, rather than relying on the opinions of others. Your life in the community makes each day unique, and your time there will depend on the project and country, but also on how much you are willing to help others.