This is a reference for Omer Ongun

Introduction to Volunteering and Intercultural Learning Training

The training activity took place
in İzmir, Turkey
organised by AFS International, Turk Kultur Vakfı& AFS Volunteers Association
3-6 October 2013

Aims & objectives

The training aimed to create awareness towards intercultural volunteering, developing capacities of young people on understanding basic intercultural theories, models and approaches in youth work.
AFS is an international exchange organization for students and adults that operates in more than 50 countries, and organizes intercultural learning experiences.
Turkish Cultural Foundation is the founding member of EFIL (European Federation for Intercultural Learning) together with other AFS partner countries.

Target group & international/intercultural composition of the group & team

The training brought together 28 young people from universities from all around Turkey which was part of AFS Intercultural Link Learning Program recognized by AFS International based in New York, USA. The participants were returnees from an international intercultural experience. The trainers included international trainers along with a Canadian trainer from Ottowa University.

Training methods used & main activities

Training included experiential learning methodologies which included group discussions, brainstorming, presentations, drawing, games, video shooting, field work and poster preparations.

Outcomes of the activity

The training activity ended with group and individual evaluations. The evaluation report was shared within organizations' networks.

A photo album and series of videos were launched to promote the event. Please see: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.629394667083751.1073741835.131886410167915&type=3


A Facebook group was created for pax to continue collaboration and project development. The pax developed "Windows of the World" Project with Koruncuk Foundation in Turkey that aimed opening windows to kids that are under protection about other cultures.

Your tasks and responsibilities within the team

I have been head trainer coordinator and trainer among 6 trainers in the team. I have arranged all pre communication with the venue, pax and trainers.

I was also responsible for all sorts of budgeting.
I have developed sessions in the training titled as Communication Styles, Why experiential learning? and some group building activities.

I worked on this training for 4 days as a full time trainer.

back to top