IEP: Making The World Less Of A Lonely Planet

BACKGROUNDER NOVEMBER 2011

IEP: Making The World Less Of A Lonely Planet

With a sense of adventure, and a Lonely Planet tucked into their backpacks, thousands of New Zealanders head off on their OE’s each year – but the ones who plan it with IEP save themselves a lot of time with paperwork, receive peace of mind knowing they are looked after when they are away and have a job to go to in beautiful locations with interesting people in all corners of the world.

IEP started life forty years ago in Britain, where it is known as BUNAC, a specialist work and volunteer abroad programme. It began with the belief that travelling to another country and becoming part of that foreign community is one of the most exciting, fulfilling and life-changing experiences anyone can have.

“Different cultures, languages, attitudes, lifestyles and people are what make the world such an amazing place,” says Bex Gilchrist, IEP director. “The local people wherever you go will give you more insight into a place than any monument ever will.”

IEP New Zealand is part of a worldwide network of companies and partner organisations focused on helping people have amazing overseas work and volunteer abroad experiences.

“We provide the best possible support while keeping programme fees as low as possible,” says Bex. “We're also the highest paying of any of the Summer Camps in the USA – and pride ourselves on providing the most personal service and support before, during and after the trip.”

One of its most popular camps is Summer Camp USA. It’s for people aged 18-35 who enjoy working with kids, have a sense of adventure and love sports and the great outdoors. It runs for 8-10 weeks between June and August and each camp is set in beautiful surroundings.

“What makes IEP’s summer camp so different to the others is the personal contact we have with our participants both at home before they leave and abroad, we visit the camps regularly and we spend a long time matching people with the right camps and activities,” says Bex, who admits the up to an extra $500 per season for participants is another deciding factor on why they choose IEP.

IEP often runs promotions for programmes such as Summer Camp USA, where they give away free Trek America tours, as well as earlybird prize-packs. Contact them on 0800 443 769. Just don’t call them Camp America!

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