Archive for May, 2016

We launched our first 10-day education trip back in the spring of 2013 and today it’s still our most popular program. Although volunteers’ main project is teaching English, these signature trips also include visits to various neighborhoods, non-profits and social enterprises around Port-au-Prince as well as trips to the beach and mountains. We pack a lot into 10 days and it’s a great introduction to this incredible country.

ITINERARY – 10 DAYS

DAY 1, FRIDAY

Arrive in Port-au-Prince, get a tour of the green initiatives going on at our home Haiti Communitere (HC). Meet the students of English in Mind Institute (EIM) and have them teach you Kreyol!

DAY 2, SATURDAY

Get a downtown tour including the palace, cathedral, iron market, and a visit to the museum to get a better understanding of this complicated country and its complicated past. Spend the afternoon doing a school-wide conversation class with EIM.

DAY 3, SUNDAY

Spend the day relaxing at the beach. This is the caribbean after all!

DAY 4-8, MONDAY — FRIDAY

Spend the mornings visiting and volunteering around town. Morning projects can include artisan workshops, alternative gardening, sports and arts projects with kids, a local’s tour of Cite Soleil and much, much more. Every afternoon head over to school to teach extra English classes to the eager scholars of EIM. Most evenings we’ll relax together back on base, other nights we’ll go out to local bars and catch live music. Friday evening head up to the mountains of Furcy for an overnight at an eclectic B&B in the woods.

DAY 9, SATURDAY

Wake up in the stunning mountain town of Furcy, which is quite a change of pace from the busy streets of Port-au-Prince. Take a hike down to a waterfall and enjoy the cool air before heading back to base for a final evening of fun with the students.

DAY 10, SUNDAY

After a group breakfast, we’ll make our way back to the airport. Fly home with new friends and amazing memories.

Never taught before? Don’t worry, EIM students are very welcoming and you’ll have a great time.
For more info about this trip including a packing list, check out our Details page.

Like what you hear? APPLY NOW!

Don’t forget: Beyond creating employment, the proceeds from this trip will be donated back to English in Mind Institute – one of the only non-profit adult English schools in Port-au-Prince – allowing this important education to remain affordable. 

Our design trip is in partnership with Deux Mains – an employee-owned ethical fashion company working to end poverty in Haiti. Volunteers will work to create new designs for the Deux Mains brand out of sustainable, local materials. We’ll also visit local markets and artisan workshops along the way, including brands such as Haiti Design Co-op and Papillon Enterprise. Although no professional experience is required, a background in fashion, merchandising or marketing is a plus.

ITINERARY

Day 1, Sunday

Arrive in Port-au-Prince, where you’ll be greeted by our eager EIM guides. After getting settled into our guesthouse for the week – Haiti Communitere (HC) – enjoy a Kreyol lesson and get to know each other over a group dinner.

Day 2, Monday

After breakfast we’ll head straight to Deux Mains to meet the staff, get a tour of the workshop and boutique, and learn more about their design and sales needs. In the afternoon, we’ll split into two teams and get to work brainstorming and sketching initial ideas. We’ll return to HC for dinner and a low-key evening in.

Day 3, Tuesday

For inspiration, we’ll spend the morning visiting various markets and artisan workshops to see what products already exist in Haiti and hear various perspectives on designing and sourcing materials here. After another afternoon of brainstorming, you’ll have your first check-in with the Deux Mains staff and artisans to see if you’re on the right track. After work, let your brain take a break over an evening swim and cocktails.

Day 4, Wednesday

After breakfast, you’ll have the option of visiting another artisan workshop before heading back to Deux Mains to make revisions and begin finalizing your designs. In the late afternoon we’ll head to a favorite neighborhood rooftop bar for drinks and dancing before returning to HC for dinner.

Day 5, Thursday

After a final morning brainstorm and lunch on site, the teams will present their final designs to the Deux Mains staff. Decisions will be made and each of the teams will start working with the artisans to execute their patterns. After dinner, we’ll hit the town for a night of dancing, rum punch and live music.

Day 6, Friday

After a more relaxed morning, we’ll check back in with the artisans and make adjustments where needed. In the afternoon we’ll meet with Deux Mains staff to brainstorm sales and next steps. Later we’ll enjoy a low-key dinner out at the best pizza place in Port-au-Prince.

Day 7, Saturday

Get out of the shop and enjoy a day at the beach! This is the Caribbean after all. After all that relaxing we’ll celebrate your hard work with a final dinner with the Deux Mains crew.

Day 8, Sunday

Bid farewell to your new friends and head to the airport filled with unforgettable memories and experiences.

For more details about this trip including a packing list, check out our Details page.

Like what you hear? APPLY NOW!

Don’t forget: Beyond creating employment, the proceeds from this trip will be donated back to English in Mind Institute – one of the only non-profit adult English schools in Port-au-Prince – allowing this important education to remain affordable. You’ll also be supporting Deux Mains and their mission to end poverty through meaningful employment.

Our yoga retreat provides the perfect balance of cultural immersion and peaceful escape. Reconnect with your body and mind, while also experiencing the beauty and complexities of Haiti.

For instruction, EIM is proud to partner with Taylor Beck of Prana Healing Arts Studio,– one of Haiti’s top yoga studios. Trained at Know Yoga Know Peace in Bloomington, IN, Taylor’s classes focus on breath and the synchronization of breath and movement to cultivate awareness on and off the yoga mat. She offers many modifications throughout her classes making them accessible to both beginners and more advanced practitioners.

ITINERARY

Day 1, Sunday

Arrive in Port-au-Prince, where you’ll be greeted by our eager EIM guides. Get to know each other over a healthy dinner at our charming hotel – the Eucalyptus Guest House, followed by an evening yoga practice.

Day 2, Monday

Enjoy breakfast and a morning practice at Eucalyptus, then head to Sakala Garden – a much needed oasis in the middle of one of Haiti’s toughest neighborhoods, Cite Soleil. There we’ll hold yoga workshops for kids in the area and enjoy a lunch made with fresh vegetables from the garden. Back at Eucalyptus, dinner and a restorative evening practice awaits.

Day 3, Tuesday

After breakfast and morning practice at Eucalyptus we’ll head to Papillon Enterprise – an artisan workshop that employees over 400 parents. Here we’ll have the option to join Sa Voix in an art therapy and dance workshop, indulge in a coconut oil massage, do some shopping, or simply relax over a smoothie in their open air café. We’ll have dinner and an evening practice back at Eucalyptus, followed by an optional night out in Port-au-Prince.

Day 4, Wednesday

Enjoy our final breakfast and morning practice at Eucalyptus before heading south to the coastal town of Jacmel. After lunch at our new guesthouse – Surf Haiti, we’ll head down to the beach where you can try your hand at surfing, or just relax. Enjoy a sunset yoga practice followed by fresh seafood right on the water.

Day 5, Thursday

After breakfast and a morning practice at Surf Haiti, you’ll have the option to visit Bassin Bleu – an iconic waterfall in the mountains above Jacmel. After lunch, you can chill by the beach, or meet the inspiring women of Jasper House — a local restoration home that provides shelter and vocational training to victims of abuse. Dinner and evening practice back at Surf Haiti.

Day 6, Friday

After breakfast and morning practice, explore some of Jacmel’s many art galleries or take a visit to Cine Institute – a well respected film and audio school in Haiti. Not up for it? Relaxing by the beach or enjoying more surfing is always an option. After an early evening practice we’ll head into town for dinner out in Jacmel.

Day 7, Saturday

Enjoy our final breakfast and morning practice at Surf Haiti before returning to Port-au-Prince. Back in the capital, we’ll enjoy an indoor practice at Prana studio followed by farewell dinner and drinks at our beautiful Petionville hotel, La Reserve

Day 8, Sunday

After breakfast at La Reserve and a final practice at Prana studio, we’ll head down to the airport to say our goodbyes and leave feeling both relaxed and inspired.

For more details about this trip including a packing list, check out our Details page.

Like what you hear? APPLY NOW!

Don’t forget: Beyond creating employment, the proceeds from this trip will be donated back to English in Mind Institute – one of the only non-profit adult English schools in Port-au-Prince – allowing this important education to remain affordable. A portion of your trip fee will also be used to support Prana Healing Arts Studio. 

Food is such a rich part of culture, especially in Haiti. For our culinary trip we’ll taste traditional Haitian dishes —from street food to special occasion cuisine and cocktails — and then work alongside local chefs to prepare them. We’ll also spend some time with Singing Rooster (Kok Ki Chante), a social enterprise nonprofit that works with Haitian farmers to produce coffee. We’ll take a trip to their farming co-ops in the south and help them bring in this year’s harvest.

ITINERARY

Day 1, Saturday

Arrive in Port-au-Prince, where you’ll be greeted by our eager EIM guides. After getting settled into our guesthouse — Haiti Communitere (HC) – take a visit to a local garden to learn about some of the indigenous fruit and vegetables of Haiti. We’ll then go out to dinner, getting to know each other while sampling a variety of Haitian cuisine.

Day 2, Sunday

On Sunday we’ll spend the day relaxing on the beach. For lunch we’ll enjoy some of Haiti’s delicious seafood and sauces. Back at HC, we’ll prepare our first dinner together, learning how to make spicy Haitian spaghetti.

Day 3, Monday

After breakfast, we’ll head downtown to visit a local market and learn about Haitian history and its impact on food and culture. Under the guidance of HC’s head chef Yasmine, we’ll learn to prepare a variety of classic dishes including Soup Joumou — a pumpkin soup that’s come to symbolize Haitian independence.

Day 4, Tuesday

On Tuesday (weather permitting) we’ll leave Port-au-Prince and head south to the farming community of Thiotte. Here we’ll be greeted by our friends at Singing Rooster coffee, where we’ll learn more about their work and visit their farming co-ops. We’ll also have the opportunity to assist with making dinner and taste the dishes that are common in the region.

Day 5, Wednesday

On Wednesday we’ll be put to work helping the farmers from Singing Rooster bring in this year’s coffee crop. Sample tasks include harvesting coffee cherries, taking part in roasting and packing activities, and planting new seedlings for next year. You can choose to stay on the farm all day, or return early to help prepare dinner.

Day 6, Thursday

After a final morning in Thiotte, we’ll return to Port-au-Prince and get busy preparing our biggest dinner yet. We’ll learn how to replicate the Fish Kreyol from our beach trip along with classic sides including fried plantains and pikliz. We’ll then share our meal (including homemade rum sours!) with other friends and guests in a large, family style gathering. Afterward we’ll hit the town for an evening of live music and dancing.

Day 7, Friday

In the morning you’ll have the option to either rest or get your hands dirty with some gardening work. For lunch we’ll learn to make homemade patties – a classic Haitian street food. For dinner we’ll mix it up by trying the best pizza in Port-au- Prince and enjoying each other’s company in a low-key evening out.

Day 8, Saturday

Bid farewell to your new friends and head to the airport filled with unforgettable memories (and a full stomach!)

For more details about this trip including a packing list, check out our Details page.

Like what you hear? APPLY NOW!

Don’t forget: Beyond creating employment, the proceeds from this trip will be donated back to English in Mind Institute – one of the only non-profit adult English schools in Port-au-Prince – allowing this important education to remain affordable. A portion of your trip fee will also be used to support Singing Rooster and Haiti Communitere’s incredible work in Haiti.

Our adventure trips are designed to show you a different side of Haiti. From trekking over mountain ranges to diving into crystal blue waterfalls, even the most jaded backpackers will have plenty to love. And with visits to meaningful projects along the way, our adventure trips go beyond the beaten path, to provide a truly authentic travel experience.

Note: Although not mandatory, our adventure trips are primarily for EIM Adventures alumni. The itinerary also changes with each trip. 

ITINERARY

The adventure itinerary changes regularly – please contact steph@eimadventures.com for more details!

Don’t forget: Beyond creating employment, the proceeds from this trip will be donated back to English in Mind Institute – one of the only non-profit adult English schools in Port-au-Prince – allowing this important education to remain affordable. 

Our health trip is in partnership with MIMSI – a community-based organization that provides much-needed prenatal care to women living in remote and rural areas of Haiti. Volunteers will assist in the clinics each morning, and enjoy various tourism activities in the afternoons. This trip takes place in the southwest part of the country, which is more laid back and full of incredible attractions. Medical and non-medical volunteers are welcome.

ITINERARY

Day 1, Saturday

Arrive in Port-au-Prince, where you’ll be greeted by our eager guides. Enjoy some highlights of the capital city, an evening out getting to know each other, and even a Kreyol lesson. Spend the night at Haiti Communitere (HC) – a secure, communal space known for its green initiatives and local engagement.

Day 2, Sunday

After breakfast, we’ll pack up and head west to Cayes – Haiti’s third largest city, but a calm alternative to the booming capital. After lunch, we’ll continue west to the coastal town of Saint-Jean-du-Sud and arrive at our home stay for the week – Kay Jeanine. Enjoy a home cooked meal, meet Dr. Freddy, and get prepared for the week ahead.

Day 3, Monday

Spend the morning with MIMSI, visiting three different clinic sights in the area. Work alongside the incredible nurses and volunteers to both treat patients and help the clinics run smoothly. Mid-day, head out west to the scenic town of Port-au-Piment. There you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch, followed by an afternoon exploring Grotte Marie Jeanne — the largest cave system in Haiti. Back at Kay Jeanine, a hot shower and family style dinner awaits.

Day 4, Tuesday

Spend the morning with MIMSI, volunteering at a different clinic in the mountains just above Saint Jean. For lunch, head to the iconic coastal town of Port Salut and spend a lazy afternoon relaxing on the beach.

Day 5, Wednesday

Get up early and head north to MIMSI’s busiest clinic in beautiful Camp Perrin. After treating the women of this mountainous community, we’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, followed by an afternoon at Saut Mathurine – an iconic (and stunning!) waterfall.

Day 6, Thursday

After breakfast we’ll head to Abakou – a quiet beach town where we’ll join MIMSI for our last morning clinic. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch on a nearby palm-fringed beach. For dinner, we’ll head to a beautiful Port Salut restaurant to enjoy seafood and rum sours right on the beach.

Day 7 – Friday

On Friday, cap off the week with a full day exploring the crystal blue waters of Ile-a-Vache – a breathtaking island chain off Haiti’s southern coast. After a day of screensaver-worthy beaches, return to Kay Jeanine for a final home cooked meal and unforgettable evening with our wonderful hosts.

Day 8, Saturday

After breakfast, we’ll say our goodbyes and head back to Port-au-Prince. Back in the capital, you’ll have the chance to visit some artisan workshops and favorite local places before a final group dinner and evening entertainment.

Day 9, Sunday

Bid farewell to your new friends and head to the airport filled with unforgettable memories!

For more details about this trip including a packing list, check out our Details page.

Like what you hear? APPLY NOW!

Don’t forget: Beyond creating employment, the proceeds from this trip will be donated back to English in Mind Institute – one of the only non-profit adult English schools in Port-au-Prince – allowing this important education to remain affordable. You’ll also be supporting MIMSI as they provide essential maternal health care.