Guide to International Volunteering

International volunteering is very popular. People want to give back when they can.

There are many reasons people choose to volunteer abroad. One of those reasons is that some opportunities are not available in your home country. For example, wildlife volunteering depends on the local environment. Another reason is that it allows you to experience a new culture. As well as the opportunity to learn a new language. Volunteering abroad also develops you as a person and helps you learn new skills. These can be perfect to add to your CV for any future jobs you apply for.

Some Types Of International Volunteering

There are many different types of volunteering and you can find one that suits you.

The first type is emergency and relief volunteering. This is when people go and help with a humanitarian crisis or natural disaster. These are usually trained professionals such as doctors. But they also need untrained administrators and assistants to help. These often need people to start straight away after a crisis.

You could also do volunteering with children. There are many different options if you wish to do this. It can be done in an orphanage or with disadvantaged children. Alternatively, you could volunteer with a sports company as a volunteer sports coach.

You could also volunteer to work in education. The most common opportunity is teaching English as a foreign language. This can be to either children or adults. There are also volunteering opportunities to help teach skills to local people. For example teaching the locals how to manage local projects.

A lot of people choose to volunteer in the health sector. This can be in the medical field. Doctors are always needed to help in less developed countries. Organisations such as Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) are always accepting trained doctors. However, volunteers without training are also needed to promote health and hygiene issues.

There are many opportunities to volunteer in conservation and wildlife. Opportunities can be working closely with animals. And they include monitoring their population or more hands-on caring for animals. Also, there are opportunities within conservation. Monitoring the effects of climate change or studying types of plants.

Who Can Volunteer Internationally

Almost anyone can do volunteering abroad. Some companies have age limits of 18-75. However, they will consider people older if they were to apply. There are also companies that cater for volunteers with disabilities too.

The most common time to volunteer is during a student gap year. However many also choose to volunteer after retirement or during a gap in their career. So you will find other volunteers like you, to befriend. Don’t be put off if you’re not the typical volunteer.

Types Of Placement

There are 4 main types of placements. Organised volunteer placements are the first option. They are highly organised and offer all-inclusive. Meaning they will organise your flights, accommodation, food and visas. There are many companies who offer organised volunteer placements. They can offer a wide variety of programmes to suit you.

Self-funded volunteer placements are also an option. These placements are cheaper but you get less support. A company with help you to find and organise your placement. But then you organise the flights and accommodation yourself.

The third type is do it yourself volunteering. This can be the cheapest way of international volunteering because you cut out the middle man and do everything yourself. You find and organise your placement, flights and accommodation. This is best for returning or experienced volunteers as you get no help or support with your planning.

Some religious organisations also organise international volunteering. These opportunities are more faith-based and tend to be last longer. Some of these opportunities will require you to regularly attend religious meetings.

Time And Length Of Placement

Your international volunteering will be organised around you. So the time of your placement will depend on how much time you can give. Placements can last from a couple of days to a couple of years.

You can time your placement within your holiday. If you are going on holiday you can enjoy yourself but also take a few days out to volunteer.

If you are volunteering abroad, consider the time of your placement. Some placements have lengthy application processes so apply with plenty of time before you wish to go.

If you are going to volunteer, consider the climate of the place you are going. Some countries have severe weather during parts of the year. Similarly, some volunteer programs only run during parts of the year. For example, some wildlife hibernates during the winter months and volunteering in a school isn’t possible during the summer holidays.

International Volunteering

International volunteering can be a very rewarding thing to do. Although it seems scary, there are companies ready to help you. You can plan your volunteering around your interests, needs and the commitment you are willing to give. Have a look online and see if you can find something you would like.