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Volunteering abroad

Tuesday, 19 August 2008 14:31
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There are around one hundred agencies in the UK that place volunteers abroad on work projects – some of which are listed below. When writing to any of the organisations you should send a Stamped Addressed Envelope to ensure a quick response.

Practical points to consider

  • Length of time is a critical factor as projects vary from short term placements of a few weeks to longer term projects of two years or more.
  • Most organisations will ask you to pay an administration fee for arranging the trip for you.
  • It is important to check whether the project provides for travel, accommodation, food and pocket money.
  • Most projects ask for people with particular skills or experience.
  • Many agencies are small and will place a limited number of volunteers.
  • Some organisations are aimed at those of a particular religious creed.
  • Applications to do overseas voluntary work should be made well in advance

Checking Out Organisations

It is important that you check out and organisation thoroughly before handing over any money or leaving the country. Ask if you can be put in touch with people who have been on their projects before. If possible try to speak to someone who has volunteered with them in person rather than trusting testimonials. Look at insurance very carefully; will you need your own travel insurance, does their insurance cover you for the kind of work that you will be doing, what would happen if you needed to get back to the UK? Think carefully about the kind of work that you will be doing; is there a genuine need for volunteers to do this or has the opportunity been created as an adventure holiday? Spend some time researching the country that you want to go to, check out the political situation, climate etc.

Short term volunteering

More information is available from Volunteering England (http://www.volunteering.org.uk/IWantToVolunteer/volunteeringoverseas/shorttermvolunteering.htm)

Longer term volunteering

Opportunities for long term volunteering for a year or more are generally for those who have professional skills and experience to offer.

More information is available from Volunteering England http://www.volunteering.org.uk/IWantToVolunteer/volunteeringoverseas/longertermvolunteering.htm

Web resources

www.timebank.org.uk/givetime/overseas.htm offers a directory of overseas volunteering opportunities

Volunteer Work Information Service www.workingabroad.com hosts information about organisations recruiting volunteers and has previous volunteer feedback stories

The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) also provides information about-short term jobs abroad, internships (stages), international university information to students and recent graduates www.ciee.org

www.gap-year.com - online guide to taking a gap year in the UK or overseas

Last reviewed: June 2008
Excerpt from the Volunteering England Information Service
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Freephone/textphone: 0800 028 3304
www.volunteering.org.uk

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 02 September 2008 12:50 )  



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