Volunteering Overseas

Last Updated on Monday, 19 April 2010 14:23

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Another way to explore the world is as a volunteer. You can gain a unique perspective of the country you are visiting and become more connected with the local communities you work within.

It is an opportunity to learn more about a culture and give something in return. It is also a great way of making new friends if you are travelling alone or a unique experience to share with a friend.

There are all sorts of ways you can volunteer from care work in orphanages, teaching English, working in a wildlife sanctuary etc. There are basic requirements that you may need to have for specific programmes but usually you don't need to be a specialist in a particular area to volunteer.

There are many ways to find places to volunteer but the easiest way is through a volunteer recruitment organisation who can help you connect in with a legitimate overseas programme and help you to make arrangements before you leave. Some will even introduce you via email to other volunteers who may be joining a programme around the same time as you.

volunteers welcome

Things to think about:

* Do your research before you go - on both the country you are visiting and the programme you are joining. A nightmare scenario is reaching your destination to find the programme doesn't exist!! Volunteering through a reputable recruitment agency can help prevent this.

* Costs -for most programmes that you might want to join there are fees involved, things like an administration charge once you are accepted and then living costs for the programme you join. However these are mainly community programmes and most are not looking to profit from your experience but rather the money looks after your wellbeing whilst there and contributes towards the maintenance of the programme you are attending.

* The conditions - a lot of programmes are in developing countries so don't expect 5 star hotel accommodation or service. Most provide basic facilities which are adequate to live in and trying new foods and surroundings can make it a real adventure!

Volunteer recruitment organisations:

http://www.volunteer.org.nz/

A New Zealand based organisation with programmes in 20 different countries.

http://www.i-to-i.com/

Volunteer and job opportunities abroad. Recruitment centres in UK, US, Canada, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand

http://www.teachinternational.co.nz/

Another New Zealand based organisation with a focus on TESOL (Teach English to Speakers of Other Languages). They can help you with any training you may need and then connect you in with programmes overseas.