Volunteering Overseas

Working overseas as a volunteer offers an excellent opportunity to travel and work in a totally different environment and can provide you with an unforgettable, life-changing experience.  Volunteering overseas is a popular choice for young people, particularly those wanting to take time out between leaving school or college and going on to higher education. 

Think very carefully before committing yourself.  Volunteering overseas can be a very exciting opportunity it can also be very demanding, both emotionally and physically.  You could find yourself working in isolated and difficult surroundings, out of touch with family and friends and experiencing many cultural differences, particularly in developing countries.     

Key points to consider:

• The lengths of projects vary but will usually require you to commit for a reasonable amount of time.
• Most organisations or agencies looking to recruit volunteers for overseas work will often require particular skills or experience that meets the demand of individual projects, eg. educational, environmental, medical. 
• Some projects will meet the costs of travel and living expenses but if your skills and experience aren't in demand you may be required to pay the costs yourself. 
• Some agencies will charge an administration fee for arranging your placement.

It is important to check out organisations and projects thoroughly before committing yourself or handing over any payment.  Ideally you should talk directly to others about their experience of volunteering with the organisation and make sure you are clear about the level of support you can expect to receive. 

Key contacts and useful resources:

European Voluntary Service - EVS offers young people the opportunity to volunteer in another country, normally for a period of six to twelve months. A wide variety of placements can be found in the social, cultural, environmental, and sports sector.  Shorter placements of three weeks to six months are available to young people with fewer opportunities or special needs.

Foreign Office - For details of the latest travel advice about where's safe and where isn't. 

Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) - Recruits skilled and experienced volunteers aged 20+ for projects in developing countries. VSO's Youth for Development programme offers an opportunity for young people to work with VSO's partners in any one of 34 countries - applications for 2008 should be received by 7 January 2008.   Tel: 020 8780 7200. Email: enquiry@vso.org.uk.

Worldwide Volunteering - Provides a search and match database to volunteer organisations and placements in the UK and over 200 countries worldwide (available on subscription or £10 for three separate search sessions).  Services also include frequently asked questions, electronic newsletter and fundraising advice. 

World Enquiry Service publishes an annual guide for people interested in working for peace, justice and development - more information on: 0870 770 3274. 

Vacation Work publishes various directories on volunteering, including Green Volunteering, the International Directory of Voluntary Work, and Jobs Britain and Summer Jobs Abroad. See if your local library has copies, or buy from Vacation Work: tel: 01865 241978  or order online at sales@vacationwork.co.uk.