Volunteering Abroad

A growing number of college students and recent college grads are volunteering abroad as a unique way to see and help the world before settling into the daily 9-5 career grind. Volunteering abroad in your 20s can be an eye-opening experience during that crucial transition time between college and the working world, as it lets you reflect on what’s important to you in your own life while helping others in theirs.

• How do foreign communities benefit?
• What kinds of volunteer positions are available?
• Why not just volunteer locally?
• Do you have to pay to volunteer?
• Do I need to speak the local language?
• Do I need to get a visa?
• What are the personal benefits of volunteering abroad?
• What are the professional benefits of volunteering abroad?
• What will I eat?
• Where will I stay?

How do foreign communities benefit?

One of the most impactful ways volunteers can help is by bringing unique skills and perspectives to local communities, then working to share this knowledge so that the effects are long-lasting. These do not have to be highly specialized technical skills, but can be things like language skills for native English speakers. Most worthy volunteering programs are striving to effect long-term change via education, infrastructure, or development.

What kinds of volunteer positions are available?

The list is almost endless, but some of the most popular areas are education, environmental conservation, disaster relief, organic farming, social work, animal welfare, childcare, and construction/infrastructure. You can either search by country or job, or consult a professional organization’s list of foreign volunteering opportunities.

Why not just volunteer locally?

Sometimes the greatest amount of good can be done elsewhere. In a place where the average person faces significant daily hardships, you can make a major impact in an area in dire need of help. Other people choose to volunteer abroad because of a particular interest in a culture or cause, such as a wildlife conservation program in Africa

Do you have to pay to volunteer?

The majority of volunteer abroad programs do charge for placement and accommodation, and the cost per day ranges from about $20 to hundreds of dollars. This typically covers food, lodging, insurance, and basic transportation. More expensive programs may also include group events and excursions. Some volunteer programs do not require significant fees, such as UN Volunteers and the Peace Corps. These may place you in more of a rural or isolated setting, but you can rest assured you are going to a place where your help is needed.

Do I need to speak the local language?

No, but it can definitely help. Volunteer organizations will place you in a position where you are not required to know the local language. That being said, a willingness and effort to learn the language is always appreciated.

Do I need to get a visa?

Yes. This is essential and may require a certified translation of various documents. Countries like Germany and France offer special volunteer visas, but a volunteering organization will tell you exactly what is required for your particular program.

What are the personal benefits of volunteering abroad?

Volunteering abroad requires a great deal of initiative and daring, as it’s simply not something the average person would give more than a passing thought. Its rewards, however, are immeasurable. Friendships and relationships are forged, self-confidence earned, and your entire worldview can shift dramatically and permanently.

What are the professional benefits of volunteering abroad?

Volunteers learn many critical skills, such as how to adapt, organize people, take initiative, work with limited resources, and more. They also attain unique work experience that will give them skills to excel when it’s time to rejoin the workforce back home.

What will I eat?

Some programs provide daily meals in a dining hall or cafeteria for volunteers. Others provide shared kitchen facilities and volunteers are responsible for shopping at local markets and making their own meals. Most volunteers will enjoy a variety of local meals that can include vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

Where will I stay?

Accommodations vary by program and depend on the volunteer’s preferences, but are usually shared accommodations with other volunteers. This could be anything from dormitories to cabins to tents. Many programs also offer homestays, where you will live with a local family.