Volunteering abroad is becoming an increasingly popular travel opportunity for young and old alike. High school students and retirees want to volunteer abroad but don’t know where to start. The first task is finding an organization, but that can be daunting. Then there is a lot of paperwork and red tape required to participate in these projects. If you’re looking for opportunities to volunteer abroad, start with the most reputable organizations and do a lot of research.
Highly regarded organizations
There are many esteemed organizations out there that connect volunteers with projects abroad.
Do Something – This large organization focuses on a variety of issues including human trafficking, genocide in Darfur and natural disaster relief. Do Something also has launched campaigns for anti-bullying and women’s rights. The organization’s website shows you how to get involved with important causes at home and abroad.
Projects Abroad – Projects Abroad sends more than 10,000 volunteers to opportunities on five continents. Abroad opportunities allow you to be flexible; volunteers start when they want and go for as long as they want. Projects Abroad offers opportunities in Ghana, India, Nepal, South Africa, Fiji, Peru and Argentina. Volunteers can work in orphanages, provide care in health clinics, teach, farm or build homes and schools. Find out more at www.projects-abroad.org.
Go Overseas – Go Overseas offers opportunities for volunteering in a variety of countries such as China, Peru, South Africa, Nepal, India, Costa Rica, Thailand and Mexico. Volunteers take on teaching and health care responsibilities. Trips are affordable, which makes this organization a great resource for volunteers on a budget.
Researching organizations
If those organizations can’t provide you with what you’re looking for, look for opportunities from smaller organizations. Many colleges and universities already have volunteer programs. In some cases, you may be able to get involved with those. Sometimes churches also have opportunities.
If you’re less clear about where you’d like to go, look for trips based on dates. Some organizations only arrange trips during certain times of the year or on particular dates.
Another way to find trips is based on what activities you’d like to do while volunteering. Do you want to volunteer in a medical clinic or daycare? Are you interested in teaching English as a language or other skills? You can also choose to help with animals, nature or build infrastructure. Think about skills you already have, activities you enjoy or how your work may apply to your future professional life. Once you narrow down what it is you’d like to do, it will be easier to find a trip.
No matter what organization you decide on or where you plan to go, make sure you do plenty of research about multiple facets of travel. For instance, find out if your medical insurance plan protects you while abroad. If not, you’ll want to invest in student volunteer insurance. People are often surprised to learn that their coverage doesn’t cover medical expenses when traveling abroad. Talk to volunteers who have done that trip before and be sure to read reviews about the organization. When you’ve narrowed down to a couple of programs, make sure you talk to the program director. Ask all your questions, and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime.