So you’ve decided to study abroad. Great decision. Now, would you also like do some volunteering to whist overseas? Is this even possible?
The short answer is yes, well maybe, depending on where in the world you are planning to go and what type of volunteer work you want to do. Now what?
Navigating the myriad gigs available and the hundreds of companies that offer volunteer opportunities can be overwhelming. One of the biggest decisions is whether to arrange your service through a company or find your own projects independently.
Each approach has its own pros and cons, although ultimately it may come down to what type of traveller you are. If you prefer the assurance of having someone else handle the details and knowing that everything is planned out ahead of time, you probably want to go through a major international NGO or an agency.
On the other hand, if your travel plans are fluid and changeable or you are an independent, backpacker type of traveller, you may prefer doing it all on your own.
Here are some tips on what to expect from each approach, along with resources to help you along the way.
Volunteering through an Agency or Large NGO
The major international non-profit NGOs have the volunteer procedure down to a science. Some of the top organisations that come to mind are United Nations/UNICEF, World Vision, Earthwatch, Greenpeace, Habitat for Humanity, Save The Children and World Teach.
Each of these, and others, have hundreds of opportunities available all around the world, and you can be virtually assured of a smooth, hassle-free experience which you will be well-prepared for by the organisation.
You’ll find everything from short to very long-term openings (for which college credit or stipends may be available), and while most require no fees a few “pay to volunteer” scenarios cover their expenses and fund projects. Virtually all of them will require you to pay your own travel expenses to get there, but depending on the NGO and length of your service, housing and/or meals may be provided.
In addition to signing up directly with an organisation, there are also tons of agencies and websites that act as a database or clearinghouse for NGOs. Some gap year companies have hundreds of listings with non-profits all over the world, doing just about every kind of work imaginable.
They make it easy to search amongst many organisations and service opportunities in one place, and the largest, most reputable ones will also ensure a smooth process for the volunteer. This is probably the very easiest, most hassle-free way to volunteer around the world, but the convenience also comes at a price, as it can also be the most expensive.
Some of these companies are themselves non-profit, but many of them are regular profit-based businesses and all have to make money for the services they provide. With them, you will be paying one all-inclusive fee that will cover not only any costs payable to the sponsoring NGO you decide to volunteer with, but also administrative fees that the agency charges to handle it all.
Going this route can cost you anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand pounds.
Some of the top agencies and searchable websites to find volunteer openings are:
• One World 365
• Gap Year World
• Go Find Programs
• Seasonal Work Abroad
Independent Volunteering
Local, grassroots organisations are where you will find the volunteer opportunities that don’t cost anything and where benefits such as housing and food are most often included. These are pretty easy to find while you’re on the road; they often post at hostels, pubs and restaurants where backpackers/travellers hang out.
Another great way to find the best volunteer programs on your own is to simply ask around, starting at the place you are staying, the library, newspaper and the local tourist board (if there is one). Highly recommended is an e-book called The Underground Guide to International Volunteering by Kirsty Henderson.
Of course, when you are talking about independent volunteering one of the biggest concerns is legitimacy. With UNICEF and Habitat for Humanity, you can be assured of that. With smaller, local organisations you really need to do your homework first. The last thing you want is to be donating your time and work to an organisation that is lining its own pockets or only putting a measly percentage of funds into actual programmes.
To make sure that your efforts count and you are working with a great organisation, you need to exercise due diligence:
Ask a lot of questions and request full disclosure on a breakdown of exactly what all the fees they charge you are going toward.
Find out what percentage of their fees and donated funds go toward administrative costs and what percentage goes to their clients and direct services. A good charity should have no more than 15% administrative costs and will have no problem answering all your questions and providing you this information
If they seem reluctant or not forthcoming, that should set off warning bells. You can also check with vetting services such as Global Giving, that research and investigate non-profits on their own so that volunteers and donors know they are dealing with a legitimate, above-board organisation that checks out. Other such organisations include GuideStar and Charity Navigator (US-based).
Volunteering really is a special thing to do, whether studying abroad or just going on a meaningful trip. Give it a go, you won’t regret it.
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