Volunteering overseas

Save the world and get a suntan while you're at it.

What can I do?

Anything and everything, including community work, conservation, providing roads and water supplies to rural villages, construction work, teaching English, providing medical supplies, and helping on archaeological digs.

You will have to decide what type of work interests you, e.g. working to help people in need, or working outside on conservation and environmental projects. You may decide to work in an area which can help you with your future educational course or job, e.g. working for organisations which give advice and counselling to people if you want to do social work.

Where?

India . . . Peru . . . the USA . . . Brazil . . . Ecuador . . . Russia . . . Kenya . . . Nepal . . . Uganda . . . Bolivia . . . anywhere you'd care to mention, pretty much.

How long?

Projects last from a week or so to over a year, so you can choose one to suit you. You might want to think about the cost and the type of work available when deciding how long you want to do it for.

How old do I need to be?

Most overseas voluntary projects don't have an age limit - although they generally recommend that you are 18 or over when travelling in third world countries. Some organisations expect you to be over 20, but there are a lot of gap year projects that target a younger age group.

Do I need qualifications or experience?

Not necessarily - many organisations are looking for unskilled volunteers with plenty of enthusiasm and motivation. Activities such as teaching, manual or community work are all open to volunteers with no previous experience. However, if you do have useful qualifications or experience, you may find you have more choice of projects.

Will I be paid?

If you're planning to volunteer for professional work, many organisations will offer a salary. This won't be large - but will usually cover your living expenses while abroad and flights. However for unskilled volunteers it's a different story:

Wages - Most charities and voluntary organisations can't afford to pay volunteers - especially if you're doing unskilled work, however many will provide board and lodgings, and also pay a small amount of 'pocket money' (normally about £20 - £30 per week).

Flights - Most organisations can't afford to pay for your trip unless you're offering a professional skill. This means you'll usually have to contribute towards it. The amount you're expected to raise can range from a few hundred pounds to over £3000.

Time - Take into account though how long you're going for - obviously you'd expect to pay more for a six month expedition than for two weeks. Also be sure to check carefully what you'll get for your money. Some schemes will include food, accommodation, spending money, insurance, visas and even travel.

Fundraising - most schemes will help you with fundraising ideas, so it may not be as impossible as it seems to get the cash to go.

Will I be given training?

Most organisations will give you some training - although it will differ depending on the organisation and what kind of work you're doing. This may take place in this country or once you reach your project. Be sure to check what's included - you might have to pay more for some parts, such as extra language tuition for example.

Thanks to do-it for their help in compiling this article.