Volunteering

Practical points to consider

Practical Points to Consider
  Volunteering offers an excellent opportunity to travel and work in a totally different environment and can provide you with an unforgettable, life-changing experience. Volunteering abroad is a popular choice particularly for those who want to take time out between leaving school, new career orientation and people who want to broaden their horizon.
  To be a volunteer abroad means to integrate in the life and work of the hosting organisation and the wider community. Volunteers are encouraged and supported to get involved in the planning and managing of distinct activities, take part in staff meetings, and to take on responsibilities according to their skills and interests, as well as the needs of the project. An important aspect of the voluntary service is the volunteer's active participation in the life of the community in which he/she lives and works.
  Voluntary service placements abroad include social work projects dealing with children and young people at risk, with the elderly, the disabled, rural and health development projects, human rights organisations, peace associations, ecological projects, women's groups, migrant workers' support groups, fair-trade shops, and solidarity projects.
  Before you decide to volunteer there are some practical points to consider

Length of your stay is a critical factor as projects vary from short term placements of a few weeks to longer term projects of a year or more.
Most organisations will ask you to pay an administration fee for arranging your stay.
It is important to check whether the project provides for travel, accommodation, food and pocket money.
Most projects seek people with particular skills or experience.
Some organisations are aimed at those of a particular religious creed.
Applications for voluntary work abroad should be made well in advance

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.

This project and web page are prepared with the financial support of the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe.
European Youth Foundation shall not bear any responsibility for the opinion therein.
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