Volunteer Abroad

Thanks to new technologies and media, the world has become an easier place to travel and volunteer in.

With the increase in people travelling abroad, and the government endorsing volunteering as a valuable learning experience, volunteering opportunities overseas have grown.

Some volunteers know exactly what type of work they want to do when they volunteer abroad, where they want to go and what they want to get out of it. Others are motivated to get involved but are not sure where to start and what it really entails to volunteer abroad.

Why volunteer?

It's usually a combination of altruistic and personal motives. When you travel and volunteer abroad you're keen to give something back and help others but you also want to benefit from the experience.

Volunteering overseas is a great way to gain a deeper understanding of a country's culture and to explore remote areas. It enables you to learn soft skills such as communication and team-working that are necessary in any work environment. Ultimately, volunteer abroad work can help you become clearer about your values and career goals.

Why pay?

You can organise your own volunteering - but it's hard work, there are no guarantees, little pre-departure and in-country support, you may actually be a burden on your host and you need to like the unknown and be able to work unsupported.

With an organisation and charity you're paying for their expertise and resource in sourcing the right project and matching the needs of the volunteer with the host project, as well as the training, pre-departure support and in-country support.

Always do your research - into what you'll be doing, where your money goes, what support will you get and to find a volunteer project that suits both you and the host community.

Find out more about charity volunteer work abroad with Raleigh International.