Did you know there are many opportunities to volunteer abroad – outside the UK? You can make a difference anywhere around the world.
What can I do?
What can’t you do?! There are tons of opportunities available. It just depends where you want to go, what you want to do and how long you can spend.
Why not try coaching young people in Tanzania? Or helping communities to raise their standards of living in South America? Why not try teaching in Asia? Animal welfare in Australia … or summer camps in America? The list goes on!
Can anyone do it?
There are all kinds of volunteering opportunities - whether you’re single, in a family, young or old, there’s something out there for you to do. There may be age restrictions, but these are set by the individual project and organisation. Find out from them if you’re eligible to volunteer.
Does it cost anything?
Costs are dependent on the individual project and organisation you volunteer with. There is generally a registration fee (between £145-£190) and most ask you to pay your own travel costs.
Can I get funding for this?
There is funding available in certain circumstances. Speak to the opportunity provider to find out if they have funding subsidies or know of different funding grants. You could always create your own fundraising schemes to get you there.
How long do I need to volunteer for?
There are opportunities that last as little as 2 weeks and as long as 12 months. There may even be opportunities that last longer. All details of length of service are available from the organisation leading the opportunity.
Check out: http://www.volunteerinternational.org for further information.
Not sure about volunteering? We can help you find opportunities and give you advice about volunteering. Get in touch with Shirley Ashe, Volunteer Support Worker by email: at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 0141 876 9555. She can help give you advice about what types of opportunities are available, how to find funding and how to get started.
Useful Links
BUNAC (private company)
Volunteering and work experience programmes around the world.
Concordia
A range of 2-4 week community based volunteer projects.
Connections IKM /Inka Magik
Three-month teaching programmes in Lima and around Peru.
Ecologia Trust
Promoting and fostering the process of positive, creative change in Russia.
Gapyear.com (private company)
Useful background info about taking a year out.
Inter-Cultural Youth Exchange
Promoting cultural exchange and personal development for young people
International Citizen Service
ICS is a government backed initiative which will enable thousands of 18-22 year olds across the UK the chance to join in the fight against global poverty by volunteering overseas in 27 countries across Africa, Asia and South America. Participation is free for people on low incomes. Six experienced volunteer agencies led by VSO deliver ICS programmes - International Service, Progressio, Restless Development, Skillshare, THET and VSO.
Project Trust
8 or 12 month structured volunteer placements in Africa, Asia or South America for school leavers.
Travellers Worldwide
Rewarding voluntary placements for all ages. Over 300 projects across 20 countries in teaching, conservation, sports coaching, care and more. Flexible start and finish dates you choose. Starts from £595 for two weeks including accommodation, food, travel and 24/7 support.
Projects Abroad
Not only teaching but also conservation, medical, archaeological and business and journalism projects. (A company registered in the UK.)
VESL Summer Placements
A charity that sends volunteers to run educational projects in Asia.
VSO
Through its Global Xchange programme, leading international development organisation VSO offers young people (18-22) overseas volunteer placements for three or six months in developing countries in Africa and Asia.
Worldwide Volunteering
A big database of opportunities; many public access points and your school, college or careers centre may have access.
Year Out Group (private company)
An alliance of organisations offering advice, information and opportunities.