Volunteering

Volunteering is a wonderful way to get to know a local community, learn a new language and culture, develop leadership skills all while making a positive difference in a community.  As you consider going abroad to volunteer, know that it is not a vacation.  Volunteering, as beneficial as it is, is hard work.

Opportunities:

Peace Corps (www.peacecorps.gov)

  • Commit to 2 years of service
  • Commit to 6 months of training in advance of service
  • Receive orientation, training and on-going support to help adjust to your placement
  • You are placed with a particular country and city
  • Work in education, health services or education, or community development

Alternatives to the Peace Corps

  • Depending on your choice, the duration of service is of different lengths, but usually 6 months to a year
  • Level of orientation, training and on-going support will depend on the organization
  • Usually a greater choice of location than with the Peace Corps

Things to Consider:   

  1. Volunteering often costs you money - what is your money going toward?  The community you are serving, the organization sponsoring your stay, your housing, your work permit, some combination of all?
  2. Who will be there to help you adjust to your new setting?
  3. Community involvement, volunteering, motivations, hobbies are important.
  4. Some placements require specific education skills.
  5. Is a foreign language required?  Will your options for placements be more diverse if you have more language skills?
  6. What kind of support does the organization provide (e.g., deferment of federal loan payments, job placement assistance after your volunteer service)
  7. Has the community you are volunteering in asked for the services your volunteer agency is providing?  Are these services really the ones they want and need?

Resources: