Volunteering Abroad

Bono says you should do it. Bob Geldoff says you should do it. Prince William says you should do it. So what are you waiting for? Volunteering is a popular option with gap year students, many of whom hope to help the world with their own two hands. From building homes to building lives, there may be no better time in your life to devote to the service of others than a gap year. Make your months "off" more meaningful, and look into using your gap year to volunteer today.

What's In It for You?

In addition to the warm glow you'll foster from helping others, volunteering during a gap year is a great way to see new places, sharpen existing skills, learn new skills, practice new languages and cooperate for an ultimate goal. In fact, future employers look very favourably upon the "soft skills" you pick up during a gap year voluntary placement, including:

• Decision making
• Responsibility
• Relationship building
• Team work
• Organisation
• Problem solving
• Communication
• Independence
• Maturity

What's In It for Them?

Of course, volunteering during your gap year leads to many results more worthwhile than a few lines for the CV. The communities served by gap year volunteers are often poor and unable to complete projects on their own. To this end, gap year volunteers have helped communities:

• Build houses, churches and schools.
• Construct systems for running water.
• Care for orphaned children.
• Teach at primary and secondary school levels.
• Learn English.
• Learn basic health care.
• Maintain community centres.
• Protect and preserve endangered animals.
• Thrive agriculturally.
• Work with children with special needs.
• Coach sports teams.
• Organise after-school activities and care.
• …and much more!

Deciding to Volunteer

If you decide that you are interested in taking a gap year to do volunteer work, narrow down your choices by making a few decisions at the start. Think about:

• Your interests.
  • What type of volunteer work would you like to do?
  • What parts of the world are you interested in visiting?
  • Would you consider volunteering in the UK?
• Your budget.
  • Can you afford a pre-arranged gap year programme?
  • Can you afford to buy clothes, food and supplies for the trip?
  • Can you afford to be off work for the duration of your trip?
• How long your gap year can last.
  • Voluntary programmes can be as short as two weeks or as long as two years!

Arranging a Voluntary Placement

With the number of students who want to volunteer during their gap years rising, many companies now offer programmes devoted to voluntary placements around the world, including at home in the UK. For more information, investigate:

• SeasonWorkers.com's Gap Year Voluntary Placements
• Global Vision International
• Global Adventure's Project
• Raleigh International
• Find A Gap Volunteer Aid Projects
• Gap Year UK
• Community Service Volunteers UK
• Also investigate individual charities or causes which you may be interested in, e.g. Christian Aid or The Leprosy Mission.

Before You Go

Before you begin the adventure of a lifetime, keep yourself safe and be sure to investigate:

• Travel vaccinations such as for hepatitis A & B, rabies, typhoid, boosters for tetanus and measles and anti-malarial tablets.
• Travel insurance.
• Travel and medical insurance claims forms.
• Needed prescriptions.
• Visas.
• Travel advisories from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
• Local news in the areas you plan to visit.
• Youth travel cards that may help you save money, including
  • International Student Identity Card (ISIC) - must be a student.
  • International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) - must be under 26 years of age.
  • Youth Hostel Association - cheapest if you are under 26 years of age.

Most travellers who decide to volunteer during their gap year remember it fondly as one of the best times of their lives. Thoroughly investigate your options, and choose a programme based on your interests and budget, and it will undoubtedly be the same for you!