Volunteering abroad can be easy if joining a team sponsored by an organization, but it can be complicated for those working alone. Knowing the time frame and type of work can help narrow down opportunities. Finding a charity group to work with is essential, and volunteers should be realistic about expenses and travel restrictions.
Many different charities encourage and support volunteers from foreign countries, but the process for getting started is often very dependent on the organisation, location and type of work in question. Sometimes it’s relatively easy; this is particularly true if you want to volunteer for a short time as a member of a team sponsored by an organization such as a school or church. In many of these cases, the organizers do all the coordinating work, and all you have to do is pay the required fees, complete all the necessary paperwork, and attend. Things are often much more complicated for volunteers working alone, particularly those who want to stay abroad for a longer period of time. Most international charities can “sponsor” volunteers in countries that would otherwise require visas, but the paperwork required to sort it all out often takes a lot of time. No matter how you hope to do your charity work abroad, starting with a firm idea of your time frame and the work you are interested in doing can help narrow down your opportunities. Being realistic about the costs you may incur, both in terms of time and finances, is also a good way to prepare.
think of your time
The field of international charitable work is generally very broad. It is often possible to volunteer for just a few days, as is often the case when doing something like helping with relief efforts against a natural disaster or other calamity. Many organizations also sponsor short-term relief trips to support groups such as team building, medical teams and orphanages in underserved parts of the world. Many of these types of opportunities are designed as learning journeys, and participants are there both to help and to see another side of humanity and culture than they’ve been exposed to before.
Another type of volunteer is willing and able to put in much more time, and may make charity work a full-time business or all-consumer, at least for a while. Doctors and medical personnel often plan extended relief trips to communities in need of health care, for example, and young people often join organizations like the Peace Corps to volunteer abroad for a year or more. Knowing what kind of compromise you’re willing to make can help narrow down your options.
find an organization
Once you have a sense of your goals, it’s time to find a group to work with. Almost all charity work is carried out under the supervision of at least one formal charity group; it is very rare for individuals to simply arrive in a foreign country and begin doing charity work independently. Many of these organizations have local websites and branches, often in large cities, and the staff can often help you understand the types of opportunities available and more about the specifics of logging on.
Be realistic about expenses
Some charitable organizations can help defray transport costs for people doing charity work abroad, but in some cases a volunteer may need to be prepared to cover the expenses. Many groups use or encourage fundraising activities to raise money to help with costs. This usually takes time and a bit of ambition. Most charitable organizations pay for food and housing costs incurred while volunteering abroad, but not always.
Consider visas and other travel restrictions
Charitable work is almost always noble in intent and helpful to the beneficiaries, but national governments sometimes try to control the flow of volunteers, particularly in unstable or war-torn regions. Depending on the country and how long you intend to stay, you may also need to obtain a visa or other authorization to stay longer than the standard tourist entry allocations. You may need to provide proof that a local charity group has sponsored you and is willing to vouch for your activities while you are in the country. The process may take some time and may also have associated costs.
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