International Volunteer Work Tips

International volunteer work is available via organizations like Volunteers for Peace (VFP), which operates a variety of work projects in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and the USA. This organization offers placements for volunteers in over 100 countries, and offer the benefits of working with a multi cultural group of volunteers from around the world. Volunteers in VFP projects live and work together on projects to improve the communities they visit.

These projects are designed to be affordable and offer the opportunity to make real friends while traveling abroad and helping others. VFP has been operating volunteer vacations since 1982, and over 28,000 volunteers have participated in their programs since that time. Their volunteer work camp concept provides a great opportunity for participants to work on meaningful projects and learn about the local communities they visit.

Global Volunteers is a similar organization which specializes in providing short term volunteering opportunities through a global non profit network. Volunteers participate in short term assignments that contribute to ongoing projects in communities around the world. They have the opportunity to live and work with people in the local communities they visit on ethical projects for a period of between one to three weeks.

The organization also offers the option of extending service terms for up to 24 weeks for some volunteers who request it. Global Volunteers is one of the oldest and most respected organizations in the volunteer vacation field, and operates some of the most highly regarded programs in the industry. The company has been organizing volunteer teams abroad since 1984 and has placed over 27,000 volunteers on every continent.

There are many other organizations for international volunteers to consider when seeking placement opportunities abroad. Those who can devote a longer amount of time to volunteer work overseas may want to apply with the Peace Corps, which provides service opportunities in over 73 countries. Volunteers with this organization have a chance to work on a wide range of issues, from IT work and business development to AIDS education and environmental protection.

Another non profit organization called Earth Watch offers short term volunteer opportunities abroad in the area of environmental conservation and the preservation of cultural heritage. These programs last between 1 to 3 weeks and are open to volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. The Foundation for Sustainable Development offers internships abroad for college students and grads.

Global Volunteer Network (GVN) is another organization which offers many international volunteer work opportunities around the world. The company partners with non profits and charities in 21 different countries to offer a variety of programs in South America, Asia and Africa. The help to support the work of local community groups in the developing world by allowing these groups to develop volunteer programs that best meet their needs.

Bill Gates has endorsed GVN and Network for Good as two great options for young people who want to get involved in helping disadvantaged communities around the world. GVN has been operating international volunteer programs for the last nine years, and during this time they have placed over 14,000 volunteers from the US and other countries with grassroots organizations in developing countries.