So you’ve decided to go abroad - either to take a gap year before going to university, take time off during your studies or to seek a new and different experience after graduation. You’ve also decided that you want to have a chance to travel or see a bit of the world. You are now deciding what you want to do with that time. Once you start doing some research you’ll find that there are many opportunities available to you. What you need to decide is whether you want to earn money or do a volunteer job. A good case can be made for either choice and it is important that you research all your options.

There are different ways of looking at volunteering:
One is that it is a rewarding and positive arrangement for all parties involved; that people benefit from your skills, knowledge and effort and in return, you benefit from the fact you are committing yourself to a good and worthwhile cause for little material gains.

or that . . .

Volunteering is a mutually parasitic exchange for both the volunteer and the volunteer users. You say: “I’m willing to be used as a cheap source of labour for a certain amount of time and in exchange, I’ll get some useful job experience and inexpensive travel thrown into the bargain.”

Define Your Motives
Before making a commitment, it is important to clarify your motives. You may be drawn to voluntary service by a desire to help impoverished people. You may be interested in learning about another culture and society. You may wish to be part of a process of positive social change. Or you may wish to gain experience which will help you find employment. Each of these motivations will direct you to distinct options for volunteering. So before you commit yourself to one organisation or another, make sure that you are clear in your own mind why you want to volunteer abroad so that you can choose the best programme to match your objectives.

By volunteering abroad you have the opportunity, which you might not necessarily get otherwise, to learn new skills that will significantly enhance your career prospects when you return home. You may choose an activity to supplement future study or career plans (for example, if you want to study medicine, you can volunteer in a hospital). Alternatively, you may choose activities that give you a well-rounded experience or something unusual and adventurous or you may wish to choose any activity that also gives you a chance to explore a different culture at first hand.

Keep in mind that most volunteer organisations assist in the development of poorer regions. Whatever their approach to development, development means just that “development”. What does that mean to you? Well if you are the type of person who is very “particular” about your environment and doesn’t adapt to change well, then volunteering abroad is probably not the best way for you to be spending your time off.

Volunteering - What To Expect
In terms of location and the type of work that you can expect to find, the possibilities are almost endless. You can volunteer virtually everywhere in the world. In wealthier areas, volunteering may be the only way for nonspecialists to work for social, educational, or environmental causes. In most countries with developing economies, volunteering is often the only work possible for foreigners, particularly for those seeking their first work experience in these locations.

Sponsoring organisations for voluntary work tend to be large international multi-government organisations such as the United Nations, smaller non-governmental organisations (known as NGOs), and religious organisations. The latter may have either a social-activist or a specific belief orientation, or in some cases, both.

Many organisations provide for room and board but not for transportation or personal expenses. Some require volunteers to cover their own expenses. Short-term programs which provide training, on-site support, and academic credit (sometimes) usually charge a fee - but they are generally less expensive than study-only programs or simply travelling.

Preparation is Vital
Whatever you decide to do, plan well in advance and do some independent research into your anticipated destinations. Books such as Rough Guide and Lonely Planet are very useful for checking out important information. Ensure you have up-to-date travel documents (including visas) and travel insurance to cover you for the duration of your time abroad. Consult your GP about health requirements and vaccinations at least eight weeks prior to the departure date.

Risks?
There are inherent and unavoidable risks with most activities and these risks must be balanced and placed in perspective. It is important to ask yourself what your risks are if you didn’t go abroad, if you went on a “normal” holiday for an extended length of time or worked at home.

Some places pose more “risks” than the UK. But this is the price you pay for going to a new place.

Abide by the rules and regulations. Ask trustworthy locals about conditions.

Get advice from other women who’ve done similar activities. Cultural norms and dictates mean that the experience will almost always be different for women.

Depending on where you go, health facilities may not be of the best standard. If you suffer from conditions that require medical supervision or if you are susceptible to certain illnesses, a developing country may not be suitable (most organisations screen candidates and you should answer truthfully any questions regarding your existing health).

Culture Shock, Altered Lifestyles and Discrimination
Your lifestyle may not be catered to in a foreign country. Social and recreational activities may not be what you are used to. In some places, it is not socially acceptable for women to indulge in activities that are considered quite normal in the UK (such as going out unaccompanied by men).

Your race, ethnicity or nationality may dictate or affect your choice. You may be officially barred from certain countries due to your nationality. Different countries do not have the same laws or customs to protect people against racism and there may not be the same level of abhorrence towards racism as you know in the UK. As a “foreigner” and a woman, there is always a chance you may be targeted for racist or/and sexual harassment. Try to get independent and unofficial accounts from women who know the particular places you are interested in.

Organised Projects
If you are embarking on a project with an organisation, make sure you get the facts before you start. Ask:

The total monetary cost to you.

If there are allowances or expenses, how much you’ll get.

Who deals with booking transportation and accommodation.

What happens in case of emergencies (accident, illness, natural disasters etc.).

If you are responsible for your own insurance or if the organiser(s) take care of this.

About the organisation - if it’s a private company, public company, a registered charity or voluntary organisation without charitable status.

If there are reports of programmes in the past.

Funding Your Experience
If after doing your research you’ve discovered that you will need to fund your volunteer work experience abroad, the best way to find funds is to go directly to people or organisations for support. In exchange, the volunteer can provide reports from abroad or presentations upon return. Possible sources include service clubs, religious organisations and relatives. Other fund-raising events include raffles, providing services for contributions, etc. Most organisations will assist volunteers with suggestions for raising funds.

SEE ALSO
Travel Planning

USEFUL CONTACTS
British Trust For Conservation Volunteers
BTCV is the United Kingdom's leading practical conservation charity, working with people from all sectors of the community on vital urban and rural projects at home and abroad. Volunteers help conserve the countryside and protect wildlife habitats.

Gap
A charitable organisation providing information and placements.
GAP Activity Projects, GAP House, 44 Queens Road, Reading, UK, RG1 4BB

Travel Advice Unit, Consular Division Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Traveller’s advisory information for British Nationals.
1 Palace Street, London SW1E 5HE
Tel: 020 7238 4503/4504. Fax: 020 7238 4545

United Nations Volunteers
Contains a list of web links related to short-term volunteer experiences.

VSO
An international charity that works in developing nations through volunteers of all ages.
317 Putney Bridge Road, London SW15 2PN
Tel: 020 8780 7200
Fax: 020 8780 7300