Getting into Overseas Volunteering

Spending some time living and working overseas as a volunteer is probably one of the most challenging yet equally one of the most rewarding, things a person can do, no matter whether you’re young or old. Perhaps, you’re considering taking a ‘gap’ year before university or you may already be working in a job and find that you’re no longer being challenged, career options are limited and you’ve gone as far as you can go. Alternatively, you may be in a position whereby your company encourages its staff to take a sabbatical after a certain period of employment and you wish to broaden your horizons and to try out a new challenge before resuming your post or you may be retired and feel as though you’ve still got so much to offer and want to enjoy new experiences and give something back. Whatever your motivation, volunteering overseas is bound to be an experience you’ll never forget and there are several options available to you.

Teaching

English has rapidly become the global ‘second’ language for most nationalities and there are plenty of opportunities around the world to teach English to adults and children. You don’t have to have had any previous teaching experience and, although many organisations that specialise in this field will require you to have a TEFL or TESOL qualification, you can often gain these whilst on the job.

Conservation and the Environment

We’re all familiar with global issues like endangered species, the destruction of community habitat and the decimation of the rain forests and these are just three of the many aspects of environmental and conservation work which are prevalent today. There are a whole host of projects which you can volunteer for in which your efforts today will leave behind a long lasting legacy which will result in pleasure and enjoyment for generations to come.

Medical Projects

If you come from a medical or care background, you can often make a huge difference in areas where medical skills are badly needed. This is especially true in less developed parts of the world such as parts of Africa and Asia. Not only will you gain a great sense of satisfaction out of being able to help people less fortunate than yourself, your contribution could actually help to save lives.

Sports

There are plenty of opportunities to both work as a volunteer and to indulge in your favourite sporting pastime at the same time. You might enjoy fishing and find yourself on the Great Barrier Reef helping with its conservation and perhaps running educational programs or maybe you’ll be teaching soccer skills to African children. These are just two of the many sports related voluntary projects you could get involved with.

Whatever you choose to do, the internet is a great place to do your research and you’re bound to uncover a volunteering opportunity that fits the bill for you perfectly. Some of the organisations who could help you achieve your goals are featured on other articles contained on this website and there are other articles which will explain more fully the things which you will have to take into consideration with regards to issues such as adapting to a different culture, raising funds for your trip and overcoming other difficulties which you might encounter. Whatever you choose to do, a voluntary experience overseas will live in your memory forever and you’re sure to make many friends along the way.