Volunteering abroad helps you build international awareness, gain new perspectives and contribute to a cause that matters to you.
Why volunteer abroad?
As well as making a positive impact on others, volunteering can:
- boost your wellbeing
- empower you to support local communities or protect the environment
- expand your personal and professional network
- help you develop skills that enhance your CV
Things to consider
You’ll get the most out of the experience if you think carefully about the following:
- Your reasons for volunteering – You’ll benefit more by learning from the community, rather than going in with the idea of helping them
- What you'll be doing – Look for a project that builds on your existing skills and experience, so you can make a meaningful contribution and support local priorities
- How you'll apply your learning – If you’re passionate about the cause, how will you continue to support it when you return?
Where to find opportunities
To help you with your research, we've compiled a list of suggested volunteer providers in the Global opportunities section on Blackboard.
Choosing a project or organisation
It's important to volunteer with an organisation that’s ethical, responsible and genuinely supports the local community. You should also feel supported and know exactly where your money is going if you're paying to take part.
Below are some key things to keep in mind when researching.
Check how the organisation represents local people in its marketing. Avoid any that position volunteers as ‘saving the world’. Look instead for language that reflects local leadership and partnerships.
Ask questions like:
- Who asked for this project to be set up?
- Does it respond to a locally defined need?
- Who runs it day to day?
Projects should be designed and led by the local community wherever possible.
Avoid projects that rely on a constant stream of international volunteers. Instead, look for organisations that:
- work with the community long-term
- support and strengthen local systems
- add capacity where it’s genuinely needed
Ask questions like:
- What happens when the volunteers leave?
- How does the organisation make sure its work continues and has a lasting impact?
Could the role be done by a local person instead of a volunteer? Could the cost of hosting a volunteer be better spent locally?
In some cases, international volunteers can unintentionally disrupt local economies and job opportunities. Make sure the project doesn't cause more harm than good.
The focus should be on the benefit to the community, not just what volunteers gain.
Check if the organisation:
- has a clear mission and proven track record
- can provide impact reports or uses a monitoring and evaluation framework to measure success
A proper application process is a good sign that the organisation is committed to doing things responsibly. Look for:
- a clear role description
- in-depth training
- in-country support
- a debrief or reflection process when you return
If you’re being asked to pay to volunteer, ask for a clear breakdown of where your money goes. Ethical organisations will be transparent about their costs.
Orphanage volunteering
Volunteering in orphanages abroad can do more harm than good. Research by UNICEF Cambodia found that this type of volunteering had created an industry that exploited vulnerable children.
Many global organisations now strongly discourage it. We recommend that you avoid volunteering in orphanages.
To learn more about the issues surrounding orphanage volunteering, visit the ReThink Orphanage website.
Funding for international volunteering
If you're volunteering abroad during the summer, you may be able to apply for support through the Global Experience Bursary.
Contact us
For general help and advice, get in touch with our Student Mobility Team via the Student Centre.