Some careers are open to all: read up on them in the TARGETjobs magazine

Volunteering abroad

Volunteering is the new backpacking...Rather than join the stampede of students drinking their way across Australia, why not get a bit more from your time overseas?

This year, thousands of wider-eyed students and graduates will travel the globe to try their hand at anything from turtle-tagging to social work, from farm labouring to community teaching. As well as helping eco-systems and local communities in some of the most beautiful places in the world, many will arrive back in the UK armed with new skills that can be transferred immediately to the workplace. Being able to demonstrate the versatility and commitment required for often demanding projects is a major plus in the opinion of prospective employers.

For many, volunteering is more about opening up their lives to different experiences and doing something constructive with their time. The career skills they pick up are often an unexpected but welcome by-product.

Either way, the truth of the matter is that voluntary work will do wonders for your CV. In today’s ultra-competitive job market, employers look for people who demonstrate personal development as well as traditional office-based skills. Gaining insights into other cultures and adapting quickly to a different environment are part of the job of being a volunteer, and are the kind of qualities that prospective employers can’t get enough of. Many say that adapting to a different way of life was one of the most valuable things they took away from the experience and getting rid of inhibitions and being more confident were also bonuses.

Wish you were here?

It may be the new back packing, but that doesn’t mean voluntary work is a holiday. Volunteers have to forget any thoughts that a placement might involve lying around, sipping a beer and the odd turtle.

Planning ahead

So the benefits are clear, but what’s the best way to organise voluntary work? You may feel happier going through a reputable organisation that arranges the transport, logistics and paperwork for you, as well as providing support if something goes wrong. The downside of this is that it can cost upwards of £1,250 just to get on the volunteer placement. This will cover basic food and accommodation, but often not transport and travel.

It is possible to do research and arrange a volunteer placement off your own back. There are thousands of conservation schemes which rely heavily on volunteers. But you must be prepared for it to be more disorganised – always have a back-up plan if it all falls through. Because, whether it’s saving the turtles in Costa Rica, running a community radio station in Ghana or working with street children in India, the experience of working hard and being somewhere completely new will go a long way to help you along whatever career path you choose.

DOS and DON’TS of volunteering overseas

DO have a real think about what kind of work you want to do. There are endless opportunities out there to suit your chosen career path and help develop your personal skills.

DO spend time researching the local culture and traditions of the country you’re travelling to and make an effort to learn the local language. You’ll get a lot more out of the experience and find it easier to meet people.

DO put time aside to travel afterwards. Volunteering, especially in conservation projects, can mean you’re staying in remote areas with limited transport and contact with the outside world.

DO ask for contact details of people who have already done a placement if you’re going through an agency. It’s useful to talk to them about the reality and day-to-day routine of the work.

DO look at your insurance details very carefully. Check whether you need your own cover and whether the organisation’s insurance includes medical cover for the work you may be doing, and travel back to the UK in an emergency.

DON’T think that volunteering is an extended holiday in the sun. On volunteer projects you will be expected to pull your weight and work hard in sometimes difficult and uncomfortable conditions.

DON’T expect the same luxuries you get at home. Volunteer projects in poor countries often mean a very plain diet, basic accommodation and limited hot water and electricity.

Where next?

Print this article  | 

This article has been viewed 1726 times.
Rating: 4 / 5 (1 votes cast for this article)
Rate this article:

Related articles