Transitions Abroad

Originally a budget-travel magazine, Transitions Abroad’s website features insightful expert articles about volunteering, various programs, and useful participant reports.

World Volunteer Web

The World Volunteer Web supports the volunteer community by serving as a global clearinghouse for information and resources linked to volunteerism that can be used for campaigning, advocacy and networking.

Aid Workers Network

Offers useful advice with an extensive online forum for those who are interested in pursing a career in aid work.

Volunteers for Prosperity

A USA Freedom Corps initiative enacted by President Bush in 2003, Volunteers for Prosperity seeks to encourage and support professionals to help meet the global health and prosperity goals of the U.S. Government.

Search

The following websites allows you to search for programs offered by volunteer service organizations according to location, duration, and type of volunteer work:

Idealist

Serve Your World

Volunteer Abroad

IVPA

(International Volunteer Programs Association)

Volunteer Service Organizations

A popular way to volunteer is through third-party placement organizations who have ties to local communities overseas. One advantage of volunteer organizations is that they offer a variety of short-term programs. Some individuals may choose to volunteer with a third-party program for the technical support provided such as room and board, orientation, language instruction, health insurance, and training. But you should also consider the following:

• Program fee ranging anywhere from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. While the idea of paying to volunteer may sound absurd, it is important to remember that most of these organizations are non-profit with little or no outside funding. Participant fees go to pay for administrative costs, food and housing, and training.
• While some long-term volunteer work is possible with these organizations, most are short-term because of cost restraints.
• Short-term volunteering often involves non-professional work but in the field or country of interest.

When researching program providers be sure to find out what is included in the program fees and what is not. Search engines such as Volunteer Abroad and IVPA usually yield third-party program results, here are a few:

United Planet

A non-profit public educational charity organization providing 1-52 week-long “quests” starting at approximated $1000.

Cosmic Volunteers

Offers programs in Ghana, Kenya, Peru, Ecuador, China, India, Philippines, and Vietnam. Program costs begin at $900 depending on duration.

Government Sponsored Programs

Volunteering with governmental agencies is another option.

Peace Corps

By far the biggest American volunteer organization overseas, this is a popular choice for many. The Peace Corps provides full travel, living, medical and dental expenses while in-country as well as a settling-in allowance. Volunteers are also granted loan forgiveness for some types of loans. Requires a 27-month commitment. For more information please contact CSU’s Peace Corps recruiter at: pcorps@lamar.colostate.edu

Student Conservation Association

Has domestic volunteer opportunities in national parks across the country.

United Nations

Accepts volunteers who are at least 25 years old with over 5 years of experience. It can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months to find placement for applicants. Volunteers are not able to choose where they are stationed and service may last from 1-2 years.

Other Organizations

There are countless volunteer organizations across the globe. Many are concerned with a specific issue area and recruit experienced and qualified professionals who are willing to volunteer for short-term assignments or an extended period of time. In some cases, the organization will cover the costs of transportation and/or housing. If you are interested in a specific type of volunteer work related to your field of studies, consider soliciting the advice of faculty members in your department.

Engineers without Borders

Implement environmentally and economically sustainable engineering projects aimed at providing safe drinking-water, adequate sanitation, and other basic needs in disadvantaged communities worldwide. Non-engineers are also needed to help with administrative tasks.

Winrock International

Works with local communities across the globe to implement economically and environmentally sustainable projects. Those with experience in agriculture and farming are especially encouraged to apply.

International Voluntary Service

A volunteer exchange NGF organizing inexpensive, short-term voluntary work in workcamps around the world.

ACDI/VOCA

A non-profit organization focused on economic growth and development of civil society in emerging democracies and developing countries. Seeks skilled professionals who have at least five years of experience.

Geekcorps

Seeks volunteers specializing in information and communication technology to promote development overseas.

Concern America

Has volunteer opportunities lasting from 1-2 years for professionals with experience in public health, medicine, nutrition, nursing, agriculture, community development, education, or technology in South America.

On Your Own

For a select and independent few, arranging your own volunteer placement might be the most viable option. Keep in mind that this requires a high degree of flexibility, organization, coordination, and hard work. Volunteering independently allows you to tailor your experience to better fit your skills and interests. You are also able to immerse yourself more quickly and comprehensively into your host community and can easily combine your travels with volunteer work. On the other hand, you will have to take responsibility for all arrangements without a support staff or training. Communicating with your hosts may be difficult especially if you do not have strong language skills.

If volunteering independently is right for you, then you might want to start by identifying people in your personal network, such as faculty, family, friends, or supervisors, who may have contacts overseas. If there is a specific organization or association that you would like to volunteer for, then start by sending a letter with your proposal or even a cold call. Another option is to pursue opportunities once you are in-country and are able to contact local organizations in person. Whichever option you choose, you should be ready to bear the burden of responsibility for making your goal of volunteering abroad happen.

Office of International Programs

International Education Coordinator

If you have specific questions or would like to learn more about other international opportunities on campus and abroad, you can also contact our coordinator at intled@colostate.edu or call 491-5917 to set up an appointment.

Text Resources

The International Resource Center, located in the Study Abroad Office also has several useful books that can help you narrow down your choices. Office hours are Monday-Thursday from 9-12 and 1-4.

How to Live your Dream of Volunteering Overseas, by Joseph Collins et al USA: Penguin Books, 2001.

Volunteer Work, by the Central Bureau for Educational Visits and Exchanges (U.K.) London: Central Bureau for Educational Visits and Exchanges, 1995.

Alternative to the Peace Corps, edited by Filomena Giese Canada: Instituted for Food and Development Policy, 1999.

The Global Citizen, by Elizabeth Kruempelmann Toronto: Ten Speed Press, 2002.

*Disclaimer: Inclusion of a program on this list should not be interpreted as an endorsement by CSU. We cannot vouch for the authenticity or accuracy of programs outside of CSU. Please do careful research, including discussions with those who have participated in the program you are considering. Failure to provide the name of participants as references should be viewed as a “red flag.”