Nowadays, in the world we live in, international volunteer service is very important in the conflicts that urgently need to help others. When we reflect on the reasons and importance of volunteer work, it is important to understand that this is not only the impact that we can have on the lives of the people we help, but also the role that this activity can play in our lives.
The fact is that becoming a volunteer in an organization will make you a more compassionate, tolerant person, and most importantly, a good professional. Understand the reasons that prove the importance of international volunteering, and find out which institutions are the basis for such vital assistance.
How International Volunteering Can Affect Your Life
Have you ever thought of volunteering internationally? Different institutions have different opportunities, cross national borders, and have different goals and reasons. Don’t forget that volunteering is not just about helping others. A good volunteer is someone who will do his best to do what is proposed.
Although this is not a rule or requirement, most volunteers have common characteristics that make them people who can rely on in any situation. In fact, it does not matter what type of volunteer service you choose to engage in-the impact of this type of experience on your personal and professional life is definitely an important aspect that needs to be addressed.
As we know, social impact and retribution to society are always among the reasons for volunteer work. If, on the one hand, it makes us more human, tolerant, concerned, empathetic and less selfish, on the other hand, it also makes us grow professionally.
The truth is that volunteering can even be a differentiator when looking for a new job. After all, whatever your field of expertise, volunteering has proven to be an effective way of revealing to employers specific skills and involvement in a purpose.
For example, it is important for companies and recruiters to understand whether job applicants care about helping others, whether they can take responsibility, whether they interact with society, whether they are proactive, and whether they encourage self-knowledge. All these aspects are obtained in international volunteer service, even where you are.
Think with us: between two candidates running for a position, where one of them has an experience like this on his resume, as well as all the proven skills acquired through volunteering, the decision becomes evident.
8 institutions with international volunteer service opportunities
UN Volunteer Service
The United Nations provides approximately two thousand opportunities for international volunteer service each year.
To apply, you must be registered in the global talent pool, be at least 25 years old (no maximum age limit), have two years of professional experience, have a higher education, and have relevant knowledge of English, Spanish or French.
AMI International Volunteer Service
AMI uses professionals from various fields, such as doctors, psychologists, nurses, social workers, etc., who use their knowledge to serve victims of war or natural disasters.
Volunteer actions at AMI can last for weeks, months, or years.
Cross-Cultural Solutions
This is an NGO that develops volunteer projects taking into account the five main goals of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: ending poverty, ending hunger, ensuring health care, achieving inclusive and equitable quality education and achieving gender equality.
Available volunteer programs include options in Costa Rica, Morocco, India, Peru, among many others – check them out here.
AIESEC-Global Volunteers
Global Volunteers is an initiative of AIESEC, aimed at young people aged 18 to 30, and in most cases it can last for 4, 6 or even 8 weeks.
For this, it is necessary to register on the opportunity portal and then fill in the personal data. After completing these steps, you will be able to apply for the opportunities you want in Peru, Brazil, Albania and many other countries.
Volunteer Service in Europe
Young people between the ages of 17 and 30 can be candidates for this program, offering international volunteer service options in very different fields such as cultures, children, the elderly, and the environment. On the website, you can search for voluntary actions by country or by area of intervention.
Volunteer Abroad
Goabroad is a platform with opportunities for volunteering on the go. However, it is for those who are available to support the costs of travel and accommodation.
The most popular destinations are Ireland, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and India, with projects in Africa, Asia, Europe and America. As for the most common areas, we can refer to health, education, nature conservation and work in orphanages.
Global Volunteers
The non-profit organization claims that “international volunteer service can be the experience of a lifetime”. Global Volunteers has individual volunteer programs available for students, families or professionals.
On the site you’ll be able to find a map where you can find volunteer opportunities around the world: from China, Cuba, Costa Rica, Ecuador, India, Greece, Mexico, Italy, Poland, United States, Tanzania and Vietnam.
Para onde?
Para Onde is a Portuguese non-profit association that offers volunteer projects both in Portugal and abroad. These programs can be short (2 weeks) or long (several months).
Internationally, the association works in areas such as child/youth support, community support, environmental and animal protection, health, women’s empowerment, arts, sports and even support for migrants and refugees.
For all who apply for one of these projects, the association itself also promotes a small training.
