Where can I volunteer overseas with no cost for me???

Question

Why should pay to work for free ??? so I am looking a long term voluntering oversea at no charge to me.

Answer 1

There are many organizations that place volunteers in the developing world that do not charge the volunteers a fee, HOWEVER, the volunteers are *highly* qualified, have skills that can lead to local people generating income, lead to transformations in government, educational and other institutional structures, etc. These organizations are looking for people who can commit two years of time, who work in a language other than English, who have experience abroad, who have experience working with traditionally-underserved communities, and on and on.

These organizations, such as PeaceCorps and UN Volunteers, are also HIGHLY competitive.

Fee-based volunteering abroad is for people who are not experienced but want to get a taste for international work. The fees are charged because organizations are focused on employing and helping LOCAL people -- not to give a Westerner a feel-good volunteering experience -- and so that's where their money goes, instead of paying for a volunteer to fly in for a month or two. That said, there are *many* quality fee-based programs out there, and these programs do help you gain experience in international work.

I have a web site that lists the kind of skills and experience volunteer placement agencies are looking for, and how a young person such as yourself can engage in activities locally that will help you gain the experience that PeaceCorps, UN Volunteers, VSO, and other long-term placement agencies are looking for
(http://www.coyotecommunications.com/volunteer/international.html

Also see the more-than-30 member organizations that make up the International Volunteers Program Association (IVPA), a good place to find reputable volunteer-for-a-fee programs.

Also pick up a copy of the book "How To Live Your Dream of Volunteering Overseas", a good book on how to fund raise for a fee-based program, and how to get the most out of such an experience.

Answer 2

The local organizations where you will volunteer overseas have limited resources and are not in a position to subsidize your costs. If they did, it would most often be beneficial to employ a local person instead, who knows the language and culture and will be there for a long period.

The volunteer work is not what you're paying for. If you go through an organization that makes all the arrangements, they charge a fee which goes to field costs such as your accommodation, airport transfers, and an orientation program (they should have some kind of orientation so you learn about the culture, how they work, where things are, etc.).

Identifying appropriate host organizations overseas and working with them is very time-consuming, takes resources, and requires an experienced and professional staff. Also, the administrative costs of recruiting volunteers, producing literature, corresponding by email, phone calls, developing a website, and interviewing potential volunteers are significant. Additional services, such as providing 24/7 in-country logistical and emotional support add to the expenses of the program.

If you go on your own, you may be able to find a place to volunteer so you'll just have to pay for your plane trip, accommodation, food, and related living expenses. If you've never worked in a developing country, I would not recommend this as a first time endeavour. Also, it can be difficult to find an appropriate opportunity and a reputable place.

Here are websites with databases of hundreds of opportunities. Most charge a reasonable fee, but with searching you may be able to find some that don't.
http://www.idealist.org
http://www.volunteerabroad.com
http://www.transitionsabroad.com

Answer 3

Why should you pay to work for free? What kind of volunteer are you? It sounds to me as though you just want to have a long break from wherever you are and get paid for the privilege. If you really wanted to help you wouldn't be bothered about money, THAT is supposed to go to the people the charities are there to help!

Answer 4

Daniel,

You can look up the following places to volunteer but WOULD need to pay your way to get to the destination. (round trip ticket) Perhaps you can find someone or a business to help you fund your airfare.

www.risingfountains.org

www.rippleafrica.org

Answer 5

There are many alternatives, free of charge. You can find many alternatives at http://www.volunteermatch.org .

Answer 6

join the army