Where should I start volunteering?

Volunteering/Working Abroad.. if anyone has done this please help me! tips and where to start?!?

• I have been so interested in doing some works abroad whether it be volunteering or working. Preferably working so i could make something of it, however I've looked into a few company's that you pay to help you start off and always seem to find a few catches, same as the volunteering, could any please give me so advice on the best way to go about it? Is there any companies that will help me start off somewhere working and help me with accommodation and job seeking, or a really good volunteering company that I could use for volunteering? Thank you!!

• Answer:

  Hey Shelley, You'll probably have to go through a company that has you pay upfront. This is because as an untrained international volunteer/intern, etc. you are not bringing hard tangible skills that locals don't have. Thus these experiences end up being moreso educational meant as a great growth experience and meaningful travel opportunity. Think about it--why would a company in a different country want to bring in a foreign worker who will only stay for a couple of months when they could hire a local who is trained in the local culture, language, and is not a travel liability and can stay for a longer period of time than you? SO, that's why these third parties charge you a fee---so you can have your volunteer/work abroad experience and not be a burden on the company hosting you. They provide your training, orientation, pre-departure support, and 24/7 in country emergency support so the company where you work doesn't have to hire someone to take care of you. I really hope I'm not trying to sound harsh but after doing such programs in Canada, India, and Japan....I've gotten to know the volunteer/intern abroad industry very well. And trust me--the program fees that you pay will be worth every cent for your safety reasons as well as socially--you get to make friends with the other interns you stay with. Therefore, look into a cheaper organization like Leave UR mark. The fees are not as ridiculous as most other programs. And the team is really passionate about helping young adults like you, do meaningful work abroad that helps your career and is a good travel experience. No intern that has gone abroad feels that the program fees are a waste. The support is worth it. Website: http://www.leaveurmark.com Email: [email protected] Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LeaveURMark