Volunteer Abroad

With summer in the air, it’s time to stretch our legs, get away from work or school and rediscover the world and ourselves. And in this rediscovery, helping others can play a large part. While still a senior in high school, Stephanie Wilks heard the call for volunteers at Kenya's Maasai Centre for Field Studies. She leapt at the chance and spent her vacation teaching English to African schoolchildren and helping organize eco tours for other visitors. From home visits among the Maasai tribe to scouting for local medicinal plants, “the point was not to be spectators, but to meet people and have conversations,” Wilks says. The experience sparked an interest in volunteering that has blossomed into a career: Wilks now works for World Culture Open, a non-profit organization which fosters intercultural understanding.

Wilks isn't alone in finding volunteer experiences life-changing. For many travelers, the smaller the world gets, the more they want to connect meaningfully with the people they visit. One sign of of this growing spirit of volunteerism: In 2006, the Peace Corps took their largest number of volunteers in the history of the service. Volunteer experience also distinguishes new entrants in the competitive work market, particularly those intent on pursuing environmentally-oriented careers. “For most jobs in international development, even entry-level jobs, [employers] want to know that you understand the complexities of other cultures,” Wilks says, adding, “The only way you can really do that is to have lived and worked overseas.”

Handling the Expenses
Costs can be a major drawback to volunteering overseas. Travelers with specific experience or academic expertise may be able to find an organization willing to pay their expenses and even provide a stipend. In most cases, however, volunteers will be responsible for air fare, in-country travel and living expenses. And some popular organizations charge added fees.

Yet there are options for the dedicated. If the main purpose of your visit is to volunteer, airlines may provide free or heavily discounted flights—albeit often on standby. Call the carrier and let them know you’re interested in a sponsorship for volunteer work. They may ask to see your volunteer visa or a letter from your volunteer organization.

Students, teachers and those under 26 years old, can get discounted airfare from student-oriented travel agencies like STA Travel (statravel.com). Many colleges offer small grants for students wishing to do independent study or degree-related work overseas. Some employers, such as Patagonia, offer volunteer leave. Yet saving up and living cheaply may be the best advice. “I sold my car and spent a summer living at home and waiting tables," Wilks says.

Finding Volunteer Opportunities
To avoid disappointment, do your research. Ask local environmental organizations about international connections. Contact groups such as the Rotary Club, Kiwanis, United Way, Forestry Association or even a zoo and ask for details about travel costs, work available and experience needed (see sidebar for what to ask).

Below are organizations and volunteer listings that will get you started.

crossculturalsolutions.org: Offers volunteer programs in 12 countries, including Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Morocco, Peru, Russia, South Africa, Tanzania and Thailand.

i-to-i.com: Work to conserve Madagascar’s lemurs, care for endangered wallabies in Australia or help maintain biodiversity with indigenous peoples in Costa Rica.

idealist.org: An extensive volunteer database with environmental listings, connections to local nonprofits, financial aid information, internships and a kids and teens page. Current opportunities include teaching environmental awareness to Nepalese villagers and developing a fruit-drying program for Ghanan villagers, among many others.

maasaicentre.org: The Maasai Centre for Field Studies still takes volunteers as well as school and university groups. For details, contact Dr. Chris Southgate or Dr. Mark Toogood via the Web site.

volunteerabroad.com: Listings include opportunities to protect Australia’s environment and conservation projects in Costa Rica.

volunteerinternational.org: Conservation programs in Thailand, creating a Holocaust Memorial Park in Poland and making eco-friendly soap with disabled persons in Japan are just three of the unique opportunities you’ll find on this site.

Looking for something closer to home? The Nature Conservancy accepts volunteers working to conserve the Boreal Forest and the Great Bear Rainforest in Canada (see nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/canada).

And whether you travel to distant countries or spend the summer at home, there are always ways to help others, not to mention great rewards in doing so.