What is volunteering with VSO all about?

Each year, hundreds of people start rewarding placements as volunteers in developing countries. Volunteers say they return to their own country equipped with invaluable professional experience, a wealth of memories, and a whole new perspective on life. 

Why should I volunteer?

Volunteering enables you to use your skills to have a lasting impact on the development of some of the poorest communities in the world. Volunteers live and work within the heart of local communities, so you will also experience a culture in way that is just not possible as a traveller or tourist. In addition you will return home with new or enhanced professional skills, including a greater awareness of diversity issues, problem solving and resoursefulness and negotiating and influencing skills.

Whichever type of volunteering you are interested in you will be working alongside local colleagues to share skills and contribute to long-term sustainable development, which will continue long after you leave. VSO volunteers work with a range of grassroots organisations, community initiatives, hospitals, educational institutions and local governments in countries throughout Africa, Asia and the Pacific region.

Benefits for your career

Voluntering is a two-way learning process and volunteers return to their home country with a greater awareness and understanding of cultural differences.

The unique position of working as a volunteer in a new and diverse environment also leads to the development of key personal and professional skills. Improved communication, leadership and resourcefulness are just some of the skills that volunteers have identified as being key in enhancing their careers on returning home.

Is volunteering in developing countries for you?

“If you are here because you pity us, if you came because you think you have the answers to our problems, if you expect that after two years you can look back on a project which you have established, there is no place for you here.

But if you are here because you have unanswered questions of your own, if you have come to receive as well as give, if after two years you will be happy to leave behind friends who have become more self-confident and proud as human beings because of the friendship you have shared with them, then please stay with us.”
(VSO partner, the Philippines)

How VSO supports you to volunteer in developing countries

VSO volunteers receive full personal and financial support including training, a living allowance, flights, accommodation, medical and health insurance, work permits and visas. For more details, see here.

To find out more about VSO placements please click here.