Four Ways to Create the Perfect International Volunteer Experience
By Monisha Kapila, Founder and CEO of ProInspire
We're on Day 3 of our 5 Days of Giving series on the blog with the goal of
helping each and every one of you with your goals to change the world, in both big and small ways.
In 2001 I went to India to work for an international non-governmental organization (NGO), leading to my career shift from business to nonprofit. At the time I was working as a consultant for Arthur Andersen and knew I wanted to do something more meaningful. My parents had immigrated to the US from India, so I decided to go to India and work for an international organization.
After months of searching, I found a great opportunity with CARE India, packed my bags, and moved to New Delhi. CARE was working on a number of programs related to the 2001 Gujarat earthquake, and I spent six months helping them launch a program supporting micro-entrepreneurs in three villages in Gujarat. My experience at CARE taught me that I really wanted to have a career focused on social impact, and that I could leverage my business skills in the nonprofit sector.
International volunteering has increased in popularity in the 10+ years since I went to India. For some people, it is a chance to take a break and experience life in another country. Others use volunteering as a way to get field experience so they can work in international development. Even travelers are now adding a volunteer component to their trips, leading to a blossoming industry of volunteer tourism.
There are many ways for you to volunteer internationally and make an impact on communities around the world. If you are interested in an international volunteer experience, consider some of these approaches to find the right experience:
Apply for an international fellowship program
At ProInspire, we think highly of Fellowship programs since we have one of our own! Programs like Acumen Fellows, AIF’s William J. Clinton Fellowship, Atlas Corps, iCats, IndiCorps, Kiva Fellows, and the Piramal Fellowships are great opportunities for volunteering in another country. These Fellowships provide structure, targeted opportunities, professional development, and a peer group, which can really enhance the volunteer experience.
Volunteer through an organization you care about
Many international nonprofits have volunteer opportunities that enable you to work with their local teams and projects. Some well-known organizations with volunteer programs include Ashoka, Accion International, Grameen Foundation’s Bankers Without Borders, Habitat for Humanity, and TechnoServe.
Plan a volunteer travel experience
If you are looking for a unique travel experience with volunteering as a component, you may want to consider “volunteer tourism” or “voluntourism”. These programs can be pricey, but they typically arrange for housing, local travel, and volunteer activities. Check out The Complete Guide To Volunteer Tourism for helpful information on planning a trip and evaluating if a volunteer project is worthwhile.
Just show up
Another great option is to just go to a country where you are interested in volunteering. Once you are on the ground, you can meet people at different organizations and create your own volunteer opportunity. Many organizations will be happy to bring on a volunteer who shows they are ready to dedicate a few months to helping them. Sometimes the best opportunities are the ones you find on your own.
No matter which approach you take, international volunteering can be a life changing experience. I hope you try it – then come back and tell me how it went!