Are you thinking about volunteering abroad? International volunteering has become increasingly popular. The University of Liverpool are continuously searching for course related and non-course related volunteering opportunities abroad. LGoS works closely with the university to promote these opportunities to students. There is also an overwhelming amount of information and opportunities available on the internet. Many of the organisations offering these opportunities partner with local projects in various countries. Due to the complex nature of international volunteering, it is not possible for LGoS to carry out vigorous checks on these projects and therefore we are unable to reccomend specific organisations for you to volunteer with.

To aid you with your search we have provided you with various issues for you to consider and a comprehensive list of questions for you to ask the host organisation to help you make an informed decision about the specific organisation and opportunity you choose to volunteer abroad with.

Project background and ethics

1. How was the project identified? Was it from a local perspective, either through a local organisation or via consultation with the local community?
2. Is there a local partner organisation with responsibility for designing and managing the project?
3. Is the project being sustained after the volunteers leave or has it been set up as a one-off opportunity that will only have short term benefits?
4. What is the organisation's philosophy towards development? Whilst many organisations have deep rooted, sustainable links with communities and local people, others operate on a more commercial basis.

Project Benefits

1. Who will benefit from the project? Will anyone be adversely affected by the project? How will the expectations of the local stakeholders be managed?
2. Is there a genuine need for volunteers to do this or has the opportunity been created as an adventure holiday? How can I be sure that the opportunity is not taking away the chance of paid employment for a local person?

The job

1. Has the volunteer role been clearly defined? Are the projects defined and does the programme clearly outline your duties for the duration of your volunteering? Do you know what the programme expects from you? Have you made your expectations of the programme known?
2. Will the volunteers be provided with training? What skills are required?
3. Who will I be working with? Will I be on my own, is there a group of volunteers or does the role involve working alongside local people?
4. Does the programme you are considering have a group leader/supervisor on the project with you?
5. What type of accomodation is provided?

N.B You should not enter the programme thinking that you can change the world or that your way is the right way. Instead you should focus on the learning experience that can come out of such an opportunity. Be open to being taught new ideas and seek to make connections with the people you will work with. 

Reputation

1. Does the Foreign and Commonwealth Office approve of travel to this country?
2. Is the organisation linked to other reputable companies or have travel or government endorsements?
3. Does the organisation have any religious or political affiliations?
4. How and why was the organisation set up and what sort of organisation is it (e.g. NGO, charity or profit making company)? How long has the organisation been running and how many people do they send overseas?
5. Can I speak with volunteers who have returned from the project to find out about their experiences

Practical Arrangements

1. What am I getting for my money? What proportion of the cost goes towards administration and marketing and what goes to the local project that is hosting me? Ask for a breakdown.
2. Food: Are meals part of your programme fee? If so how many meals are day are provided? Is the water in the region potable? Also if you have certain dietary restrictions inform your programme before you arrive.
3. Orientation: Does the programme provide an orientation process? Is there a debriefing process after your trip? Have you spent time researching the region you will be visiting; cultural customs, dress, food, weather, religion, politics, etc. Does your programme have some process of integrating you into the community you are entering?
4. Packing: This will depend on the region you are travelling to. Make sure to look up the seasonal weather patterns for the time frame you will be travelling. To get a better idea of items needed contact your programme.
5. Accomodation: Where will I be staying? Who will I be staying with?
6. Safety: Research the area you are travelling and remember to ensure your personal safety at all times.
7. What support and training am I provided with, both before and after? What happens if something goes wrong - for example if I am very ill or have to get home unexpectedly? Is repatriation included? Does the organisation have contingency plans for a crisis? Is there an evacuation plan?
8. Will I need my own travel insurance and does the organisation's insurance cover me for the kind of work that I will be doing? (Think both about health and about belongings).
9. In the case of political unrest, does your programme have an evacuation plan? What do you need to do in the case of a serious medical emergency? How often will your programme be in contact with you?
10. Visas: Unless you are staying for more than a couple of months you will more than likely only need a passport. However to know for sure you will need to contact the Sending Organisation. Also keep in mind that getting a visa is a process that can take between a few weeks and a few months.

Application process

1. What is the application process? How long will it take?
2. Do I need a reference(s)

 More useful information can be found here