Many different charities encourage and support international volunteers, but the process for getting started varies greatly depending on the organization, the location, and the type of work being done. It can be relatively simple at times, especially if you’re looking to join a team sponsored by an organization such as a school or church for a short period of time. In many of these cases, the organizers handle all of the planning, and all you have to do is pay the required fees, complete any necessary paperwork, and show up. Volunteering on their own can be much more difficult, especially for those who want to stay abroad for an extended period of time. Most international charities can “sponsor” volunteers in countries where visas are required, but the paperwork involved in getting everything in order can take a long time. Starting with a firm idea of your timing and the work you’re interested in doing can help narrow down your options, regardless of how you plan to do your charity work abroad. It’s also a good idea to be realistic about the costs you’ll have to bear, both in terms of time and money.
Consider your timing.
International charity work is usually a very broad field. Volunteering for as little as a few days is often possible, as is the case when assisting with relief efforts following a natural disaster or other calamity. Many organizations also fund short-term aid trips to help groups such as construction crews, medical teams, and orphanages in underserved areas of the world. Many of these trips are intended to be educational, and participants are there as much to help as they are to see a different side of humanity and culture than they have seen before.
Another type of volunteer is willing and able to devote significantly more time to charity work, and may make it a full-time or all-consuming endeavor, at least for a time. Doctors and medical personnel frequently plan extended aid trips to communities in desperate need of healthcare, and young people frequently volunteer for a year or more with organizations such as the Peace Corps. Knowing how much of an investment you’re willing to make can help you narrow down your choices.
Look for an organization.
It’s time to find a group to work with once you’ve established your objectives. Almost all charitable work is conducted under the supervision of at least one formalized charitable organization; it is extremely rare for individuals to simply arrive in a foreign country and begin doing charitable work on their own. Many of these organizations have websites and local offices, usually in major cities, where staff members can usually help you understand what kinds of opportunities are available and how to sign up.
Be Honest With Your Expenses
Some charitable organizations may help defray the costs of transportation for volunteers performing charity work abroad, but in some cases, a volunteer may have to pay for their own transportation. Many organizations use or encourage fundraising activities to help defray costs. This frequently necessitates patience and a certain amount of ambition. Most charitable organizations, but not all, cover the costs of food and lodging while volunteering abroad.
Take into account visas and other travel restrictions.
Although charity work is almost always noble in intent and beneficial to the recipients, national governments occasionally try to regulate the flow of volunteers, particularly into unstable or war-torn areas. You may need to obtain a visa or other authorization to stay longer than the standard tourist entry allocations, depending on the country and how long you intend to stay. You may be required to show proof that you have been sponsored by a local charitable organization that is willing to vouch for your activities while in the country. It is possible that the process will take some time and cost money.