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Volunteering abroad
Not everyone wants to commit to a whole year straight away as part of a government-funded programme. For many people, volunteering abroad is therefore the more suitable option: it offers greater flexibility in terms of duration, is open to people of all ages, and is usually easier to organise than a traditional voluntary service. Whether as a short break from everyday working life, a meaningful addition to your studies or a new pursuit in retirement: the reasons for taking on such a role are as varied as the possible locations themselves. This article looks at the different forms of volunteering abroad, what to look out for when choosing an organisation, and how to prepare for such a placement in practical terms.
What forms of volunteering abroad are there?
Volunteering outside Germany can be broadly divided into two categories: short-term placements lasting a few weeks and long-term programmes spanning several months. Both forms have their merits, depending on how much time, experience and financial resources are available.
Short-term placements and long-term programmes
Short-term projects are particularly suitable for people who wish to get involved whilst on holiday or taking a career break, without committing to a long-term arrangement. Common areas of work include simple manual tasks, assisting in the classroom or helping with leisure programmes for children. Long-term programmes, on the other hand, usually last several months and allow for a deeper insight into the specific project work, such as childcare, administrative tasks or setting up new educational programmes. Unlike state-funded schemes, there is generally no fixed age limit here, meaning that older people or pensioners can also take on voluntary work abroad. Some organisations also offer a sort of interim solution, whereby an initial trial placement of a few weeks can later develop into a longer-term commitment, provided both parties are satisfied.
What should you look out for when making your choice?
Not every organisation that offers volunteering placements operates with the same level of transparency or professionalism. Precisely because commercial providers are also active in this sector, it is worth taking a closer look at the structure and working methods of the organisation in question before signing up. A high fee for the placement service alone is not a reliable indicator of quality, just as a particularly low fee does not automatically imply that the organisation is reputable.
Recognising reputable organisations
There are a few pointers to help distinguish reputable organisations from those that are less advisable:
- Clear information on the location, tasks and required prior knowledge
- A transparent breakdown of costs, including accommodation, meals and insurance
- Long-standing partnerships with local projects, rather than short-term placements
- Local contacts who are available throughout the entire placement
Volunteering in the Philippines, for example, works particularly well when the organising body not only arranges travel but also ensures that volunteers are meaningfully integrated into existing projects, rather than simply dropping them off on site without a clear role.
Practical preparations for volunteering abroad
As well as choosing the right organisation, personal preparation also takes some time. Visas, vaccinations, travel insurance and the right equipment should be sorted out well in advance to avoid any unnecessary last-minute rush before departure. The question of how long you intend to stay also influences many other decisions, such as whether it is worth applying for a long-term visa or whether a standard tourist visa will suffice for the planned period.
Anyone deciding to work with an NGO in the Philippines should also bear in mind a few local peculiarities:
- Take the travel period and the tropical climate into account when planning your kit
- A basic knowledge of English is helpful in many placement locations, as it is widely spoken there
- Discuss cultural differences in dealing with children and in communication in advance
- Develop realistic expectations of your own role, as volunteers are not a substitute for qualified staff
- Allow sufficient time to settle in once you arrive, rather than starting straight away with a full programme
Volunteering at a children’s home in the Philippines, in particular, requires not only dedication but also a high sense of responsibility, as the children’s welfare is always the top priority. Reputable organisations therefore often conduct a face-to-face interview or a short training session before volunteers have direct contact with the children.
A volunteering placement where you want to actively help abroad need not be particularly long or complicated to organise, as long as you choose a transparent and experienced organisation. Ultimately, it is less the length of your stay that matters than whether your support actually fits in with an existing project and can make a meaningful contribution there, rather than simply remaining a brief personal experience. Those who take the time to prepare thoroughly and choose carefully usually come away with far more than they put in, both for themselves and for the local people.