Planning to Volunteer Abroad?

Questions You Should Ask

-By Carleen Kunkel, retired teacher and eight-time international volunteer-

So, you're thinking about volunteering abroad?

Volunteering abroad will not only satisfy your desire to make a difference in this world, it will help you understand life in another country and culture. By volunteering abroad you are stepping outside your comfort zone and into the rhythm of daily life in another country, where you will develop new perspectives, have new experiences and ultimately have the time of your life! I have volunteered abroad eight times in five countries and each time I've gone abroad it was new and exciting. But no matter where I go or what I do the experience is always inspirational.

There are so many organizations to choose from. You will find organizations dedicated to a specific cause or affiliated with a specific religion, or that require you to have a certain skill set or degree, and, of course, those organizations committed to disaster relief abroad. The good news is - you have choices!

But before you go I urge you to think carefully about your needs, your interests, and your concerns. Unlike working at a soup kitchen or attending a local blood drive in your home town, international volunteering comes with a host of unknowns. Where will I stay? What will I do? What if I don't speak another language? How do I know if my work will make a difference?

Any research you do, and any questions you ask before you commit to go, will greatly increase your chances of having a successful international volunteer experience. Below are my top questions to ask when considering an international volunteer program. I've found these questions to be very useful in my own search for an organization that's right for me. I hope they'll help you as you choose to volunteer abroad. Enjoy, and good luck!

1. Is it a non-profit organization, and who is it affiliated with?
Check if the organization is a charitable one (a.k.a. non-profit) where any profits or surpluses they may have would be used to further its charitable purposes. In a non-profit organization, its owners, members, or any other individual / group would not benefit from a surplus. If there is a program fee and you are a U.S. resident, all or part of the fee may be tax-deductible.

Ask about the history of the organization, and if other organizations endorse it or are partnered with it. If the organization has a religious or political agenda, make sure you are well-aware of it in advance. The charitable status of an organization, or its affiliations, may play a role in how it is viewed in the local community where you will be working.

2. What are the organization's objectives? How do volunteers make a contribution?
You can learn a lot about an organization if you can find a clearly articulated mission or vision statement. Review the organizations objectives, how they prepare volunteers, and how they develop relationships in-country. Learn how you will be involved in achieving the objectives of the organization.

The local communities will see you as a representative of the organization you volunteer with, as well as a representative of your country. Ask how the volunteer work has evolved over time, and what impact the volunteers have on the communities they serve.

3. Where are the organization's offices located? How do they provide support to the volunteers? Some organizations are based in the country where they send volunteers. Others have a headquarters abroad with offices in the country. Still others only send part-time staff in-country on a seasonal basis. If the organization does not offer a full-time staff and 24-hour assistance in-country, ask who will be available to help with questions or concerns that may arise.

4. How does the organization ensure my safety? Is medical insurance provided?
If the organization does not offer travel medical insurance, research how to obtain it and what the coverage includes. Having the emergency situation is difficult enough. Often the fee for medical insurance is minimal compared to the challenge or cost of dealing with the emergency on your own. Ask about how the organization has dealt with other volunteer emergencies.

5. Does the organization coordinate lodging and meals?
Lodging arrangements vary. Many organizations place volunteers in individual homestays or hotels. Other organizations have a central residence where volunteers live together. Inquire about the neighborhood where you will reside, the quality of accommodations, and if meals are included. Given differing food standards across the world, the accessibility of healthy food and clean water can be a real concern. Be sure to know whether the water is safe for you to drink.

6. How will I travel between my accommodations and volunteer work site?
Some volunteer organizations will provide free transportation; others may expect volunteers to travel on their own and at their own expense. If the latter is true, be sure to investigate the costs, availability and reliability of public transportation.

7. What can I do if I don't speak the language?
There are organizations that do not require that you speak the local language to volunteer. You may want to learn some words or phrases before you go abroad. If you aren't fluent yet, don't despair & ask if the organization offers language instruction or other activities to immerse you in the local culture. And, while you're in-country, seek out opportunities to communicate with the local people; this will help enhance your experience volunteering abroad.

8. Why does the organization charge a program fee? Is it tax-deductible?
Ask the organization about their program fee, what it covers, and how it is allocated. All short-term international volunteer programs charge a fee so as not to burden local communities with providing lodging, food and transportation for their volunteers. Tax-deductibility will vary depending upon your citizenship and the status of the organization, but nonetheless you may want to consider fundraising ideas.

9. When can I volunteer abroad?
Some organizations offer program start dates year-round; others have projects available seasonally. Ask how long you can volunteer for, and confirm that the dates to volunteer fit your schedule. Be sure you know how far in advance to enroll so you have enough time for processing your application, securing your flight, and obtaining a visa, if necessary.

10. Is it possible to speak to someone who has volunteered with the organization?
Get a first-hand account whenever possible. Contacting the alumni of the volunteer organization is extremely useful when assessing whether the program is right for you.

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