International Volunteering
Your guide to international volunteering
Volunteering abroad can be a transformative experience. It’s an opportunity to share your skills, energy, and passion in a new cultural setting, while exploring different parts of the world and forming meaningful connections. However, stepping into an unfamiliar environment can also feel overwhelming.
From choosing the right project to understanding costs, there are many factors to consider. This guide is designed to help you navigate the key decisions and make informed choices about volunteering overseas.
Short Term Mobility
Warwick Award
Important dates
Passport to Purpose: Your Global Volunteering Journey Begins Now
Tuesday 30 September | 3pm | S0.21 (Social Sciences, G)
Warwick in Africa Introduction Session
Wednesday 1 October | 3.30pm | S0.21 (Teaching Room)
What kind of volunteering can I do?
The possibilities are vast, and choosing the right path depends on several personal factors. Ask yourself:
- What skills do I bring?
- What do I hope to gain?
- What impact do I want to make?
- How much time can I commit?
- Where would I like to volunteer?
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Do I want to travel, or would I prefer to volunteer remotely?
Aligning your skills with the needs of a project is essential for making a meaningful contribution.
It’s also important to reflect on your personal goals. Are you looking to enhance your CV, conduct research, or simply immerse yourself in a new culture? Clarifying your expectations can help you avoid disappointment and make the most of your experience.
The time commitment needed for volunteering varies. Some organisations welcome short-term volunteers, which may last a few days or weeks, whilst others may ask for longer term commitments. Consider what works best for you.
Before you commit, ensure the organisation provides a clear role description and explains how your work will benefit the local community, so you can understand the relevance and impact of your contribution.
How to choose an organisation
A quick online search reveals thousands of volunteering organisations. But how do you find one that’s ethical and community-focused?
Use these questions (adapted from Comhlámh’s Volunteering OptionsLink opens in a new window) when evaluating organisations:
- What are their core aims and values?
- Are they non-profit or for-profit?
- How are volunteers selected?
- How involved is the host community?
- Is there a detailed role description?
- What are the living and working conditions?
- Can you speak to past volunteers?
- Are contact details for the programme available?
- Is training and support provided before and after the placement?
- What are the costs, and how are they allocated?
- What insurance is provided for volunteer activities?
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Do I want to travel, or would I prefer to volunteer remotely?
Responsible organisations will welcome these questions and provide transparent answers.
Note: Some companies operate for profit and may use part of your fee for administrative costs rather than local projects. This doesn’t necessarily mean a lower-quality experience, but it’s worth considering when choosing where to invest your time and money.
Always consult the UK Foreign Office website for up-to-date travel advice before making any commitments.
Recognised global partners
Warwick Volunteers works with a few recognised partners to help students access these opportunities as well as supporting Warwick in Africa (WiA), the University’s flagship overseas volunteering project.
Our Recognised Global Partners meet a clear set of standards to ensure student safety, ethical practice, and inclusive access.
- Eligible organisations must be UK-based and operate as not-for-profits, with strong risk management, safeguarding, and emergency procedures in place.
- They must provide training, supervision, and post-placement support, and ensure programmes are ethical, sustainable, and community-led.
- Equality and inclusion are essential, with placements assessed for safety and accessibility through an Equality Impact Assessment, and adjustments or alternatives offered where needed.
- Transparency and commitment to Warwick’s review process are also required.
Find out what opportunities are currently being offered by our Recognised Global Partners
Why do I have to pay to volunteer?
Volunteering abroad often involves costs: flights, insurance, vaccinations, and spending money. On top of that, many organisations charge a fee or request a donation.
As Raleigh International explains, these fees cover project matching, training, and in-country support. Surplus funds often support ongoing community initiatives.
There are funding options available:
- The University offers a limited amount of funding to take part in short term international opportunities
- The Jack Petchey Foundation offers grants for young volunteers.
- The International Citizen Service (ICS), run by the UK government, adjusts costs based on household income to make volunteering more accessible.
- Raleigh International has a guide to funding sources.
Find your own international volunteering placement
Organising your own placement with a grassroots organisation can be more affordable and flexible. However, this route is best suited to experienced and well-informed travellers. You’ll need to ensure the placement is safe, legitimate, and impactful
Resources like Idealist.org offer guidance for those considering this option.
Resources
'Learning Service: The Essential Guide to Volunteering Abroad': guidance on responsible international volunteering and evaluating the ethical practices of organisations
