Ever heard of international work camps? Don’t worry, there is no forced labour involved! If you are over 18 it can be a great opportunity for you to help a community in need while discovering their culture and habits.

What is an international work camp?

An international work camp is a group of international volunteers from different countries who work together around a community project aimed to help a local community with a project for generally 2 to 4 weeks. The camps are based on an educative and participative approach and are hosted by local communities and organisations such as peace organisations, environmental groups and community action groups. 

Why should you join?

International work camps are a great way to make new friends, complete a meaningful project and increase your international understanding. Next to the leisure time some work will be required.

Who can take part?

Work camps are generally open to all young people from 14 to 30 (there are also opportunities for people above 30). No specific skill is required, you simply have to be very motivated.

What will you do?

In a work camp, volunteers are expected to work around 30 hours a week on activities that should serve the local community or benefit the environment. Local inhabitants often take part in the projects. You can spend your free time relaxing, preparing meals and talking, and on activities and excursions with other volunteers and the local community.

What conditions?

The conditions vary according to the camp. Food and accommodation are usually provided, so you will need money only to cover your travel costs, the application fee to the sending organisation, and some pocket money. If you join an association, your social security will most probably be covered. You should be prepared to live and work in a communal environment, where living conditions are often simple and work can be strenuous but fun and rewarding. 

How to find a work camp?

Different organisations are offering work camps, the conditions and costs differ from one to another. Make sure to carefully check the offers.

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The post International Work Camps – short but intense volunteering experiences! appeared first on Go Volunteering Abroad.

Do you want to volunteer but can’t really go anywhere? Does your free time fall at unconventional hours? Give online volunteering a shot and commit your time and skills to benefit society over the Internet.

If onsite volunteering is particularly difficult for you because of a disability, home obligation, transport difficulties or work schedule, you could consider volunteering online. If you have a computer, an Internet connection and the right skills, this might be the option for you.
 

Your tasks as an online volunteer will depend on your skills and expertise. You can design flyers, maintain a web site, translate text, edit video, design a database, manage online social networking activities or write code for software. You can also simply give expert advice (for example, in law or education), answer emails for an organisation or conduct research.

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Are you thinking of helping out outside of Europe? Considering humanitarian aid? Love people and discovering new cultures? These websites will open your eyes to the many international opportunities for volunteering around the world.

Volunteering introduces you to new people, cultures and skills while helping others. The international experience gained from volunteering abroad can also lead to career opportunities that will take you all over the world!

Saving lives with EU Aid Volunteers

Millions of people around the world are affected by crises and natural disasters. The EU and its Member States is among the leading donors of humanitarian aid in the world.
Humanitarian assistance is provided to the people hit by man-made and natural disasters with particular attention to the most vulnerable victims. 

Where crises erupt, the European Commission’s Directorate for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO) funds humanitarian aid to address the basic needs of affected populations and provides food, shelter, medicine or clean water. This support is a clear expression of the EU’s solidarity with people in need around the world.

You can join those actions by becoming an EU Aid Volunteer! This programme offers EU citizens opportunities to contribute to humanitarian action. It is open to a variety of profiles, from newcomers to experienced humanitarian experts. Find out more about the EU Aid Volunteers initiative and vacancies.

Make a difference with the United Nations

The UN has launched a specific volunteering programme for young people, the UN Youth Volunteers. Volunteers are young people between 18 and 29 years old who want to engage in development and peace initiatives worldwide; you may work in human rights, climate change adaptation, primary health care, disaster management, peacebuilding, youth engagement or many other areas.

As a UN Youth Volunteer, you will help advance peace and sustainable development either in your own country or in another country around the globe. You may work directly in a UN agency or be assigned to one of its partner organisations, a university or the government. Most assignments last from 6 to 24 months. Volunteers receive a basic living allowance. If you volunteer outside of your home area, transport and some other basic costs are paid by the host agency.

If you are 25 years of age or older and have several years of work experience in a specific area of expertise, you may want to register for the UNV Global Talent Pool. You could also be interested in volunteering online with the UNV Online Volunteering service.

More ideas…

Coordinating Committee for International Voluntary Service (CCIVS) is an international network in charge of the coordination of international voluntary service (IVS) worldwide. It does not recruit volunteers but you will find the contact of volunteering organisations in your country of residence or in a neighboring country.

Additionally, you can explore the site of Service Civil International, which is an organisation dedicated to volunteering for peace since 1920. SCI organisations create quality short and long-term volunteering opportunities worldwide which are open to people of all ages. Volunteers can participate in projects in their own country or abroad. 

You can also have a look at the Alliance of European Voluntary Service Organisations. Its member organisations run international voluntary projects in their own country and exchange volunteers with each other. They follow the Alliance Quality Charter that stresses on the added value of volunteering, its educational aspect and on following quality standards agreed by members.

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