How to Volunteer Abroad

When planning any kind of international travel, you need to have your documents in order. You won't be able to enter foreign countries without a valid passport. To get a passport in the United States, you can go to a variety of locations, including courthouses, post offices and passport agencies. You can find the name and address of your nearest passport location by doing a zip code search via the U.S. Department of State Web site [source: USDS].

The passport application process includes:

You can try to obtain a passport quickly, but remember that it takes time. While the government can offer expedited passports, the best way to get where you need to go is to plan head. If you need the passport immediately, contact the National Passport Information Center [source: USDS]. You will also need to check with your destination country to learn about any additional documents or fees that may be required when you arrive.

Research any vaccinations you may need well ahead of time so that you can make a doctor's appointment. The Centers for Disease Control offers advice on vaccinations and a list of health issues in countries around the world for reference [source: CDC]. It's also a good idea to carry health insurance documents or cards, a list of contacts back home and multiple copies of your itinerary. Large volunteer organizations will provide you with a complete list of all required materials.

Now that you have your papers in order, read on to learn how to fund your trip with grants.

Many organizations and businesses offer grants for people who want to volunteer abroad. The trick is finding the right group to fund your trip. When applying for a grant, it's important to read all of the fine print. Some grants may have clauses within that require you to write a written report at the end of your journey, participate in media events or send regular updates while you are traveling.

To find grant opportunities, you can search Web sites that cater to international funding [source: UWM]. You can then hone in on grant opportunities by theme, country or the type of work you desire. You can also find multiple grant listings in books at the library or local bookstore.

Once you have found a grant that suits your needs, you need to make sure you are eligible. Some grants may only be for college students while others may only be for those promising to volunteer in specific countries. You can expect to fill out a lengthy application that may include letters of recommendation, a resume, proof of passport and a personal essay [source: InterExchange].

Grants are a wonderful gift, but they may not cover all the costs. Basic volunteering grants can range from $100 to $2,000 or more, but they tend to stay low in numbers [source: UM]. It's a good idea to apply for multiple grants to ensure you can afford your journey.

Now that you have the money figured out, read on to learn about volunteer abroad programs.

The safest way to volunteer abroad is to go through an organization. The people who run the organization will already have ties to the destination countries and will be able to provide a wealth of information about vaccinations, documentation and unique opportunities. In this age of Internet scams, it's all too easy to get the wool pulled over your eyes when you are trying to do something good. Be sure to research the organization you want to work with to make sure it is legitimate.

Here are some of the major volunteer abroad organizations:

 

There are many other organizations that can be located through specialty Web sites. The Web sites for the International Volunteer Programs Association and Idealist Organization offer many opportunities to choose from based on your personal wants and needs [sources: IVPA, Idealist.org].

Going abroad to help others in need can be an extremely rewarding and life-changing experience. Your trip is sure to stay with you for years to come, and you can feel proud of what you accomplished so far from home.

For even more information, check out the links on the next page.