Choosing an Oversees Volunteer Program through a Placement Organization
Volunteering abroad is a worthwhile endeavor, but not all volunteering opportunities are right for everyone. If you want to be sure that this experience turns out to be as meaningful as you hope it would be, review all your options before deciding on a program.
There are generally five types of overseas volunteer teachers programs today, and you can choose based on what is most in line with your goals and capabilities. These include:
Service Learning
These opportunities usually combine volunteering with leadership training and cross-cultural learning. If one of your goals is to meet people of different cultures while helping out, this option may be right for you. However, if your main objective is to help out, you may find these programs too diverse.
Group Volunteering
Group volunteering is perfect for those who want a safe and hassle-free way of volunteering abroad. These programs usually come with a strong support staff, both from the host country and back home. While generally well-managed, these programs may require you to spend more time with your group than outside exploring the new culture. Read more about internship at http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/05/tech/innovation/internship-movie-google/index.html.
Independent Volunteering
To be an independent volunteer in nepal, you have to sign up with an organization that will help you look for the right placement with a group that works abroad. This option may be best for you if you want to spend most of your time with an organization that you want to help. It is also the most flexible in terms of the kind of work you will be allowed to do. In any case, you need to be aware of how the organization handles your placement abroad, and that you are confident in their ability to perform the job well.
Long-term Volunteering
If your plan is to spend more than a year as a volunteer, you can choose from one of many long-term programs offered by various organizations, which usually take care of everything you need, from your visa to logistics and sometimes even your room and board.
Adventure Travel and Volunteering
Finally, many adventure and travel agencies incorporate volunteering in their regular travel itineraries. In most cases, these are short programs - a few days to two weeks - and great for those who would like to do some basic volunteering while having a good time. Of course, if you would like to do something more serious, this option will be hardly satisfying.
Whether you intend to enlist the help of a placement organization or go with a travel agency that adds a volunteering component to their itineraries, make sure you choose the right people to partner with. This way, you can be sure that the experience will be fulfilling and helpful to you as a person and to the communities you help.