Volunteering is something you want to do to help others without getting salary.
What does a volunteer do?
Volunteers works in different fields and close wide range of work which is needed for society.
Why should I volunteer?
Volunteering gives you an opportunity to discover new professional fields, gain knowledge and useful skills. Volunteering experience is also a great help in job search.
Who can volunteer?
Every person who is willing to work and help organizations to meet its goals. Usually there are no age limits for local volunteering, but in cases some volunteering requires for a person to be at least 18 years old, in case person is younger and want to volunteer – parents permission is needed. For international volunteering there is always an age limit.
Where to volunteer?
You can volunteer at a local and at an international level.
At each level you can choose different fields of interests and activities.
You can volunteer at:
- Nongovernmental organizations (youth centers and organizations, old people houses, animal shelters, charity organizations, social support organizations, hobby groups etc.)
- Governmental institutions (schools, day care centers, public libraries, hospitals, culture and art centers, after school education centers etc.)
- Social events (music, sport, art and other festivals etc.)
Can I volunteer if I have paid job?
Yes, you can. Many people schedule their time to volunteer after work or during free days, also for specific events.
Do I need any experience or specific knowledge to become a volunteer?
In general all you need to volunteer is open mind, interest and a wish to help. Mainly you are not required to have any experience, but in some fields organizations can ask for knowledge in a specific field.
Do I need working agreement to volunteer?
Yes, you need approval that you are a volunteer in an organization. Also this requirement can differ in some countries. Clarify this aspect with representatives from organization you are planning to volunteer at.
Do I get any money if I volunteer?
No, you do not get paid for voluntary job, but you may receive some money as a pocket money while volunteering internationally. Also you may get awarded by organization with some other benefits.
How to choose the most suitable place for volunteering?
- Choose the organization that works in the field in which you are interested in.
- Check if the organization’s ideology and goals are similar to yours.
- Be sure that organization is accessible enough to volunteer there.
How to apply for voluntary job?
Application process differs in case of local and international volunteering.
For local volunteering:
- When you have chosen the organization, contact it and discuss with people at organization about necessary help and work you can do there.
- Sign agreement saying that you volunteer in organization.
For international volunteering:
- First of all – find a sending organization (SO). That can be any organization that is able to send a volunteer abroad.
- Together with SO search for most suitable hosting organization (HO).
- Choose and contact HO.
- Further activities are arranged between three parts – you as a volunteer, SO and HO.
