Thoughts about Volunteering

The UK "gap-year" and "overseas volunteer" market is growing rapidly as new organisations are established and established ones develop and diversify. With more choice than ever before potential volunteers should look carefully at what organisations have to offer - matching this against what they hope to get from the experience. These factors can include the type of work, the destination, the length of involvement, the cost (both the participant and their hosts), the ability to deliver on it promises and, probably of most importance, the whole ethos of the organisation.

A Brief History

Though the sector is growing and diverse it is still relatively young. After VSO stopped taking unskilled volunteers in the late sixties this left an opening for Project Trust, who sent their first volunteer to Ethiopia in 1967, and, some five years later, by GAP, making them the first of the new "gap-year" organisations. Both of these organisations sent singularly or in pairs. In 1978 John Blashford-Snell launched a whole new concept with Operation Drake followed in 1984 by Operation Raleigh. During its first 4 years Raleigh recruited some 4000 young people, to take part in major expeditions, and for the first time large numbers were fundraising for, and taking part in overseas projects.

In the late 1980's a number of organisations, including Trekforce, Frontier and HPA were established to further develop parts of the Raleigh concept, each developing niche markets of their own. These "pioneers" have been followed by other organisations offering a range of opportunities right around the world.

Now as we enter a new decade the sector is as buoyant and active as ever, new entrants are regularly appearing and established organisations are developing and adapting to met the changing needs of today's young people. Potential volunteers now have more choice than ever before but with the introduction of student fees, changing attitudes to work and careers and the massive growth in the regular tourist market, also have new challenges to face.

Thoughts on what to consider

1. Who are these projects for?

Overseas projects, gap-years, year outs, call them what you want. What is important is that you do not necessarily have to be 18 to take part. It suits many people to take this sort of break after college, or even after a few years of work. Whilst most organisations in this market are aimed at the younger traveler their upper age limits do vary so its always worth asking, rather than assuming that you will be excluded.

2. What are you interests? You can choose between:

• Environmental / conservation Projects
• teaching
• community development
• community service
• or adventurous activities

Some projects can involve a combination of activities ? is an underwater marine biological survey conservation or adventure?

3. Where do you want to go?

• Which country or Region most interests you?
• Why?
• Are you sure this is the best place to find what you are looking for?

4. How long do you want to be away for?

• Projects vary from a matter of weeks to a year.
• Do you want a year with a mixture of UK based work or study and a block of time overseas?
• Do you want to spend a whole year on a project or do you want to allow time for independent traveling?
• What can you afford to do?
  

5. What it is going to cost? Does the figure quoted include:

• flights?
• medical insurance (what does this cover)?
• training?
• food and accommodation whilst overseas?
• local transport costs?

In addition you will almost certainly have to budget for:

• medical expenses (i.e. vaccinations)
• personal equipment
• holiday expenses
• daily living costs (i.e. postage stamps, treats, etc.)
• Is you participation in this project going to cost your hosts anything?
• How secure, financially, is the organisation? In other words how safe is any money you lodge with them?

6. Training

7. Other Points

• Do you get to meet people you will spend time overseas with, before departure?
• Can you meet and talk with past participants of the programme?
• What support is available to you whilst your are overseas? If this support is provided "in-country" how far away in traveling time is it?
• What happens if you are ill or have an accident whilst overseas?
• What happens if an emergency at home forces you to return at short notice?

8. Finally

a) Remember your parents! In the eyes of the law you may be an adult, an individual with rights and a responsibility for your own actions; but as far as your parents are concerned you will always be their child, and their concern for your health and well being is only natural. Do help put their minds at ease by writing home; particularly during the early days as post can take some time to make the journey!

b) By the nature of the projects you will be involved in even the best run organisations can not provide the levels of personal security and safety that you can expect in the UK. You can do much to minimise risks through sensible precautions (taking anti-malarial tablets, not flaunting valuables, etc.) however if you want the security of instant access to western style medical facilities and other emergency services, you should be seriously considering whether or not visiting a developing world country is the best option for you.

And whatever you end up doing - have a great time..

Useful resources

Great Gap Years Website

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