Volunteering
Types of Volunteer Opportunities
Special Considerations and Tips
Introduction
Volunteering is virtually a universal concept, and possibilities abound around the world to try out a field, experience a new culture and develop or enhance a skill within a flexible work schedule and structure. You will be involved in an organization’s work and can take on substantial responsibility. Even if the organization does not have a formal system to mentor you, although many do or are willing to create one, you can enhance your volunteering experience by setting and sharing goals with your supervisor, seeking out advice and guidance and showing initiative to deepen your exposure to your field.
Read the following information and then click on International Job Search Resources.
Types of Volunteer Opportunities
- Advertised volunteer positions
- Self-initiated contact with an organization that is working in your area of interest
- A component of a study abroad program
- A component of a program organized by a company or organization
Key Issues to Consider
- Set Goals
Volunteering can be more flexible than full-time work or interning. You will identify a set of core goals that will 1) lead you to appropriate organizations that are doing the kind of work you want to explore and 2) give shape, direction and substance to your work during your stay.
- The Choice is Almost Yours
Countless organizations in the public and private sectors consider requests for volunteering. The key to a great experience is to research organizations where there is a good fit between their work and your goals. Whether you are applying for a formal volunteer position or making a “cold call” to ask about opportunities, your choices should reflect this match.
- Personal Network
Your network of friends, family, teachers, coworkers, Brandeis alumni, and former or current work supervisors is very important in locating and negotiating volunteer jobs abroad. Get in touch, share your goals and ideas and seek out advice and referrals. Want to learn more? Check out Networking on the Hiatt Career Center Web site.
- Prepare for Independence
You may have to take on more responsibility for shaping your experience as a volunteer. For example, your organization may not have a formal mentoring program or you may be working in a number of locations under several supervisors. Prepare for independence by connecting with Hiatt counselors, faculty and fellow students who can share ideas and advice about how to develop learning goals for your time away and pursue them successfully on the job.
- Time and Timing
Volunteering can last anywhere from a few days to a year or more, depending on your goals, the host organization, the geographic location and the type of work. Usually people volunteer for several weeks or from two to six months. How much time can you devote to your volunteer experience and accomplish your top goals? Is the timing of your stay convenient for your host organization or will it be necessary to make some accommodations?
- Visas and Legal Matters
Volunteering can be subject to specific visa requirements, whether you work for free or, less likely, earn some money (any amount, however small). Are you eligible to volunteer legally in your host country? What are the issues, time frames and procedures to gain proper authorization? International students at Brandeis who want to volunteer in the United States must seek expert advice at the ISSO.
- Financial Matters
Volunteer positions are almost always unsalaried and you will have to support yourself while you work. You cannot rely on getting a paid part-time job to cover your expenses while you volunteer, since paid work also has a specific set of visa requirements. Do you have a solid estimate of the total costs you will incur? Have you set a realistic budget for your time away? Are there scholarships and grants to help you fund your volunteer work? Can your host organization provide non-monetary compensation such as lunch or a bus pass? If you use a program to arrange your volunteer experience, it may charge a fee; is financial aid available from the provider?
Best Search Strategies
- Your network: Share your interests and goals with your broad group of personal, academic and work contacts.
- Web sites that advertise volunteer opportunities: Look at both individual organization Web sites and sites that serve as an umbrella for organizations working for the public good.
- Self-initiated contact and negotiation with an organization that is doing the kind of work you would like to explore: You may learn about an organization from your network and make contact to find out if there are volunteer opportunities.
- Brandeis International Centers and Experts: Consult the many regional and international centers and experts at Brandeis to learn about opportunities, receive advice about the country you would like to visit and get connected with others who have volunteered in the past. Start at the Brandeis Global Portal.
- Check out the internships page of this Web site: Many of the issues, tips and resources related to internships apply to volunteering as well.
Special Considerations and Tips
- No Formal Oversight: There is no one overseeing body or institution that systematically rates, evaluates or manages volunteer organizations or opportunities. However, there are ways to gather specific information: research the company or organization on the Web or through your network and Brandeis experts; ask organization representatives direct questions about issues that may be important to you, such as housing, health, safety and emergency procedures, volunteer duties, supervision, finances, and transportation; and talk to past volunteers by asking your potential volunteer organization for the names of people you can contact who have volunteered in order to find out about their experiences.
- Cost: You will determine what combination of expenses and available financial resources is right for you. Be sure to determine the total costs you will incur, including international and in-country transportation, living expenses, incidentals, insurance, additional travel or sightseeing, passport, inoculations, specialized equipment, etc., before making any commitments.
- Compensation: If an organization cannot provide a salary, inquire if they might consider assisting you with housing costs, commuting costs or meals, for example, during your stay.
- Endless Possibilities: Developing a clear set of goals for what you would like to learn from your volunteer experience will be the foundation for choosing one organization from among many possibilities.