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With summer nearly here,
it’s time to start
thinking about where you
want to live next year.
If you’re looking... http://t.co/M0FjV4Lm (kingston_su)
Last weeks Endsleigh
Fantime Friday winner was
Kingston's very own
student Holly Sorrell.
Congratulations to
Holly... http://t.co/y8V43b9P (kingston_su)
Want to win a prize every
Friday? Like the
@Endsleigh Facebook page
to be in with a chance
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► Volunteering Abroad
Volunteering Abroad
If you’re considering volunteering abroad this page will help you begin your research.
Volunteering abroad can be a hugely rewarding thing to do and there are lots of companies and charities that organise placements. There is however a lot to think about before signing up to any project.
KUSU Volunteering does not endorse or advertise any volunteering abroad organisations. The reason for this is that we are unable to check out individual projects and roles. We work hard to source high quality and free UK volunteering where students can benefit the work of an organisation while having an enriching experience themselves. For volunteering abroad placements we have no way of establishing the quality of any given scheme, whether it is value for money, or whether volunteers will be well supported and the work undertaken well planned and necessary.
We keep a folder of volunteering abroad opportunities information that is sent through to us. Any Kingston Student is welcome to drop in to our offices and access this resource. We are also happy to offer advice to students considering volunteering abroad on things to consider when choosing a scheme.
There are a number of ethical concerns around volunteering abroad. Some of the websites below will give you more details on these debates and it’s important that you think about these issues before committing yourself to a particular project. As a potential volunteer it is important to consider whether the project fulfils a genuine need in the local community. In many cases it is likely that the benefits to the volunteer will be greater than the impact on the local community receiving the project and in the worst cases such projects can take away employment from local people or undermine local organisations.
If you don’t have skills and experience that are in demand, you are likely to have to pay for the cost of your volunteering placement. It is important when considering a placement that you consider what the money you are being asked to pay covers, whether the organisation is a registered charity and whether any support for fundraising is on offer. You will also need to consider the cost of what’s not included such as flights, insurance, transport in the country, visas and accommodation. Try to speak to other people who have volunteered with the organisation you’re considering to find out what experience they had. Don’t simply rely on the marketing materials of the organisation, or quotes on their website.
Further information on volunteering abroad and some of the debates:
(Please note KUSU Volunteering can’t vouch for the content of any these websites or how up to date it may be).
Volunteering England Fact Sheet on volunteering abroad
Travel advice from the UK Government
Volunteering Abroad Resource from do-it.com
Ethical Volunteering Debates
Tourism Concern
Volunteering Options (Irish website with useful hints and tips)
Organisations offering funded volunteer placements
International Citizens Service
Voluntary Services Overseas
British Council
Bursaries for recent graduates to volunteer with Raleigh
There is also the Philip Russell Travel Scholarship, which offers up to £5,000 to support Kingston students who want to travel to a far-flung destination whilst doing something positive to help others. The deadline for this is 31st March – so if you have any ideas or wish to know more, please click on the following link.
Philip Russell Travel Scholarship
