Volunteering Abroad - Things To Consider

Academic Credit: Some programs offer academic credit. However you must check with the University of Texas and the appropriate departments to determine whether or not this is an option for you. This should be done months before you leave/decide on a project. The Volunteer Service Learning Center has no standing in making this decision. However if you would like more information about academic programs that offer a volunteering component please contact the Study Abroad Office.

Accommodations: There are numerous accommodations types offered. Accommodations may be dormitory style, with a host family, at a campsite or in some cases private living quarters. If the program does not provide housing you will need to find out if the program you select is able to help you locate housing.

Affiliations: When looking into programs you may want to consider the political, religious, etc. affiliations the service abroad program has. For example, if you are looking into a program that is affiliated with a particular religious group you may want to inquire about how the aim/goals of the programs may or may not be affected by this affiliation.

Americans Abroad: It is important to recognize the dangers that are associated with being an American. When traveling abroad be mindful of the way your behavior may be interpreted and how your behavior will affect the perception others may have of American citizens. Remember you will be the foreigner.

Also know where the American Embassy is located in the country you are visiting; and know how to reach the Embassy by phone. You can prepare this information before hand by visiting the U.S Embassy website.

Application Process: Carefully note how long a program requires for an application to be processed. Often you will need a recommendation letter, which you may want to seek out before you begin looking for programs. Also, if you do not already have a passport, one will be necessary for programs outside of the U.S.

Charity vs. Compassion: The difference between charity and compassion centers around your role as a volunteer. You should not enter the program thinking that you can change the world or that your way is the right way. Instead you should focus on the learning experience that can come out of such an opportunity. Be open to being taught new ideas and seek to make connections with the people you will work with.

Co-workers/Volunteers: Worth consideration is the program size. Will you be working alongside other volunteers or will you be placed with a program on your own? Do volunteers begin in waves or are they all placed at the same time? Also does the program you are considering have a group leader/supervisor on the project with you?

Expectations: Are the projects defined and does the program clearly outline your duties for the duration of your service? Do you know what the program expects from you? Have you made your expectations of the program known?

Food: Are meals part of your program fee? If so how many meals are day are provided? Is the water in the region potable? Also if you have certain dietary restrictions it would behoove you to inform your program before you arrive.

Medical Insurance: Does the program provide an insurance plan? If your program does not include insurance you will need to check your current insurance plan to see if you will be covered while abroad, if not you may want to look into purchasing a temporary international health coverage plan.

Orientation: Does your program provide an orientation process? Is there a debriefing process after your trip? Have you spent time researching the region you will be visiting; cultural customs, dress, food, weather, religion, politics, etc. Does your program have some process of integrating you into the community you are entering?

Packing: This will depend on the region you are traveling to. Make sure to look up the seasonal weather patterns for the time frame you will be traveling. To get a better idea of items needed please contact your program. Always remember to pack as light as possible, this can be achieved by learning to layer clothing, taking only the essentials, and by preparing to wash a few items by hand (in such a case you may want to purchase a laundry line/ bring a small amount of rope and a small packet of detergent).

Passport: Please contact your program for further details. More information about obtaining a passport can be found at: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

Program Fees: Most programs require a fee to cover supplies/other material and room/board cost. It is important that you do your research and find out what your fee is covering. Because most programs are not for profit, such fees are necessary for hosting volunteers.

Safety: The most accurate way to determine if the region you will be traveling to is safe to visit is to go to the U.S State Departments website. Please take seriously any cautions or other travel advisories they may post.

Be sure to take a moment to review the Study Abroad Office list of safety tips. The information on the study abroad page covers essential safety concerns for traveling abroad.

Support: Is there a support system in the country? Will there be a director/programmer nearby? In the case of political unrest, does your program have an evacuation plan? What do you need to do in the case of a serious medical emergency? How often will your program be in contact with you?

Visas: Unless you are staying for more than a couple of months you will more than likely only need a passport. However to know for sure you will need to contact the program you are going through. Also keep in mind that getting a visa is a process that can take between a few weeks and a few months.