The decision to spend time volunteering abroad is a big one, and often the biggest challenges comes in the beginning stages of the process: who should I volunteer with? There are a number of volunteer organizations and agencies in existence that plan and coordinate international volunteer trips, programs, and projects, but how do you know which one is right for you?
Here at World Endeavors, we hold the highest confidence in our advisors, in-country coordinators, and the local organizations that we partner with to connect international volunteers with their ideal placement. If you are looking for a unique, immersive, and once-in-a-lifetime experience to make a difference, volunteering with World Endeavors is the perfect choice for you!
Expert Advisors
Our advisor have all been in your shoes before, and they are some of the friendliest people around! They have traveled, studied, volunteered, or interned abroad, and they know exactly what you are going through. They understand your concerns and stresses, and they are available to answer any questions you may have or find the answers you are looking for. During the placement process, they will also conduct a thorough interview with you in order to understand your skills, goals, and expectations in order to successfully place you in a volunteer position abroad. Their goal is to provide individualized support, find the best fit for you and for our host organizations, and ensure that you are fully prepared for you international experience.
In-Country Coordinators
In addition to having expert advisors, we also have in-country coordinators on the ground in each of our international locations. These individuals are responsible for getting you settled, introducing you to the area, and making sure that all of your needs are met while abroad. They are local people who know the community and culture, and are always a great resource for any questions or concerns that may arise during your volunteer placement. Many in-country coordinators go the extra mile by planning trips and events for our volunteers to interact and get to know one another, and they are a key part of what makes our volunteer programs successful.
Local Organizations
One thing that makes our volunteer programs consistently successful is that we partner with organizations that are run locally and which continue to do great work even after our volunteers have left. As a volunteer with World Endeavors, you can expect to be placed in a position that both fits your goals and skill level, and you can rest assured that the organization you will be working with has experience hosting international volunteers, appropriately delegating tasks, and being conscious of cultural differences. With that said, you are expected to act as a dedicated and mindful volunteer, representing yourself, your home country, and World Endeavors in a positive way. You will be able to feel confident in your role as a volunteer, proud of your contributions to the project, and enthusiastic about the work your host organization will continue to do even after you leave!
On their own, each of these facets can make a positive difference in an individual’s experience volunteering abroad, but put together, they provide a fantastic foundation on which you can base your international experience.
World Endeavors is committed to providing life-changing programs, exceptional support, and all of the tools for success that will help you make a difference in a community abroad. Some of our volunteer placements also offer language courses, and our programs may even count for university credit! For more information, contact one of our advisors or the academic advisor at your school.
