Considering an International Service Opportunity

There are hundreds of short- and long-term international service opportunities throughout the world. These experiences can provide the chance to learn about community and world issues, develop life skills, learn about yourself, and work to address identified needs. As you explore the variety of international service opportunities, here are some things you will want to consider.

Self Assessment
Start by assessing yourself and thinking through your motivations.

• Why are you considering volunteering in another country?
• When would you like to go and for how long? What would you like to do and in what capacity?
• Where would you like to serve? Which part of the world? An urban or rural community?
• Why are you considering this program? What do you hope to gain and how do you see it fitting into your future goals?
• What talents and skills can you offer?
• What do you have an interest in or passion for?
• Whom do you want to serve? What population do you want to work with?
• To whom would you be of most service?
• Do you need to go overseas to serve?
• What impact do you hope to have? Is it realistic?
• What is the best way you can use your time, talents and financial resources to help the community you care about?

Explore Opportunities
There are many different types of opportunities available, ranging in duration, location, type of service, entrance requirements, expenses, etc. The Haas Center's international service page lists resources available to students. There are also books availabe in the Haas Center library.

Research an Organization
You will want to read the organization’s literature, visit the website, talk with the recruiting staff, and ideally speak with some current or former volunteers/participants from the organization. When evaluating a program and possible opportunity, ask many questions.

• What is the mission and philosophy of the organization?
• Does the organization have any affiliation (government, religious, etc.)?
• What is the financial situation of the organization? Where do they get their funding?
• What is a participant’s financial responsibility?
• What are the expectations and the specific roles/responsibilities of the placement?
• Whom will you be serving?
• What will the living situation be like?
• Will you be working and living with other volunteers?
• Will you be working and/or living with local community members?
• What type of training and supervision is provided?
• Does the organization have representatives in the field? Who addresses needs/problems should they arise?
• How does the organization relate to the community? How is it received?
• How long has the organization been working with the community?
• How are the service projects selected/developed? Are the local community members involved?
• What are the goals of the organization within the host community? Are they shared goals with the community?
• What documents are required? Are there any special health, language or cultural issues?
• Are there risks associated with participation in the project or program?  If so, what measures does the organization take to mitigate those risks?
• What provisions are made for health insurance? For potential emergencies?
• Is it possible to have your student loans deferred (for year-long programs)?
• What have past program participants gone on to do?

Program Costs and Funding Your Experience
Most organizations sponsoring international service opportunities do require a program fee. These fees typically cover room and board, in-field travel, project expenses, preparation/training materials, donations to the host community, and administrative expenses for the sponsor organization. Unfortunately, there are no designated funds on-campus to help offset the cost of these programs. To assist you in thinking through how you might fund your service experience, check out funding Resources for International Service.

Apply
The application process for each opportunity will vary, so you will want to contact the organization directly to learn about the process and deadlines, and to request any necessary materials. Be careful not to underestimate the application process. It may be more involved and take much longer than you expect. Deadlines may be many months before the position begins. Be sure to check on any due dates and then give yourself plenty of time to complete the necessary application forms, essays, resumes, requests for recommendations, physical exams, etc. In addition, competition for some of these opportunities may be tough. Be sure to take the application process seriously.

For more information, please contact Jon McConnell.