Volunteering Opportunities
International Voluntary Projects are a unique form of doing voluntary work. They bring volunteers together from many different countries, cultures and backgrounds to live and work on projects of benefit to local communities. The projects are designed to support and encourage local initiatives that are continued after the IVS project has ended. With a group of volunteers working together you will be helping organisations achieve a particular task, as well as supporting their longer term goals and working for a more just and peaceful world. Most projects include a study part related to the theme of the project e.g. environmental studies or peace related study parts.
Types of IVS projects:
Short-Term Projects usually run for 2 – 3 weeks and bring together a mixed group of volunteers from different countries and ages e.g. if 10 volunteers are needed for a project, you could find yourself living and working alongside other volunteers from France, Estonia, Japan, Poland, Greece, Sweden, Ukraine, and Belarus. All food and accommodation are provided for you while you take part in the project. You just need to cover your own travel expenses (including travel insurance) and spending money. No specific skills or qualifications are needed for short term projects. Read more...
North-South Programme are short term projects in Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and North Africa requiring experienced Volunteers over 20 years of age with language skills relevant to the country in which the project is located (French, Spanish or English). The aim of the programme is to develop an ongoing group of IVS members interested in North-South Global Issues. Read more...
Long Term Projects are open to volunteers from between 2 – 12 months. Projects usually require 1 or 2 volunteers at a time and have specific job descriptions for which volunteers should have the relevant skills and experience. Accommodation is usually provided for you. Some long term projects do offer volunteers a small amount of ‘pocket money’. Long term projects usually require that you have already taken part in a short term project or have similar, relevant experience. You will need to cover your own travel expenses (including travel insurance) and spending money for long term projects. Read more...
When do projects happen: Most short term projects take place over the summer from April to September, when there are about 1000 projects running throughout Europe, North America, Africa, Asia and South America. There are some short term projects throughout the winter and spring months. Long Term Projects run all year round.
Language: The working language on short term projects is English, though other languages will be used, depending on what suits a particular group of volunteers and the country the project is taking place in. If English is not the project language, or if you need any other language as well, it will be stated in the project description. For some Long Term Projects you will need to be able to speak the language of the country where the project is based.
Who Can Apply?
IVS is open to everyone between 16 and 70 years of age (you must be over 18 to take part in international projects). For Short Term projects you do not need any specific skills or qualifications, but individual projects will welcome your life experience and any particular skills you do have that can contribute to the work of the project (e.g. construction skills if the project work includes making a path; social care skills if the project is working with the elderly). The main skills you do need are the ability to live and work cooperatively with a group of other international volunteers, lots of enthusiasm and motivation. If you apply to take part in a project where the work is with children and vulnerable adults you will need to complete a declaration and supply a reference with your application. Some countries also ask for health screen checks (especially Russia). To apply through IVS GB, you should be a British Citizen or resident in Great Britain at the time of your application. If you're not resident in the UK, you can apply through the SCI branch or partner organisation in your country of residence.
Volunteers aged 16 – 17 years can be placed on some of the short term international projects taking place in Britain. 16 – 17 year olds will need Parental/Guardian Consent.
Equality of Opportunity: IVS has an Equal Opportunities Policy. We welcome and respect everyone who wants to join our activities whatever their gender, ethnic heritage, faith, ability, sexuality, age, nationality or socio-economic background.
Volunteers with disabilities or specific health issues are asked to tell the IVS office when applying for a project. We encourage volunteers with disabilities to take part in our projects and try to make this possible wherever we can. Every effort will be made to accommodate volunteers on the project of their choice and help to find projects that are accessible.
Children: We welcome applications from volunteers wishing to bring their children. It’s best to check with the office before applying to be sure that the chosen project can accept children. Please note that under 16s are not covered by SCI’s insurance policy.
