Government figures have revealed that Britain is an extremely benevolent nation. Around 26 million people participate in some sort of volunteer work, with an extra million signing up every year. That’s about half the population currently giving up their spare time to acts of altruism – and many of these people are working overseas.

Traditionally, charitable work abroad has been the province of young students on gap years. But this is no longer the case. In recent years, the organisation Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) (http://www.vso.org.uk) has experienced a massive rise in business and management professionals offering their services. The average age of VSO volunteers is now 38.

Placements are often in the Third World, helping people build houses, hospitals and water systems, supplying them with food and medicine or teaching their children. No volunteer can anticipate exactly what will be asked of him or her and flexibility is essential, though some professions are in demand for their specific abilities – particularly nurses.

Pros

There are many positive sides to volunteering abroad – such as the chance to visit exotic locations and make new friends among your fellow volunteers and the people you are assisting.

For young adults, it can be excellent experience, while for the more mature person it can be the ideal way to take stock of one’s ambitions, skills and personality and decide on a change of direction away from an unsatisfying career.

And no matter what your age, charitable overseas work can be fulfilling – even life-changing. It could help improve your physical and mental fitness, and it is an impressive addition to any CV.

Cons

Placements are usually in developing countries where work can require a great deal of effort both physically and mentally, and it may be too much for some. There may be very basic food and living conditions – no running water or electricity, for instance – and the risk of disease.

The pace of life on other continents is often slower than in UK and Europe and other people’s definition of punctuality may not be as strict as yours. Some volunteers might find this frustrating – especially when it seems as if little is being achieved or that it is not being achieved fast enough. It is important to have patience.

There will probably be a financial cost involved. Many overseas voluntary organisations expect you to pay for your own airfare, accommodation and living expenses. Some ask a fee for arranging your placement. (However, others offer modest living expenses.)

Who to contact

There are many organisations that organise volunteers to work abroad. They include the following:

• VSO http://www.vso.org.uk is probably the largest and most popular route. You must be over 20 and prepared to spend two years abroad.
• Raleigh International http://www.raleigh.org.uk provides help with ten-week expeditions around the world.
• Concordia International Youth Exchange http://www.concordia-iye.org.uk arranges short periods of voluntary work abroad.
• International Voluntary Service http://www.ivs-gb.org.uk runs a wide range of projects in developing and developed nations.
• Frontier Conservation Expeditions http://www.frontierprojects.ac.uk helps preserve wildlife and threatened habitats around the globe.
• BUNAC http://www.bunac.org arranges working holidays and volunteer placements for students and young people.
• Camp America http://www.campamerica.co.uk recruits staff members for summer camps in the USA.