Graduate Careers AustraliaVolunteer Work
Volunteering overseas...Undertaking volunteer work overseas is a great way to experience living in a different country/culture and gaining work experience at the same time. You also have the opportunity to contribute your time and skills for a cause, a community or an issue that is important to you on a personal level. Not only can the whole experience contribute to your own personal development and self-confidence, overseas volunteering looks great on a résumé. Employers recognise valuable character traits that OS work experience indicates, such as initiative, passion and sense of ethics. There are many formal and informal programs which assist Australian students and graduates who would like to volunteer OS. These programs range from two-week work camps to two-year professional placements. Opportunities available to you will depend in part on your skills, current demand and the countries you are interested in or willing to volunteer in. The right skills Volunteer skills that are often in demand overseas include building and restoration, childcare, national park track maintenance, teaching English, agricultural work, childcare, nursing/health care and scientific research. Volunteering organisations and your university Careers Services will be able to assist you match you skills with potential overseas volunteering opportunities. Mentally prepared It is wise to remember that volunteer work is just that, WORK. It is often hard, and most volunteers have days when they wonder what they are doing and miss home (and home comforts). Before committing to volunteering you should ask yourself a few questions:
There are not necessarily wrong or right answers to these questions, but they will assist you in determining whether you are genuinely prepared for the OS volunteering experience. What you need Some organisations accept volunteers with little or no relevant qualifications or experience. In these cases, some organisations provide pre-departure or on-site training. Many organisations, however, will require that you have skills and qualifications that match their specific needs or the needs of the host community. Costs Many volunteer organisations charge a fee (which can vary greatly) for assisting you find volunteer work placements. Others offer a small stipend or provide housing or transportation assistance. For these reasons, make sure you do your research and know what expenses will be involved. What and for whom Many volunteers are attracted to a specific organisation from the outset; others find themselves confronted by an array of options and have a hard time deciding between them. Consider:
When you have narrowed down a list of potential organisations, research them so you are aware of their culture, philosophy and workplace practice. Culture shock
No matter how prepared you are for volunteer work, some culture shock is inevitable. Depending on where you are located, you may have to deal with unfamiliar customs, conditions, weather, attitudes, gender relations, language and Helping hand Volunteer organisations vary in the degree to which they support volunteers on the ground. Some agencies take a hand-holding approach, supporting you closely through every stage of the placement. Other organisations leave their volunteers alone, encouraging them to deal with their local employers instead. Get what you give No matter where you decide to go and with what organisation you decide to work for, one thing is certain: volunteering for a cause you truly believe in can change the way you look at the world and yourself. More importantly, it can bring you a deep satisfaction that comes with knowing you have helped to improve the lives of many people who are probably far removed from your life. For most volunteers, the cultural exchange that takes place between themselves and locals is one of the most rewarding aspects of the experience. This article was based on an information flyer produced by the University of Melbourne’s Careers & Employment Service. This article is taken from the 2007-08 edition of Graduate Careers Australia's employer directory Graduate Opportunities . © 2007 Graduate Careers Australia |
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