Volunteering during your year abroad can be a great way to combine practicing your language skills whilst contributing to fantastic teaching or conservation projects all over the world. There are so many different opportunities out there that, on first inspection, planning this kind of year abroad can seem like quite a daunting task, so we've put together some case studies and organisations to show you how easy it is to work for a good cause on your year abroad.
Hilary volunteered with APARE, a European youth organisation based in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in the heart of the Mediterranean, in her summer holidays. Here she explains what's involved and the benefits of volunteering in the south of France on your year abroad.
It's important to read all the details about these companies on their websites in order to determine where potential fees will go, and to also check out the security policies for their volunteers as you really don't want to be left stranded in the middle of the jungle somewhere! Some companies offer language courses alongside their projects which is an excellent way to fulfill the language learning criteria of your year abroad.
Hannah Cameron, 21, studied Pharmacology at Leeds University and decided to set up Volunteer Experience Africa after doing volunteer work in Ghana and Kenya. She says, "it was a wonderful experience for me and I wanted to give other people the chance to sample the same. I first volunteered in Ghana when I was in sixth form, where I spent time in a local hospital gaining invaluable work experience (as I was applying to study medicine at university). While I was there I made friends with many of the locals and hospital staff and have returned on two subsequent occasions."
Hilary volunteered with APARE, a European youth organisation based in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in the heart of the Mediterranean, in her summer…
Hannah Cameron, 21, studied Pharmacology at Leeds University and decided to set up Volunteer Experience Africa after doing volunteer work…
Issie Hutchinson worked for the Epona Trust, an equine charity, on her year abroad. She spent her time in Normandy,…
Rosie Gold is a third year French and Spanish student studying at Manchester University. She spent the first half of…
Daniel Dawes volunteered in Mexico, around the Oaxacan coast and the Yucatán. He worked with H.E.L.P and gives us his…
1. There are loads of organisations and good causes to suit you and your beliefs. 2. It's a great way…
Alice lets us know about volunteering, fascinating facts about Antananarivo, what not to miss, what to take with you and…