CHOOSING A VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION

1. Assess your interests.

Take time to think about where you want to go, for how long, the type of work you want to do, your living situation and whether you want a rural or urban placement.

2. Think about special needs and aspirations. Consider the components of your identity—age, race, sexual orientation—and how this might affect your program choice. Also think about what you will need in a daily work environment and whether you want to work alone or in a group.

3. Create a vision. List the characteristics you are looking for in an organization ranging from cost and length of stay to more philosophical issues such as its approach to development. Circle the qualities most important to you.

4. Begin your research. Search web site databases to compile a list of programs that match your interests:

www.volunteerinternational.org
www.netaid.org
www.idealist.org
www.volunteerabroad.com
www.planetedu.com
www.iyv2001.org
www.umabroad.umn.edu/programs/wiv/index.html

5. Narrow your list. Pick out your top three organizations. If you’re having trouble finding an organization to match your interests, you may want to broaden your search by focusing on one or two primary factors.

6. Create a list of questions. Based on concerns you have from the organizations’ web sites, your personal values, and any special needs, create a list of questions for staff and/or alumni.

7. Contact the organization to ask your questions. Email or call the organization to ask your questions and request application and alumni contact information. Also verify that there have not been any changes in the program, cost or location.

8. Contact alumni. Ask them hard questions about their experiences and try to get contact information for people with whom they volunteered who might be more critical of the program than they are.

9. Choose. Select the program that is best suited for your interests and begin the application process.

10. Get it in writing. No matter how nice the people you talk to are get a written document explaining fees, benefits, insurance issues, and refund policies.

Adapted from: Joseph Collins, Stefano DeZerega, and Zahara J. Heckscher

Work Abroad and International Careers

• www.GoAbroad.com, by Troy Peden. Includes databases listing programs for internships, volunteering, jobs, and teaching abroad.
• www.IIEPassport.org, by the Institute of International Education. Online version of IIE's books is searchable under "format" for internships, volunteer/service, practical training, and student teaching.
• www.StudyAbroad.com, by Mark Landon. Includes databases listing programs for internship/volunteer and teaching abroad.
• www.transitionsabroad.com, by Clay Hubbs and Sherry Schwarz. Online version of the pioneering magazine for working, volunteering and internships abroad, Transitions Abroad.
• www.cie.uci.edu/~cie/iop, University of California, Irvine, by Sharon Parks. Extensive work abroad listings by type with links.
• www.umabroad.umn.edu, University of Minnesota Learning Abroad Center, by Martha Johnson. Searchable directories include programs for work, volunteering and internships abroad.
• www.internationalcenter.umich.edu/swt, University of Michigan International Center, by William Nolting. Articles and annotated guides to Websites and books.