Many people still associate volunteering abroad with something that junior medics do to gain new skills and show commitment to their profession. Out of the many international volunteers working on projects abroad Canada contributes a significant percentage, and you may be surprised to learn about the diverse field that these volunteers are working in and the exciting projects to which they contribute. Here are some of the volunteering opportunities that will boost your employability, help you gain new skills and train in your chosen field.
Archaeology
Projects in Peru are recruiting volunteers to help out on archaeological digs that will shed further light on the Inca civilization that once commanded vast swathes of the Americas. In archaeological digs near Machu Pichu you can help to discover the precise significance of recently found ruins that promise to deepen our understanding of the culture and history of the Incas.
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Business
Those interested in gaining work experience in marketing, finance, PR, IT, engineering or other areas of business can do so on internships abroad: and where better to cut your teeth than at the heart of the powerhouse economy of China in Shanghai? Numerous opportunities exist for interns to gain business skills and experience of business practice in China and many projects include the chance to learn Mandarin simultaneously. These could prove to be essential skills for the future of modern business.
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Care
As a care volunteer you can work with children or adults all over the world. Working in orphanages, care centers or kindergartens you will have the chance to experience delivering care to those in economic need, with special needs or with HIV/AIDS. Projects are available in South America, Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe and volunteers are needed for anything from two weeks to a year.
Conservation and environment
Whether it is animal conservation, marine ecology, sustainable agriculture, land management or other environmental pursuits, there are hundreds of exciting projects available globally for volunteers. The beautiful Andaman Sea coast of Thailand is home to a project where divers can help research and protect the coral reefs, tropical forests and coast to protect and preserve the threatened local marine life whilst enjoying the astounding diversity of turtles, rays and sharks that still exist in the clear waters.
Journalism
Those looking for an internship in journalism can choose from international projects with magazines, newspapers, TV or radio. The weekly Ethiopian publication The Reporter is currently taking interns who are taught how to go out and find stories on the streets of Addis Ababa, to write compelling copy, proof read and copy edit work from other writers.
Law and human rights
Working with a legal firm or human rights organization you can gain invaluable experience in this field at a wide variety of levels, from the interested starter looking to gain new skills to the seasoned professional looking to gain international experience. South Africa, with its sad history of apartheid and colonialism, is an important place to become involved in human rights campaigns that can make a direct impact on people’s lives. Legal Advice centers, community development work and parliamentary monitoring are just three of the many available projects.
Gain new skills
Whatever your chosen field there is a voluntary project overseas that can help you gain, sharpen or develop your skills. Volunteering abroad is definitely not just for medics!