Thinking of taking a break? Why not see the world and help others?

Volunteering overseas is a good experience for everybody. It provides you with new experiences and an opportunity to learn while you are in a different country. People who volunteer abroad learn so much about the culture and the people who they volunteer and live with. You can expect to volunteer nearly anywhere in the world. Most people volunteer in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

What types of volunteering are on offer?

• You can volunteer with charities that provide emergency relief when a disaster happens.
• You may wish to volunteer in an orphanage - volunteers can also give their time in schools, teaching both children and adults.
• You can volunteer in construction , to help build schools, clinics, community centres or social housing.
• If you a professional working in healthcare, you can volunteer for a range of overseas programmes, such as immunisation. Non professional people can also get involved in healthcare programmes.
• You can help people sell products that they make.
• You can help to staff programmes and projects involving young people.
• You can get involved in conservation projects, helping looking after national parks, forests or wildlife around the world.
• You can get get involved in marine conservation, combining both elements of conservation and wildlife volunteering.

The latest edition of ACTION! - The Voluntary Service Bureau's Magazine of Young Citizens in Action - is full of information and links to help you get started in volunteering abroad.

Click here to visit VSB's website and download the Gap Year edition of ACTION!