It’s no secret that international volunteering programs are an excellent way to kick-start your global development career. But in recent years, international volunteering has become a controversial topic of discussion. A growing number of for-profit companies are offering costly, short-term volunteer trips — and their effectiveness and ethics have come under scrutiny.
Volunteering is a great way to gain in-the-field experience, see first-hand how charities are run, and meet people already working in the industry. But it’s also important to do something worthwhile that shows potential employers that you chose the volunteer scheme carefully.
Here is a list of volunteer opportunities that do not charge for participation and provide worthwhile assistance to the communities hosting them.