Decide where in the world you want to go. Whether you want to travel to Europe, to Africa or to Latin America, knowing where you want to go is the first step in finding the best volunteer abroad program for your needs and wants.
Determine how much time you have to invest in the volunteer abroad program. There are volunteer programs that allow you to spend as few as two weeks volunteering and some, like the Peace Corps, that offer you an opportunity that lasts several years.
Identify exactly what you want to get out of your volunteering experience and how you work best. For example, do you prefer a volunteer position where you are alone, or would you rather work with a group of volunteers?
Research organizations that offer volunteer abroad programs. Make sure you read through each organization's website thoroughly, requesting printed materials if available, and take notes on each program that interests you.
Write a list of questions you want to ask the organizations that offer volunteer abroad programs. Include questions about the cost of the program, how participants generally travel abroad, the support system that is in place for volunteers, and whether you will be volunteering alone or as part of a group.
Create a list of your top three or four volunteer abroad programs then, once you have talked with a representative from each organization, whittle that list down to your top one or two.
Talk with volunteers who have actually participated in the volunteer abroad programs you are considering. In addition to asking questions about their experience, particularly with the organization itself, find out if they would volunteer through the same organization again and if they wouldn’t, why they wouldn’t.
Decide to which program you are going to apply. Completely and accurately fill out the program’s application, ensuring that you meet all of the requirements for participants and you include the application fee, if applicable.
