Original Volunteers

For those interested in combining a new travel experience with voluntary work abroad, Original Volunteers offers an excellent breadth of opportunity and support.

UNIQUE YEAR-OUT EXPERIENCE

Log onto the Original Volunteers website to browse over 100 volunteer projects in 18 countries across Africa, Asia and South America, where projects include working with children, building projects, conservation projects, sports volunteering and working with animals. Projects can be organised in conjunction with a university or college course or as a gap year placement for those looking for a unique year-out experience. Visitors to the Original Volunteers site can look through videos of other projects to get an idea of what is involved, or read feedback and personal stories from volunteers involved in projects across the world.

HOW TO APPLY

Original Volunteers volunteer projects start from £35 per week, including accommodation, making it one of the more affordable volunteer organisations out there. Volunteers can expect to gain new skills, self-confidence, friends and improve their CV. A clear break-down of how to apply can be found online, where those interested in volunteering abroad can look up costs and how it works, before applying online or by phone.

BUDDY UP

Extras is a great part of the site, where volunteers can ‘buddy up' with other volunteers heading to the same part of the world as them, find out ‘who else is going' on their volunteer project, listen to audio updates on specific projects and how these have impacted local life, find out more about projects and gain sponsorship for the trip away. This is an excellent site, very informative and clear about its offering and one to remember if you, a friend or a family member is considering volunteering abroad.

17th August 2011