An Introduction to Volunteering

From Here to There

So you’re interested in volunteering abroad but not sure how to get the process started? What do I do from here, what can I expect from GVN, and what’s needed from me?

At Global Volunteer Network, we have 7 years of experience placing international volunteers and we’re here to share our knowledge with you, to help you get where you want to go. This page is a short guide to how volunteering works in practice.

Where What and When

Are you interested in a specific country or culture? Or you do have a particular type of project in mind, regardless of where in the world it is?

There are so many options available at GVN there’s bound to be a program to suit you. We recommend you read through our program descriptions or speak to our staff members to find out which program is the best match for you.

Our programs run year round and placements range from 1 week to 6 months. It’s up to you when and for how long you take part, giving you flexibility to make your arrangements.

The Application Proccess

Your application process is free and seamless and if you are successful we will provide you with a choice of application fee payment options that include a secure online service. GVN is one of the few organisations that allow you to transfer your application fee to another program at no extra cost.

Upon receipt of your online application form we will assess your suitability for the program within two working days.

If your application is successful we will then email you with a Letter of Acceptance. To secure your placement in the program you will then need to pay your application fee.
Throughout the process, we are committed to working with you to answer any of your questions or concerns.

Preparing for your Trip

Once you have secured your placement in the program you will be provided with further information to help you prepare for your trip. You will receive access to your online Program Guide which covers topics such as country information, details on your placement, travel links, visa application process and much more. Your Volunteer Coordinator will be in touch with you, and can answer any questions you may have and provide you with guidance while you are preparing for your placement.

We also have videos, photo galleries, volunteer journals and other resources to give you an idea of what you can expect during your volunteer program with us.

Arriving in Country

You will be provided with detailed information on the necessary arrival arrangements for your program. In most cases volunteers will be picked up at the airport by a representative of our partner organisation and taken back to their accommodation.

This ensures you are supported from your arrival in country and minimises your chances of getting lost in an unfamiliar city!

On the Project

You will find the in country partner to be an excellent support base during your placement. In most instances training and orientation are provided at the start of your placement as a means to help you settle into your project as well as providing cultural and safety advice for your time on the project.

During your placement GVN staff in New Zealand are also available to support you as a volunteer and will email you while in country to discuss how the program is going. Our 24 hour emergency telephone number provides an opportunity to get in touch with us in the case of an emergency.

Returning Home - What Next?

Taking part in one of our volunteer programs is an inspirational and motivational experience. You will return home wondering how you can continue to support the projects you participated in.

Returned volunteers join our Change Makers club which provides them with a variety of opportunities for staying connected to their volunteer project and GVN.

Testimonials

Finding the Sweet Tooth

Natalia Villalpando Paez from Mexico called everyone she knew to take orders for cakes she was going to bake and sell for fundraising. On each cake she included a promotional advertisement which contained information about the project she would be participating in and suggested for buyers to purchase more cakes for special events or for presents. After a few months, people became used to the service and began to call her on a regular basis with their orders.

Natalia also arranged to sell her cakes at a local candy shop. Each time a cake sold, the shopkeeper would call her to come to the shop so that she could collect the money. This way, the shopkeeper would not be losing any profit by paying for her cakes first. She said, "It was a lot better to give people something for donating money. They were happy that I was working for it and not just asking for money."

Natalia volunteered in India and also participated in the GVN Training Program in New Zealand. She encourages other volunteers to "make whatever you do well and put a price on it. There are always people willing to give a nice gift."

Multitalented Fundraisers

Teresa Coates and her two children, Stuart (14) and Audrey (9), held several garage sales over the summer; screened and sold t-shirts; marketed items on eBay (for example, sewing patterns, fabric, and their game system); and asked for cash gifts for their birthdays and Christmas. "We had a lot of positive response from people because they wanted to help us find a way to help others. We were encouraged by so many people, especially because I was taking my children and many thought it would be an amazing experience for them," Teresa said.

Teresa also set up a spot on her web page where people could contribute to their trip and received contributions that ranged from $20 to $300. With all of these efforts, they were no doubt successful fundraisers and they volunteered in Vietnam for January and February 2007. "It was amazing and there's no way I could have managed it without all the fundraising," Teresa said. "A lot of people want to help poor and orphaned children, but can't give up their jobs or simply don't know how to contribute in an effective way. This is a very concrete way of helping and people can see that their contributions are going to a good cause.