Ideas for International Volunteer Work - By: Mark Angelo

The Institute for International Cooperation and Development (IICD) offers many ideas for international volunteer work. For example, IICD organizes teams of volunteers from around the world to devote several months of their time to important development work in poor communities around the world. They operate a program in Malawi where volunteers are able to gain a first hand appreciation for the warmth of the Malawian culture.

They are supported in their work by IICD staff on the ground, as they live and work with local villagers. The Malawi program sends teams of volunteers to work on HIV/AIDS and health care issues in rural communities, but they also offer volunteer opportunities in a variety of other programs including work at the Teacher Training College, primary schools and villages.

Another program that offers great international volunteering options is called Travel to Teach. This organization was founded by volunteers to provide opportunities for other volunteers who want to share their skills and make a difference around the world. Travel to Teach is an affordable option for those who want to combine volunteer work with travel. Positions are available in a number of different areas, including animal welfare, teaching IT skills and working with women's groups.

These programs are an excellent choice for those on a gap year break, retirees, those taking a career break and individuals and groups who want to pursue their passion for a cause on vacation. Travel to Teach offers volunteer opportunities in Asia, Latin America and Africa, including exotic locations like Bali, Nepal, Tanzania and Costa Rica.

Another great option for international volunteer work is to join an international work camp. These work camps are organized around voluntary projects, and they are designed to allow participants form a variety of countries to live together and make new friends while they work on a project that benefits the local community they are visiting.

International work camps are a great way for young people to explore important global issues, such as environmental conservation, social justice, rural development and cultural heritage. There are two basic types of international work camps, those which can be classified as short term projects and those which are longer term. Short term projects generally last 2 months or less, while long term projects last longer than 2 months. The majority of international work camps last about 2 weeks and bring together groups of 10 to 20 participants from around the world.

About the Author

Mark Angelo is a writer for the Little Volunteer, which focuses on volunteer ideas. Mark is passionate about spreading volunteerism worldwide in order to change the world and make a positive difference. Having several years of experience as a volunteer himself, including international volunteer work in Africa, Mark is keen to share his volunteer ideas.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Mark-Angelo/203031

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