How to Volunteer Overseas for the American Red Cross

If you want to help individuals in other countries cope with illness, disaster and other problems, consider becoming a Red Cross volunteer. The Red Cross helps millions of individuals across the globe each year. You can help people by volunteering for overseas duty.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Prepare to travel. You'll need a passport or a visa for longer stays and you may need vaccinations for certain areas.
2. Contact your local chapter of the American Red Cross. Your local chapter may have information about international volunteer opportunities. You also may be able to volunteer locally on projects benefiting overseas individuals.
3. Contact Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement offices in the country you're visiting or plan to visit. If you want to volunteer, these offices can provide the opportunities.
4. Review the policies governing volunteers at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. This umbrella organization does not recruit international volunteers, but you'll find the policies for volunteers and a directory of national offices on its website (see Resources below).
5. Search through the overseas volunteer positions by country at the national offices' websites. Many countries have volunteer spots posted and you can find out more about the position by contacting the office.
6. Complete an application and all the relevant paperwork. These forms will vary depending on the position that you're applying for. Some positions will need trained individuals while others will require no training or experience.