How to Find Volunteer Work in Central America
Central America is the region that encompasses the countries of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. With the exception of highly-touristed Belize and Costa Rica, most of the Central American nations are generally not wealthy. As a result, many provide great volunteer opportunities for willing workers. Volunteers are needed in nearly every social service and human rights discipline, ranging from orphanages to sea turtle preservation.
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Instructions
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Define your preferences. Before you start your search, determine the factors that will impact your decision to accept a position. Do this by asking yourself important questions about your trip. For example, Do you have a specific country or city that you'd prefer to work in? A specific industry or organization? Can you come at any time of the year, or must you fit your volunteer work into a specified time period? A clear understanding of the variables that will impact your trip will help you sift through the multitude of openings.
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Research the costs. Many groups in Central America charge volunteers a fee. This money is used to help fund the project. Charges range from a modest $50 dollars per week to a more expensive amount that can reach upwards of $2000 for two weeks. Fees vary greatly from position to position, so look around before you commit. Check websites like Backdoor Jobs, Cross Cultural Solutions, and Global Crossroads to find non-fee based volunteer positions.
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Find non-fee based positions. Look on-line at sites like Idealist, Transitions Abroad, and Escape Artist to find a listing of positions that do not charge a participation fee.
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Consider volunteer vacations. If your time is limited, consider a volunteer vacation. This is a short-term volunteer position that includes leisure time activities. Most of these programs charge a fee to cover in-country orientation, accomodation, and some food expenses. Try Cross Cultural Solutions or Global Volunteers for program listings.
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Contact individual organizations. If you would like to volunteer with a specific organization but cannot find information regarding volunteer job openings, contact the organization directly. Contact the director or send an inquiry e-mail to human resource department.
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Search the internet. If you cannot find a volunteer position on the listed sites, try a search for "volunteer Guatemala" (insert country/city name of your choice). You can also search for non-profit or charity organizations by discipline. Searching for "non-profit Flores" might turn up an unexpected organization in northern Guatemala that you wouldn't have found on another website. Be patient, and get to know the Central American layout as you search.
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Look for perks. Look for programs that offer benefits like free housing, included meals, or a small stipend. Some will even allow you to participate in their programs, join tour groups for free., learn Spanish or provide housing with a host family. When choosing a volunteer position in Central America, consider all of the factors involved to ensure that you have the best possible experience.
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Search when you arrive. If you are flexible with your time and itinerary, search for a volunteer position when you arrive in Central America. Local groups may have fliers posted in supermarkets or hostels. Or you might want to check the local English-language newspaper. Network with locals, and you'll likely find an organization in need of volunteers in no time at all.
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