How Can I Do Charity Work Overseas?

Overseas charity opportunities are often advertised by nongovernmental organizations

Doing charity work overseas can serve as a deeply rewarding experience and a great opportunity to discover foreign cultures, lands and traditions, while also leaving a positive impact on the most vulnerable in society. Some charity work is paid, particularly if it is funded by major government organizations, such as the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), while other opportunities take the form of student internships or volunteerism with nonprofit groups.

Things You'll Need

• Curriculum vitae
• Medical exam results
• Criminal background check
• Letters of reference

Instructions

Getting Started with Overseas Charity Work

1. Revise your curriculum vitae to reflect and highlight any experience that you may have working in areas relevant to the overseas development or charity work that you seek. For instance, if you are interested in building schools, teaching English or working with underprivileged children, highlight any experience at summer camps, running after-school programs, baby sitting or volunteering with children in your community. If you seek to work for an organization such as the International Red Cross, highlight first-aid training or any other medical certifications, relevant college courses and experience volunteering in clinics, hospitals or retirement homes.

2. Search for nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that run overseas charities or projects. Look for ones that closely match the experience listed on your CV. Visit your college's international exchange office, international student clubs or local churches to discover if NGOs are recruiting volunteers and workers in your area.

3. Submit your curriculum vitae and a cover letter. Explain your interest and highlight your strengths to relevant NGOs and charitable organizations working on projects abroad, even if you do not see explicit calls for applications on their website. Many organizations staff future openings by maintaining a pool of qualified candidates.

4. Provide charities with written permission to conduct a background check. Or, offer to obtain a copy of your record for organizations with overseas headquarters. This is particularly important if you plan to work with children.

5. Make an appointment with your family doctor for a full physical exam if you receive an overseas job offer. Ask the physician to provide a written attestation confirming your good health.

Tips & Warnings

• Many overseas charitable groups work in war-torn or poverty-stricken countries, where crime, conflict and attacks against foreigners take place. Registering with the nearest U.S. embassy before you leave home may ensure greater protection or diplomatic assistance, if needed.

• Losing your travel documents or government identification could land you in trouble with overseas authorities, especially if local laws require that foreigners keep these on their person at all times. Always make a photocopy of your passport's photo page before leaving on an overseas charity mission. Having a copy of the photo page or, at the very least, your passport number at hand can save you a lot of hassle if your passport is lost or stolen.

References

• Transitions Abroad: Working Toward and a Career in International Development
• Transitions Abroad: Becoming an International Aid Worker

Resources

• Canadian International Development Agency
• Volunteer Services Overseas