Social Work Volunteer

Become a social work volunteer and gain some precious work experience while traveling the world...

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Social Projects Projects

Volunteers with a degree in social work, experienced social workers or super social creatures, look no further. There are plenty of different programs around the world which are in need of social support. With such a wide range of social projects, you will absolutely find an organization that will spark your interest. Whether you will be working with the homeless in Santiago, the rag children in India or learning agricultural techniques from Peruvian natives, the options are endless.

Don’t hesitate and continue reading to find out what the world has in store for you. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and commit to a program in social work abroad.

Why volunteer for social work?

Developing countries worldwide struggle with poverty and homelessness. A striking 100 million people are homeless on a worldwide scale and it is estimated that 10% of the world’s population lives below the poverty line. Unable to rely on the government for help, communities in various poor regions turn toward external support.

Luckily, organizations around the world are ready to offer people in need a helping hand. These programs are the driving force that helps people get through the days and provide them with the tools to build a more sustainable future.

To be able to fulfill this important role and continue to offer their services, organizations need funds and volunteers. They need volunteer workers who are willing to donate their time to help less fortunate communities get back on their feet.

When you volunteer for social work, it will allow you to connect with disadvantaged locals on a profound level and help you gain insight into the problems first hand. Struggling communities aren’t aided by funds alone. Communities lack the fundamentals which are necessary to build a sustainable future.

This is why social programs take it a step further. Organizations for social work will focus on services that will help locals toward a better future. As a social work volunteer, you are giving locals a new chance and empowering them with the tools to succeed.

Whether it’s helping with the migration issue, keeping children off the street, helping the homeless or creating awareness about HIV, there are many facets to volunteering for social work. There’s literally a job out there for everyone. It’s an amazing opportunity to gain a new experience abroad that can count for credits in the case of students. Students attaining a degree in social work who are eager to gain some experience abroad can work on gaining positive reviews and references for their CV.

Volunteers keen on a career as a social worker will find programs on the website boasting excellent reviews. Grab this opportunity to help others and expect this new experience in social work to change you as a person while you help others attain better perspectives in life.

What will I do as a volunteer for social work?

Volunteering for social work can be very versatile. There are several social work volunteer opportunities for those volunteers who wish to commit to social work abroad and help develop the local community. You may be wondering what your job will be. Continue reading to find out what a program in social work has in store for you:

Social groups

There are many different groups within society which have certain needs. Unfortunately, these needs often remain unmet. Luckily, organizations have dedicated their efforts to different social groups to improve their quality of life. A list of some of the different social groups which are attended to in social work projects:

  • Street children
  • Children from impoverished families
  • Homeless people
  • Minorities
  • Women
  • People struggling with addiction
  • Elderly people
  • Special needs children and adults
  • Illiterate people
  • Refugees
  • Impoverished and marginalized communities

Children

As you can see, a wide range of the human demographic is tended to by the endless variety of programs. There are social projects that care for street children by providing them with nutritious meals and teaching them English. Children and young adults are best supported by an education and important skills. Volunteers with teaching experience can put this to great use while working with young students of the community.

Refugees

Refugees are facing a very hard time in Europe where they are often unwelcome and misunderstood. Volunteer for refugees and facilitate the transition to their new environment.

Elderly

Last but not least, the elderly lead an increasingly lonely life often without any family support. They no longer have jobs which also disconnects them from the community. Donate some of your time and help take care of the elderly by giving them your undivided attention.

If you're a dedicated individual and desire a future as a social worker, volunteer for social work abroad and gain an incredible experience.

Typical tasks of a social worker

You have decided you want to contribute to social work but you may be wondering what your job will be. What kind of jobs will you be facing and what is required of a volunteer social worker? Here are some jobs a volunteer for social work will be helping with:

  • Teaching locals
  • Providing educational support
  • Research
  • Helping with cultural conservation
  • Care for children
  • Work with elderly people
  • Engaging in cross-cultural interchange
  • Organizing leadership/entrepreneurial workshops
  • Event organization
  • Counseling
  • Legal support
  • Self-esteem building
  • Cooking/ working for food projects
  • Working with special needs children and adults
  • Supporting equine therapy centers

That’s right, there are plenty of activities and all eager candidates will find a project matching their skills. Most projects are focused on community development and require volunteers to assist with social support services. In some cases, this is as simple as interacting with and caring for children but it can also mean:

  • teaching certain groups about important topics
  • raising awareness about their health
  • building up their self-esteem
  • teaching them certain school subjects

Working with refugees may require you to help with services such as counseling or legal support. This will require some experience as a social worker but can be great opportunities for volunteers looking for relevant experience future job opportunities.

Each day as a social work volunteer will be different from the previous one. Most organizations require a lot of flexibility from their volunteers. The services required can vary on a daily basis and so will your job. Rest assured, it will not get boring. The common theme in all programs will be connecting with the locals. This will enable cultural exchange which is a great way for both parties to get the most out of the experience.

Who can volunteer abroad?

You may wonder if you are cut out to be a volunteer for social work. We have listed a few personality traits which are great to have as a volunteer social work volunteer:

  • a social mindset
  • empathy
  • a good work ethic
  • the ability to work as part of a team
  • great communication skills
  • adaptability to different types of jobs
  • problem-solving ability
  • enthusiasm
  • resilience
  • a non-judgmental approach and respect for diversity
  • great cultural awareness
  • a professional attitude to work
  • a strong regard for health and safety
  • eagerness to travel
  • dedication
  • teaching skills or an interest in teaching students

It’s not necessary to tick all the boxes of course, but you get it by now. As a social worker volunteer, you need to love people and be a bit of a worker. In some programs, it's great to have volunteers who have a degree in social work but it isn't a prerequisite for all programs. Volunteers looking for good reviews or wanting valid job experience can attain this by joining a social work program. Students studying for their degree in social work will be an asset to the programs and the experience will also help prepare you for your career as a social worker.

Check out the different social work programs and get ready to change lives. They have excellent reviews. Will you be next to give them one?

What language skills are required?

English is the main language in all programs so it’s important that volunteers have a good understanding of English. This is important to communicate with the staff at the program and other volunteers. For projects in South America, it would help if you have a basic knowledge of Spanish prior to going. Knowing some Spanish words would definitely help kickstart your volunteer adventure. Spanish students will have excellent opportunities to put their Spanish skills to the test.

Best places to volunteer for social work

From Chile to Canada, to Italy, to Mozambique to India to Fiji, your social adventure will simply take you around the world. There are plenty of different volunteer programs available and they are scattered across the globe. Most of them are working where they are needed most, in developing countries but there are programs focused on working in more developed regions too. Let’s take a closer look at the different regions:

Latin America

South America has a rich culture which volunteers can continue to support by spending valuable time learning about ancient traditions and connecting to the local community. Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Guatemala and Jamaica are just one click away. Indulge in their warm hospitality while you help local communities create a better future.

Africa

If you’re drawn to the land of safaris, excited to see the big 5 and curious about ethnic tribes, Africa is your call. Discover dream destinations such as Tanzania, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda and South Africa. Immerse yourself in their unique culture and help build a better life for those who have had limited opportunities in life.

Asia

India, Nepal, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Fiji are exquisites destinations combining a colorful culture with breathtaking nature. Take your pick and get ready for your breathtaking social adventure abroad.

North America & Europe

Volunteers who prefer to volunteer in more developed regions, head to the US, Canada, Ireland, Moldova or Italy. Each of these beautiful countries is perfect for those preferring perhaps more moderate climates. Volunteers keen on gaining working experience abroad, go for it!

Social work volunteer opportunities are plentiful, it’s a matter of selecting the right social project for you.

Top 5 benefits of volunteering

There’s no doubt that volunteering is a marvelous concept. By volunteering for social work, you’re supporting disadvantaged groups and helping them improve their lives. As a social work volunteer, you will be doing more than helping others. You’ll be doing yourself a huge favor too. If you’re wondering what’s in it for you. Take a look at the benefits that volunteering for social work may have in store for you:

Mutual Learning Opportunities

In many social projects, you’ll be teaching students various sets of skills which will help them in the future. This unique experience will allow you to improve your teaching skills which can be great for those pursuing a teaching jobs in the future. Volunteers seeking experience abroad in social work can gain positive reviews for their resume. Besides gaining valuable work experience, volunteering for social work will teach you a lot about the culture and the country you will be volunteering in. It’s a win-win for both parties.

Meet other people

Volunteering is a great chance to meet people from different cultures and walks of life. You’ll connect with the local community as well as other volunteers who have similar values and interest as you do. Get ready to forge some long-lasting bonds during your social adventure.

New Experiences

Volunteering is a brilliant way to expand your perspective on the world. Issues that seemed huge problems before, may seem trivial after your volunteer experience abroad. Life experiences such as this give us more baggage that can prove helpful in the future. Volunteer for social work and watch how you become a stronger individual.

Travel

If you’re an adventurer and love to travel, nothing will stop you from discovering your surroundings. Volunteering abroad for education will lead you to some of the most interesting destinations. Africa, Asia or South America? You decide!

Health Improvements

Research reviews have shown that volunteering leads to better health and a better state of mind. Those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, function better and suffer less from depression. Get ready to volunteer and reap some of those health and happiness benefits.

How do I get started as a volunteer for social work?

You’ve decided you want to volunteer for social work abroad and support those less fortunate. Once you’ve found the right project, let’s take a look at the first 3 steps which will send you on your way to volunteering for social work:

  1. Check whether there’s a match between the social program and your skills.
  2. Take a look at the location of the program and decide whether it would be a location you are willing to travel to.
  3. Get in touch with the organization and see whether your expectations and your schedule match up.

Once you know your destination, take the following 2 steps before setting off on your life-changing adventure abroad!

  1. We recommend getting both health and travel insurance. In fact, this is even a requirement for many programs abroad.
  2. Look into the visa requirements for the country you will volunteers in. Make sure you have a valid passport considering the requirement of the host country.

Travel safe and prepare yourself for something that will change you as a person. Volunteer for social work and make a difference to those that need it the most.