If you think volunteering overseas is only for ambitious college kids and hipster teens, think again. There are also volunteer programs for adults. If you’re tired of corporate life and want to try something new or have already exhausted your career path, volunteering abroad programs for adults might be the perfect opportunity for you.
Most volunteer organizations look for people over 30 because they have experience and maturity. These individuals tend to be more tolerant and patient when working with different people. On the other hand, young-looking individuals from college who are fresh out of school often need more training in soft skills.
People with specialized skills are also needed by volunteer organizations. For instance, if you’re over 30 years old, you’re more likely to have developed a particular skill set that you can use to manage a group of teenagers or create legal documents for a business. Having these skills allows program providers to easily slot older volunteers into their programs.
If you’re still trying to figure out where to volunteer over 30 years old, you might be interested in learning more about the various aspects of the program, such as the cost and how it works. If you’re already an adult, then these volunteer programs might be just what you’re looking for.
Global Vision International
For over two decades, GVI has been running volunteer programs in various countries. Through its partnership with international organizations such as Save the Children, WWF, and The Red Cross, it has been able to provide adult volunteer programs that are designed to meet the varying interests of its participants.
Adult volunteers can work for as little as a week or as much as a year, and they can combine their projects to form multi-country ventures. Volunteers can join programs in 12 countries, such as Africa, Asia, Australasia, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East. Some of the popular projects that they can work on include conservation, education, and construction.
Oyster Worldwide
Since 2000, the UK-based company Oyster Worldwide has been able to provide adult volunteers with various projects in different countries. For people who are looking for a break from their regular job, this organization can help them find a new way of life.
Through its various programs, Oyster Worldwide has been able to provide over 70 paid and volunteer programs in 24 countries. Some of the projects that it has been able to work on include helping children in Romania and India, as well as working with animals in South Africa and Costa Rica.
Projects Abroad
Projects Abroad was founded in 1992 and is one of the largest organizations in the world that offers volunteer programs for adults. For skilled professionals, this organization has been able to place them in various countries, such as Asia, Europe, and the South Pacific. They can also help local NGOs by becoming business advisors.
The organization’s special programs are designed for people who are over 50. They allow participants to take on projects that are two weeks long and have the most impact. Some of these include learning about Khmer culture in Cambodia, protecting the unique species in the Galapagos, and working with kids in Nepal.
ELI Abroad
If you’re looking for volunteer opportunities in other countries, stop by this site. This organization takes pride in providing a safe environment for its participants. Its staff members regularly audit the operations of its programs to make sure that they are following proper safety procedures. For individuals who are over 30 years old, this organization can also provide them with various opportunities that are designed to meet their goals.
With programs starting at as little as $10 a day, IVHQ has plenty of options for adults who are looking to volunteer overseas. This organization can assist people in over 40 countries. Some of its popular projects include childcare, healthcare, turtle conservation, and community development.