Humanitarian Affairs

uide To International Voluntary Service Projects

Humanitarian Affairs - International Voluntary Service ( IVS ) Projects are a unique form of doing voluntary work. They bring volunteers from different nationalities, cultural, social and racial backgrounds to live and work together on projects, which benefit the local communities.

These IVS projects are designed to support local initiatives and often continue even after the specific IVS project has ended.

The contribution of volunteers works towards fulfilling the long term goal of alleviating poverty and improving the living condition of the less fortunate.

Types of International Voluntary Service Projects

Short Term Projects

Usually run for between 2 to 3 weeks. They bring together a mixed group of volunteers from different countries and of different ages. For example, if 10 volunteers are needed for a particular project, you could find yourself living and working alongside other volunteers from France, Turkey, Korea, Japan, Poland, Greece, Sweden, Russia and Others.

Food and accommodation are provided during your involvement in the project. You need to cover other travel expenses ( including travel insurance ) and basic expenditures. No specific skill or qualification needed for short term projects.

Long Term Projects

Need Volunteers for between 3 to 12months. These usually need just 1 or 2 volunteers at a time and have specific job descriptions for which volunteers must have the relevant skills and experience.

Accommodation is usually provided. Depending on the type of project, meals may also be provided. For example, projects where communal living is a fundamental part of the project will, of course, include meals.

Some long term projects do offer volunteers a small amount of payment, but the amount is nominal; an allowance rather than a wage.

Long term projects usually require that you have already taken part in an IVS short term project or similar, relevant experience.

You are also expected to cover your own travel expenses ( including travel insurance ) and basic expenditures.

Opportunity for Learning

Humanitarian Affairs offers young people between 18 – 45 years old the opportunity to be involved in humanitarian work in another country, for a period of six to 12 months. Shorter placements of three weeks to six months are also available.

A wide variety of placements are available in the social, cultural, environmental and sports sectors.

When Do Projects Begin ?

Most short term projects take place over the summer from June to September, when there are about 800 projects throughout Europe, North America, Africa, Asia and South America.

A smaller selection of short-term projects is available during the winter and spring months. Long-term projects run all year round.

Language

English is the common language on most short-term projects. Other languages may be used, depending on the preferred language of a particular group of volunteers and the country the project is in.

Each project description would specify whether English or another vernacular is the preferred language.

For some long-term projects you are required to be able to converse in the language of the country where the project is based.

Who Can Apply ?

Humanitarian Affairs -IVS projects is open to anyone between 16 to 70 years of age but you must be over 18 to take part in projects overseas.

Most Short Term projects do not require you to have any skill or qualification, but certain projects will welcome your life experience and whatever skills you may have that can contribute to the project task ( e.g. construction skills if the work includes making a road; social care skills if the project involves working with the elderly ).

The main skills you do need are the ability to live and work cooperatively with other international volunteers. Enthusiasm and motivation are a must.

If you apply to take part in a project where you have to work with children and vulnerable adults you will need to complete a declaration and supply a reference with your application.

Volunteers with disabilities or specific health issues must make these known to Humanitarian Affairs when applying for any project.

We encourage volunteers with disabilities to take part and try to make this possible wherever we can. Every effort will be made to accommodate volunteers on the project of their choice but certain projects may not be accessible for those with certain disabilities.

Children

We welcome applications from volunteers wishing to have their children with them. But for security and safety reasons certain projects may not be open to those who have children with them. It’s best to check with the Office of Humanitarian Affairs before application to ensure that the project of choice will allow children to be present.