Are you:
If you answered yes to each of the above questions, you meet the basic VSO criteria and we would welcome you to apply to become a VSO volunteer.
VSO deals with hundreds of individual placements overseas and the above criteria are a guide only. Placements will be more limited at either extreme of the age range and employers in certain skill areas may ask for several years' experience, whereas others might be willing to employ someone recently qualified.
WHAT IS VSO?
VSO is the biggest independent volunteer sending agency in the world. Since VSO started in 1958 we have sent
over 21,000 volunteers to work in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, the Pacific and the Caribbean at the request of
governments, local organisations or other development agencies or non-governmental organisations.
VSO aims to promote and support human development through working to improve people's education and health, income and employment opportunities, and ability to contribute to their society. VSO also works for development back home through a commitment to raising awareness of the issues and by working to change public attitudes.
Volunteers work alongside local people and this can involve teaching, sharing ideas and different ways of working and training in particular skills.
Whilst overseas you are not employed by VSO.VSO is a recruitment agency for employers overseas. VSO works in partnership with these employers. The employer will be contributing to your allowance and accommodation whilst you are overseas. Therefore the demand for you - the volunteer - will be real.
WHAT CAN I OFFER VSO?
Overseas employers insist on people who have specific skills, qualifications and experience. You will need to
be willing to share your skills, to pass on what you have learnt in your own education and working life and be
happy to learn new methods from your colleagues. As important as your qualifications and work experience
are personal qualities such as adaptability, a desire to learn and the ability to get on with people. VSO sees these
as vital if you are to be effective overseas. The VSO assessment day focuses on these.
For more information, please contact:
Voluntary Service Overseas
Enquiries Unit
317 Putney Bridge Road
LONDON SW15 2PN, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 181 780 7500
Fax: +44 181 780 7300
http://www.oneworld.org/vso