Volunteer Abroad

Volunteering abroad offers you a wonderful way to become an active part of the community in another country. Not only can you use your individual skill set to benefit the local community, but you will also gain insight and build relationships in a way that a tourist never could.

If you are interested in spending some time volunteering in a developing country, you should take a look at Comhlámh's Volunteering Options website . Volunteering Options promotes informed decision making by volunteers and will take you through the process step by step. They have a variety of resources which help you assess your motivations and skills and find an opportunity which is appropriate for you.

Comhlámh have drawn up a Volunteer Charter which serves as a good practive guide for people going to volunteer in developing countries. It sets out seven principles that aim to encourage responsible, responsive international volunteering. You can download a copy of the Comhlámh Volunteer Charter here (PDF, 198KB).

Comhlámh also offer information sessions and personalised guidance for potential volunteers as well as debriefing and networking opportunities to returned volunteers. Comhlámh has also developed a Code of Good Practice for organisations involved in facilitating international volunteer placements in developing countries- if you hope to volunteer through such an organisation, you should check that it adheres to the principles outlined in this document.