Volunteers Abroad

Benefits of Volunteering Abroad

While rewarding, volunteering abroad isn’t something that you should do lightly. This important task can have life-changing consequences for you and the tens or hundreds of people you influence. For this reason, you should carefully consider if volunteering abroad is right for you before making you decision to fly overseas.

Benefits of Volunteering Abroad

As you make this decision, it’s critical that you consider a number of factors. For example, are you volunteering abroad with a reputable organization? What programs do they have in place to make sure that your stay is a comfortable one? Which country will you be volunteering in? Do you know the kind of work that you will be doing?

You can probably already tell that volunteering abroad without having the answers to these questions can put you in a tight spot. That’s why it’s important that you make sure that you’ve crossed all your t’s and dotted all your metaphorical I’s before departure.

If you’ve never volunteered abroad before, however, it can be difficult knowing just what to expect. If you need a little help getting started, we’ve got you covered. At A Broader View, we take global volunteering seriously. Since our founding, we’ve worked hard to connect hardworking volunteers with those in need in impoverished communities across the globe. In doing so, we’ve become one of the most respected names in the business—and today, we’re looking to offer an indispensable guide to volunteering abroad.

Below, we’ll go over everything that you need to know before taking the first step outside. Carefully consider the information in this guide to ensure that you’ve chosen the organization and the program right for you. As you’ll see, however, this will likely be an easy to decision—as there’s only one company that provides everything you need to enjoy your volunteering experience as much as possible.

And that’s us.

Volunteering Abroad: Considerations You Should Make

Before starting your volunteering journey, take some time to consider the following information. The most important part of getting started volunteering abroad is choosing the right organization to do it with. Unfortunately, not every volunteer organization is created the same, and some, despite having good intentions, don’t have the infrastructure to properly support their volunteers. What’s more, some organizations are limited in the number of programs they offer and the number of countries they operate in. This, in turn, limits your potential to volunteer in a way that is most meaningful to you.

The good news is that A Broader View boasts a fabulous volunteering infrastructure and incredible reputation. Over the years, we’ve worked hard to make sure that our volunteers are taken care of—and that they’re maximizing their difference in the world.

Below, consider the following benefits to be enjoyed by choosing A Broader View as your go-to volunteer abroad agency. You’ll notice that volunteering with A Broader View, a US-based non-profit organization, you’ll have an amazing number of benefits that you can’t find anywhere else! Want to know more? See how A Broader View proves to be one of the best volunteering agencies for both new and experienced volunteers!

A Chance to Volunteer in 26 Different Countries

When you volunteer abroad, you need a name you can trust. Currently, thousands of volunteers have trusted A Broader View to help them volunteer in twenty-five different countries across the world.

Our large volunteering network affords you the opportunity to connect with those in need in several communities across the world. Have a country that you’re looking to volunteer in? Chances are that we’ve already got an opportunity waiting for you in the country of your choice!

With over two hundred opportunities in twenty-six different countries, A Broader View has developed one of the most respected reputations in the business. And when you’re looking to volunteer in a foreign country, you’re in need of a company that has its roots firmly planted.

That’s why you need A Broader View. We understand the cultural landscape of the twenty-five different countries we currently work in—meaning we can make sure that your stay is as safe and convenient as possible. With A Broader View, you can be sure that you’ll find a home away from home during your stay—all while you’re helping make a difference with the people who need it most.

Our rewarding opportunities will seamlessly transition you into the local area so that you can get to quickly working with those in need.

And take it from us—you don’t get as large as we have without doing something right. We’ve earned the respect of multiple different partners in the industry through our effective programs and our amazing treatment of those in the volunteering industry.

By choosing A Broader View, you can be sure that you’re choosing the respect and quality you deserve while volunteering overseas.

Multiple Program Options Tailored to Your Skills!

When volunteering, you’ll want to be able to make the biggest difference possible. The good news is that with A Broader View, you can maximize the difference you can make with tailored programs.

Unlike smaller volunteering organizations, A Broader View has extensive programs that are tailored to our volunteers’ skillsets. Even better, our number of programs allows us to improve the lives of several individuals across a number of communities.

Are you looking to help the elderly? Do you want to provide children with a long-lasting education? Do you feel passionate about empowering battered women in need of support?

With A Broader View, all of these options are available to you. Our carefully-structured programs will put you in touch with directors and other volunteers who can help you maximize your potential. Great for those who need to be shown the ropes, our programs allow you to integrate into your volunteering life without any significant setbacks.

Our programs are great for those who are looking for short-term volunteer work and even for those in need of gap year volunteer programs. What’s more, we have amazing family volunteering opportunities, as well as those for seniors and retirees.

No matter what, we’re sure to have something that’s right for you. With medical programs available for individuals of nearly any experience level to teaching programs, A Broader View provides the perfect resume-boosting opportunities.

But that’s not all. Our programs tend to be especially rewarding, as they can be adapted to meet your skill level and tailored to fit your strengths. This means that you’ll be doing something that you feel comfortable doing—making you more effective.

And because we work directly with those in need, you’ll be able to see the difference you’re making in real time. Take it from us—there’s no better feeling in the world than knowing you’re making a difference where it counts.

Safe, Caring Accommodations

We won’t deny it. Staying in a foreign country for any period of time can be difficult. From not knowing how to get around to being unfamiliar with the local food, there can be several reasons that your stay in a foreign country may not be as great as you would have imagined.

That’s why we work to cut down on unnecessary inconveniences by taking care of the basics during your stay. And one of the most powerful ways we do this is by providing safe accommodations while you volunteer with us.

Because of our extensive infrastructure, we’ve been able to set up valuable homestay programs for our volunteers. Those who are coming to volunteer with A Broader View will have access to a safe, vetted homestay family during the duration of their experience. These homestay families make sure that you have three wonderful meals a day—and act as your safety net while you’re staying abroad.

We know that the last thing you need to worry about during your stay is having a roof over your own head. What’s more, we believe that you shouldn’t have to put your trust in chance that you’re staying in a safe location. That’s why we’ve worked to vet our homestay families to make sure that they’re capable of safely sponsoring our volunteers.

The result?

We have an expansive network of homestay families who are eager to sponsor you during your stay. During this time, they’ll work to make sure that you’re comfortable and help take care of you. These caring and kind families have bonded with many of our volunteers over the years. What’s more, their wonderful experience with us has made them uniquely suitable to making sure that you’re well-provided-for.

These families are typically middle class in their home countries, giving them the ability to safely sponsor you. What’s more, they have telephone access—with most also having access to the Internet. The ones who don’t, fortunately, are located near Internet cafes so that you don’t have to worry about being disconnected.

A Broader View’s homestay families are here to help you. Enjoy greater peace of mind knowing that you have safe accommodations with some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. This will allow you to better focus on your volunteering, giving you the freedom to better provide for those in need.

And trust us—simply knowing that your accommodations are taken care of will make your stay as stress-free as possible. Don’t deal with any burdens that you don’t have to. By choosing A Broader View, you can stay comfortable during the duration of your stay.

Convenient Locations

Traveling in a foreign country doesn’t have to be difficult. That being said, it’s worth noting that sometimes, accidents will happen. You’ll catch the wrong bus, or get off at the wrong stop.

If that scares you, don’t worry. It shouldn’t. Even if you do manage to get lost, you can be sure that A Broader View will be able to safely locate you. What’s more, we have a number of programs in place—such as orientation—to teach you how to get around in your country of choice.

That being said, nothing is foolproof. That’s why we make sure to choose convenient homestay locations that will keep you from having to travel long distances to get to your volunteering project site. This cuts down on the off chance that you get lost during your commute.

What’s more, these convenient transit times will make it easier for you to do your volunteer work by streamlining your morning routine. Because of this, you can be sure that you’re in good hands.

Cut down on the stress of your morning routine by making your transportation as easy as possible. With A Broader View, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind knowing that you’re with a safe, vetted homestay family not far from your volunteering site.

Choose the agency that’s got your best interests at heart. By choosing A Broader View, you can enjoy unparalleled comfort in the country of your choice.

Full Cultural Immersion

What’s more, make sure that you have a chance to actually experience the country that you’re visiting. While your primary focus should be your volunteering job, make sure that you do have personal time as well.

You don’t want to spend all of your time working—and you shouldn’t, not when experiencing these great countries. By choosing A Broader View, you’ll be exposed to a number of fascinating cultures, giving you the opportunity to expand your worldview and gain more perspective in life.

A Broader View works to give volunteers cultural experience in a number of ways. For starters, we have a language immersion program that will help you practice your language abilities. While most programs don’t require that you have knowledge of the country’s native language, you can improve your experience by taking our language immersion program. Those who choose this option will have the opportunity to study the language with a teacher and with coursework perfectly tailored to your current language ability.

But that’s only half of it. We also give our volunteers the weekend off—providing them with the time they need to see some of the country’s amazing sites. With A Broader View, you can be sure that you’ll have time to experience some of the best that these countries have to offer.

This adds to an already rewardingly enriching volunteering experience. By choosing A Broader View, you can make the most out of your volunteering opportunities.

Overseas Adventure Trips

Finally, don’t forget that A Broader View offers powerful overseas adventure trips. Our mission trips are perfect for students who are looking to put their education to use.

For instance, A Broader View has great dental student mission trips and nursing internship volunteering opportunities. Here, you’ll be able to gain real world experience that turns the knowledge you’ve learned in the classroom into something that you’re able to put into practice.

This proves to be incredible experience for students of all medical disciplines. There’s nothing more important than experience in helping shape your future career—and your knowledge of the field. With A Broader View, you can gain access to important experience that you’ll have a hard time finding anywhere else.

What’s more, you’ll be able to help real people while you’re at it. By assisting those in need, you can gain your valuable experience while making sure that others are well taken care of. This experience proves invaluable to your career—and to their well-being. For this reason, consider making A Broader View one of your go-to volunteering opportunities.

Our friendly staff and incredible site directors will work with you to make sure that you have a full understanding of your duties, giving you the opportunity to build real world experience. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to put an exclamation mark on your resume—and to deepen your knowledge of your chosen industry.

And one last note—make sure that you don’t forget who you’re really doing it for. As you put your medical knowledge to the test, you’ll be able to help countless of individuals in need. And what could be better than that?

Countries Currently Available

With this in mind, let’s take a closer look at the different countries A Broader View currently has branches in.

Our programs can currently be found in Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. These locations include:

Central and South America

Africa

Asia

Programs offered may vary by location, but with over 265 program options available, you’re sure to find something that suits your needs and skills.

As you can see, A Broader View has built an impressive network of global volunteering and outreach programs designed with one goal in mind. As a US nonprofit organization, A Broader View isn’t in it for the money. Our one and only goal is to improve the plight of the poor across the globe.

And with the help of volunteers like you, we’ve been able to make a difference for more than a decade. Now, A Broader View is stronger than ever and is in search of talented volunteers who are eager to make a difference.

By joining A Broader View, you can start to make a real difference. With programs ranging from 1 to 12 weeks, we provide you the opportunity to have a rewarding experience in the country of your choosing.

What’s more, you can be sure that you’ll get the same great service no matter which country you choose. We make sure that all of our volunteers are taken care of—no matter the country. That’s why we’ve built our expansive homestay family network in all twenty-five countries. By choosing A Broader View, you can expect to find consistent quality across the board—helping you do what you set out to do and make a difference in communities in need.

But that’s not all. With A Broader View, you can be sure that you’ll get the opportunity to volunteer in a number of countries. Many of our volunteers, after seeing the great need for assistance in impoverished communities, choose to come back and try our diverse range of programs. Whether you’re looking to make a difference in Africa, in Asia, or in both, you can count on A Broader View to provide you with the resources and the platform necessary to do so.

And because we’re a nonprofit, we put our proceeds to good work, maintaining and expanding our outreach efforts. Through the donations of our volunteers, we can help cover the costs of their stay while building an even stronger network of volunteers. This increases the resources available to those in need, helping make the world a better place one community at a time.

Who Should Volunteer?

Not sure if volunteering is right for you? Try answering these questions.

Do you have a caring heart that’s looking to help others? Do you have a specific skillset that you can put to use for that end? If not, are you willing to collaborate with others to make your volunteer experience rewarding and worthwhile?

If so, A Broader View is for you.

But wait—don’t you have to meet strict requirements to start volunteering? Think again! At A Broader View, we work with volunteers high-school-age or older who have a heart for improving the lives of others.

So should you volunteer? If you meet the following requirements, you’re a perfect match for A Broader View volunteer!

Caring Heart—We’re looking for volunteers who are compassionate and kind with a strong sense of justice. Our volunteers are those who are willing to give their all to make lives better for those affected by poverty across the world.
Hardworking Attitude—Are you unafraid of hard work? Do you want to see the results of your labor be paid in the most rewarding way possible? If so, you’re a perfect fit for A Broader View!
High School Student, Retiree, or Taking a Gap Year—If you meet any of these three requirements, you’re still eligible to volunteer with A Broader View! Whether you’re looking to give back in your retirement or want to make your gap year as meaningful as possible, A Broader View is the perfect opportunity for you! What’s more, with parental consent, high school students can start bolstering their resumes with quality global work experience!
Open to New Cultures—Our volunteers should have an open mind to experiencing new cultures. This means keeping an open mind while visiting new countries. Not only will this allow you to better connect with the people you’re helping, it can make your experience better than you ever thought possible! By respecting the local culture, you’ll be able to find a number of incredible recreational and cultural activities during your free time!

IMPORTANT: As one final requirement, A Broader View does require a criminal background check be submitted prior to joining one of our programs. In order to maintain the safety of everyone involved, we make sure that our volunteers have clean criminal background checks. To find out more about our background check policy, click here. As the process may differ depending on your nationality, be sure to read over the information carefully to ensure all guidelines are met.

If you meet the requirements above, don’t worry! You’re a great match for A Broader View. So long as you’re able to dedicate your time and skills, you’ll find A Broader View to be an incredible volunteering opportunity.

A Quick Note About A Broader View’s Safety Record

Before we go any further, we want to take some time to address a concern that we’re sure is at the top of your list—your safety.

We know how important your health and safety are to you. We know because it’s also important to us. That’s why we’ve taken several measures to ensure that you’re safe at all times.

Depending on the region, you may feel unease about the safety in your area. If that’s the case, we want to assure you that all of our programs enjoy a 100% safety record! That’s right—during our more than a decade of practice, we’ve maintained an unblemished safety record.

So what does this mean for you?

You can be sure that with A Broader View, you’re in good hands. Just take a look at our 99.7% positive feedback to see how others have fallen in love with our unique and highly-rewarding programs!

By joining A Broader View in our mission to improve the lives of thousands across the globe, you’ll be able to experience the richness of other countries and cultures, all without having to worry about your safety! Of course, this doesn’t give one a pass to act recklessly—and proper safety precautions should always be followed. But if you’re letting safety concerns keep you from going overseas, we want to assure you that we boast superior safety ratings.

And remember—you’ll never have to worry about living or rooming in less-than-safe areas of town. Our middle-class homestay families offer the comfort and security you need to enjoy your stay in peace.

A Broader View: Our Volunteering Process

At A Broader View, we believe that signing up to help others shouldn’t be difficult. That’s why we’ve got an easy-to-follow signup process that will help get you connected with the right volunteering opportunity in no time.

Want to know how to jumpstart your volunteering career with A Broader View? Just follow the steps below!

Choose a Country and Program

First, make sure that you have a country in mind. By knowing where you want to volunteer ahead of time, you can make sure that you’re making a difference where you really want to.

Don’t know where you want to volunteer? Don’t worry! There’s no rush. Here, you can find the information you need to browse through the twenty-five different countries in which we currently offer programs.

With programs available throughout the Americas, Africa, and Asian, you’re sure to find a community you want to help! Once you do, you’ll be ready to start the next step of the process!

Just as important as the country you choose is the program you’re enrolling in. As we’ve seen, A Broader View has more than 240 different programs across the world. This means that you’ll be able to enjoy an impressive selection of volunteering opportunities!

From medical to dental to educational, our programs are tailored to your skill set and work to help a number of individuals in different communities across the world. We recommend choosing a program that not only interests you—but one that you’re about to make a difference in, as well.

Are you a medical student? Want to put your knowledge to use to develop real-world skills? Consider one of our medical programs throughout Central and South America.

Do you have dreams of becoming an educator? Try our one of our teaching programs throughout the world helping those with disabilities and low-income students.

By lining up your interests with your volunteering program, you can improve the lives of those in at-risk communities across the globe.

Calculate Fees and Contact Us

Next, you’ll want to calculate your project fees. This fee may change depending on the number of inclusions that you add.

Typically speaking, your program fees include a number of essentials, including accommodation, food, support, and orientation. However, there are also other aspects that you’ll have to cover that aren’t related to your program fee.

For instance, the cost of your flight ticket, daily transportations, travel insurance, Internet, visa expenses, and special meals aren’t included with the price of your volunteer program.

If you’re looking to have any inclusions, you’ll need to calculate these extra fees for a better estimate of the total program cost. For a full list of what’s included—and what’s not—in your program fee, click here.

If you have any questions during this time, be sure to contact us. Our support staff is standing by to address your comments or concerns and to guide you throughout the process.

Apply Online

Once you’ve decided on the country, program, and the dates of your volunteering, it’s time to apply. To do so, you’ll simply need to fill out our online application form. This online form will then be submitted to our staff, where we will review it.

Following your application, you can expect to receive an email within 24-48 hours. This email will have important information regarding your application. If you have not received an email, be sure to check your spam and junk folders.

Do Optional Fundraising

If you’re able, now’s the time to start an optional fundraising campaign. Do note that while fundraising is beneficial, it is not required for your application to be approved.

That being said, we appreciate the extra effort of our volunteers and welcome all who apply to also apply for a fundraising campaign. By doing a fundraising campaign, you can help us on our mission to make life easier for those suffering from poverty across the globe.

Fortunately, for those who want to start fundraising, the application is incredibly easy. To do this, you’ll just need to log in to your A Broader View account. Once there, you’ll have the option to create a fundraising campaign. This fundraising campaign can then be used to help fund your trip volunteering trip. We’ve found that many of our volunteers are successfully able to raise substantial amounts in order to lessen the financial burden of their trips. In order to find out more about how fundraising works, click here.

Once you’ve created your fundraiser, you’ll need to wait another 24 to 48 hours to get approval. From there, you’ll be able to raise funds to help support your trip abroad!

Submit Paperwork and Payment

Importantly, you’ll need to make sure that all of your paperwork and payments are in 45 days before the start of your program. For this reason, it’s important that you get your paperwork and payments in as quickly as possible.

Fortunately, getting your paperwork in doesn’t have to be difficult. Simply make sure that your paperwork has been uploaded to your A Broader View Account and make your final payment at least 45 days before starting your program. This way, you can be sure that you won’t have any hang-ups in starting your volunteering process.

Keep in mind that time is of the essence. Make sure that you don’t miss out on your incredible volunteering opportunity because of a lack of punctuality!

Go Abroad and Come Back!

This is here the fun really starts.

The last leg of the process is also the most rewarding. We guess you could say that we save the best for last. This is the part where, you know, you actually get to go overseas and change lives. This is the part that you’ve all been waiting for—the time where you can make a difference across the world.

If it sounds like we’re being dramatic, we promise we’re not. It’s just that we’ll never not be excited at the chance to work with more amazing volunteers who are ready to put their enormous talents to use! We enjoy getting to know our volunteers as much as we do helping others. It’s just who we are, and we’re so thankful to have your interest and support!

As we’ve said, we know it can be difficult going to a foreign country for the first time. That’s why we make it incredibly easy to start your program without having problem! Upon your arrival, you’ll be introduced to your A Broader View coordinator. We’ll make sure that you get from the airport safely to your new accommodations. You’ll also be given a tour of your project site, where you’ll have an important orientation from your local site director.

This orientation will cover the necessary information you should know during your stay in your volunteering country. Information covered will include your roles and responsibilities on the job, as well as how to commute and get around the area. This important safety information will help make sure that you encounter minimal problems during your stay.

Then the action starts! You’ll be able to meet your homestay family and get started volunteering in ways that truly make an impact. And don’t forget that A Broader View offers days off so that you can take the time to get to experience the country and the culture you’re surrounded by! We’re absolutely sure that you’ll enjoy your time and your stay while volunteering.

In fact, we’re sure that you’ll enjoy it so much that once you’re home, you’ll complete our survey and start encouraging others to make a difference as well!

The Bottom Line

A Broader View has built a solid reputation in the global volunteering community for putting together over a decade’s worth of reliable results. During this time, we’ve grown a substantial network of partner and homestay families, allowing us to increase the number and the diversity of programs offered.

As we’ve grown, we’ve relied on the help of volunteers like you to continue making a difference. With your help, we can continue to raise the standard of living for thousands across the world, all while reducing the devastating impact poverty has had in twenty-five nations globally.

Want to get started helping A Broader View? The good news is that our application process is simple! What’s more, by working with a US-based non-profit organization in A Broader View, you’ll enjoy enhanced safety and reliability. Our trusted name has allowed us to secure valuable homestay families and volunteering relationships that will streamline and enhance your experience.

All you need to do to get started is to sign up! By following the directions above, you can be on your way to enjoying an incredible volunteering experience with A Broader View! No matter the country or the program you choose, we’re excited at the prospect of having you on board!

We look forward to working with you soon!

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