Preparing for an international volunteer trip involves understanding the specific skills, background checks, and qualifications needed for your chosen placement. Since 2007, A Broader View Volunteers has matched thousands of participants with 168 programs worldwide, ensuring that every volunteer is properly prepared to contribute safely and effectively.
Most community-driven initiatives—such as teaching English, childcare, women's empowerment, and sea turtle conservation—are open to individuals of all backgrounds, as full on-site orientation and training are provided by our local coordinators. However, for specialized fields like medical clinics, dental outreach, and physical therapy, participants must provide relevant student or professional credentials (such as nursing licenses, pre-med standing, or CPR certification) to ensure patient safety and ethical care. Regardless of your background, our U.S. team guides you through every step of pre-departure preparation.
Why it is needed
- To protect the people you will help. Schools, orphanages, clinics and care homes have a duty to know who works with the people in their care.
- Because partners require it. Many of our local partners, and some governments, will not accept volunteers without one.
- For your visa. Some countries ask for a police certificate as part of a volunteer or long-stay visa application.
Having a record does not automatically rule you out, but you must tell us about it in your application, as it may affect your placement or your visa. Our terms and conditions explain this in detail.
Which document to get
You need an official criminal record check from the country where you live, issued recently (ideally within the last six months).
- United States. A state or local police clearance, or an FBI Identity History Summary. Many volunteers use an accredited online provider for a nationwide check.
- Canada. A criminal record check from your local police or the RCMP.
- United Kingdom. A basic DBS check.
- Australia. A National Police Check.
- Other countries. The equivalent certificate from your national or local police.
If you are not sure which one applies to you, ask our team before you order it.
When and how to submit it
- Apply online and pay your deposit.
- Order your background check: processing can take from a few days to several weeks, so start early.
- Upload a scan to your ABV account with the rest of your pre-departure documents.
- All documents are due before your final deadline, 45 days before your start date. See how it works.
Keep the original or a copy with you while you travel, as some projects or immigration officers may ask to see it.
Cost
The background check is not part of the program fee: you pay the issuing agency directly. See what's included in your program.
Your privacy
Your background check is only shared with the people who need it to arrange your placement and visa. Read our privacy policy for details.
Ready to start planning?
Applying is free and our team guides you through every step.
