QA Forum
Welcome to the Q&A Forum
We were discussing Overseas volunteering
With Linda Elliot, Monica Kincade and Meghan Bailey
Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (2000) demonstrated that 4.4 million Australians were involved in volunteering. There is a wide variety of exciting options out there for volunteering and in particular, overseas volunteering. The benefit of volunteering lie not only with helping a community or the environment, but it is also a great way to keep your mind and body active and to meet new people.
Can you see yourself working in agriculture, community development, education, health, hospitality and tourism, in a library or in trades? How about: monitoring the coral reefs in the Bahamas; conducting field surveys of wildlife and vegetation in Kenya; or a trade teacher in Fiji?
All overseas volunteering organisations run both short term and long term projects, so it is up to you how much time you contribute.
If you would like to ask one of our panel members a question on any exciting aspect of volunteering overseas, please do so. You can also have a read through the following questions and answers and view a short background to each of our panel members: Meghan Bailey (Australian Volunteering International), Linda Elliott (Australian Business Volunteers) or Monica Kincade (Earthwatch). There is a list of useful resources for further information and available services to help you find the information that you are looking for.
"In every community there is work to be done. In every nation there are wounds to heal. In every heart there is the power to do it" (Marianne Williamson, author and lecturer)
The following questions were answered:
| Question 1: | I am qualified in motor engineering and farming would like to assist in the top of Australia with Indigenous people | View Answer |
| Question 2: | I've worked in all areas of Pathology including haematology, microbiology and biochemistry. I'm almost 60 now and have looked at various volunteer websites, but they never mention lab work. Do you know any organisations that could use my skills? Thanks | View Answer |
| Question 3: | I would like information on teaching a trade in Fiji. Teaching metal fabrication/welding. I am a retired teacher, in very good health, and would like to pass my skills on. Hoping to hear from you, Regards Warren | View Answer |
| Question 4: | If I were to be a volunteer in Thailand for instance, would I still be able to collect my aged pension? | View Answer |
| Question 5: | What sort of contact are we able to have with family and friends whilst we are OS? | View Answer |
| Question 6: | I have a graduate diploma in Information Technology as well as a degree in Business Management. Would there be a need for these skills in the countries that ABV go to? | View Answer |
| Question 7: | Where do I find out things about the country that I may end up going to for volunteering? I know of a few places that I would be interested in going to, but I would like to know more about these places before I apply. | View Answer |
| Question 8: | I am extremely interested in obtaining more information about volunteering particularly in the areas of indigenous affairs and assisting in scientific research of any nature. I would be willing to go to any areas to be of assistance. | View Answer |
| Question 9: | Can Australians over the age of 50 be volunteers? | View Answer |
| Question 10: | How do I become a volunteer with AVI? | View Answer |
| Question 11: | How safe is it to be a volunteer in these developing countries? | View Answer |
| Question 12: | I'm a fairly healthy and active 60 year old and I'm interested in travelling overseas. I'd like to do something different and useful while I'm over there. Could you advise me on what options are available? | View Answer |
| Question 13: | I am not sure what the difference is between all of these overseas volunteering agencies: what makes Australian Business Volunteers distinctive? | View Answer |
| Question 14: | I am very interested in travelling overseas for an extended period to volunteer but have a restricted diet due to my health. Is there any way I can travel to different countries and experience foreign food, without compromising my special dietary requirements? | View Answer |
| Question 15: | I love the idea of volunteering overseas but I am worried about the health risks of living in a developing country... | View Answer |
| Question 16: | My wife and I are interested in doing an extended overseas trip that includes some volunteer work but are concerned about our safety given the current political and social climate. What information can you provide in relation to this? | View Answer |
| Question 17: | Myself and 5 friends are interested in volunteering overseas as a group. Can you suggest ways that we can do this ? | View Answer |
| Question 18: | What countries does ABV operate in? | View Answer |
| Question 19: | What opportunities are available for people to volunteer overseas with AVI? | View Answer |
| Question 20: | What personal financial costs are involved if I am chosen for a volunteer assignment? | View Answer |
| Question 21: | What sort of work do volunteers do overseas? | View Answer |
| Question 22: | Why would I choose to volunteer overseas rather than staying at home? | View Answer |
