Every year, millions of young people travel abroad to work or volunteer. More and more youths seek opportunities to gain new skills, learn about other cultures, and make a difference in the world and many organizations offer volunteer and work abroad programs for youths. These programs provide an opportunity for young people to gain valuable work experience, learn new skills, and make a difference in the lives of others.
In late 2020, I had taken my first volunteering opportunity. It wasn’t abroad but in my own country. The difference was that, since then, I’ve been having the feeling that I’m living abroad for more than two years. Why? Because the organization that I work for welcomes more than 40 volunteers and interns from countries like France, Mayotte, Reunion Island, and Turkey yearly. Nowadays, I am having an intercultural experience on an everyday basis and I’ve decided to write this article to help youths embark on their first experience abroad!
Some of the best opportunities that I can propose to you are listed below. Choose one that best fits your interests and skills, and get ready to have the experience of a lifetime! Remember, abroad programs for youths can be of many types, do your research carefully.
What are the best programs for youths to volunteer and work abroad in 2023?
Erasmus+ Vocational Internships:
The Erasmus+ program, funded by the European Union, offers vocational internships for young people aged 18-30. These internships provide the opportunity to gain work experience in a different country and develop valuable skills. The internships can last from 2 to 12 months. They are available in a variety of fields such as business, engineering, and healthcare.
Erasmus+ internships provide young people with the opportunity to learn about and gain exposure to different cultures and professional networks in their chosen fields. You can register for opportunities at https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/
European Solidarity Corps Volunteering:
The European Solidarity Corps is a program that offers young people aged 18-30 the opportunity to volunteer in a variety of fields such as social work, environmental protection, and cultural heritage. The program provides accommodation, food, and a small allowance, and the volunteer commitment can last from 2 to 12 months. Volunteers in the European Solidarity Corps have the chance to gain valuable experience as well as support people, projects, and organizations across Europe. It is one of the best abroad programs for youths
They may also develop important new skills, such as communication, planning, problem-solving, and cultural competency. As volunteers, they will help to contribute to social cohesion and restore a sense of belonging to local communities. You can register for opportunities at https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity_en
United Nations Volunteer Program:
The United Nations Volunteer (UNV) program is an international volunteer program. The program offers opportunities to work on sustainable development projects around the world. UNV volunteers work with government and non-government organizations and can be placed in a variety of fields such as education, health, and disaster risk management.
Volunteers are expected to commit between six months and two years. In return, they receive living and travel allowances, accident and health insurance, and other financial and technical support. You can register for opportunities at https://www.unv.org/
Peace Corps:
The Peace Corps is a US government program that sends American volunteers to work in developing countries on projects related to education, health, and community development. Peace Corps volunteers commit to serve for 2 years and receive a living allowance, medical care, and other.
To qualify, applicants must be in excellent health, commit to a Peace Corps project, and speak the language of the country they are serving in. You can register for opportunities at https://www.unv.org/
AIESEC:
AIESEC is a global youth-led organization that offers volunteer and internship opportunities in over 110 countries. This organization focuses on leadership development and offers youth opportunities in fields such as education, community development, and environmental sustainability.
The duration of the programs varies from weeks to a year. AIESEC provides cultural exchange, empowering young people to identify and make the most out of their personal and professional development. You can register for opportunities at https://aiesec.org/
Why should you volunteer and work abroad in 2023? – Abroad programs for youths
Volunteering and working abroad offer young people an opportunity to learn new skills and gain valuable work experience. Secondly, by working abroad, youths have the chance to learn about other cultures . Finally, the experience of volunteering and working abroad can be incredibly rewarding both personally and professionally.
At a time when work experience is highly valued, youths who choose to volunteer and work abroad will be able to gain valuable skills and experience that will give them a competitive edge in the workplace.
How can you find the best programs to volunteer and work abroad in 2023?
You can find the best volunteer and work abroad programs by researching online and asking questions. There are several websites dedicated to providing information about different programs, their requirements, and their benefits. In addition, you can ask questions about the program to make sure it is the right fit.
You should ask about the hours, the expectations, and the countries the program requires them to travel to. It is also important to ensure that the organization or program has a good reputation, is safe and secure, and provides the necessary guidance and support throughout the program.
Finally, going to some local NGOs and youth organizations to see whether they have any opportunities available, and even asking for recommendations from people who have participated in a similar program can provide valuable insights into how to find the best programs. This can help you make an informed decision when it comes to choosing a volunteer and work abroad program for youths
Wrapping up our available opportunities for 2023
There are many different international programs and national programs available, and it is important to research different options and ask questions to make sure the chosen program is the right fit. Moreover, with the right guidance and support, you can make the most of your experience abroad and gain invaluable experiences and skills that will benefit you for life.
