Attitude, Lifestyle and Abilities

There are a number of factors that you need to consider before you start your research. In the volunteer sector your personal qualities and circumstance are just as important as your “hard skills.” You need to consider what your qualities are. Agencies sending people overseas look for people who:

• Are adaptable and flexible
• Have a sense of humor
• Have good communication skills
• Are willing and able to listen
• Wish to learn as well as to give
• Can cope with limited resources
• Can work as part of a team
• Learn a new language if necessary
• Show sensitivity to other views
• Can adapt their skills to a different work situation overseas.

Your personal circumstances will also affect the options that are available to you. Do you have:

• A partner or other close relationships?
• Children or planning to have children?
• A medical condition?
• A mortgage, student loans, an overdraft or credit card debt?
• Academic or training courses to finish?

If so, how will these fit into your plan? Think through what you currently do in your leisure time. Will you be able to continue these activities overseas or can you easily adapt to a new environment?

You also need to consider:

• What experiences do you have?
• What are your skills?
• At what stage are you in your career?
• How much time do you want to offer?
• What is your nationality or residence status?