Volunteering
Do you feel like something a little different? Do you want to make a contribution to society on the global stage? Or do you just want to take a break from studies and do something meaningful? You can achieve all this by volunteering.
"As a part of my elective subject SCI301 I spent one month living and volunteering in Dhapakhel, a village in the Lalitpur district of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal. I volunteered at the Self-Help Group for Cerebral Palsy, Nepal (SGCP).
This trip has definitely opened my eyes to the challenges and rewards that can be obtained through working with people of different cultures and the adaptations I had to make whilst adjusting to the living circumstances has helped me develop both professionally and personally.
The people of Nepal are what made my trip so valuable. Despite all the hardships in their lives they would go out of their way to accommodate me, always with a smile on their face. I have been lucky enough to make some amazing friendships and the memories we created will forever impact my life and my development as both a person and a health professional." Phoebe - 3rd year physiotherapy student
Youth Challenge Australia
Abstract: Youth Program projects. Participants work with local and international volunteers on community identified projects. No qualifications or prior experience. Work in teams. Students raise funds to meet project costs.
Available projects include:
- Construction and infrastructure
- Environmental conservation
- Social development
- Health related
Date: Volunteer programs run for 5 - 10 weeks
Location: Costa Rica, Guatemala, Guyana, Mexico, India and Vanuatu
Link: http://www.youthchallenge.org.au/YCA/
Global Vision International
Abstract: Youth Program projects. Offers participants safe, responsible travel experiences, exceptional training and career development opportunities, and facilitates the ability to make a real difference. No qualifications or prior experience. Work in teams. Students raise funds to meet project costs.
Available projects include:
- Marine, rainforest, African, community, adventure, wildlife expeditions
- Voluntary work with children,
- Wildlife and Conservation, Teach English abroad, Marine Conservation, Building, Community Volunteering and Climate change projects.
- Volunteer holidays and Summer volunteer programs
- Multi-country combinations
- Travel upgrades
- Family volunteering
- Group travel
- Internship schemes
Date: Volunteer programs run for 1 week - 2 years
Location: Africa, Asia, North America, South America, Vanuatu and Central America
Link: http://www.gvi.co.uk/
Student Partnerships Worldwide
Abstract: Youth Program projects. An international development charity working in eight countries across sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. No qualifications or prior experience. Work in teams. Students raise funds to meet project costs.
Available projects include:
Volunteer led programs in Health, Youth Empowerment, School, Community Resources, Teacher Training
Date: Independent to each Volunteer program
Location: India, Nepal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe
Link: http://www.restlessdevelopment.org
Students may be eligible for course credits for joining the Youth Program. Please consult with your Course Coordinator. If credit toward your course is unavailable you will receive a certificate of recognition from Charles Sturt University.
Projects Abroad (Australia)
Abstract: Projects Abroad is a leading volunteer abroad organisation. Volunteering on one of their projects gives you the opportunity to become more than a tourist; to become part of a community, to live and work beside local people, understand their world and make friends for life.
Available projects include:
Date: Independent to each Volunteer program
Location: over 25 locations across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America
Link: http://www.projects-abroad.com.au
For credit bearing experiences $500 Vice Chancellor Travel Grants may be available.