Top Social Work Volunteer Opportunities & Internships Abroad

I chose the teaching project in pre school during two weeks. I went to a little pre school (about 13 cjildren) in a small village ( 30minutes by bus from the house where i was located). I was very good welcomed by the teacher and all the parents. For example every morning the caretake brought me a soda ! The teacher began by instructives songs that I could join because most of them where in english and after this it was my turn. I learnd them others english songs, games, drawing, dances... I brought gloves to make ballons, buffers, felt-tips. Children didn't understand english but it was not a problem, you don't need to spreak thier language to communicate. When I arrived a cordinator taught me basic vocabulary so I have tested my Sri Lankan accent with children ! With this trip I saw the real life en Sri Lanka, things that a tourist can't see. In my country I'm not a teacher but it was not a brake for this project.

I am a single woman with a career who wanted to do something different with time off. My decision to work at the orphanage in Costa Rica was the best decision I've made. Volunteer-tourism is a great way to go. This particular program was great for several reasons. From the time I landed in San Jose and was picked up at the airport, I was taken care of. The home-stay and the staff at the host organization were exceptional. They connected me with the orphanage, helped with my work there, and put me in touch with Costa Rican culture in a way that I never would have experienced as a tourist. The orphange itself, really a home for abandoned children, opened my eyes to how Costa Ricans serve their needy and allowed me to serve in a way that suited my skills. The program was also flexible enough to allow me to explore Costa Rica. So much to say and not enough space! Long story short --- I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Great people, well organized, and a great opportunity to help in a real way.

I was between jobs and had the wish to make something different out of that unexpected spare time. Soon, a friend of mine recommended GoEco to me especially because I wanted to go to Israel so badly. While reading through the projects my eyes fell on Cape Town and I instantly loved it. After choosing the project and applying everything went really quick and well organised. The people from GoEco answered all my questions and when I arrived in Cape Town no concerns were left. Then, a wonderful experience began. The local staff did a lot to make all volunteers feel comfortable, the house was a bit crowded which caused problems sometimes, but on the other hand: I wouldn't have met all those lovely fellow volunteers. Furthermore we had perfect food and the laundry done every week (would like to have that at home!). Working in the communities was fun, informative and rewarding. The kids are so much fun, the teachers and foster parents are so thankful and even the way to work is full of wonderful views and landscapes (depending where you go) Weekends and evenings were full of strolls to the pubs or restaurants, shopping, hiking, wine tasting, beer tasting, adventures and tours. Cape Town is the most wonderful city I have ever seen and 6 weeks haven't been enough. I will come back to Cape Town. For sure! (and I still have Israel on my list!)