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Volunteer and Intern in the Philippines

by: Volunteer for the Visayans

9.88 (8)Verified

Find out why it's more fun and meaningful to volunteer with us! Volunteer for the Visayans (VFV) provides a wide range of program choices for people wanting to Volunteer Abroad in the Philippines through our local community partners and our very own community centers. VFV endeavors to improve the quality of life of the community by providing responsive, efficient, and high-quality community servic...

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Program Highlights

Experience life in the Philippines while living alongside locals in a homestay.

Travel to islands on the weekends and swim in crystal clear waters.

Connect with locals through impactful volunteer placements.

Support grassroots initiatives making a difference in local communities.

Have the experience of a lifetime!

Quick Details

Locations
  • Tacloban City, Philippines
Availability
Year(s) OfferedYear RoundDuration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • Summer
Age Requirement:Varies
Types & Subjects:
  • Arts
  • Building & Construction Projects
  • Community Centers
  • Community Development
  • Cooking
  • See more
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

9.88

Total Reviews

8

Flexible, a wonderful experience for self-directed volunteers!

by: Kirsten Roche - KamloopsProgram: Volunteer and Intern in the Philippines
10

Well, what on earth do I say about VFV? I spent two months volunteering with them, and I have to say that it was one of the most important experiences of my life. My original project was a rural health clinic (I am a nurse), however, due to an overwhelming number of healthcare staff available to work in the Philippines, my clinic was constantly well-staffed. This left me feeling every day that I was not really needed, and that it was an experience that was benefiting only me, and not the community I worked in. On the flip side of that, I was able to get experience learning the language (WarayWaray), doing prenatal exams, and giving immunizations- all things that I could not do in Canada due to my status as a 4th-year nursing student. The truly rewarding experience- outside of dealing with and learning so much from the wonderful staff at my clinic- came from my side projects. A few evenings a week, I helped tutor the Grade 8 students who are also sponsor children through VFV. I tutored English, math, and a few other subjects, whatever the kids needed help with that day. It was absolutely a blast! I had so much fun spending time with them, refreshed my math skills with the help of Google, and felt like, at times, I was actually helping. I also joined a co-volunteer at her placement for a couple of days at the girls' shelter, where I designed two workshops- one on self esteem and healthy relationships, and one on womens' health. That was by far the most rewarding, and one that I will probably travel back to the Philippines to do more of. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and it really felt like I did something worthwhile. On top of it all, the volunteers all become quite close and spend a lot of time together, so I met a couple of lifelong friends in the process. My homestay was so wonderful, and helped me to understand so much about Filipino life and culture. I miss being "Ate Kirsten" (sister Kirsten) in the community, and I miss the friendly neighbourhood kids and adults every day. I even miss my hour-and-a-half jeepney/tricycle ride every day to my project! I will absolutely be back again, and can not wait to see what the next volunteer trip brings. Thank you, VFV, for the amazing experience!!! 2 tips for future volunteers: 1) Come with an open mind. Each project is different from your expectations in ways you couldn't begin to imagine, so come with the mindset that you will find and create value in whatever your project is. 2) Take initiative. You are given so much freedom with VFV to participate in other projects, so take advantage! If you question the value of what you are doing, be creative and spend time experimenting and figuring out where the need is. Share that with people, initiate change- VFV does not gently take you by the hand and tell you what to do every step of the way, that is the best part of the organization's volunteer program! You have leeway to decide what you think is important, and to explore it. Enjoy the freedom and the opportunity to create change!

Preparing donation bags to be handed out in Typhoon Yolanda-affected communitiesVolunteer night out!Helping and receiving their heartfelt thank you warms our hearts
10

During my 6 month volunteer trip with VFV I had the chance to help contribute to the construction of three homes in a rural village. With no construction or building experience at all I wasn't sure I'd be much help, but the head carpenter, local workers, and even local kids were extremely grateful for any assistance I could provide. I never knew I had it in me to carry 20 lb sand bags all day or shovel 6 ft. deep holes under the baking heat of the Filipino sun. Building the homes challenged me physically but my sleepiness was overpowered by the notion that I was providing a family with something tangible, a home where they would create memories, where the parents would watch their children grow, where they would share meals daily, and where they would safely rest their heads at night. It was an incredible feeling to see each family move in to their new home, and I live for the day that I can build more homes with VFV.

Growing up

by: Emily Stamp - GuildfordProgram: Volunteer and Intern in the Philippines
10

When I volunteered in 2012 I was 16 and the youngest volunteer they had had, and it was my first time travelling alone. Yes I had been a little worried, especially as I didn't feel like an adult, but I found that everyone, both locals and volunteers, made me feel both welcome and valued as part of the VFV community. I also felt safe around the local barangays, which is a contrast to home but made Tacloban all the more welcoming! It is an experience I loved, working in an orphanage taught me a lot about my own life , attitudes to life and how lucky I am; I was fortunate enough to shadow one of the volunteer medics and see more rural life as well. It was life changing and the independence I gained has been so valuable. I find that now I am back home I still miss the feeling of community that was present and my homestay mums cooking! I think what really made it special was going for every opportunity I could, whether it was tutoring local children or wandering round downtown and the museums, but also being given such opportunities despite my age and being trusted. The staff were awesome as well, especially when the day had been hard or I missed home a little and it really was just a life changing experience which I hope to experience again! Thanks VFV

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Tacloban City, Philippines

Types and Subjects

  • Fields
  • Creative Writing
  • Development
  • Food Science & Nutrition

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Duration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks

Age Requirement

Age Requirement Varies

Guidelines

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Group

Program Cost Includes

  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • Some Program Activity Costs
  • Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
  • Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)

Accommodation Options

  • Home-stays

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Application Procedures

  • Resume
  • Online Application

Interviews

Read interviews from alumni or staff

Kirsten Roche

Participated in 2014

Alumni

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?

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Sophie Maucort

Participated in 2005

Alumni

I had always been interested in travelling and had long wanted to immerse myself in a foreign culture, particularly in Asia. I was quite young when I graduated from high school so I decided to take a year break in-between two academic semesters in college. I was also planning to travel and intern abroad during my studies, and wanted to make sure that living abroad was made for me.

Show Full Interview

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