Chapter Nine

Publications: Volunteering

How to Live Your Dream of Volunteering Overseas, by Joseph Collins, Stefano Dezerega, Zahara Heckscher, Anna Lappe (Penguin USA, 2002)
Useful resource information on volunteering in Latin America, Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. Includes case studies, worksheets, and quotes from international volunteers.

Volunteer Vacations: Short-Term Adventures That Will Benefit You and Others, by Bill McMillon, Doug Cutchins (Chicago Review Press, 2006)
A listing of more than 250 charitable organizations and 2,000 projects worldwide that are looking for volunteers.

Volunteer: A Traveler's Guide to Making a Difference Around the World, by Charlotte Hindle, Nate Cavalieri (Lonely Planet, 2007)
Advice and resources on international volunteering opportunities, both short-term and long-term.

Alternatives to the Peace Corps: A Guide of Global Volunteer Opportunities, by Paul Blackhurst (Food First, 2005)
Resource for finding community-based, grassroots volunteer work. Lists over 100 national and international organizations, and gives tips on researching and evaluating organizations.

World Volunteers: The World Guide to Humanitarian and Development Volunteering, by Fabio Ausenda, Erin McCloskey (Universe, 2006)
A resource for prospective volunteers interested in working in environmental work world-wide.

So, You Want to Join the Peace Corps: What to Know Before You Go, by Dillon Banerjee (Ten Speed Press, 2004)
Uses question-and-answer format to address the concerns teenagers and parents might harbor about joining the Peace Corps. Includes tips for travel and living overseas, and facts about Peace Corps projects.

Volunteer agencies and web resources

Peace Corps
Sending Americans off on worldwide volunteer projects since 1961. "The toughest job you'll ever love."

Institute for International Cooperation and Development
Trains and sends volunteers abroad for development and aid work in Africa and Latin America.

Volunteers for Peace
This Vermont-based organization offers inexpensive short-term voluntary service programs in over 80 countries.

VolunTourism.org
An online resource that educates, empowers, and engages travelers in researching and implementing volunteer opportunities on the road.

Cross-Cultural Solutions
Organization "committed to ensuring the safety, flexibility, professionalism, transparency, and excellence of volunteer abroad programs." One-week to twelve-week programs available in over 20 program sites in 12 countries.

Canada World Youth
Develops international educational programs for youth aged 15 to 25. Works with countries in Africa, Latin America, Asia, the Caribbean, and Eastern Europe.

Transitions Abroad volunteering resources
Extensive rundowns of links, resources and articles about mixing travel and volunteering.

International Volunteer Programs Association
An up-to-date search site for international volunteer opportunities.

Overseas work resources

Idealist.org
Online database for overseas jobs and volunteer opportunities worldwide.

EscapeArtist.com
Online portal for information on how to live, work, and invest overseas.

iAgora.com, Work and Study Abroad Solutions
Online community for overseas work, study, and travel. Emphasis on Europe.

WWOOF — Willing Workers on Organic Farms
This exchange organization gives you room and board in return for your help in working and managing an organic farm or smallholding. Membership is inexpensive, and programs are available worldwide.

The Back Door Guide to Short-Term Job Adventures: Internships, Summer Jobs, Seasonal Work, Volunteer Vacations, and Transitions Abroad, by Michael Landes (Ten Speed Press, 2005)
Insider tips and resources for finding short-term work and volunteer opportunities overseas.

Work Your Way Around the World, 14th Edition: A Fresh and Fully Up-to-Date Guide for the Modern Working Traveller, by Susan Griffith (Vacation-Work, 2009)
Advice on how to find short-term work around the world. Much of the resource information is geared more toward UK (rather than North American) travelers.

Transitions Abroad's overseas work resources
Extensive rundowns of links, resources and articles about working overseas.