How do I Become a Volunteer?
What a person needs mostly to become a volunteer is time. Financial stability would be useful. However, unless you have financial commitments such as a mortgage to commit to, having a small bank account back at home is fine.
Age doesn't really matter, as long as you have the right attitude, be both physically and mentally in check, and have the ability to be open-minded, patient, independent, and very flexible. And lastly, having a skill to offer is probably a good idea.
There are countless organizations aimed at sending volunteers overseas to The Gambia, and there is always the option of coming here on your own to find volunteer work in exchange for room and board.
Many organizations do have set requirements such as an age-range, educational level, and specific skills that they are looking for.
There are also organizations that will charge the volunteer a fee to arrange work and these I would be careful to recommend as there are plenty of organizations that do not require a fee, and rather, they pay the volunteer.
Generally all the major expenses are covered and paid for by the sending organization such as the return flight, travel insurance, medical costs, accommodation, visas, and training. On top of that an allowance will be given to cover the cost of food and some other items.
Keep in mind that this allowance will rarely be enough to save anything from. Having a bit of extra money in your bank account will likely be needed throughout your volunteer placement if you plan on going on any trips, purchasing souvenirs, etc.
Cuso International is a popular organization that recruits from North America, most of Europe, Kenya, Uganda, the Philippines, and India. Also, check your local government for Internship programs. For Americans, PeaceCorps is an additional option.
Check these sites for more volunteer and paid overseas opportunities:
www.footprintsrecruiting.com
www.overseasjobcentre.co.uk
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