Friendly smile ... VIDA volunteers offer support to places such as Cambodia, Fiji, Thailand, Laos and the Philippines. Picture: VIDAJanuary 30, 2008
By Lee Taylor
Perth Now (Australia)
IF you're looking for a complete change and want to make a difference, there are plenty of not-for-profit organisations that offer the opportunity to combine a life-changing overseas experience with your career.
Whether it's the environment, animal rights or social justice, the days of rattling a tin for donations is long gone. Accountants, IT specialists, marketers and journalists are just a few of the professions organisations rely on to apply their skills across a number of projects around the world.
VIDA (Volunteering for International Development from Australia) is Australia's newest international volunteer program, and places skilled volunteers in the Asia and the Pacific region.
VIDA calls on volunteers to help reduce poverty and help develop local communities by working on a variety of projects – from teaching under-privileged children gardening in Vietnam to helping orphaned orang-utans in Indonesia.
With opportunities in more than 16 countries, including Cambodia, Fiji, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, short-term projects can be from one to 12 months, or 18 to 36 months long-term. Couples and families can also volunteer together.
While you are responsible for obtaining and maintaining the appropriate visa, all other costs, including airfares, accommodation and living allowances, are covered by the VIDA Program.
Hot tip: VIDA spokesman Matt Lees says anyone interesting in volunteering should visit the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), who manages all volunteering programs Australia offers overseas.
"People should also research where the opportunities are and the type of opportunities that are available through the various programs," said Mr Lees.
"Don't think you are going to be restricted because you don't have a degree. Life experiences amount for a lot and are very useful."
For more information on VIDA, call 1800 995 536.
Whether it's the environment, animal rights or social justice, the days of rattling a tin for donations is long gone. Accountants, IT specialists, marketers and journalists are just a few of the professions organisations rely on to apply their skills across a number of projects around the world.
VIDA (Volunteering for International Development from Australia) is Australia's newest international volunteer program, and places skilled volunteers in the Asia and the Pacific region.
VIDA calls on volunteers to help reduce poverty and help develop local communities by working on a variety of projects – from teaching under-privileged children gardening in Vietnam to helping orphaned orang-utans in Indonesia.
With opportunities in more than 16 countries, including Cambodia, Fiji, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, short-term projects can be from one to 12 months, or 18 to 36 months long-term. Couples and families can also volunteer together.
While you are responsible for obtaining and maintaining the appropriate visa, all other costs, including airfares, accommodation and living allowances, are covered by the VIDA Program.
Hot tip: VIDA spokesman Matt Lees says anyone interesting in volunteering should visit the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), who manages all volunteering programs Australia offers overseas.
"People should also research where the opportunities are and the type of opportunities that are available through the various programs," said Mr Lees.
"Don't think you are going to be restricted because you don't have a degree. Life experiences amount for a lot and are very useful."
For more information on VIDA, call 1800 995 536.
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