Volunteer abroad with ICYE UK
Long-Term Volunteering
What is the Long-Term Programme
For those looking to spend 6 or 12 months volunteering abroad, ICYE UK offers a transformational experience with real impact. Our ethical, immersive, impactful and supportive programme allows volunteers the chance to deeply engage with a new culture, contribute to a worthwhile cause and develop valuable transferable skills.
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Who is the Long-Term programme for?
Anyone aged over 18 can take part and most of our volunteers are under 30 years old. If you are interested in learning a new language or about a different culture, or you are looking for experience in international development, get in touch!
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Who is our programme suitable for?
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Young people wishing to take a constructive gap year after finishing school.
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University students looking to take a year abroad after their degree.
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University students looking to take a placement year as part of their degree.
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Those looking for a fresh challenge, for example as a career break.
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Anyone hoping to experience and learn about another culture and play an active role in supporting a local NGO overseas.
We do not select volunteers based on specific qualifications or skills, we just look for enthusiasm and dedication to intercultural learning.
Where can I go and when are the departures?
We send volunteers to countries throughout Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America which are part of the ICYE Federation. See this link to find out more.
Our long-term placements usually start in August and January/February every year, but it’s best to start your application several months before your desired departure date, to make sure you have plenty of time to be matched with a project, obtain a visa and make all the necessary arrangements.
Volunteers from all across the Federation arrive to their host country at the same time to receive orientation training together, which is provided by the local ICYE organisation. The volunteers will then start their individual projects
What project can I volunteer at?
Our Immersive Long-Term Programme gives volunteers the opportunity to support locally-run projects that matter. Projects are varied and a full database with over 800 projects can be viewed at icye.org. Examples include:
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Human rights projects
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Women’s empowerment projects
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Supporting the elderly or people with compromised health and/or disabilities
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Environmental and wildlife conservation
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Sustainable agriculture projects
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Teaching and/or supporting children growing up in adverse conditions
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Sports, arts or cultural projects
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Community development programmes
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And many more!
What is the application process?
The first step is to contact us by email to arrange an informal interview so we can get to know you and discuss your project preferences. We will use this information, and our many years of experience in sending volunteers overseas, to recommend some suitable project options.
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Once you have finalised and submitted your application and project preferences, the ICYE office in the host country and the projects themselves will decide if they are able to host you. Their decision will be based on your motivations and interests, as well as project availability.
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To find out more or to arrange an interview, please email sending@icye.org.uk
Where will I stay?
Our Impactful Long-Term Programme means volunteers can fully experience a new culture through living in accommodation in the local community; for example, with a host family or within the project itself. This gives volunteers the opportunity to practise speaking the local language every day! Many of the host families have had family members who have also volunteered abroad on the ICYE programme.
What training do you provide?
Our Supportive Long-Term Programme means quality training and support comes as standard. We work closely with our ICYE partners around the world to help you prepare for your placement, to support you whilst you’re there and when you return.
Before departure
You will receive a 3 day pre-departure training designed to help prepare you for everything that may encounter whilst volunteering abroad, with specific advice and guidance given in relation to the country you will be volunteering in. The training also covers important topics such as inter-cultural awareness, the rights and responsibilities of a volunteer, conflict resolution and the support offered in case of a problem.
The pre-departure training is often combined with the final evaluation camp for international volunteers who are at the end of their 12 month placement in the UK. This gives you the opportunity to meet those from your host country, even before leaving the UK.
During placement
Once you have arrived, you’ll receive on-arrival training, delivered by the ICYE office in-country. The training gives you the chance to learn more about the people and culture of your host country, as well as your placement. You’ll also receive an introductory language course.
A mid-year training camp is for those on a 12 month placement.
The last official meeting for all long-term volunteers is the final evaluation camp, helping you prepare to return home – which is often the hardest part!
After returning home
You’ll be invited to a group training day to consolidate all the new skills you will have developed and to share stories and experiences with fellow volunteers. We often have an external facilitator come in to help volunteers with CV writing and interview techniques too.
Can I travel?
Absolutely! As well as your standard weekly days off you will have time off for holidays.