International Voluntary Service (IVS)- GB

IVS GB is a peace organisation working for the sustainable development of local and global communities throughout the world. They are the British contact for Service Civil International, a world wide network of like minded voluntary organisations promoting peace and justice through voluntary work.

 

IVS projects offer you unique opportunities to make a difference in the world around you. By taking part in an International Voluntary Project, you will be working and living alongside other volunteers from all over the world and contributing to local community development.

 

There are hundreds of projects to choose from.  Each project has a particular work focus, for example:

The projects are always of some tangible benefit to the community and must follow certain criteria. For example, projects should enhance rather than replace local initiatives, and they are not undertaken if the work would otherwise be done with paid labour. No specific skills or qualifications are needed.

 

Hundreds of people have the will to do something different with their lives and take part in an IVS project every year. For many,  it's a life changing experience. If they can do it...so can you.

 

 

"What I like best about IVS is that you get to make a difference and enjoy it at the same time. It's not self-righteously giving just for the benefit of others, but seeing that having fun and doing good are not incompatible."
Volunteer, Czech Republic  

 

They bring together a mixed group of volunteers from different countries and of different ages. So, for example, if 10 volunteers are needed for a particular project, you could find yourself living and working alongside other volunteers from France, Turkey, Estonia, Japan, Poland, Greece, Sweden, Ukraine, and Belarus. All food and accommodation are provided for you while you take part in the project. You just need to cover your own travel expenses (including travel insurance) and spending money.  No specific skills or qualifications are needed for short term projects.

 

Long Term Projects need volunteers for anywhere between 3 – 12 months.

They usually need just 1 or 2 volunteers at a time and have specific job descriptions for which volunteers must have the relevant skills and experience. Your accommodation is usually provided for you. It depends on the type of project as to whether food is also provided for you. For example established communities like Camphill Projects will be able cover your meals as communal living is a fundamental part of the project, whereas Placement Officer posts with other SCI branches would not be able to provide meals for you. Some long term projects do offer volunteers a small amount of payment, but this is usually a nominal amount and more like ‘pocket money’ rather than a wage. Long term projects usually require that you have already taken part in an IVS short term project or have similar, relevant experience. You will need to cover your own travel expenses (including travel insurance) and spending money for long term projects.

 

European Voluntary Service (EVS) offers young people between 18 - 25  the opportunity to volunteer  in another country, normally for a period of six to 12 months. 

A wide variety of placements can be found in the social, cultural, environmental and sports sector.  Shorter placements of three weeks to six months are available to young people with fewer opportunities or special needs.

 

 

Most short term projects take place over the summer from June to September, when there are about 800 projects running throughout Europe, North America, Africa, Asia and South America. A much smaller programme of short term projects runs during the winter and spring months. Long Term Projects run all year round.

 

Language: The common language on most short term projects tends to be English, though other languages will be used, depending on what suits a particular group of volunteers and the country the project is taking place in. If English is not the planned project language, or if you need any other language as well, it will usually be stated in the project description. For some Long Term Projects you will need to be able to speak the language of the country where the project is based.

 

Who Can Apply?
IVS is open to everyone between 16 and 70 years of age but you must be over 18 to take part in projects abroad and under 25 for EVS projects.  For Short Term projects you do not need any specific skills or qualifications, but individual projects will welcome your life experience and any particular skills you do have that can contribute to the work of the project (e.g. construction skills if the project work includes making a path; social care skills if the project is working with the elderly). The main skills you do need are the ability to live and work cooperatively with a group of other international volunteers, lots of enthusiasm and motivation. If you apply to take part in a project where the work is with children and vulnerable adults you will need to complete a declaration and supply a reference with your application. Some countries also ask for health screen checks (especially Russia). To apply through IVS GB, you must be a British Citizen or resident in Great Britain at the time of your application. If you're not resident in the UK, you can apply through the SCI branch or partner organisation in your country of residence.

 

Volunteers aged 16 – 17 years can be placed on some short term international projects taking place in Britain but are not eligible for placement on projects outside Britain. They will need Parental/Guardian Consent before we can place 16 – 17 year olds.

 

Equality of Opportunity: IVS has an Equal Opportunities Policy. They welcome and respect everyone who wants to join their activities whatever their gender, ethnic heritage, faith, ability, sexuality, age, nationality or socio-economic background.

 

Volunteers with disabilities or specific health issues must make these known to IVS are asked to tell the office when applying for a project. They encourage volunteers with disabilities to take part in their projects and try to make this possible wherever they can. Every effort will be made to accommodate volunteers on the project of their choice but certain projects may not be accessible for certain disabilities.

 

Children:  They welcome applications from volunteers wishing to bring their children, but you will need to be fairly flexible about which project you are willing to do and open to projects which may be offered to you. It’s best to check with the office before applying to be sure that the chosen project can accept children. Please note that under 16s are not covered by SCI’s insurance policy.