If you're considering taking some time out to volunteer overseas, read on for some tips and advice on what opportunities are out there, and the kind of things you should consider before you go.
Skills such as nursing, engineering and teaching are those most in demand when it comes to volunteering overseas. There are, however, many schemes that require no professional qualifications or skills, simply people with a passion for and willingness to help others.
Read on for volunteering options overseas, each of which will offer a dramatically different experience and all of which are bound to alter your view of the world forever.
What to think about before you go
If you have sought after skills you shouldn’t find it difficult to find volunteering opportunities and you’ll often have your flights and accommodation paid for as well as receiving an allowance or wage if you can commit to a significant period of time. If this isn’t the case, it’s likely you’ll have to raise money for flights and lodgings yourself, and possibly also raise money for the charity involved before you go. Don’t forget to invest in travel insurance and check for the stability of the country you’re going to before you book anything, sometimes those areas in need can also be danger zones and you need to be fully aware of the situation before you make any decisions.
Volunteering for skilled workers
Medicine du Monde offers an opportunity for those with medical skills to work in crisis areas where there may be flooding, drought, disease, famine or warfare – this is a long term commitment.
You may wish to register with RedR agency if you are a specialist in IT, engineering, finance or agriculture and you’re happy to be called upon at short notice to help in a humanitarian crisis.
The Teach Ghana Trust is always looking for skilled teachers in English, Sciences and French to help the country to improve its teaching skills and the children to develop.
Opportunities for those without specific skills
The Great Generation offers short placements or one to two weeks to communities and projects chosen by the residents themselves on sustainability projects in countries such as Jordan and Uganda. 
Kiya Survivors volunteers offer support and help to abandoned and abused children in Peru, a challenging but thoroughly rewarding option.
Volunteers for Mental Health offers people a chance to help and support the most vulnerable people across Europe.
Volunteering for students
Ecologia Trust offers an opportunity to promote positive environments for children in Russia using nature and ecology.
Project Trust offers school leavers opportunities to help people in over 24 countries in Asia, Africa and The Americas.
The Intercultural youth exchange offers short placements of between three and sixteen weeks and longer placements of up to 12 months in Latin America, Asia and Africa.