volunteer - volunteering abroad work opportunities
A recent survey by the National Council for Volunteering found that working as a volunteer came second only to dancing as the public's biggest source of enjoyment. Volunteering is often seen as a kind of slave labour, mostly for pensioners, but loads or young people (even Prince William!) are now getting involved.
We've all heard about the 'soft skills' employers are looking for; communication and team-working, for instance, and volunteering is a great way to develop them. It can help you decide what you want to do with your life and it looks great on a CV.
There are around 22 million active volunteers in the UK today and that figure's rising, but it's not all about helping old ladies with their shopping; there are loads of things you can get involved in. From working with animals or people with disabilities, to environmental schemes, sex counselling and sport, whatever you're into there's bound to be a voluntary organisation linked to it.
If time's a problem, don't worry. The Community Service Volunteers (CSV), one of the UK's largest agencies linking voluntary workers with good causes, runs one-off community projects called GO weekends in London and Manchester.
And if you fancy a trip abroad there's a range of organisations working in countries like Africa which, in some circumstances, will pay your airfare and costs. A change of scenery and loads of new friends can seriously change your outlook on life.
So why not give it a go this summer? It's fun and it helps.
For more information on volunteering browse through our jobs Volunteer Jobs
Work Experience
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