The International Volunteer Programs Association (IVPA) is an alliance of nonprofit, non-governmental organizations that are involved in international volunteer and internship exchanges.Membership withIVPA is a distinguished mark of excellence. Our members are expected to uphold IVPA's Principles and Practices as guidelines for good programming as well as meet stringent membership criteria. We stand for responsibility in the field of international volunteerism and promote public awareness of and greater access to international volunteer programs. IVPA offers a forum for international volunteer program representatives (staff, board members, etc.) to share information and resources, develop new skills, and collaborate on cost-saving initiatives. IVPA also serves to guide and inform anyone considering volunteering abroad or developing international service opportunities. This includes but is not limited to prospective volunteers, newly created volunteer sending organizations, corporations, and colleges and universities.
Any program that regularly sends groups or individuals to work abroad as volunteers, interns or lay missionaries, for any length of time, falls under the broad category of "International Volunteer Programs." International volunteer programs offer unique hands-on learning experiences which promote cross-cultural understanding, cooperation, and solidarity among individuals and communities around the world. They encourage participating volunteers to examine how their work and daily choices back home can have an impact on economic and social conditions in other parts of the world. People of all ages, backgrounds, income levels, and abilities have chosen to spend two weeks to three years of their lives, volunteering in many different capacities on projects all over the world. With enough research and persistence, you could volunteer on almost any type of project imaginable So why should you consider volunteering abroad? There are countless reasons why thousands of people volunteer abroad each year. You may start with a desire to travel, learn a new language, or meet new people. By volunteering, you'll also have the opportunity to lend a hand to people who are working to improve life in their communities. Through your daily work and interactions with members of a local community, you'll gain a better understanding of the culture, as well as the issues that affect that part of the world. You'll also learn a lot about yourself, as you take on the challenge of living and working in a completely new environment. more
Any program that regularly sends groups or individuals to work abroad as volunteers, interns or lay missionaries, for any length of time, falls under the broad category of "International Volunteer Programs." International volunteer programs offer unique hands-on learning experiences which promote cross-cultural understanding, cooperation, and solidarity among individuals and communities around the world. They encourage participating volunteers to examine how their work and daily choices back home can have an impact on economic and social conditions in other parts of the world. People of all ages, backgrounds, income levels, and abilities have chosen to spend two weeks to three years of their lives, volunteering in many different capacities on projects all over the world. With enough research and persistence, you could volunteer on almost any type of project imaginable So why should you consider volunteering abroad? There are countless reasons why thousands of people volunteer abroad each year. You may start with a desire to travel, learn a new language, or meet new people. By volunteering, you'll also have the opportunity to lend a hand to people who are working to improve life in their communities. Through your daily work and interactions with members of a local community, you'll gain a better understanding of the culture, as well as the issues that affect that part of the world. You'll also learn a lot about yourself, as you take on the challenge of living and working in a completely new environment. more
