The Certificate in International Volunteering will educate you on the best practices for volunteering responsibly and effectively while abroad. Our international travelers, Reuben and Chloe, will take you on a journey through 12 countries demonstrating international volunteering best practice and interviewing volunteer travel experts.

This course will cover everything you need to know to volunteer abroad, from the moment the idea enters your mind, right through to your return home after the volunteering experience. The Certificate in International Volunteering was written and curated by industry professionals to promote responsible and effective volunteering abroad.

Throughout the course we will cover: 

  • Deciding to volunteer abroad and selecting a volunteer organization

  • Managing expectations

  • Preparing for departure Responsible volunteering

  • Understanding and respecting cultures

  • Building and managing relationships

  • Health and safety while volunteering The role of an international volunteer Cross cultural communication

  • Reverse culture shock

Student - Certificate in International Volunteering

Stephanie McLaughlin

Student - Certificate in International Volunteering

"The course was simple and easy to follow. It highlighted many important issues about my trip volunteering abroad, some of which I had not even thought of. I found it extremely informative and useful. The mental health section raised important possibilities I had not considered and means I can now ensure I will be fully prepared for the challenges I will face. I now feel more prepared from my trip following completing this course."
Student - Certificate in International Volunteering

Siera Travis

Student - Certificate in International Volunteering

"It was a great course and extremely helpful in preparation for my volunteer experience! I had no idea reverse culture shock existed and I am grateful for the help in learning and preparing for my trip. Thank you for the time and effort it took to create this!"
Student - Certificate in International Volunteering

Kimberly Barton

Student - Certificate in International Volunteering

"Excellent training! Covered all the bases. Highly recommend to all volunteers (domestic or international)."

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Your Instructors

  • Reuben S

    Global Travel Academy Instructor

    Reuben S

    Having traveled to over 50 countries, Reuben lives and breathes travel and takes great pleasure in immersing himself in the local communities and testing out the culinary delights. Travel is not his only passion, with 8 years volunteer experience working with deaf and blind students who are intellectually or physically disabled – the skills, relationships and attitudes developed while volunteering has given him a wealth of knowledge in this field. Let Reuben’s volunteer and travel experiences transform you into a great international volunteer!
  • Chloe M

    Global Travel Academy Instructor

    Chloe M

    Whether dancing the night away in the streets of Rio or eating delicious local foods in Siem Reap, Chloe’s travels have been extensive and incredible. Chloe set off on her first humanitarian trip at age 11 and has since been inspired to pursue a career in International Sustainable Development, currently studying Non-profit Leadership and Management at Arizona State University. Through her international and local volunteer work, as well as her travels, Chloe has developed the expertise to make her an great international volunteer.

Course Curriculum

  • 1
    Introduction
    • An Introduction To The Certificate In International Volunteering
    • Volunteer Travel Workbook Download
  • 2
    Destination One: London, United Kingdom
    • Introduction: Getting Started FREE PREVIEW
    • What You'll Learn In Module One
    • 1.1a: Is Volunteering Abroad Right For You? Part I
    • 1.1a: Common Motivators for Volunteering Abroad
    • 1.1b: Is Volunteering Abroad Right For You? Part II
    • 1.1b: Workbook Activity - What Are You Motivated By?
    • 1.2: Researching Volunteer Organizations - Expert Interview With Megan Lee Of GoAbroad.com
    • 1.2: Researching Volunteer Organizations
    • 1.3: Choosing The Right Program For You
    • 1.3: Workbook Activity - Are There Any Specific Goals You Want To Achieve?
    • 1.3: Checklist - Factors To Consider When Selecting A Project
    • Key Point Summary
    • Destination One: Quiz
  • 3
    Destination Two: Bali, Indonesia
    • Introduction: Managing Expectations
    • What You'll Learn In Module Two
    • 2.1: Managing Your Expectations As A Volunteer - Expert Interview With An International Volunteer
    • 2.1: Managing Expectations As A Volunteer
    • 2.2: Key Differences To Be Prepared For
    • 2.2: Key Differences To Be Prepared For
    • Key Point Summary
    • Destination Two: Quiz
  • 4
    Destination Three: Sydney, Australia
    • Introduction: Before You Go
    • What You'll Learn In Module Three
    • 3.1a: Getting Prepared - Part I
    • 3.1a: Checklist - Getting Prepared
    • 3.1b: Getting Prepared- Part II - Expert Interview With Phil Sylvester Of World Nomads
    • 3.1b: Key Elements Of Robust Travel Insurance
    • 3.2: Understanding And Identifying Risks Pre Departure
    • 3.2: Workbook Activity - Understanding And Identifying Risk Pre Departure
    • 3.3: Fundraising Best Practice - Expert Interview With George Coltart Of Fund & Seek
    • 3.3: Fundraising Best Practice
    • Key Point Summary
    • Destination Three: Quiz
  • 5
    Destination Four: Siem Reap, Cambodia
    • Introduction: Responsible Volunteering - The Organization
    • What You'll Learn In Module Four
    • 4.1: What Is Responsible Volunteering And Why Is It Important? - Expert Interview With Ben Brown Of International Volunteer HQ
    • 4.1: What Is Responsible Volunteering And Why Is It Important?
    • 4.2: Responsible Volunteer Organizations - Expert Interview With Ben Brown Of International Volunteer HQ
    • 4.2: Responsible Volunteer Organizations
    • 4.3: Responsible Volunteering Policy
    • 4.3: Overview - Key Elements Of A Sustainable Volunteering Policy
    • 4.4: Child Protection Policy
    • 4.4: Key Elements Of A Child Protection Policy
    • 4.5: Animal Protection Policy
    • 4.5: Key Elements Of An Animal Protection Policy
    • 4.6: Volunteer Behavior Contract
    • 4.6: Workbook Activity - Key Elements Of A Competent Volunteer Behavior Contract
    • Key Point Summary
    • Destination Four: Quiz
  • 6
    Destination Five: Delhi, India
    • Introduction: Understanding Cultural Differences
    • What You'll Learn In Module Five
    • 5.1: What Is Culture?
    • 5.1: Overview - What Is Culture?
    • 5.2: Importance Of Understanding Different Cultures
    • 5.2: Importance Of Understanding Different Cultures
    • 5.3: Language
    • 5.3: Workbook Activity - Language
    • 5.4: Society
    • 5.4: Society
    • 5.5: Clothing
    • 5.5: Checklist - Clothing
    • 5.6: Culture As A Volunteer
    • 5.6: Culture As A Volunteer
    • Key Point Summary
    • Destination Five: Quiz
  • 7
    Destination Six: Marrakech, Morocco
    • Introduction: Gaining Trust And Building Relationships
    • What You'll Learn In Module Six
    • 6.1 Importance Of Gaining Trust
    • 6.1 Importance Of Gaining Trust
    • 6.2: How To Gain Trust And Build Relationships - Expert Interview With Danny Ponce-Taylor Of GVI
    • 6.2: How To Gain Trust And Build Relationships
    • 6.2: Overview - Key Characteristics Of A Trusted Volunteer
    • Key Point Summary
    • Destination Six: Quiz
  • 8
    Destination Seven: Lisbon, Portugal
    • Introduction: Communication
    • What You'll Learn In Module Seven
    • 7.1: Importance Of Strong Communication
    • 7.1: Key Benefits Of Clear Commun​ication
    • 7.2: Cross Cultural Communication
    • 7.2: Workbook Activity - Cross Cultural Communication
    • Key Point Summary
    • Destination Seven: Quiz
  • 9
    Destination Eight: Cape Town, South Africa
    • Introduction: Role Of The Volunteer
    • What You'll Learn In Module Eight
    • 8.1: How To Prepare For Your Project
    • 8.1: Workbook Activity - How To Prepare For Your Project
    • 8.2: Your Role At The Project - Expert Interview With Greg Bows Of African Impact
    • 8.2: Your Role At The Project
    • 8.3: Understanding Impact
    • 8.3: Overview - Understanding Impact
    • Key Point Summary
    • Destination Eight: Quiz
  • 10
    Destination Nine: Nairobi, Kenya
    • Introduction: Responsible Volunteering - The Volunteer
    • What You'll Learn In Module Nine
    • 9.1: Responsible Volunteers
    • 9.1: Overview - Responsible Volunteer Behaviour
    • 9.2: Responsible Social Media
    • 9.2: Overview - Responsible Social Media
    • 9.3: Responsible Giving - Expert Interview With Joe Gichuki Of NVS Kenya
    • 9.3: Responsible Giving
    • Key Point Summary
    • Destination Nine: Quiz
  • 11
    Destination Ten: Rio, Brazil
    • Introduction: Staying Safe
    • What You'll Learn In Module Ten
    • 10.1: Risk Management
    • 10.1: Overview - Key Characteristics Of A Strong Risk Management Policy
    • 10.2: Personal Safety
    • 10.2: Personal Safety
    • 10.3: Keeping Safe When Socializing - Expert Interview With Zac And Vivi Of JIVE Brazil
    • 10.3: Keeping Safe When Socializing
    • Key Point Summary
    • Destination Ten: Quiz
  • 12
    Destination Eleven: Cuzco, Peru
    • Introduction: Staying Healthy
    • What You'll Learn In Module Eleven
    • 11.1: Preparation For Staying Healthy
    • 11.1: Workbook Activity - Personal Medical Information
    • 11.1: Overview - Packing A Travel First Aid Kit
    • 11.2: Eating And Drinking
    • 11.2: Eating And Drinking
    • 11.3: Mental Health
    • 11.3: Mental Health
    • Key Point Summary
    • Destination Eleven: Quiz
  • 13
    Destination Twelve: San Francisco, USA
    • Introduction: Returning Home
    • What You'll Learn In Module Twelve
    • 12.1: Re-Entry And Reverse Culture Shock - Expert Interview With Mitch Gordon Of GoOverseas.com
    • 12.1: Re-Entry And Reverse Culture Shock
    • 12.2: Effects Of Reverse Culture Shock - Expert Interview With Mitch Gordon Of GoOverseas.com
    • 12.2: Effects Of Reverse Culture Shock
    • 12.3: Overcoming Reverse Culture Shock
    • 12.3: Workbook Activity - Overcoming Reverse Culture Shock
    • 12.4: Staying Involved
    • 12.4: Tips for Staying Involved
    • Key Point Summary
    • Destination Twelve: Quiz
  • 14
    Congratulations on Completing the Certificate in International Volunteering
    • Place Feedback

FAQ

  • When does the course start and finish?

    The Certificate in International Volunteering is a completely self-paced online course. You have 12 months (from your enrolment date) of unlimited access to complete the course and can decide when you start and finish.

  • Is this course available on various devices?

    This course can be accessed across all devices and is mobile/tablet friendly. While you can login on multiple devices, you can only access the course from one device at a time.

  • Will I receive a certificate?Will I receive a certificate?

    Yes! Once you have completed 100% of the course, your certificate will be available for download as a PDF.

  • What is EU Digital Goods VAT Tax and will it impact my purchase?

    EU VAT is a tax charged only on purchases made by customers located in the European Union. This will be automatically calculated depending on your country of residence and added to the purchase amount at the checkout. Please contact us for a list of the VAT taxable countries and current tax rates.