Local Volunteer Opportunities:
Here are some suggested websites to check out to find local volunteer jobs. Volunteering is a great way to gain experience, build your network, develop skills and explore different career areas. Many competitive-entry, post-secondary programs want to see volunteer experience.
Are you thinking of taking some time off before studying in post-secondary to get some life experience, travel, volunteer or work abroad?
Or, are you returning to school in the Fall, but want to do an internship abroad to learn more about the career focus area that you’re interested in and would like to develop some skills?
Here are some suggestions and websites to check out. Please note that most of these programs are fee based.
Internships:
- CIS Abroad – this company organizes “Intern Abroad” and “Summer Abroad” programs.
- GoAbroad.com – this company organizes “Intern” and “Volunteer Abroad” programs.
- Projects Abroad – this company organizes over 150 different unpaid internships and service projects to 29 countries for volunteers ages 16 and up. People of all ages can gain experience in various fields including teaching, medicine and social work.
- AIESEC– volunteer and internship opportunities abroad for students. Local chapters at various universities.
- International Youth Internship Program – this is a Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) funded program.
- International Aboriginal Youth Internship Program – if you are an Aboriginal youth between the ages of 18 and 35, interested in international development work, the International Aboriginal Youth Internships initiative may be for you!
- United Nations Internships – for information about opportunities with United Nations agencies
International Volunteering:
This is a great opportunity to make a difference and experience another part of the world. Most international volunteering programs charge a fee, plus your airfare. Some students engage in fundraising activities to help cover the costs, thereby developing even more skills, such as leadership, entreprenurial, and organizational.
Go International – Work & Travel Abroad and Volunteer Abroad programs
CADIP Volunteering in Canada and Worldwide – short and longer term projects such as:
- working with orphans and other socially disadvantaged children
- environmental and nature protection activities, ecology, gardening and forestry
- renovation and restoration of social, cultural, historic sites
- archaeological excavations and historical heritage work
- preparation of different festivities, festivals, cultural events
Youth Challenge International – Youth Challenge focusses their volunteer efforts in 7 program countries. Their projects focus on youth involvement and directly address issues youth face.
Cross-Cultural Solutions – international volunteer and internship opportunities.
Canada World Youth– 
check out the “Youth Leaders in Action Program,” a reciprocal exchange program for youth aged 17 to 25, which includes volunteer projects focused on health, environment or gender equity. This 6-month program includes two phases: 3 months in a community in Canada and 3 months overseas in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, or Latin America. They also offer short-term international volunteer and internship opportunities.
Uniterra – a voluntary cooperation and international development program, established by CECI and WUSC, to help reduce poverty and inequality in twelve countries. International volunteer opportunities for people aged 18 to 70, from several weeks in length to two years.
Working Abroad
SWAP Working Holidays – SWAP is a fee-based service that helps Canadians live and work abroad. They help you find work, accommodation, and whatever else you need to ensure a great work abroad experience.
VisitOz.org – Self finance your holiday in Australia or spend an entire year working. VisitOz.org guarantees work in rural and outback locations. Next head to the cities and on the coast to relax and be a tourist! The work is in agriculture (horses, motorbikes, tractors, cattle, sheep) hospitality (pubs, roadhouses, rural resorts, farm stays and museums), teaching Distance Education and child care and anything else that can be done in rural areas such as nursing, construction and mining.
Working Holiday in Australia – this website will provide you with everything you need to know to live and work in Western Australia.
Au Pair in America – Becoming an Au Pair in America is one of the best ways to discover the USA. As an au pair, you experience everyday life by living with one of their carefully selected American host families whilst earning weekly pocket money caring for their children.
Planet Au Pair – fee-based agency that will place you with a host family in the UK, France, Spain, Austria, Italy and Germany.
Other Interesting Websites:
My World Abroad – full of useful advice
Idealist – a network for those who want to build a better world. It offers information about jobs, internships, volunteer opportunities, events and programs. It also has a spot where you can search for volunteers for your own project.
Me to We – a social enterprise founded by Craig Kielburger for people who want to help change the world with their daily choices. Participate in a trip, become a ‘mob’ilizer or take leadership training.
Oxfam International Youth Partnerships – a global network of young people who share a vision of a just world and are committed to working for peaceful, equitable and sustainable social change within their communities. It offers a three-year program for young leaders in 92 countries, including Canada.
Verge Magazine – a North American magazine offering readers opportunities to explore studying, working and volunteering options abroad.
VSB Adult Education Career Centre 