International Volunteer Assignments FAQ

• Review our volunteer opportunities and apply online. We will assess your application and contact you within 3 weeks if you are short-listed.
• Participate in a pre screening call. If your application is successful, we will assess your experience and motivation through a pre screening call. You will have the opportunity to ask questions.
• Participate in an interview in which we will assess your soft skills - flexibility, adaptability and resilience, ability to work well in a team, self-awareness and self-confidence, and realistic motivations and expectations.
• Submit your professional references.
• Approval from the WUSC partner organization in the assignment country. The final decision will be taken by the WUSC country office and the partner organization.

We encourage you to submit an application 2-4 months prior to the month in which you are hoping to depart for your international assignment. This typical timeline is necessary in order to complete the assessment, administrative, medical, training and visa/work permit steps in the pre-departure process. The visa/work permit requirements and timelines vary by country. Applications for all open assignments are received on a rolling basis and assignments will be removed from the WUSC website once filled.

Most of our volunteer assignments are 6-12 months in duration. Check out our current volunteer opportunities which include the assignment duration. If you are shortlisted, you will discuss your availability with your recruitment officer.

Yes, you will participate in WUSC’s thorough volunteer learning and training program which includes self-briefing, online and in-person training sessions. You will also receive an in-country orientation by the WUSC country office upon arrival. You will be well prepared for your assignment and will receive support from your partner organization and the WUSC country office for the duration of your assignment. Prior to your departure, the WUSC volunteer mobilization team will guide and support you through the pre-departure process.

We have a country office in all of the countries where volunteers are working. WUSC staff will provide an in-country orientation and support you throughout your assignment. Volunteers report directly to their partner organization for their day-to-day work.

After completing your WUSC assignment, you will be invited to participate in a virtual or in-person debriefing session which will give you an opportunity to reflect on your experience from a professional and personal perspective and to provide feedback to WUSC. Should you require it, WUSC’s health insurance will cover you for up to three months after the end of your volunteer assignment. Once you join our WUSC alumni network, our public engagement team and alumni committee will support you to share your global development experience and provide opportunities to keep you engaged with WUSC and the global development community. The alumni network organizes a wide variety of events such as alumni networking and social events, virtual webinars, discussion groups, fundraising dinners, bake sales, movie screenings and more!

You will need to re-apply to a specific volunteer opportunity or the General Application. If you ended your last WUSC volunteer assignment within the past two (2) years, you will participate in an adapted application process.

Start dates for international assignments will be determined based on many factors (including flight availability, visa entry and/or work permit requirements, your availability and your health leading up to your departure date). We will request your flexibility and understanding regarding potential changes to your start date. We will communicate with you regularly regarding your likely start date throughout the pre-departure period.