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Volunteering from Finland

WHAT IS INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTARY WORK?

The aim of voluntary work programmes is to create grass-root level contacts and understanding among people belonging to different nationalities, cultures and religions. The principle is the pursuit of justice and responsibility at an individual as well as an international level.

ICYE volunteers work in non-profit organisations and communities. Voluntary work placements can for example be social projects, environment or peace movements, women’s organisations and special cultural and developmental projects. Working time of the volunteer are the normal working hours of the hosting country, which means 40 hours per week or less.

Volunteers need to be flexible, open-minded and show a genuine adaptability and interest in different cultures and ways of living. Knowledge of the language spoken in the hosting country is a bonus but it is not a prerequisite for the participation in the voluntary work programme. Similarly no special studies or preparatory technical education is expected from the applicant.

Good reasons to participate in ICYE’s voluntary work programme

  • The ICYE exchange programme is reliable and easy for the participant. The volunteer’s work place, accommodation and full board is arranged by ICYE. The programme also includes training, a comprehensive insurance, professional services and networks of support both in the departure and hosting country, a little pocket money as well as camps and seminars.
  • Through trainings and camps, volunteers from all over the world get to know each other and form a solid group based on mutual help and solidarity.
  • Not only does Maailmanvaihto send volunteers abroad but we take care of them during the time in the destination country and organise activities in Finland also after the end of the voluntary work period.
  • The time spent as a volunteer is not only about highlights but also about sharing everyday life and intercultural learning in the field.
  • The voluntary work period is a chance to learn the local language and to get to know the culture. Above all it is also a journey of exploration of oneself.
  • The voluntary work period is everyone's own success story.
  • Maailmanvaihto activity is based on the principle of reciprocity. Besides sending volunteers abroad we host foreign volunteers in Finland every year, so learning experiences acquired through volunteering are not limited only to Finnish exchangees.

 

VOLUNTARY WORK OPPORTUNITIES ABROAD

Within the framework of Maailmanvaihto’s own ICYE programme it is possible to go as a volunteer to all continents of the world. Maailmanvaihto also coordinates the EVS voluntary service, which focuses on exchange within EU and the ETA countries.