Volunteer Peter and teacher Jackline help some girls who are working together at a large table
VSO/Paul Wambugu

Share your skills, change lives.

You can make an impact by sharing your skills and experience with some of the most marginalised people in the world; become a VSO volunteer. You'll do something very different. You'll use your inspiration, expertise and professional skills to help communities access quality healthcare, better education and livelihoods opportunities.

Explore all our volunteering opportunities

Your opportunity to change lives

From VSO you’ll get something few other volunteering organisations offer:  the opportunity to use your skills and professional experience to create lasting change.

You'll do something very different. You'll use your inspiration, expertise and vital practical skills to empower people to access quality healthcare, education and livelihoods opportunities.

By working in close collaboration with local partners, the impact you make will last long beyond your time volunteering.

The confidence I have gained from this experience is something that will definitely help me be much bolder in future career decisions.
Greg Gungoll
Volunteer business adviser, Bangladesh

Volunteering will change your life

Volunteering with VSO is a unique experience.

You will benefit from invaluable opportunities for both personal and career development – creating incredible memories, and often forging life-long friendships, along the way.

You’re in safe hands

We’ve been working with volunteers across Africa and Asia for over 60 years. We have a huge amount of experience, having supported more than 80,000 volunteers in that time.

Volunteering with VSO is a significant commitment. We provide comprehensive support during your time volunteering with us, so you can focus on what matters: making a difference.

How we'll support you

We’re here to support you at every stage of your volunteer journey with us.

No matter where you’re volunteering, we’ll provide you with:

  • induction both before and orientation during your time volunteering, 
  • ongoing support from our local offices, 
  • an offer of a post engagement review

If your placement involves relocating, we’ll also provide:

  • all travel, vaccinations, expenses and accommodation,
  • comprehensive medical cover,
  • dedicated local medical and security support,
  • a reasonable local living allowance.  

How we support you before, during and after your placement

Can I volunteer with VSO?

VSO volunteers come from a range of backgrounds. To volunteer with us, you’ll need a degree or equivalent in a related field and at least three years’ relevant professional experience. All applicants are assessed individually, based on their VSO competencies, skills, experience and qualifications.

Who can volunteer

Live and current roles

We’re always recruiting skilled professionals from different backgrounds and sectors. Could it be you?

Talent pool roles

Keep up-to-date with new opportunities

If you haven’t yet found the right role for you, sign up to receive our regular email newsletter and you’ll be the first to hear about future opportunities, along with the latest news and stories from our work across Africa and Asia.

VSO data protection and privacy declaration

If you change your mind at any time about how you want to hear from us please call us on +44 (0)20 8780 7500 or email enquiry@vsoint.org. We will never sell or swap your data and we promise to keep it safe and secure in accordance with our privacy policy.

Volunteer stories

Girls in a biology lesson

My experience improving science teaching in Cambodia

After retiring from a successful career in the UK as a science teacher, Sean McMorrow shared his skills and experience to help Cambodian children pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and maths. Read more.

Kenyan youth group
Paul Wambugu/Obscuramedia

5 inspiring female volunteers to celebrate this International Women's Day

On International Women's Day 2023, we want to recognise our female volunteers at VSO and celebrate the power of female volunteerism. Meet five inspiring female volunteers.

Volunteer trained by Uzoamaka Onyinye Didigwu teaching in the classroom.
Uzoamaka Onyinye Didigwu

My volunteer journey: Uzoamaka Onyinye Didigwu

From the classroom to national television, Nigerian volunteer Uzoamaka is making sure people with disabilities are not forgotten.