Training

Learning is central to the VSO volunteer experience. Upon joining VSO, the volunteers are inducted into a learning journey that optimizes their potential to meet identified development goals and maximizes organizational learning within VSO. Learning opportunities are integrated at every stage of the volunteer journey. There is worldwide consistency in how the volunteers are supported in this journey.

VSO provides training and learning support to volunteers in addressing the following inter-linked learning needs:

• personal learning needs (eg adapting to living and working in a new culture, attitudes, ethics, language)

• professional learning needs (eg training skills, program development, motorcycle driving).

Pre-departure training

After being accepted on a placement, you will need to attend the following courses to address both the personal and professional aspects of volunteer preparation. This pre-departure training also orients volunteers on the policies and procedures they need to observe based on their nationalities. For Filipinos, instructions on passports, visas, registration with the nearest Philippine Embassy/Consulate are included. Volunteers also receive basic social, political and economic facts about the country of placement at this stage.

Preparing for Change (PfC) course

The course aims to explore a range of issues involved in moving to a new environment overseas and to increase volunteers’ understanding of the role of VSO volunteers. This course will also tackle key questions volunteers ask or need to ask to make an informed decision on whether volunteering with VSO is the right choice for them right now.

Health and Security orientation

The session is delivered by VSO’s Medical Adviser. The orientation aims to provide volunteers information related to working in developing countries, e.g. what to expect, protocol for accessing medical assistance, what is included in the VSO medical insurance and what volunteers must arrange on their own.

Wider Role of Volunteers (WRV) course

This course helps volunteers to be more effective at placement by situating their role as a volunteer within the context of VSO’s development perspectives and approaches, and exploring a range of approaches to work situations.

For a complete overview of the pre-departure learning support provided to VSO volunteers, download the document below. 

In-country training

All our volunteers undergo in-country training (ICT) which you will receive when you arrive in your placement country. The ICT usually runs for two weeks although, it can be longer in some countries. The training usually includes local language training.

Downloads