How the programme works
Below is the list of questions that we get asked most often. Have a read through and your questions will probably be answered but if not please feel free to email us at volunteering@leedsmet.ac.uk. Don't forget to read the information on the "about international volunteering" page. These FAQs can be downloaded as a word document from the right-hand column.
What's involved?
Who can apply?
Can I apply for more than one project at a time?
How many trips can I go on during my time at Leeds Met?
What if I can't decide which trip to go on?
How do I apply?
What if my application isn't successful?
What happens if I get accepted then change my mind?
How much does it cost and what's included?
How do I pay?
What if I can't afford it?
Can I fundraise to help pay for my trip?
Can I fundraise for the charity I'm going to?
What fundraising support will I receive?
Will we get to do any sightseeing?
How much free time will there be?
Is it really hard work?
Do I need to get travel insurance?
Can I have a team hoodie or t-shirt?
How much time do I need to commit before I go?
Can I do some independent travel after the volunteering part?
What support will I receive when I'm out there?
What training will I receive?
How will this project increase my employability?
Do I need at CRB check?
What if I have a criminal record?
Isn't air travel bad for the environment?
Tell me more about special volunteer roles
What qualities are you looking for in volunteers?
What's involved?
Being part of a volunteering project means being part of a team for several months. There's a lot involved beforehand, the trip itself and a little bit afterwards. We reckon that you'll need to devote an average of four hours a week (although it won't be spread out evenly) from the time you're accepted to the time you depart. While you're away the days can be really long (but rewarding!) and then if you can help us out when you come back, you'll make our day! To give you an idea of what to expect, here's an example:
Jan
complete application from
Early Feb
come to an interview and hopefully get a place
Late Feb
complete all paper work and pay deposit
Early March
come to a compulsory volunteer briefing
March - June
compulsory team meeting (roughly every fortnight) fundraising, team socials, specific project preparation e.g. Spanish classes and preparing teaching materials, organising jabs, getting insurance, pre-departure shopping (don't worry we'll remind you about all of this).
Mid June - Mid July
abroad, working really hard but having a great time!
After the trip
help with evaluation, volunteer reunion, helping out at various volunteering events (e.g. stalls, talks to other potential volunteers, next year's team briefings).
Who can apply?
Current Leeds Met students* and Leeds Met graduates can apply. All members of Leeds Met staff on a contract can also apply (unfortunately staff working through job shop are not eligible unless they are also a student at Leeds Met).
*this includes students on undergraduate courses, post graduates courses, HNDs, part time languages etc - if unsure, please contact us. top
Can I apply for more than one project at a time?
Yes, you will be asked on your application form whether you are applying for any other projects. You will need apply for each trip separately and complete the relevant form. Please remember that different skills and experience will be required for each volunteering opportunity so you will need to tailor your application to the opportunity you are applying for. There is no limit to how many projects you can apply for or participate in but we may need to give priority to volunteers who have not been before and repeat volunteers won't be subsidised by the university. top
How many trips can I go on during my time at Leeds Met?
In theory you can join several projects during your time at Leeds Met but there are a few things to bear in mind. During the selection process priority may be given to first time volunteers and the university can't subsidise repeat volunteers so you will need to pay full price for any additional projects. top
What if I can't decide which project to apply for?
If you can't decide which trip is best for you talk to us as soon as possible! It's a difficult situation because you are not guaranteed a place on the trip of your choice and the recruitment for each trip happens at a different time. The best thing is to come to a drop-in session so that you can discuss your options or if that's not possible email us. top
How do I apply?
We recruit for each project separately. When we're ready to recruit we'll put application forms and guidance notes for applying on the website for you to download and we'll notify everyone on our mailing list as well as putting adverts on the student portal and the classifieds section of the staff email. To receive an alert about when we're recruiting join the mailing list.
Once the deadline for application forms has passed, we'll make a shortlist of volunteers to go onto the next stage. Applicants will be invited to a short interview or selection day where prospective volunteers are given group tasks and activities to do. We'll let volunteers know a few days later whether they have been successful or not. top
What if my application isn't successful?
If you submit an application form and are not shortlisted, we'll let you know by email. If you are turned down at interview or selection-day stage, we'll keep you on a back up list in case anyone drops out. In both cases you are also very welcome to apply for other projects. top
What happens if I get accepted then change my mind?
Try and find out as much as you can before you apply so that you are certain you want to go at that stage. If you are successful in the interview we'll give you a short period of one or two weeks to get the paperwork back to us and to pay your deposit. If you change you mind during this time there shouldn't be a problem although, the sooner we know, the better so we can offer the place to someone else. We will not book your ticket until we have your paperwork and your deposit. If you change you mind after this you will lose the money you have paid up until that point. It's always best to speak to us if you have any concerns at any point. This way, we can help you to make decisions before you lose any money. top
How much does it cost and what's included?
The price for each project is different. Usually we add up the cost of flights, visa, transfers, accommodation, team hoodies and t-shirts and sometimes food and local transport. Most volunteers are eligible for part-funding from Leeds Met (for more on this see our pricing information page). This is why we can't give an exact price until nearer the time although we do our best to give a good guestimate. You'll find a list of what is and isn't included in the additional information about each project.
The following things are definitely NOT included: travel insurance, spending money, cost of any vaccinations that may be required and the cost of any independent travel. Sometimes it works out better if volunteers pay for their own food or local transport but we'll always let you know well in advance what is included in your project. top
How do I pay?
The cost will be split into three or four payments, a deposit of £150 and then two or three further payments. Details will differ slightly from project to project but you'll find all the info you need to know in the downloadable information for each project.
Volunteers can pay over the phone, at the university cash office or on line using the online store. top
What if I can't afford it?
We can help you with ideas for fundraising including sponsored events, asking businesses for donations and other fundraising ideas like cake sales etc. Most volunteers will be eligible for some kind of subsidy from Leeds Met (have a look at the pricing information for more details on this). Unfortunately the university is extremely unlikely to be able to give volunteers any more money towards the cost of the trip. top
Can I fundraise to help pay for my trip?
Yes, of course you can. We just ask you to make it clear that you are fundraising for your costs rather than for the charity. top
Can I fundraise for the charity I'm going to?
YES! In fact fundraising is a requirement to being accepted on the project: you'll find details of the minimum fundraising target for each project in the additional information. It's a great way to get to know your fellow volunteers and lots of our previous volunteers have had great success fundraising and some have continued their fundraising after they return (after being so inspired by the work of the organisation). Once accepted onto a project, we'll give you ideas for your fundraising and encourage you to work as a group to organise larger fundraising activities. Don't forget, volunteering and fundraising look wonderful on your CV! top
What fundraising support will I receive?
Once you're signed up for a trip, the staff in the volunteering office and your team leader will help you with ideas for fundraising. Mostly we encourage volunteers to organise their own fundraising or to work with the rest of their team to fundraise but for some group activities we'll do the organising and you'll just need to turn up and help out. You can always ask us for help and ideas and we'll do our best to support. top
Will we get to do any sightseeing?
It depends. We usually try to incorporate some time for sightseeing and cultural activities into each trip but for some it may not be possible. On some of the trips volunteers have the option to return home a bit later and squeeze in some independent travel. top
How much free-time will there be?
This depends on the nature of the volunteer work and where the project is based. Volunteering can be really hard work so we try to allow some free time to unwind and relax. We also try to incorporate some sightseeing and other cultural activities into the programme. It is important to point out that on some projects there may be limited things to do with your free time and there may also be restrictions on where volunteers are allowed to go in their free time. For example, due to their surroundings, the charities we work with in Ahmednagar, India do not consider it safe for volunteers to venture out of their grounds on their own. top
Is it really hard work?
Yes it can be!!! Each trip is different. For some, the days are long and might be mentally tiring (like teaching large classes), for others the work is more physically demanding, sometimes the conditions (like the temperature) make it hard work. For most of the trips there will be some degree of culture shock and in most cases volunteer work starts after a long journey! So yes expect hard work - it certainly won't a holiday and there is quite a lot to do in the months leading up to departure but we're sure you'll rise to the challenge!! top
Do I need to get travel insurance?
Students - it is a requirement of the trip that you get insurance, adequate for your volunteering time and all independent travel associated with the trip. We can give you some web addresses to get you started.
Staff - the Leeds Met travel insurance policy will cover the time you are volunteering and your journey. If you opt to add on some time for independent travel, you will need to get your own travel insurance top top
Can I have a team hoodie or t-shirt?
Yes, they are included in the cost. Usually one hoodie and two t-shirts will be included although this might change slightly for each trip. top
How much time do I need to commit before I go?
A lot! Participating in one of our volunteering projects is as much about the activities before you go as it is about the time you spend abroad. There will also be things to do when you return. For full information about this look at the "how it works" section of the website, but to give you an overview you will need to attend a series of compulsory meetings (possibly five or six) which may be in the evenings or weekends, there may also be training or preparation activities that you need to do complete relating to your to your volunteer role and there will definitely be fundraising activities to join in and probably a few socials too. All of these extra activities are just as important as the trip itself, both in terms of preparing you for the experience and for your personal development generally. You should allow an average of at least four hours a week. top
Can I do some independent travel after the volunteering part?
Yes. For most of the trips there will be the option of a later return date so that you can travel after your volunteering. Please note that if you opt for a later return, you must plan and fund that extra time yourself. On some of the trips, extra travel is not an option especially where it involves missing term time. top
What support will I receive when I'm out there?
On most of the trips there will be a designated team leader from Leeds Met. This person is also a volunteer but they have extra responsibilities. They help to plan the trip and will probably have been before. You'll have the chance to get to know them as there will be plenty that you'll need to do together before you go. In addition staff at the organisation you'll be volunteering at will be there to support you. Sometimes, volunteers who have been before will take on a supervisory role too, we call them "big brothers" or "big sisters" and they'll be a good source of support if you need it. And finally, at least one person from the team back in the office in Leeds will be on call 24/7 should you (or your next of kin) need to contact us in an emergency. top
What training will I receive?
There will be several compulsory meetings and possibly a team building day (probably on a weekend) where you can get to know your team and team leader. This will also include a team briefing with information about your host organisation and practicalities e.g. what to take. For some projects there may be some specific training provided such as language classes or how to teach English. You'll find more details on the downloadable documents for each project. top
How will this project increase my employability?
It's all about employability. well, not totally but a lot of what's involved is excellent for your personal development can seriously enhance your employability skills. For example, the application process, broadening your horizons, learning about communication with people from all walks of life, team work, resilience, learning specific new skills and practicing existing ones are all things that will add to your being more employable. There'll be a workshop for all teams on this and how to recognise and draw on your experiences. What's more, past volunteers have found that as well as being an eye-opener in general, their voluntary work has given them new ideas about career direction. top
Do I need a CRB check?
For the trips involving work with children or vulnerable adults you will need a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check to provide details if you have a criminal record. If you do have a criminal record, it won't necessarily prevent you from volunteering it depends on the nature of the offence. You need to declare on your application form if you have any criminal convictions, this way we can discuss it with you (confidentially of course) and give you an idea of whether it will prevent you from volunteering. If in doubt, just ask us. top
What if I have a criminal record?
If you do have a criminal record, it won't necessarily prevent you from volunteering it depends on the nature of the offence. You need to declare on your application form if you any criminal convictions so we can discuss it with you (confidentially of course) and give you an idea of whether it will prevent you from volunteering. If in doubt, just ask us. top
Isn't air travel bad for the environment?
Yes, it's one of the most polluting forms of travel! We do recognise the fact that despite all the good volunteering work, the travel done by our volunteers is bad for the environment. For this reason we ask volunteers to try and reduce their "carbon footprint" and to get their friends to as well! top
Tell me about special volunteer roles
The overall project coordination is carried out by the project manager who is usually someone from the volunteering team. In addition there are several special volunteer roles.
Team leader: this is a member of staff from Leeds Met who works with the project manager to organise the trip and who helps to select the rest of the team. The team leader then plays a massive part in preparing the team for going away, fundraising and making sure things run smoothly during the trip.
Big brother/big sister: this is usually someone who has been on the project before. They are there to support the team leader on projects where we feel it's necessary. This could be because the teams in split into groups who aren't based near each other or perhaps because it's a very large group. Big brothers and sisters are usually recruited before the main team are recruited so that they can help with planning, selection and anything else they would like to.
Social coordinator: bonding with rest of the team is crucial so this is an important role for a volunteer with good communication skills. Whether it's meeting for coffee or going to a big night out, we want to the team to spend as much time getting to know each other as possible. The social coordinator will organise a variety of activities for the team.
Fundraising coordinator: this role is ideal for someone who is confident at group fundraising activities and can encourage the rest of the group to get fundraising by researching and sharing ideas. Again it needs to be someone with good communication skills who can also liaise closely with us to keep us informed of the team's progress.
Pay it forward coordinator: sounds strange doesn't it? When volunteers come back they are full of enthusiasm, ideas and tips and we like to harness this to "pay it forward" to future teams and prospective volunteers. Returning volunteers often help us by collecting photos, writing profiles, doing talks, coming to team briefings and generally being wonderful and the pay it forward coordinator helps us by encouraging the rest of the team to get involved in this way. top
What qualities are you looking for in volunteers?
The key quality has to be resilience but click here for more about the top ten qualities that make for an excellent volunteer and and excellent volunteering experience. top
International Volunteering
About International Volunteering
"The beautiful Snehalaya children illustrated how money isn't everything. They had absolutely nothing, yet they were always smiling and so so happy. I just wish I could have brought them home with me as their little excitable faces would brighten up any day!"
Jackie Rabie
Graduate Trainee
India team leader
"Meet and learn different cultures and traditions from amazing people from all over the world on 'The Path of the Friend' with the Abraham Path Initiative."
Steve McArdle
Peace Studies and International Relations student
Jordan volunteer
"Not a day has gone by since I returned from my volunteering trip to Peru when I have thought about the lives of those we met."
Pam Fearnley
Awards & Exams
Peru Volunteer
"It's good to challenge yourself sometimes. Especially when it turns out to be so much fun!"
Ali Reed
Counselling and Therapeutic Studies student
Thailand volunteer
"Volunteering in at The Community Place was an amazing experience. Working with the children and wonderful teachers taught me so much about other cultures. I will always have fond memories of my time there"
Victoria McGuire
Estates Services
USA volunteer
"Working at Szkola Razem really showed me that we are all special in our own way. The experience of staying with a host family made me feel welcomed and everyone around showed me a great time"
Habib Lodal
Graduate Trainee
Poland volunteer
"Each and every person that I travelled to Sri Lanka with is truly inspiring and brought such a unique blend of talent and good humour to the team; true friends who'll last a lifetime."
Katy Marshall
BA (Hons) Public Relations
Sri Lanka Volunteer
"I had had such a good time in Crete - I have never done anything that has felt so worthwhile, knowing that you are helping to save an endangered animal is amazing. I loved it so much I intend to return!"
John Conlin
Senior Marketing Information & Systems Officer
