Skills-Based Volunteer Guides by Professional Role
These guides are written for qualified professionals who want to put their skills to work as international volunteers. Each guide covers the volunteer roles available, ethical obligations, scope-of-practice caveats, and how to find a program that matches your background.
Not a professional in one of these roles? Browse all guides or take our matching quiz.
Volunteer Abroad as a Lawyer: A Professional Role Guide
How legal professionals can contribute meaningfully through international volunteering — and what to watch out for before you go.
Volunteer Abroad as an Engineer: A Professional Role Guide
How engineers — civil, structural, mechanical, software, and environmental — can contribute to infrastructure, WASH, and technology programs abroad.
Volunteer Abroad as an Accountant or Finance Professional: A Professional Role Guide
How accountants, CPAs, auditors, and finance professionals can build organizational capacity at NGOs, co-operatives, and social enterprises abroad.
Volunteer Abroad as a Medical Professional: A Professional Role Guide
How qualified healthcare workers — physicians, nurses, paramedics, and allied health professionals — can contribute ethically to global health programs.
Volunteer Abroad as a Teacher or Educator: A Professional Role Guide
How qualified teachers, tutors, and education professionals can contribute to schools, literacy programs, and teacher-training initiatives abroad.
General guidance for all roles
Regardless of your profession, these guides apply to every volunteer trip: