So what does a typical day look like for volunteers abroad with IVHQ? Will you have time to explore and travel while you work? Not everyday will be the same and will vary according to your volunteer program. I’ve outlined below a general breakdown of what a typical day may look like based on my personal volunteer experiences of the programs I’ve enrolled in through IVHQ.
Table of Contents
- Here’s what a typical day in the life of a volunteer abroad will look like (will vary according to your program):
- What part of the day does volunteer work typically start?
- How are the typical volunteer work hours?
- How many meals will be typically served?
- What happens typically after your volunteer shift is over?
Here’s what a typical day in the life of a volunteer abroad will look like (will vary according to your program):
Photo: Naples, Italy. Volunteering for the Refugee & Migrant Program with IVHQ
What part of the day does volunteer work typically start?
Depending on your volunteer program, you’ll be assigned to different shifts throughout the day, either in the morning, afternoon or in some rare cases in the evening. You’ll know exactly which non-profit organization you’ll be working for on orientation day at your chosen destination. If, for some reason you are not happy with the volunteer schedule, you’re allowed to put in a request to change it (if space permits).
How are the typical volunteer work hours?
On a typical day, volunteers are required to work approximately 3 to 6 hours per day, some days more and some days less. I always recommend putting in extra hours to get the most out of your experience in order to make a bigger impact through your volunteer work. Don’t forget the reason as to why you initially travelled there in the first place! Read: “5 Tips to Make a Real Impact on Your Volunteer Work Abroad.”
How many meals will be typically served?
Breakfast
In the morning, breakfast will usually be available approximately at 7 to 8 am in the morning. If you can’t make it to breakfast, it will be left in the fridge for you. You always have the option of buying your own groceries and storing it in the communal kitchen as well.
Lunch
You can request to have your lunch packed in a paper bag if you wish to take it with you to work. In most cases, you’ll end up buying your lunch. There will be so many great restaurants and different types of local food to try. Part of the experience of being in a foreign country is tasting the food!
Dinner
The same case for dinner, if you can’t make it, let the co-ordinators know and they’ll leave it in the fridge for you. For people with food allergies or sensitivities, there are alternative meals available upon request, make sure to outline this on your application forms, so they can plan ahead!
What happens typically after your volunteer shift is over?
After your shift is over you have the rest of the time to freely spend it how you wish! This would be the time to get to know and explore the local city you’re living in or take language lessons if you choose. You’ll have plenty of free time to wander around and sightsee, so don’t feel as though you won’t have any personal time to explore.
If you need to take a day off work to do some out of city exploring, just let your placement know in advance. Make up the time by putting in extra hours, so you can take a few days off over the weekend to travel to any neighbouring cities!
For a more in-depth and full review on my overall experience volunteering abroad with IVHQ in Italy, check out this article: “My IVHQ Experience: A Review of My First Solo Volunteer Trip Abroad to Italy.”
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