Long Term Volunteering
Experience other cultures as a long term volunteer (LTV). Go beyond the workcamp and play a deeper role in peacemaking and working on environmental and social service initiatives. LTV positions are excellent opportunities for students to gain experience in international service projects and obtain hands on experience in world issues. An LTV volunteers for three months to a year or more depending on their preference and the laws of the country to which they go.
LTV Frequently Asked Questions
What is a long term volunteer post?
What exactly would I do as an LTV?
How do I apply for an LTV post?
How much does it cost to be an LTV?
Can I continue the experience after my post?
What is a long term volunteer post?
The Mission of an LTV post working for SCI-IVS USA is to foster world peace by:
- Co-ordinating volunteers interested in working on a worthwhile service project,
- Promoting international workcamps,
- Facilitating US citizens to volunteer abroad,
- Providing study material and training group leaders for the workcamps in the USA,
- Soliciting worthwhile projects in the US to provide suitable opportunities for volunteers from overseas,
- Assisting volunteers to find suitable opportunities,
- Fundraising to support the above activities,
- Encouraging and assisting former volunteers to continue in peace work.
What exactly would I do as an LTV?
LTV posts generally fall into 3 main categories:
- Physical: building, planting, digging, painting, gardening, restoring, cleaning, constructing, weeding,
- Social: working with children, the elderly, or others with special needs; or taking part in art-related projects,
- SCI/IVS Mission: Promote the purposes of SCI by volunteering at one of the branch offices,
or some combination of the above.
How do I apply for an LTV post?
See how to apply.
How much does it cost to be an LTV?
The volunteer pays an application fee to the office through which they are applying. Usually this will be the branch of their home country. Part of the fee may be non-refundable. Some LTV posts may also require an additional fee, paid to the hosting organization. The application fees of SCI-IVS USA are:
North American (domestic) post: $120
Overseas post: $235 ($35 is your non-refundable, annual membership fee)
Can I continue the experience after my post?
For many, being an LTV is life changing experience. On returning home you may find you want to continue this work for Peace. There are many ways you can get involved with SCI-IVS USA. For example, you can initiate an international workcamp in your community, start a local group to work for peace, volunteer as a workcamp leader, or assist with fundraising. A volunteer will call you, after you return, to find out if any of these interest you.
Some parts of this website have copyrights by SCI International Voluntary Service USA. Web site design by Sam Skarstad.