With a volunteer experience you will get practical experience in your field of study; invaluable cross-cultural experience, language training/development and travel opportunity; increased personal marketability, and exposure to international development issues.

Volunteer programs can vary considerably from one to another. In some cases you may have to pay the organization for the experience. In other cases, the organization may be paying you by virtue of a stipend, certain living arrangements, or even your transportation costs. Lengths of programs and expected commitment also vary depending on the program and organization. Volunteering is an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience in your field of study

Learn about Badili Mtizamo, a service learning opportunity organized through the International Centre for Students/World W.I.S.E. Resource Centre: http://umanitoba.ca/student/ics/wwise/badili_mtizamo_2012.html. 

Here is a list of other organizations to get you started.  Please note that this is a small sampling of the opportunities available to students.  The U of M does not necessarily endorse these organizations and we encourage students to research carefully before deciding on any international volunteering program.

AFS Interculture Canada: One of the world's largest community-based volunteer organizations dedicated to building a more just and peaceful world through international student exchange. http://www.afs.org/

Canada World Youth: www.cwy-jcm.org/en

Canadian Crossroads International: www.cciorg.ca/

Cross Cultural Solutions: www.crossculturalsolutions.org

Cultural Extremes: www.culturalextremes.com/

CUSO: www.cuso.org/home/index_e.php

Mennonite Central Committee: www.mcc.org/

Oxfam: www.oxfam.org/en/

Right to Play: www.righttoplay.com/site/PageServer

Youth Challenge International: www.yci.org/