Volunteer abroad, Gap year in Taipei

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What is a Volunteer Job

Volunteer service contributes to the well-being of an individual or the community, and is usually coordinated by a non-profit or public sector organization, and usually it does not pay any salary or wage. However, there are programs where volunteers (especially for international programs) in which accommodation, meals, flights, and sometimes a small amount of money is provided.

Volunteering in Taiwan

Most volunteer opportunities in Taiwan come within a travel abroad program. These programs offer a native's perspective into a country, a chance to work with people from around the world, and an excellent chance to advance your carer. Fees may cover lodging, meals, travel, language classes, and sometimes airfare. Programs last from one week to several months and the cost varies. Fees not only facilitate your stay, they progress the program. Scholarships may be available through the organization. Investigate programs carefully to find out what exactly is covered.

The International Resources Centre (IRC) allows for the expansion of international volunteer efforts. If you cannot find a organization that fits your needs, the centre may be able to connect you with a compatible organization.
Forumosa is another helpful resource when looking for volunteer programs.

    Notable programs include:
  • Taipei County Volunteer Center- This organization helps match volunteers with organizations. Established by the Social Affairs Bureau of Taipei County Government, the centre aims to improve the public's understanding of voluntarism. Over one hundred thousand people have taken up the volunteer positions through the centre.
  • United Planet's Volunteer Abroad Quest program- This program of long-term voluntary service, offers training, personal volunteer support, and diverse opportunities. Lasting from 3-6 months, these programs can be incorporated into high school academic semesters.
  • YMCA Go Global- A chance for Americans to offer voluntary service by teaching English, HIV/AIDS prevention, Summer camp assistant, marketing internships and more. Programs last from as short as 5 weeks up to 2 years.
  • AID Summer- This program only selects an elite group of applicants to teach children English. If you are among the 350 who qualify, your stay, accommodations, etc will be covered by the program. Applicants must be between 17 and 27.
  • International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE)- promotes shared principles and best practice in volunteering worldwide. It has opened a center in Taiwan and was the first international non-profit organization to open a centre in Taiwan focused on volunteering.
You might also look at our other articles on Summer Jobs and Internship abroad on the left column of this page.

Update 10/12/2010


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