Volunteering through VC

Over the course of 65 years, VC has sent over 2,000 volunteers overseas

Becoming an International Volunteer

The skills, motivation and mindset required

International Volunteering is Socially Rewarding

Responsible international volunteering through a long-term role can bring about social change and benefit civil society and promote global citizenship.

The key is that the projects undertaken are responsible and sustainable, bringing long-term benefits to the communities with which we engage. VC has a rigorous process to validate this and ensure that our volunteer development workers add real value.

VC currently offer longer term Lay Missionary/capacity building and skill sharing roles as well as roles within the European Solidarity Corps. Both fall under our broad remit to reach those on the margins while promoting global citizenship and solidarity.

VC maintains the highest standards of compliance and is a founding signatory of Comhlamh's Code of Good Practice for volunteer sending organisations.

Good preparation and support for the International Volunteer is vital

As an ethical and experienced organisation you can be assured that you will be well prepared and supported in your assignment overseas. VC's goal is that volunteers will have a positive experience with our partner projects and ensure that you are deployed only where you are needed.

VC will prepare you with a holistic, skills based and practical training programme which will build on your vocational skillset and provide you with the grounding for an experience of a lifetime. And we provide full support throughout your placement.

Our training will also highlight the requirement for accountability, professionalism and resilience.

Have you got what it takes?

We are looking for

Suitably qualified people with transferable skills
Individuals willing to undertake our Venture training and preparation programme.
Individuals open to long term placement (approx 1 year)
Given that VC operates remote training and support, our Volunteer programme is open to volunteer applicants from all over EU.

About you

We work with individuals gernerally over the age of 21 who are seeking a volunteer placement. In the case of EU ESC programme volunteers are required to be between the ages of 18-35 to qualify.

We look for people with some are all of the following:

Transferable skills as required by our partners
Report writing skills particularly for funded roles
High level of spoken and written English
The right attitude and motivation
Ability to work as part of a team and learn
Personal resilience
Cultural adaptability
Good health
Can travel and access relevant visas
Police clearance
Self-awareness of privilege and responsibility
Understanding of root causes of global social injustice
Understanding of Christian mission and accompaniment

Our volunteer programme is split between lay missionary/volunteers and the more younger EU ESC volunteer programme. So the roles are varied, based on the need identified by our partners.

Lay Missionary/Volunteer roles are normally supported by the local project with the volunteer receiving accommodation and a modest living allowance.

ESC volunteers receive accommodation and pocket money as part of the programme.

Browse Volunteer Vacancies

Why VC? - Viatores Christi is one of the oldest overseas volunteer organisations in Ireland which has been training and placing volunteers and lay missionaries on long-term assignments for 65 years

Support and Training

VC Venture Training is a comprehensive programme for volunteers

We provide training and preparation

We provide a comprehensive online training programme called Venture – Training for Development.

Venture training is usually delivered over 3 full weekends with supporting independent study and content provided via our TalentLMS online platform. This provides attendees with an opportunity to learn from each other, from expert tutors as well as gain experience and insight from returned volunteers who will share their experiences and answer your questions.

VC Venture Training

Support Costs

Depending on the Volunteer Programme you may be able to receive some support from your hosting partner. This varies but may include;

A modest monthly living allowance or pocket money in the case of an ESC volunteer
A contribution towards return airfares to country of assignment
Contributions towards vaccinations
Travel and medical insurance cover
Accommodation and food.

It is necessary for all volunteers* undertake some fundraising before going overseas on assignment (* apart from the ESC Programme) – We will give you detailed information on preparation and living costs. While overseas, many volunteers who have been working and living in Ireland before departure are entitled to claim PRSI contributions from the Department of Social Protection.

Volunteering FAQ

Some of the most frequently asked questions we receive, with answers

All volunteers (apart from ESC Volunteers) who have been accepted for an overseas placement are asked to contribute a minimum of €600 to VC towards the cost of their placement. Fundraising this amount can be as easy as holding one or two coffee mornings in your local community, holding a table quiz or speaking in your local parish or just asking family, friends and colleagues to fundraise for you! The fundraising requirement forms part of the pre-departure process.

Our projects differ worldwide in their focus therefore, it ofen depends on the openings available at that time. All new volunteer hosting partners require a due diligence process to be carried out to ensure the safety of the volunteer and the legitimacy of the role. If however, you don’t see a role or country that suits you now why not sign up to our Volunteer Panel to be considered for future openings?

The only difference is the motivation behind your application. However, some of our roles working with congregations look for an individual willing to engage or at the very least respect the faith expression activities of their host community. Not all roles look for this as some volunteer roles are secular in nature but all would require individuals to be respectful of the community within which they are placed.