AYAD is an initiative of the Australian Government that places skilled young Australian volunteers in developing countries throughout the Asia Pacific region for 3-12 months. You could be working in a broad range of areas that include health, environment, education, justice and infrastructure development.

Conservation Volunteers Australia organises practical conservation projects to protect and enhance the Australian environment. They run projects around Queensland regularly to which you can go along for a day or up to a couple of weeks.

The World Conservation Program from Conservation Volunteers give you the opportunity to volunteer overseas on conservation and cultural projects in an environment that is very different to Australia. Projects run for two to five weeks. Program fees apply.

Generate is a structured program that encourages you to think and act big. We’ll teach you how to lead in your community and give you the tools you need to make more than just small changes in the fight to end global poverty.

InsightArgentina offers students exciting and worthwhile opportunities for internships, years abroad, gap years and summer vacations, as individuals or groups and the opportunity to enjoy a unique experience living in Argentina.

Palms Australia organises volunteering projects worldwide and places volunteers in positions suitable to their skills. Palms Australia arranges accommodation, a basic living allowance and return travel for their volunteers.

PDH opened its doors to international volunteers in 2001 and since then PDH has received and worked with 114 volunteers from many countries. Togo is a French speaking country and most of the work at PDH is conducted in French. There is no minimum language requirement, however, and PDH is happy to have students who only speak very basic French.

Most opportunities for volunteering with Queensland Government Volunteering occur in the Department of Environment and Resource Management’s Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, while opportunities in other divisions

Sports for Sharing is a civic educational program whose main objective is to raise youth awareness about the 8 United Nations Millennium Goals (MDG) through playground games and physical activity while stimulating interest in and appreciation for the vast cultural diversity in Mexico.

Student Services at UQ offers a number of programs you can get involved in, make friends and networks and help other students at the same time!

The Peer Notetaking Program @ UQ

What: Helping students who are unable to take adequate notes due to a disability 
When: During the semester
Where: UQ
More: In this Program, a student Peer Notetaker is recruited to provide a copy of their lecture and tutorial notes on a weekly basis for the student(s) who require them. See here for more information and registration.

Participation Assistant @ UQ

What: Participation Assistants are casual staff to carry out tasks required by a student with a disability.
When: During the semester
Where: UQ
More: Assistance can include Library work, Laboratory/Field Work, Mobility Assistance and/or Typing/Writing Assistance. See here for more information and registration.

Volunteer Mates @ UQ

Mentoring @ UQ

The Bridge is Australia's first student formed and led volunteer organisation. Based at University of Queensland, their aim is to promote and organise valuable volunteer experiences for UQ staff, students and other interested individuals.

The UNV Online service offers a perfect opportunity for individuals who wish to volunteer their time to a worthy cause yet face time or mobility constraints. UNV Online projects range from a time commitment of 1 - 5 hours to 20+ hours per week. Volunteering opportunities are available in the following categories:

• Writing and editing
• Translation
• Research
• IT development
• Design
• Project development and management
• Coordination and facilitation
• Consulting
• Training and coaching

Lastly on top of the personal well-being benefits of philanthropy, successfully completing projects through the UNV Online will always look good on a CV and can end up being that first foot in the door for those currently seeking employment.

Volunteering Queensland matches potential volunteers with charitable organisations who are in need of help. The volunteering opportunities here are very diverse and include everything from planting trees to visiting the elderly.

The aim of the Indigenous Volunteer Program is to provide a unique opportunity to experience life as a volunteer in an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community. There are currently five Volunteer Programs available, but the number is continuously growing.

Welcome to Australia is a non-government organisation focused on engaging everyday Australians in cultivating a culture of welcome towards refugees, asylum seekers and other new migrants to Australia.

Wild Mob is a not-for-profit, non-political organisation providing hands-on environmental projects in remote and iconic Australian locations. We are dedicated to protecting Australia’s unique biodiversity through practical conservation and rehabilitation programs. Volunteers can expect a balanced mix of environmental work, biodiversity education and plenty of time to enjoy the natural surroundings by hiking, snorkelling or simply relaxing. Each project offers its own experience, from a secluded island in the Whitsundays to rugged coastline in Tasmania to views of Australia’s highest mountain peaks.

Volunteerism Fact Sheet

Factsheet which alerts you to potential issues/concerns with companies who charge a fee to students in order to place them in a volunteerism role.

How to Determine if an Aid project is a good idea

Website which helps volunteers to determine if they are volunteering with a reputable organisation.

Youth Without Borders empowers youth to work together for positive change within their communities.  Youth Without Borders is a youth-run community project coordination organisation that facilitates development, links, networking and support for youth and their wider communities internationally. Find out how you can get involved.