The CUSO-VSO experience
CUSO-VSO sends people rather than aid money.
Volunteers work on long-term, sustainable solutions, and live at the heart of the community they serve, on a similar salary and in comparable accommodation to their local co-workers.
Working in partnership
Volunteers work in partnership with local and national groups. We work with these overseas partners to bring together people from different cultures and backgrounds, enabling them to share skills and learning. You will work directly with your local employer, reporting to a local manager. We are always there to support you should the need arise, but your key relationship is with your overseas employer.
Our international approach – which involves volunteers and staff from an increasing range of countries – enriches our work by allowing us to combine and learn from different perspectives. As part of our contribution to tackling poverty, we build on the experience and learning of volunteers to raise awareness of development and global justice issues, and to achieve policy change in developed countries.
Support from home
As a registered charity, CUSO-VSO funds our work through a combination of individual and other donations. All CUSO-VSO volunteers are encouraged to fundraise in support of our programs, with a suggested target of C$2,000 for each volunteer placement. Many volunteers find their families, friends and communities are eager to get involved and support their work overseas. We provide the training and resources to help volunteers meet their fundraising goals.
