How It Works
WHAT WE DO
At Vocational Impact, we connect volunteers with life-changing global projects and combine international travel with practical work experience that makes a difference.
The idea is simple – you choose what programme you want to do, what destination you want to go to, and what dates you want to join us. To join a programme you pay us a fee and we will support you every step of the way with the following:
- Support before you travel (Documents, Visa advice, Trip preparation)
- Support in-country (Accommodation, Transport, Meals, Programme Training and Development)
- A unique work placement with a real project making a positive impact
Unlike other companies in the field, Vocational Impact is an NGO and operates under UK registered charity, Arms Around the Child, we are a not-for-profit organisation. With over 15 years of experience in international development, we work hand-in-hand with the grassroots to make sustainable change and community empowerment possible.
By joining our programmes you will directly support our work to make a long-term and meaningful impact in global communities.
STEP 1: SELECT YOUR PROGRAMME
Check out our programmes and choose what you’d like to do and where you want to go, from clinical psychology placements in Ghana to criminology work experience in South Africa.
Get in touch with us. You can enquire here for more info or book a call a with one of our team. Our volunteer experts will work with you to match you with the project that would benefit most from your unique set of skills and experiences.
step 2: apply
Once you’ve decided on the right programme for you, or even if you are still unsure, fill in our application form. The form will take a short while to fill out as you consider all the different aspects of your volunteer experience. The application is noncommittal and will help us understand your goals and prepare for the next step, a call with our team and your placement offer.
step 3: placement offer
Due to the sensitive nature of our charity projects, we carefully check through the applications we receive to make sure we have a match. Then our team will schedule an interview to chat about your motivations and skills and find right the programme fit for you. We will then send you a placement offer within 24 hours of our call.
STEP 4: REGISTER
Once you have selected your placement and location, and had all your questions answered by one of the Vocational Impact team, the next thing to do is pay your £265 Registration Fee to lock in your spot. This helps you access a whole array of support and resources to start your adventure on the right foot.
step 5: PRE-DEPARTURE SUPPORT
After you’ve registered you will access our pre-departure support services leading up to your journey. We will help you with all your paperwork and visa applications, tailor your placement itinerary, send you our travel and essential information guides, connect you with other volunteers and our team on the ground, and give you advice on fundraising, packing and weekend trips.
You will be given a checklist to work through and will be assigned a volunteer coordinator to help you work through the preparation for your trip, including things like travel insurance and vaccinations. By the time you set off on your adventure, you will be very prepared.
STEP 6: PROGRAMME FEE PAYMENT
Your Volunteer Programme Fee is the full amount for your placement. This is based on your prospective programme and dates. We ask that the full balance be paid 60 days before your proposed start date. The easiest way to pay your programme fee securely is to make a direct bank transfer to our account.
We understand that it’s not always easy to pay the fee in one go. You can spread the cost of the programme fee by breaking it down into smaller instalments. As long as the full balance is paid 60 days before your departure, then you have plenty of time to raise the funds.
Fundraising is a great way to raise money for your trip! We’ve got lots of tips and advice about this on our fundraising hub; hear from previous volunteers, get help with how to start, and read about where to look for bursaries and grants. In addition to raising money for a great cause, fundraising can teach you some important skills that you can take beyond your trip abroad.
step 7: ARRIVAL AND ORIENTATION
You will be met at the airport by our in-country staff and given detailed instructions on the collection process. You will be taken directly to your accommodation and introduced to the project and the staff. You will meet your new housemates, and have the chance to settle in. We know it can be a bit overwhelming at first, so our in-country staff will be there to help you find your feet.
The next day you will begin your training or orientation (depending on your placement and project). You will sit down with the in-country manager and go through your placement. You will have 24/7 support in-country, and we will prepare you with all emergency documentation and safety measures.
step 8: your trip of a lifetime
Now you’re there, settled into your new surroundings, immersed in the local culture, meeting new friends, soaking up some sunshine and ready to make an impact on your project. It’s time to make life-long memories and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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