Are there any groups like the peace corps that do not require a degree?

Question

Are there any groups like the peace corps that do not require a degree?

Answer 1

If you want to go overseas but are an unskilled volunteer with no degree, then you have to be prepared to pay for all expenses (flights, in-country transportation, health insurance, accommodation, food, security, translators, training, staff to create the service opportunities and then to supervise and support you in your service, liaisons with the police and local officials, etc.).

There is a listing of the more-than-30 member organizations of the International Volunteers Program Association (IVPA) that is a good place to find reputable volunteer-for-a-fee programs -- programs where you don't need to have much experience in order to participate, and the placements are just for a few weeks or months:

http://www.volunteerinternational.org/

Here's one specific org recommendation: Unite For Sight, which workes through partner eye clinics and communitie to create eye disease-free communities. "While helping the community, volunteers are in a position to witness and draw their own conclusions about the failures and inequities of global health systems. It broadens their view of what works, and what role they can have to insure a health system that works for everyone..." This program was featured on CNN International. Volunteers, both skilled and unskilled, are 18 years and older, and there is no upper age limit. It is obligatory for accepted volunteers to purchase insurance coverage through Unite for Sight's recommended provider, and volunteers are responsible for all travel arrangements, visa vaccine requirements, lodging, airfare, food, and any additional expenses. http://www.uniteforsight.org/intl_volunt...

Here is a web site that can help you learn more about the skills and experience desired by the PeaceCorps and other long-term placement organizations, organizations that don't charge volunteers but require volunteers to be highly-skilled, and how you can start to gain such experience locally, wherever you are now:

http://www.coyotecommunications.com/volu...

Answer 2

I don't think Habitat for Humanity requires a degree.

Answer 3

Jayne, just above me, is right. The developing world has lots of people with no particular skills and a smattering of education who would like to work for a salary. They don't need more from the USA.

The Peace Corps gives you transport, three months of training, medical and dental care. They want something in return - skills that a host country has asked for; either a degree or 10 - 50 years of experience in something like farming.