VSO Volunteering...Anyone Had Dealings With These People?

Question

This year I want to volunteer abroad somewhere.

I have read about VSO volunteering.

Before I make any enquiries about this group can anyone recommend them? Or has any person had dealings with this group.

Opinions please

Answer 1

I have worked with VSO, and have known VSO volunteers. VSO is one of the more *outstanding* volunteer sending organizations, maybe even the best one. The application process is highly competitive - VSO doesn't take most of the people who apply, because of the specific needs in the field and high standards they have for volunteers. One of the things that makes VSO excellent is that they are focused on capacity-building of local people -- the volunteers are there to empower the local people, not just to give top-down aid.