WHERE TO BEGIN

Assess yourself
Knowing more about your destination (climate, custom, cultural norms, political landscape, visa requirements) can help you to determine if the location would be ideal for you, what activities you would like to pursue, and how much time you might want to spend there. Additionally, consider the following:

• What are your goals for going abroad? Is it to gain or enhance language skills? Be immersed in a new culture? Learn new things about the broader world? Appease your sense of adventure? Travel to a new destination? Broaden your international networks?
• What are your priorities during your time abroad? Is it more important to make money or gain experience? Do you want to be in an urban or a rural setting? Do you prefer something structured or an opportunity to be more independent?
• What is your international adaptability? Do you have the appropriate language skills?  How tolerant are you for living in very different environments? Do you feel prepared to adapt to the unknown or change?

Having the answers to these questions will equip you with information to best proceed with your search.

Your Search
Equipped with key information about your goals, priorities, and flexibility, it is important to be realistic about your expectations as you start your search for a suitable opportunity. Your search might take time, patience, and a willingness to reach out to others. Start with the Office of Career Services to develop a strategy, learn about experiences from your Peers, and gather information to conduct your research.

Evaluate an Organization or Program
There are some clear steps that you can take to determine if an organization or program is compatible with your interests and goals, financial resources, and comfort level. Be sure to consider the information that the organization requests such as personal details, payment, a contract, etc. Below are some specific steps you can take to evaluate an organization and resources.

• Refer to the International Volunteer Programs Association (IVPA) and click on Volunteering Abroad for information about selecting the right program and questions to ask the organization.
• Review the organization’s website.
• Conduct a web search and see what others are saying about the organization.
• Contact the organization and ask for the names of past participants (especially Harvard students) and talk with them.

Learn from others:

• Peer2Peer Network: Connect with 1,200 of your fellow Harvard undergraduate students to discuss summer experiences.
• Check the summary of global programs where Harvard students have had recent positive experiences.
• Transitions Abroad: Read articles written by individuals about their experiences; also includes various international resources.
• Glimpse: a nonprofit supported in part by National Geographic Society. Student stories organized by location and topic.