Volunteer abroad, Gap year in Hong Kong

Tools:

If you are looking for a summer job or a gap year, voluntary work abroad may be the perfect way to gain valuable experience abroad. With a volunteer project you will get professional and personal experience, and improve your career prospects. An experience abroad will also allow you also to learn about another culture and encourage personal development, co-operation, tolerance and open-mindedness.

What is a volunteer job

Voluntary services are offered by choice - it is not mandatory or coerced. It contributes to the well-being of an individual or the community, and is usually coordinated by a non-profit or public sector organization, and does not pay any salary or wage (although you may have your expenses covered).

Voluntary work is often equated with unpaid work, and people who contribute their time and energy freely to build a better community don't necessarily get the support systems and recognition they deserve. However regarding people working as volunteers during their summer holiday, they will get accommodation and often a small amount of money for their personal care.

Volunteering in Hong Kong

Most volunteer work in Hong Kong requires that you speak Chinese as well as English but nevertheless you can find some website that might help you find something like Ho Sum:
www.ho-sum.org/eng/index.jsp

You also have the government advertises some volunteer work here!

NGO

Of course you also have some obvious NGOs and volunteer companies like Oxfam Hong Kong, Rotary Clubs, Lions International and not so obvious ones like Friends of the Earth Hong Kong (www.foe.org.hk/index_enhk.html), American’s Women Association (www.awa.org.hk) or also the Changing Young Lives Foundation (www.changingyounglives.org.hk). You also have the Red Cross in Hong Kong (www.redcross.org.hk), WWF in Hong Kong (www.wwf.org.hk/eng/index.php).

You can also contact you home consulate to see if they have addresses or if they look themselves for someone.


Update 8/04/2010


Tools:

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Addthis

Recommended Partners

Learn a language

Babbel is an international success with millions of active subscribers and ranked as the world's #1 innovative company in education.

Why Babbel?

Learn and review on your own schedule: Mobile, tablet or desktop compatible, with lessons about 10-15 min.

Expert-made courses: Learn the basics or focus on topics like travel, culture, or business.

Start speaking right away: Learn to speak a new language naturally and conversationally.

Every learner is different: Each course is based on your native language and personal interests.

Remember everything: Babbel employs proven cognitive techniques that move new vocab to your long-term memory.

Refine your pronunciation: Practise speaking and improve your pronunciation with speech recognition technology.

Try Babbel for free today

Registration with Babbel is completely free of charge and the first lesson in every course is FREE to try (Depending on the language you choose, that's 30-80 free lessons!).

If you want full access to Babbel's courses, simply choose a subscription that works best for you. Buy with confidence: 20-day money back guarantee!


Do you have comments or personal information to communicate about this article? Add your comment.


Find more definitions and general answers on expatriation issues in the Expat FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions).

Go to the Forum to talk more about volunteer abroad, gap year in Hong Kong, find a job.

Download the full digital PDF expat guide in Hong Kong

Download the guide: Hong Kong, Hong Kong
  • See in one single booklet all the articles for a city guide for expatriates.
  • Enjoy full colour photos to illustrate each section.
  • Additionnal maps: Region, City view, Neighborhood, Street view.

  • - My Life Abroad -
    A selection of expat stories

    "A fun compulsive read!"
    J. Matcham, Amazon

    "I strongly advise people ready to live abroad to read this book!"
    Patrice, Amazon