Since it was established in 1962, VSA has sent more than 2000 volunteers to over 30 countries in the Pacific, Asia, and Africa. VSA is convinced, by decades of experience, that people-to-people exchanges of skills and ideas are one of the most effective forms of developmental aid.

VSA's funding comes from the New Zealand government's overseas aid programme, corporate donors, and individual donations.
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Where do VSA volunteers work?

Currently VSA volunteers are working in three regions:

Pacific:
Papua New Guinea, including Bougainville; Vanuatu; Solomon Islands; Kiribati; Cook Islands; Tokelau and Niue.

Asia:
Cambodia; Vietnam; Lao PDR; Timor-Leste; and Bhutan.

Africa:
South Africa; Zambia; and Tanzania.

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Can I choose which country I go to?

VSA recruits volunteers for specific assignments, not countries.

However, if you have a preference, you can limit your applications to positions in a single country or region.
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What experience do I need?

VSA's partner organisations are looking for skilled volunteers with experience in their specialist field. Usually, volunteers also have a recognised professional, trade, or commercial qualification, and at least 2 – 3 years working experience.
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What skills are currently sought?

In the last two years, VSA has received requests for volunteers with a wide range of skills. These include:

Education: Primary, secondary, early childhood, educational administration, special needs, ESOL, trades training.

Health: Nurses, doctors, midwives, medical technologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, optometrists.

Trades: Vocational trainers, carpenters, mechanics, welders, electricians.

Engineering: Structural, water and sanitation, traffic, roading, marine, power station maintenance.

Management & business: Small business advisors, strategic planners, management advisors, accountants, financial advisors, office administrators, human resource managers.

Natural resources: Conservationists, foresters, farmers, resource management planners, horticulturists, pest management advisors, post harvest advisors, soil scientists.

Other skills: Community development, lawyers, architects, youth workers, librarians, counsellors, driving instructors, town planners, researchers, policy advisors, women's advisors.

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Who will I work for?

VSA's overseas partners are typically government agencies and NGOs (non-government organisations). The partner organisation initiates the assignment by contacting VSA and requesting a volunteer.
You will work for the partner organisation, not VSA.
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Do I have to be a New Zealander?

You must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. Preferably, you will have lived in New Zealand for at least two years. You must have right of re-entry to New Zealand during the period of your VSA assignment, and after your assignment ends.
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How long would I go for?

Most assignments are for two years, although shorter placements can sometimes be negotiated.
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Are there any age restrictions?

Volunteers are required to have a couple of years' work experience and the relevant qualifications. It is therefore unusual to send anyone under the age of 25. Some of VSA's partner organisations are also reluctant to accept people past retirement age. Volunteers over the age of 80 do not meet VSA's insurance eligibility, so the upper age limit is 77.

Once selected, all VSA volunteers must have full medical clearance before taking up their assignment.
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Can I take my partner?

VSA regularly places couples overseas. In some cases, partners are assigned to different employers. In other cases, the accompanying partner may find voluntary work in the local community. Partners must also complete an application form and go through the selection and briefing process.
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Can I take my children?

VSA has a small number of families with children working overseas. There are several factors which limit placements for families. These include the availability of medical services, schooling, and accommodation; and funding and security issues.
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Will I need to speak the local language?

VSA provides basic language tuition during the in-country orientation programme, and we strongly encourage all volunteers to learn the local language. Even the most basic language skills can help enrich your cross-cultural experience and reduce the frustration of being an outsider. In some cases, you will not be able to carry out your assignment without a good grasp of the local language.
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Do VSA volunteers get paid?

As a VSA volunteer you don't receive a salary. However, you do receive a living allowance which is adequate to support a modest lifestyle but will not stretch to cover luxuries. You will receive free accommodation, plus an initial, mid-term, and resettlement allowance. VSA will provide return flights and arrange visas and permits. VSA also provides comprehensive insurance cover.
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What if I have a health condition?

If you have a pre-existing health condition which can be well managed, you can probably still become a VSA volunteer. It is important that you tell us about your condition so that we are able to provide you with accurate information about relevant issues and any limitations that it might place on your assignment. All volunteers undergo a full medical examination before they are placed in the field.
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The application process

Most VSA assignments are advertised in all the major New Zealand metropolitan newspapers, and on this website.

VSA also has a prospects database of people interested in a VSA assignment. If you contact us we will send you an application form to complete, then let you know whenever we have a suitable vacancy for your skills. This is the best way to learn about VSA vacancies.
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How does the selection process work?

Once you apply for a specific VSA assignment, the initial selection process is much like that of any other employer. Candidates with suitable qualifications and experience are shortlisted for interviews. Forms will be sent to the four people you nominate as referees. You will be asked to attend a two-day interview process in Wellington (VSA will pay for your travel costs). You will be given information about VSA, about volunteering, and about the assignment, and will attend two separate interviews.
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What will VSA be looking for?

Obviously all volunteers must have the skills and experience to carry out the professional goals of the assignment, and to meet the partner organisation's requirements. However, VSA will also be looking for people with personal attributes such as flexibility and the tenacity to adjust to what will be a major change in every aspect of your life. Our selection process has to be particularly thorough, so there will be time for you and VSA to identify and think about any problems that might come up for you as a result of living and working in a foreign land.

All selected volunteers must attend a comprehensive four-day briefing course which is held in Wellington.
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What do VSA volunteers get out of it?

Returned volunteers talk about the opportunity to learn about themselves and another country, to take on a challenge and meet it, to
contribute in a way that is worthwhile and meaningful, to "give something back", to do something adventurous and interesting, and to gain new skills and new friends. They describe their VSA experience as difficult at times, but challenging, fulfilling, and life-enriching.
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How can I get more information, and apply to become a volunteer?

You can phone our office: 04 472 5759 and talk to a member of the recruitment staff.

You can visit our office in Wellington, at 32 Waring Taylor Street.

You can contact us for more information:

You can see what current volunteer vacancies there are, and download assignment descriptions and an application form.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Information