International Volunteers
// programmes - north south Programme
- About the north south Programme
- north south Destinations
- North South preparation weekend
- north south Programme Costs
- Terms and Conditions
- Application Procedure
North South Programme Quicklinks
// north south programme
What is the North South Programme?
The North South Programme gives you the opportunity to take part in short-term volunteer projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The projects are community-based initiatives which focus as much on the intercultural aspect of having an international group working within a local community as on the practical work itself.
They do not involve humanitarian or aid work. Instead, they promote understanding and co-operation between the North and South and give participants the opportunity to learn from living a completely different way of life.
Generally, projects involve basic environmental, construction or renovation work although there are some social, archaeological and arts-based projects available, depending on the country. Many projects will also involve a social aspect such as health promotion or youth awareness issues.
Here are some examples of projects that might be available:
- Organise activities for street children in India
- Helping with a HIV awareness in Ghana
- Constructing a safe drinking water and sanitation building in Uganda
- Improve children’s education in Peru
- Protect marine turtles in Mexico
North South Programme Requirements
North South projects can be very challenging and you will have to adapt to a very different way of life. We therefore ask that you fulfil the following criteria:
- Be aged 19+
- Have some relevant experience, especially international volunteer project experience, otherwise independent travel, living/working abroad or previous volunteer/community-based work
- Be motivated, flexible and committed - full participation will be expected
- Attend a preparation weekend in Brighton before departure
- Write a project report on your return to the UK
- Have some Spanish language skills if applying for a project in Latin America
// Quick Links
>> Learn more about our latest projects
>> Check the destinations available
>> View which projects are available now
>> Apply for a project in the north south programme