World Youth International

World Youth International is a small, family run not for profit organisation based in Adelaide, Australia. Operating for over 30 years, WYI has facilitated volunteer opportunities for over 3,000 volunteers and provided access to basic services such as healthcare and education for over 40,000 people around the globe.

We value best practice development and community-driven solutions, working with local partners to support projects in areas of health, education, WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene), agriculture and livelihoods. We take a 'hand up, not a hand out' approach to development, which means we support local communities to implement projects that build their capacity to generate their own income and improve access to basic services long-term.

Volunteering your time and skills overseas is an incredible thing to do! There are many benefits both for the community you volunteer in and for yourself. You will be completely immersed in another culture and experience the country in a way a tourist is unable to.

Your confidence and leadership skills will improve and it is always a great experience to add to the CV.

As a volunteer, you will have the knowledge and understanding that you are making a difference to the lives of those in the communities you work in.

Australian nurses on the Nurses in Action Program and Gloabl Adventurer's Health Programs can claim their CPD training hours on this program, making their program fee and expenses a tax deduction!

WYI is proud of its status as one of only a handful of non-religious not-for-profit organisations operating in Australia.

World Youth International programs run in Kenya and Nepal.

Programs run year round, see dates and prices for all of our upcoming programs.

In comparison to similar organisations, World Youth International offers fewer destination choices. We believe in quality rather than quantity, and are committed to ensuring that the destinations we offer provide our volunteers with the greatest possible volunteer experience. We have been working in Nepal and Kenya since 1992 and have established a large network of local and international partners in these locations. This allows us to offer a greater variety of in-country placements for our volunteers and means that we can focus more effort on making them successful for you.

To go on a World Youth International program overseas, you need to be at least 18 years of age prior to the commencement date of your program. There is no upper age limit.

This depends on the program you are applying for. Check the particular program requirements or email/call us on [email protected], (08) 8340 1266 if you are unsure.

This depends on the program you are applying for. Please check the individual requirements for your program, and contact us on [email protected] or (08) 8340 1266 if you are unsure.

In general, participants must be flexible, adaptable, have a good state of health and have great communication skills.

Upon receipt of your application, WYI will process your application and contact you within 72 hours to set up a time for a phone conversation. The intention of the call will be to establish a relationship, assess suitability, provide information on the program and address any of your immediate questions. We would expect this call to take no longer than 45 minutes.

After this you will have 2 weeks to decide if it is the program for you. To secure your place, you will need to pay your deposit of $550 (taken off of your program fee).

No. There will be an interpreter present at placements/projects where required.

On average, we recommend applying 9-12 months in advance to avoid disappointment. If all program positions have been filled, you will have the option to be placed on a waiting list in case a spot becomes available, or you can choose another program.

We accept applications up to 2 years in advance. Often dates won't be advertised that far in advance but dates will reflect the dates from the year prior. The two main advantages of applying in advance is that you will receive the current advertised prices (prices are revised and often increased annually) and it allows you to pay off your program fee in much smaller increments.

We accept applications from volunteers in Australia, the UK, Europe, New Zealand, and America. All fees quoted are in Australian Dollars.

If you are participating in a team program, there will be a minimum of 6 participants and a maximum of 12 participants on the program.

KENYA

As a volunteer on the Kenya NIA, you will support hospital activities in Odede within your specialised field. Your NIA group will also be involved in 1-2 medical camps during your program where you will treat between 100-500 people in one day. You will also assist in HIV support, women's groups and more.

NEPAL

You will work at a local government hospital in a department of your choosing and learn how the healthcare system works. Outside of the hospital, you will also have the opportunity to participate in a range of placements - these may include elderly centres, monastery schools and women's crisis centres.

You are welcome to stay on after your program completes and continue travelling through the country. If you would like to return to your village and project, you will need to gain approval from Word Youth International Australia before returning which is generally no problem.

World Youth International is a not-for-profit, non-government organisation and charges fees to participate on our programs. Volunteering with us allows you to have a comprehensive overseas experience allowing you to experience all aspects of volunteering. It is an opportunity to experience the world of volunteering in a supportive, structured manner.

Program fees cover your in-country expenses i.e. transport, meals, accommodation, placements. The program fee does not cover your airfares or travel insurance; this is an additional expense that you will need to budget for.

For more information, have a look at our Program Inclusions and Exclusions.

Once you have been interviewed and accepted for your program, you will be given 2 weeks to pay your deposit of $550 which comes off your total program fee. You will then be invoiced equal monthly instalments with your final payment due no less than 90 days prior to departure.

You can pay your program fee via credit card, Bpay or bank transfer.

World Youth International has been sending volunteers to Nepal and Kenya since 1992 and has an impeccable safety and secruity record. Your safety is our priority and we have an extensive range of safety, security and emergency policies in place to ensure you return home safely and have an amazing experience overseas. If you want further information about these policies, please don't hesitate to call our office (08) 8340 1266.

Please contact our office for information on our cancellation policy, [email protected], (08) 8340 1266.

We recommend STA Travel as our preferred Travel Agent. STA offer a range of competitive fares and we have been working with them for 10 years meaning they have a very thorough understanding of our programs and requirements. World Youth International has briefed STA extensively on our preferred travel routes which will ultimately save you money.

There are 3 key reasons why we ask you to book with STA. Firstly, they are aware of our needs and can offer you competitive rates. Secondly, they can access databases and place you on the same flights as members from your group. Lastly, if you become ill or need to change your flights and require our assistance, we would be much happier dealing with an agent we know. This means quicker results with far less stress.

This depends on the program you are applying for. Please check the specific eligibility for your particular program. Or check with us at [email protected], (08) 8340 1266.

Absolutely! You may travel with friends on any of our programs so long as they meet the eligibility requirements. We will ensure that you are placed in the same village and in the same accommodation. Having friends to travel with creates a great supportive environment.

Over the years, we have created programs for many families who have travelled, worked and lived together for 1 to 6 months. Their experiences have been life changing and have created amazing family bonds. Children must be 10 years of age or older to travel on our programs due to health, hygiene and safety concerns in developing countries. Special family rates are offered so be sure to ask one of our staff about our packages.

Unfortunately, visitors are not permitted to visit you during your program. This is a strict policy enforced by World Youth International. Friends and family may arrange to meet with you at the end of your program and you can travel back to the communities you lived in as a visitor.

Unfortunately, we do not offer programs for minors.

If you are under 18 and interested in going on one of our programs, you can still apply and begin the application and preparation process.

It is not uncommon for 16/17-year old students to enrol in a program 12-18 months in advance. However, volunteers must be 18 years of age upon the commencement date of their program.

Volunteers are required to arrange their own flights to their program destination (in line with the arrival requirements of each program) and to notify the program coordinator of their flight details no less than 60 days prior to the commencement date of their program.

A WYI representative will meet you at the airport upon arrival and look after you from that point on.

STA Travel has access to the database and can consequently connect you on the same flights as your peers.

All volunteers are required to undertake a screening process which will provide them with a national police clearance. This will provide World Youth International with an overview of a volunteer's criminal history in the 10 years prior. Any criminal records will be carefully scrutinized and evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Prior to your application, you will be asked if you have a criminal record. Police clearances must be submitted to WYI no later than 60 days prior to departure. Volunteers may be refused a placement if there are serious matters of concern relating to theft, burglary, drugs, violence or child related matters that have not been disclosed.

Potential applicants who are unsure about their suitability should contact the WYI Office for clarification prior to applying for their program.

Many volunteers return from their programs with a thirst to continue travelling and volunteering. If this is you, get in touch with our office and discuss your interests and upcoming programs.

Team Leader and Assistant Team Leader roles for our programs are recruited for regularly and are advertised on our Facebook page and on the Careers page on our website.