International youth volunteering programme
Find out about our volunteering programme for 18-25 year olds in Wales.
What is the Youth Volunteering Programme?
The International Youth Volunteering Programme (IYVP) is a free overseas volunteering exchange for 18-25 year olds, led by the British Red Cross and funded by the Welsh Government’s scheme, Taith.
IYVP is an exchange programme that brings together young people from the UK and sister Red Cross and Red Crescent and National Societies in Spain and Portugal. Together, we build inter-cultural connections, foster personal development among volunteers and enact positive, meaningful change, all at no cost to our volunteers.
The programme has been running since 1996 and has had more than 800 young people create lasting change across the world.
How much is the volunteer programme?
Our youth programme is fully funded with all travel, accommodation, visa and insurance costs covered by the Welsh Government’s scheme, Taith.
Through this funding we can host overseas youth volunteers in Wales in addition to sending volunteers from Wales abroad to Portugal and Spain.
Our work is really making a difference
Usaama, IYVP volunteer in Athens
What do international youth volunteers do?
All our placements are full-time volunteering roles which support British Red Cross services in the UK and overseas. As an IYVP volunteer, you can choose from a wide range of placements. Placements are varied and cover community-based provision like:
- supporting refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants
- supporting other vulnerable groups e.g., assisting in a women’s refuge
- teaching first aid to vulnerable community groups and young people
- helping children and young people with disabilities.
Frequently asked questions
Who can take part?
We can only accept applicants who are:
- a resident of Wales, with a permanent address in Wales
- aged 18-25 (from your placement start date)
Why volunteer abroad?
Volunteering abroad is a great opportunity to develop new skills and boost your employability. These can include:
- learning a new language
- experiencing a different culture
- networking with other young people across the movement
- contributing to the work of the Red Cross in the UK or overseas.
Through the programme you can explore, learn, contribute and develop.
It’s free for volunteers
Most UK organisations’ overseas youth volunteering programmes require some minimal financial contribution from volunteers. We do not.
Your accommodation, travel, comprehensive medical insurance, training, living expenses and pocket money are all covered and there are no additional costs to participate!
Upon completion of the programme, you will also receive a certificate of skills gained through the Global Steps development programme.
What skills do I need?
You do not need any specific skills, and you will receive all the necessary training for the role. All you need is the desire to make a difference abroad and motivation to make a positive change.
What support will I have if I’m successful?
You will be supported throughout your volunteer journey by our team of dedicated staff both in the IYVP team and your direct supervisors in Spain, Portugal or Wales (depending on where your placement is).
We’ll start with comprehensive pre-departure training and then a placement induction. Weekly 1:1s with a mentor and monthly meetings with the IYVP team will focus on your mental health, professional goals and pastoral support.
You will also get the chance to talk to our alumni prior to starting your placement as well as the opportunity to join our growing alumni community of changemakers.
We’re particularly keen to hear from young people who would not otherwise have access to international volunteering opportunities.
If you’re eligible you can find our latest opportunities by clicking here.
I don’t live in Wales, are there any opportunities for me?
This funding is now only open for those who live in Wales.
However, we are always looking for funding to provide opportunities to those who live in other parts of the UK. You can sign up to our mailing list to be the first to find out when we have new funding, or check back here for updates.
I live overseas, can I take part in the programme?
At the moment we can only accept applications for our programme in Wales from the partners we work with, and you will need to contact them to apply.
We now work with the Portuguese Red Cross and the Spanish Red Cross (through the Consell Comarcal Del Bages in Manresa).
Contact us
Email IYVP@redcross.org.uk to sign up to our mailing list for future volunteering opportunities or contact us for more information about our programme.
IYVP has really helped me to be sure about my future. Thanks to the Red Cross, I now know I want to be a social worker.
Priscillia, IYVP volunteer in Portsmouth
Other opportunities for young people
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Meet new people and be part of a dynamic and inclusive team.
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