How to be an international volunteer

If you are travelling with a reputable organisation - and you'd do well to check this out - visas and vaccinations should be organised for you, and there should be an orientation course, including language, history, work training and politics. If you're unlucky enough to have to organise the visa yourself, many embassies now have websites where you can find the necessary information. Here's a database of worldwide embassy contacts.

Above all, do yourself a favour and make sure you're well prepared, particularly if you are working in some far-flung corner of the world where the standard level of healthcare and hygiene may not be up to western standards.

First thing is to make sure you have the right vaccinations, and adequate medical insurance. Why? Volunteering can introduce you to some pretty testing situations which carry more risks than normal 'travelling'.

Top of the list is to make sure you have good medical cover - this should include any medical bills and an air ambulance service to fly you home (repatriation).

If you're travelling outside Europe, make sure you have the right vaccinations - travel medicine is constantly changing so it's best not to rely on your GP. The Department of Health publishes a free booklet on health risks and vaccines for each country (0800 555 777) or try MASTA Travel Health Centre.

Keeping safe
If you're landing in a known trouble spot, it's a good idea to notify the Foreign Office www.fco.gov.uk before you arrive, and if you're a woman travelling alone, it's best to err on the side of caution in certain countries. Many female travellers have been known to take along a picture of their husband, or wear a fake wedding ring to ward off unwanted admirers. Try to be aware, but not so cautious it holds you back.

Above all, keep safe and have a good trip!

Do you want to know more about working overseas? Why not chat to other iVillagers on the Changing Your Life message board. Take a look at some of the LIVE discussions taking place on the board right now: