shareYou are about to discover a new culture, accomplish something unforgettable, and explore the best The Philippines has to offer!
We are excited to get your placement under way where you will:
- Have the opportunity to work in teaching, childcare or school building and maintenance projects while immersing yourself in the culture of the Philippines.
- Have the 24/7 support of a non profit with 10 years experience in placing 17966 volunteers that will provide you with an affordable and rewarding placement.
- Volunteer with a world-class organization which is recommended by Bill Gates and CNN.
- Be a part of progressive non profit that has raised over $1.8 million to help women and children in need.
- Have the comfort of knowing that GVN staff have collectively flown over 1 million miles to ensure you get a quality placement.
- Make a long-term impact in your community of choice - it's not just a vacation.
Just choose a project and apply:
The Projects
Community Library
Volunteers will work as librarians and teachers in a groundbreaking community library program in rural Philippines. They will lend and accept books being returned; they will catalogue and arrange the books according to topics and themes; they will assist readers and visitors of the library; and work in an environment where books, libraries, and even the concept of reading for leisure had been wanting. The library itself is divided into two areas: the regular section (for students doing research and others on quiet reading), and the “noisy library” for (story-telling and read-along sessions, and younger children who are also into solving puzzles and playing with educational toys). In addition, the volunteers will take books in schools and communities around the area for lending to book clubs they will organize via a mobile library. They will also organize and supervise library visits by both children and adults.
School Building Maintenance
Volunteers on the program will be doing manual building tasks. Your time will be spent repairing school buildings, painting roofs, walls, chalkboards, desks, teaching aids, and other equipment. Volunteers may help in the installation of water pumps, or help with the setting up/ building of a library. Volunteers can start by asking for donations of old books from families, friends, towns, parishes, and former schools. You can encourage the use of books by the students through class visitations and regular story-telling sessions. The objective is to introduce to public school students the joys of using a library, which most do not experience until college, if at all. Volunteers can spend up to one month on the School Building and Maintenance Program. If volunteers want to volunteer longer, they can join two or three programs options.
Childrens
Volunteers are needed to help in Childcare Centres with children ages 3 to 5. You will work alongside the staff at the Centres to help with classroom teaching, basic childcare duties, and the daily running of the Daycare. Volunteers will teach the alphabet and basic concepts like colours, shapes, sizes, days of the week. Volunteers are also encouraged to organize subjects of interest such as art and crafts, dance, music, sports or games. This program is suitable for a caring, motivated and self-directed person who has a love for children and experience with childcare. This program is not available during April and May due to school holidays.
Teaching
Due to the lack of teachers in the Philippines, children are struggling to get quality education. Volunteers are needed to teach elementary and high school students in public schools. Subjects taught include English, maths, science, health, and basic computer skills (only in schools where computers are available). Volunteers have the chance to teach on their own, but there will be a local teacher available to assist if needed. This role is suitable for a caring, motivated, and self-directed person. A teaching qualification is not required but volunteers need to be confident in the above subjects and preferably have or be studying towards a university degree. This program is not available during April and May.
Gallery
Video
About The Philippines
Situated on the western edge of the Pacific Ocean, the Philippines claims title to the second-largest archipelago on the planet with 7,107 individual islands.
Coral-fringed islands are home to extraordinary sights not to be missed: spectacular rice terraces, tropical rainforests, underground rivers, soaring limestone towers, uninhabited 'Robinson Crusoe' islands, and cascading waterfalls.
Development in The Philippines
The agricultural industry dominates the Philippine economy, which is considered one of the fastest growing economies in South East Asia. Important sectors of the Philippine economy include agriculture and industry, particularly food processing, textiles and garments, and electronics and automobile parts. Most industries are concentrated in the urban areas around metropolitan Manila.
The success of the Philippines economy has not alleviated the astonishing poverty present in the country. There is a widening gap between rich of poor and it is estimated that 40% of all Filipinos exist below the poverty line. Perhaps the most revealing fact about the nature of poverty found in the Philippines is that the richest 10% percent of the population holds 40% percent of the national income, while the poorest 10% percent of the population claims ownership to 1.5% percent of the national income.
Volunteer Impact
Volunteers provide assistance to disadvantaged socio-economic groups within the Romblon community, focusing primarily on childcare, school children, schools and community buildings, promoting reading and the environment.
As a volunteer in the Philippines you can provide love, affection, education and support to children in childcare. You will help to improve education and facilities in schools ensuring children learn and flourish. You will also provide education, promote the importance of books and reading, inter-cultural exchange and understanding in Filipino communities.
What else can I do in the Philippines?
Volunteers are placed in a stunning island location and will have the opportunity during their free time to join in local festivities and visit neighboring islands. Enjoy spending the night in a resort with a pool and spa facilities. The Philippines is home to some of the world’s best diving and snorkelling so be sure to hit the water while you're there!
Take some time before or after your volunteer placement if you wish to explore other cities/regions in the Philippines.
Costs
How it works...
If your application is successful you will be accepted and we will then get to work organizing your placement. You don't have to pay us anything at this stage. (We are the only volunteer organization which begins preparation for your placement before any funds are paid). It is an honor for us to do this as you have chosen GVN and the communities we serve for your volunteer work and after you have chosen to "Join Us" we will send further detail on your placement with information on how to prepare for your trip abroad, including:
- Your Program Guide: your online resource guide that covers topics such as country information, details on your placement, travel links, visa application process and much more!
- Your Fundraising Guide and Software: which provides you with proven fundraising strategies, letter generating software and other resources to help you raise up to 100% of the cost of your trip.
- Video - Preparing for your Trip: join Mike in his volunteer journey, taking you step by step through the preparation process and how to make the most of your experience.
- Access to Your Own Online Journal: which help you to communicate effectively and easily with your family and friends back home.
- Opportunities for Preferred Pricing and Personalized Service when booking Airfares: through our travel partner AirTreks who go the extra mile to support GVN volunteers.
Program Package – From US $43 a day* ($300 Early Bird discount available)
- 2 weeks - US $1597
- 4 weeks - US $1997
- 6 weeks - US $2197
- 8 weeks - US $2397
Placements longer than 8 weeks are available, please contact us or apply online for details.
*Based on an 8 week placement
What You Get – Pre-Trip
- All the support you need from our experienced volunteer coordinator! This include unlimited phone and email access!
- Your Program Guide: your online resource guide that covers topics such as country information, details on your placement, travel links, visa application process and much more!
- Your Fundraising Guide and Software: which provides you with proven fundraising strategies, letter generating software and other resources to help you raise up to 100% of the cost of your trip.
- Video - Preparing for your Trip: join Mike in his volunteer journey, taking you step by step through the preparation process and how to make the most of your experience.
- Access to Your Own Online Journal: which help you to communicate effectively and easily with your family and friends back home.
- Opportunities for Preferred Pricing and Personalized Service when booking Airfares: through our travel partner AirTreks who go the extra mile to support GVN volunteers.
What You Get: While in Country
- Accommodation: Home stay.
- Meals: 3 meals daily.
- Airport pickup: On arrival date.
- Training: In-country orientation and training.
- Supervision: In-country staff supervision.
- Support: Pre-departure personal support from your volunteer coordinator, 24/7 in-country support from partner, and 24hr emergency line.
What You Get: Post-Trip
- An opportunity to debrief and provide feedback
- Free access to GVN Changemakers program which alerts you to future internship/job opportunities at GVN
- A Letter of Completion in Volunteer Service
What's Not Included:
Flights, insurance, visas, vaccinations, transport to projects if necessary, departure from the program.
We recommend you allow a weekly budget of US $35 for your other expenses such as bottled water, personal items, beverages, and entertainment.
Apply now for the Philippines Program:
Schedule
Program Schedule
Start Date: 1st of each month. Exceptions are January, February and November. The start dates in these months are as following: January 4, February 10 and November 4.
Volunteers are required to arrive before the start of the month they are volunteering in.
Length: 2 weeks - 6 months.
Please note:
Please note that the Teaching program and Children's program is closed during April and May due to school holidays. Further, schools will be closed for the Christmas break from around the 20th of December. In 2013, the Philippines program will be closed from the third week in September till the end of October.
Volunteers will stay in Manila for the first two days for orientation (program, placement and volunteer work) and training (language, culture and history). On the third day, volunteers leave for their placements. Volunteers will have further orientations and local language training for three days before beginning volunteer work. The orientation and training will be conducted by staff of our partner organisation. Saturdays and Sundays are days off. Volunteers may use the weekends to explore the neighboring islands.
FAQ
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions which we receive at the GVN inbox. This is a great place to start if you have questions about Global Volunteer Network and our placement process. This information should answer the majority of questions you may have.
Tell me more about the Philippines
Situated on the western edge of the Pacific Ocean, the Philippines is one of the major crossroads in the eastern hemisphere. It claims title to the second largest archipelago on the planet, with over 7,100 individual islands within its borders and it is home to over 100 ethnic groups and hundreds of language dialects. For hundreds of years the Philippines was a Spanish colony that was eventually given to the U.S. in 1898, following the Spanish-American War. In 1946, at the end of World War II, it finally attained total independence. Since the end of the dictatorial government of Ferdinand Marcos in 1986, the Philippines has been beset by divisive electoral problems and Muslim separatism in the South. For more information we suggest you purchase the Lonely Planet’s guide to Philippines.
What is the climate like in the Philippines?
Tell me more about your partner organization in the Philippines
Our partner in the Philippines is a non-governmental organization and has been established since 2005. Their objective is to assist and develop local Filipino communities through environmentalism, education, integration, research and volunteerism. This is achieved through the establishment of programs and projects nationwide, assisting local communities with their basic needs that benefit the most number of its people - not the least of whom are its children and its poor, and the environment.
What kind of volunteer work is available?
Volunteer opportunities are in teaching, childcare, library and school building and maintenance programs. Your placement will be tailored according to individual requirements of the program and volunteers.
What age do I have to be to volunteer in this program?
When will I know specific details about my placement?
What language do I need to speak to participate in the program?
When do I need to arrive in the Philippines?
Volunteers are required to arrive before the 1st of the month they are volunteering in except if they are due to start in January or November. During January and November training will be held on the 4th of the month, on every other month training will be held on the 1st of month. Volunteers fly into Manila and will need to arrive a few days early to settle themselves before training begins. Accommodation can be arranged for you if you arrive earlier than when the training begins. You will have to pay your own expenses for any time you stay in the Philippines outside of training and volunteer time.
What are the living arrangements when volunteering?
During your training and volunteer time you are provided with accommodation which is covered by the in-country fee. Volunteers live with local families and will share their food and way of life. Volunteers will be provided with their own room. Please note that during orientation in Manila volunteers will be staying at a dormitory provided by our partner organization.
Where will I be located?
The Philippines program has one general program location: Romblon Province south of the main island of Luzon. Volunteers travel to their program location after the completion of their training program in Manila. This travel is organised by our partner in the Philippines and the cost is included in the in-country fee. Where possible volunteers will be escorted by a staff member from our partner organisation.
How many volunteers are there on site at the same time?
This depends on how many people volunteer at any one time. Usually there are two to four volunteers at the training. Generally you are placed with the other volunteers at one of the program locations unless you choose to be isolated or if you are the only volunteer at the time.
Are we able to do any sight seeing?
Volunteers are welcome to take short breaks during their volunteer time. We recognize that volunteering can be quite intensive. There are often other volunteers that want to do sight seeing also. You may like to travel to meet up with other volunteers to join in local festivities and explore your local surroundings. Visiting neighbouring islands are popular destinations for many volunteers. We ask that if you wish to take a break from volunteering that you give our partner organisation advance notice.
What hours am I expected to take part in the program?
Generally volunteers will work Monday to Friday. The number of hours worked each day varies depending on the program, but you can expect to work between 20 to 35 hours per week. Volunteers also need to understand that during the many holidays of the country, work may be suspended.
What resources are available for the program?
In most cases resources are limited. You may like to take donations of goods with you to distribute or use in the program. If you do choose to fundraise or donate items, it is a good idea to check with our partner organisation as to what will be of use to your particular program.
What is the course content of the training program?
The training program will be tailored to the volunteers’ needs and length of stay in the Philippines. Training takes place in Manila where volunteers are given a general introduction to the Philippines and the rules and regulations governing the volunteers’ conduct and program. The Filipino’s sensibilities, customs, values, as well as practical advice is also given during the training.
How do I pay my fees?
Your program fee is payable to Global Volunteer Network 10 weeks prior to the 1st of the month you wish to volunteer. Please note, your placement is not confirmed (ie secured) until your program fee has been received. Please note that all charges incurred by the payment of the program fee are at the volunteer’s expense, e.g. if a bank transfer incurs a bank fee at the point of origin, that is at the expense of the volunteer. Seventy percent (70%) of the program fee is refundable until two calendar months before the 1st of the month you are due to begin your program. For example a volunteer with 15 July 2012 as their start date would need to submit their refund request form by the last day of April 2012 to be eligible for a refund. Refer to GVN's legal terms of service for full details.
What clothing is appropriate for the program?
Are there more expenses once I arrive?
In instances where your accommodation is situated outside of walking distance to your program site you will need to pay for your transport to and from work each day. You can expect to pay US10 cents one way for public transport in the Philippines. The program fee covers your basic needs, such as accommodation, most meals, and supervision. If you arrive early or intend on staying on in the Philippines for longer than you are volunteering then you will need to have spare money for this time. Also some money may be required for your days off. Other costs include buying bottled water, departure tax, and any shopping you will do personally. You will also need money for transportation back to the airport after the completion of your placement.
Do I need an entry visa?
If your stay in the Philippines is 21 days or less, you may not need a visa for your time in the country. If your stay is more than 21 days, you will need to obtain a Foreign Tourist Visa prior to arrival. Volunteers may obtain visas from Philippine embassies and consulates.
Do I need travel insurance?
All GVN Volunteers must have insurance. You are free to take out insurance cover through any provider of your choice. However, as some policies do not cover volunteering, we recommend you check you are covered during your volunteer placement.
For your convenience we have arranged a comprehensive package specially designed for volunteering. It includes excellent medical and accident coverage as well as “loss of deposits” cover which covers fees paid to GVN, airlines etc. If you would like to learn more just follow this link: http://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/insurance/
Is there any time of the year when I can’t volunteer?
The School Building and Maintenance program runs all year round. The Teaching/Day Care programs are not available during April and May. Please be aware that there are interruptions in all programs during the Christmas and New Year period (December 20th – January 4th). In 2013, the Philippines program will be closed from the third week in September till the end of October.
What immunizations /vaccinations will I need?
- Hepatitis A & B
- Polio
- Typhoid
- Diphtheria and tetanus
- Japanese B encephalitis
- Rabies
Can I bring my family/ children to this program with me?
It may be possible to bring older children who are more independent to the program, but this will be decided on a case to case basis.
How does GVN choose volunteers for this program?
Each GVN program has different criteria depending on our partner's requirements. Every application is reviewed to ensure that the minimum requirements (as set out on the program page) are met. Next we look to see what skills or experience you have that relate specifically to the program. We are also interested in any previous volunteer experience you may have (either local or international), travel experience, and your particular interest in the program.
After reviewing your application, should we require any further information from you, we will email you to request this.
Do I have to be from New Zealand?
Can special dietary arrangements be catered for in this program?
It is possible for special arrangements to be made if you have a vegetarian diet or other special dietary requirements. Those with special dietary requirements are required to inform program staff prior to arriving.
How safe is it to volunteer in the Philippines?
As in many countries, foreigners are perceived as wealthy in the Philippines. Although the people are generally warm and friendly towards foreigners, as well as appreciative of the work done by volunteers, not every individual is the same. We work extremely hard to ensure you are placed in safe environments while volunteering and security policies are in place to achieve this. However, as in any situation at home or abroad, there is no way to erase all potential threats.
Volunteer Diaries
Getting excited!!
Friday, November 23rd, 2012
It’s only 4 more days untill I fly out. I’m getting so exited. My bag is packed, all I need to do now is make a double copy of everything. Wow!! It’s really starting to sink in how great this experience will be.
My volunteer Journey on Sept 2012
Tuesday, August 21st, 2012
Although it has been few obstacles that pouring my way to serve the needy community, finally I am going to start my volunteer journey this early September in Romblon Islands, Manila. It is really a worth and new experience for me in my life to make this decision. GVN coordinator is really helpful and assisted [click here to read more]
Depart Sydney, 1.25pm Monday 27th August 2012
Friday, August 10th, 2012
Destination Manila. aim: have the experience of my life. STAY TUNED A JOURNEY OF A LIFE TIME AHEAD.
Please visit journals.globalvolunteernetwork.org for more journals and feedback from past volunteers
How to Apply
Program Requirements
Volunteers for the Philippines program must:
- be 18 years or older
- have no major health problems
- possess genuine openness to different cultures, sensibilities, and conditions
- Obtain a satisfactory police check from your home country prior to volunteering
Volunteer Feedback
Nooshin
"Don't panic, the people love the fact you spend time with them. Your skills will help projects you would never have thought of. When you are working with small children it's important you are creative. Sometimes local people are shy, so take control in a kind manner, you can make that difference."
Sami Buisson-Daniel
“The time here is well spent getting to learn the culture, to know the people better and to learn from them as well as share what I have to bring to them. It’s truly a learning thing that one can appreciate once into it.”- Sami Buisson-Daniel, 70 years, Philippines Volunteer (Sami has volunteered with GVN a number of times in countries like Ethiopia and Ghana).
Hellene Giret
"I have been having the time of my life since I have been here! So far in the health program I have been going with the midwife that I am staying with to the health centre most days, as well as going to the local hospital to get an idea about what they do and help all that I can, though sometimes that is hard as they do not have the facilities here that we have back in England. The doctor from the hospital has been teaching me how they get around these problems the best they can, so I have been learning a great deal too.
With the midwife I have assisted with 2 home deliveries which were fantastic, and learning from her about the same issues as mentioned above. I have also assisted with minor surgery and tomorrow I will be giving vaccinations to the children. I am also teaching the local people about natural family planning with some equipment I have brought with me, as 'normal' contraceptives here are hard to come by.
I have just come back from a weekend with some of the other volunteers in a neighboring island which was beautiful. I have been getting so much from my stay here.
The people here are brilliant and have been so welcoming especially my host family and the people from GVN's partner organisation."
Alex
"My placement project was at Quirino High School in Quezon City. In the two weeks there, I repaired many leaky holes in the roof of one of the buildings, repaired four ceiling boards, and painted the ceilings of two classrooms. As well, I was able to volunteer at a local daycare helping children learn basic things."
Molly Hahn
"Realize that you aren't going to know how most things work and you'll have to ask people for help, A LOT. People are friendly and helpful, so don't be embarrassed. Everyone will stare at you and ask you what your name is. At first it will freak you out a bit, but eventually you don't even notice. If you need something, just ask the staff, plenty of people have asked them before. You'll have to buy yourself toilet paper but it's widely available."
Articles
The Worth of a Book: Education in the Philippines
This article was first published in Hackwriters. It's our priceless necessity and weapon of development, some people are deprived of this while others may cherish it. Education is not a privilege it's a need, a need in the Philippines which is not being nurtured. Malcolm...
Loss in the Philippines
A volunteer's reflection in the wake of typhoon Ketsana Visiting the areas affected by the flooding was a heart-wrenching experience. The devastation was limitless. In one of the hardest hit areas, numerous houses, which had originally been built alongside a major river, had been flattened and the homeless victims were scattered on the streets...
News From The Philippines
Why Volunteer
At GVN we align with the idea of 'local solutions to local problems', so we work with local community organisations in each country. What this means for our volunteers is that they receive a unique and genuine cultural experience whilst being immersed in a local community.
If you're
- Graduating from school and not sure which direction to take, or you're not ready to jump into full-time employment just yet;
- Ready for a Career Break;
- An 'empty nester';
- Retired;
- Or ready for a change or new adventure
Volunteering abroad could be the very thing for YOU!
If you're looking for something worthwhile to do volunteering will give you the opportunity to travel whilst making a difference in the community you are based in.
Did you know taking a Gap Year can improve your college admission chances and success rate during your studies?
"Harvard College encourages admitted students to defer enrolment for one year to travel, pursue a special project or activity, work, or spend time in another meaningful way" – Harvard College Office of Admissions, 2010.
International volunteering is a great way to gain experience living in a developing country, learning about another culture and experiencing a different way of life. It is a fantastic way to grow as a person, to develop life skills, self-confidence and self-esteem, and is a tool for self discovery and identity formation.
Other personal benefits include, developing international friendships and networks, social awareness, and building independence.
Volunteering can increase your employability, help you to gain valuable work experience and enhance your CV/resume.
"Going to a foreign country for a volunteer experience is a huge boost on a resume. Employers love to see a person that can think outside the box and work past their comfort zone. The added benefits of teamwork, foreign language knowledge, and plain old hard work also add polish to the volunteer candidate. Since business now happens on a global scale, the volunteer is armed with useful, and potentially actionable, information." – USA Today, 2010.
Reputable Charity
The Global Volunteer Network (GVN) is a New Zealand Charitable Trust (non-profit NGO) based in Wellington, New Zealand. Our Charitable incorporation number is: CC46460. GVN has been verified and approved by Idealist (the largest volunteer portal on the internet. GVN is also a member of the World Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (WANGO), and our ‘sister’ organization the GVN Foundation has been granted special consultative status on the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Prestigious web sites such as Lonely Planet and Goabroad.com have placed web links to us. Additionally, when you apply, we can provide you with contact information for previous volunteers if you wish. GVN is also an approved member of the Site Trust Network and you can view our verification page.
Recommended by Bill Gates
Bill Gates personally recommended GVN by stating "I'd love to see more young people taking action to help the poor and disadvantaged. Two places to get started are Network for Good and Global Volunteer Network." Newsweek Web
Proven Track Record
To give you peace of mind, GVN has over eight years experience and has placed 13,500+ volunteers since 2002. Read volunteer's journals and testimonials or speak to a returned volunteer directly about their experience abroad through GVN.
Volunteer Support
GVN’s specialist staff provide personal support to volunteers, assisting not only with preparation for your placement, but whilst in-country, and follow-up on return home. GVN provides comprehensive Program Guides, project resources (eg teaching resources).
Community Focussed
GVN aligns with the idea of 'local solutions to local problems', therefore we work with local community organisations in each country. We believe that local communities are in the best position to determine their needs, and we provide volunteers to help them achieve their goals.
Recommended by CNN
CNN listed the Global Volunteer Network as one of 10 organizations that can help you to make a positive impact on the world around you. CNN encourages you to visit our website to get more details on how you too can Be The Change.
Personal Security
GVN offer an insurance package tailored specifically for volunteers. Partner's staff are always available (24hr/7days), along with this GVN also has a 24hr/7day emergency hotline.
Kenya. 
Vietnam. 
Peru. 
Nepal. 
"I'd love to see more young people taking action to help the poor and disadvantaged. Two places to get started are Network for Good and Global Volunteer Network."Bill Gates
Newsweek Web
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