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Volunteers

Volunteers are at the heart of AWB’s projects and are essential to what we do.

Just as donors contribute vitally important financial support, volunteers generously contribute their time and expertise to collaborative programs initiated by universities in some of the world’s least-developed countries. While the projects vary in focus and duration, the main goal of the volunteer’s activities is always the same: to improve some aspect of a country’s university so that it can provide its country with its own experts and skilled professionals.

See our current volunteer opportunities.

32
COUNTRIES
180
VOLUNTEERS
66
UNIVERSITIES
149
PROJECTS

Volunteer Stories

man and woman sitting beside each other behind a desk
Tag Elkhazin

Following a mission to Sudan cut short by the pandemic, AWB volunteer Tag Elkhazin has some advice for AWB volunteers facing the unexpected.

I spent four months at State Islamic University Yogyakarta, working with the team at the Centre for Disability Studies and Services (CDSS). In fact, the Centre is so much more than its name conveys...
Earllene Roberts

I spent four months at State Islamic University Yogyakarta, working with the team at the Centre for Disability Studies and Services (CDSS). In fact, the Centre is so much more than its name conveys…

When I heard of the program to interest and prepare medical students in Nepal for rural medicine postings, I was very interested. I spent 3 weeks with six very intelligent, personable and self-motivated 5th year medical students in Gorkha, Nepal.
Mary Wall

When I heard of the program to interest and prepare medical students in Nepal for rural medicine postings, I was very interested. I spent 3 weeks with six very intelligent, personable and self-motivated 5th year medical students in Gorkha, Nepal.

In December 2017, I travelled to Lviv, the largest city in western Ukraine, to work with the faculty of Lviv Polytechnic National University. The University had requested the assistance of AWB to develop a program in participatory action research.
Maureen Flaherty

In December 2017, I travelled to Lviv, the largest city in western Ukraine, to work with the faculty of Lviv Polytechnic National University. The University had requested the assistance of AWB to develop a program in participatory action research.

I have recently returned from Banda Aceh, Indonesia, where as part of my sabbatical I volunteered with the faculty of the medical school of Syiah Kuala University to develop a project to reduce maternal deaths in rural Aceh.
Keyna Bracken

I have recently returned from Banda Aceh, Indonesia, where as part of my sabbatical I volunteered with the faculty of the medical school of Syiah Kuala University to develop a project to reduce maternal deaths in rural Aceh.

I am passionate about nursing. I began my career by training for a nursing diploma and went on to earn a B.Sc. and then a Ph.D. I wanted to put my skills to work in the part of the world that most needed them so I went to work in East Africa...
Pammla Petrucka

I am passionate about nursing. I began my career by training for a nursing diploma and went on to earn a B.Sc. and then a Ph.D. I wanted to put my skills to work in the part of the world that most needed them so I went to work in East Africa…

In this short essay, I will tell the story of three of the most recent trainees, from the recently completed workshop at Kabarak University, in Nakuru, Kenya - a project I led for AWB in 2017.
Bob Bortolussi

In this short essay, I will tell the story of three of the most recent trainees, from the recently completed workshop at Kabarak University, in Nakuru, Kenya – a project I led for AWB in 2017.

Our Volunteers

Our volunteers come from across Canada and around the world. Their time, energy, and expertise enhance educational programs at universities and colleges in low and middle-income countries of the world.

SEE OUR VOLUNTEERS

Photos From The Field

We’re Looking for Qualified Volunteers

Interested in becoming a volunteer?

Volunteering in developing countries isn’t for everyone. The work can be demanding, the living conditions far from luxurious, and the challenges of communicating in an unfamiliar idiom while navigating third-world infrastructures and institutions daunting. You are sure to feel very far from familiar comforts.

At the same time, virtually all our volunteers return home with glowing accounts of their time in the field, and all report that they have found the experience richly rewarding. In fact, many volunteers sign up for a second placement, and even a third one.

What Does It Involve?

Your Health and Safety

The health and safety of our volunteers are our first priority. In deciding which countries and regions to send volunteers, we are guided by the travel warnings of the governments of Canada, the USA and the UK.

Expenses are Covered

Any personal expenses you incur in order to volunteer on a project will be covered.

Willingness to Travel

You will go to fascinating but sometimes difficult places and we want you to be safe and comfortable. We ensure that our volunteers’ housing meets minimal conditions of comfort.

Commitment to Making a Difference

You are committed to creating real and valuable change, helping project countries build stronger foundations for the future.

Relevant Qualifications

Specific degrees and experience are required and they vary from project to project.

Respect & Interest in Other Cultures

You are respectful of the project host's history, culture, perspectives and goals.

Volunteer Information Package

Current Openings

When new volunteer postings are available they will be posted below.

Subscribe for notifications of new volunteer opportunities at [email protected].