Working in social work and sports support abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is working in social work and sports support abroad like?

• Working in social work and sports support abroad revolves around supporting people through exercise, structure, and attention.
• Sport is often the means: to increase self-confidence, reduce tension, improve health, or connect groups.
• Sometimes you'll be at a sports field, sometimes in the middle of a neighborhood or shelter, but always close to the practice.
• It's social work when the target group is vulnerable, sport is used as a tool, and the focus is on guidance, not performance.
• Responsibilities: depending on your background and the project, you can be involved in:
  • supervising sports and games activities
  • coaching young people or teams
  • organizing day programs or training sessions
  • supporting social or educational activities
  • collaborating with local counselors and trainers
  • identifying social or psychosocial problems
• Working conditions: The work is often seasonal, volunteer, an internship, or a temporary contract.
• Organizations often offer room and board, or expense reimbursement.
• The salary is often limited, but you will gain a wealth of practical experience in return.
• Working days are active and sometimes irregular.

What are the reasons for working in social work and sports support abroad?

• To be involved: you work directly with people and their daily lives.
• To learn to act with empathy: you learn to listen, support, and guide people from all backgrounds.
• To be meaningful: you contribute to well-being, health, and opportunities, and actually bring about change in their lives. To be flexible: you learn to deal with unexpected situations, both physically and mentally.
• To develop yourself: you grow personally and professionally.

What skills and motivations do you need to work in social work and sports support abroad?

• Good communication: in the work, openly connecting with different target groups is essential.
• Collaboration: the work almost always takes place in teams, and good teamwork is important for group dynamics.
• Stress resistance: group dynamics and emotions can be intense, and especially at camps, you have little time alone.
• Cultural sensitivity: every place and every culture has different customs, norms, and values.
• A solution-oriented approach and a practical mindset: doing, adapting, and persevering are key words in this work.

What are the best countries and locations to work in social work and sports support abroad?

• Countries with many sports camps, sports academies, and youth programs: United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy.
• Countries with many social and community projects: South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, India, Nepal, Thailand.
• Countries where sports are often used for development: Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana.
• Countries with outdoor, nature-based, and sports-oriented activities: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Austria, Switzerland.

What are the risks of working in social work and sports support abroad, and are you insured against those risks? 

• What are the risks of working in social services and sports coaching?
  • The work usually involves vulnerable groups: emotional stress and mental fatigue can occur.
  • Physical demands are often high: long days, heat, and a lot of exercise are common.
  • Accidents happen regularly, resulting in injuries such as bruises and back pain.
  • Healthcare is often limited or expensive, especially outside major cities. Safety situations often differ from what was expected: traffic, infrastructure, or local tensions can pose a risk.
  • Medical costs often rise significantly in the event of an accident: appropriate insurance is essential.
• Are you insured while working in social work and sports support abroad?
  • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad.
  • Local employers generally offer limited or no supplementary insurance.
  • There's a risk of accidents, for example, because you're doing work with which you have little experience.
  • During work, internships, or volunteering abroad where you receive compensation or a salary, your own health insurance coverage in your home country may be cancelled.
  • See the pages on: insuring international Insurances for working abroad, for internships abroad, for volunteering abroad, or for expats and emigrants.