Working with children or in the welfare sector around the world and abroad

What is working in welfare organisations with children abroad like?

• Working in the welfare sector means contributing to the well-being, development, and daily lives of children or young people in other countries.
• This can be done through nonprofit organisations, aid or youth care institutions, shelter projects, educational projects, or recreational programs (such as campuses).
• You can do paid work or an internship, depending on the organisation, the country, and your experience.
• You often work closely with local teams, families, schools, or NGOs. The work is meaningful, socially relevant, and can range from pedagogical work to administrative support, from leading group activities to individual guidance for children.
• Responsibilities: depending on the organization and role, you can do the following:
  • Guide children in shelters or community projects.
  • Organize educational support or after-school activities.
  • Lead recreational and educational programs (camps, sports, arts).
  • Provide psychosocial support or conduct interviews.
  • Administer and coordinate welfare projects.
  • Parent or community outreach: maintain contact with families. Reporting on the progress, safety, and well-being of children.
  • Collaborating with local and international colleagues.
• Working conditions (salary, compensation, and expenses): compensation varies greatly by country, organization, and role: some are volunteer-like internships, others are well-paid positions.
• Internships may include room and board, especially with NGOs or community projects.
• Paid work may sometimes include accommodations and meals.
• Travel, visa, and insurance costs should be carefully considered in advance.
• Preparation support is often provided: training, introductory programs, and guidance from local staff.

What are the reasons for working with children abroad?

• To feel involved: you work directly with children and families, and you see daily the impact your efforts have on their lives and development.
• To develop empathy: you learn to empathize with cultural, social, and emotional differences and provide tailored support.
• To improve your communication: you communicate with children, parents, and colleagues from different backgrounds. This will sharpen your language, listening, and speaking skills.
• To strengthen your organizational skills: you plan activities, coordinate volunteers or team projects, and ensure everything runs according to schedule.
• To be meaningful and feel useful: you contribute to children's well-being, future prospects, and safety, which is very rewarding.

What skills and motivations do you need to work in welfare organisations with children abroad?

• Empathy: you must be able to sense what children need, even in difficult or complex situations.
• Communication: you must be able to explain clearly, listen to the stories of children and parents, and collaborate with local teams.
• Organizational skills: you must be able to set up programs or activities and ensure that everything is properly executed.
• Collaboration: you will work with local staff, other volunteers, and perhaps with government agencies or NGOs; teamwork is crucial.
• Professional conduct: you have a responsibility for vulnerable children; integrity, reliability, and safe working methods are essential.

What are the best countries and locations to work with children abroad?

• Education and after-school projects: Nepal, Cambodia, Peru, Costa Rica, Tanzania, Ghana.
• Childcare and community care: Indonesia, the Philippines, South Africa, Namibia, Ecuador, Australia.
• Welfare and vulnerable youth: Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, India, Greece.
• Sports, games, and recreation camps: the US, Canada, Australia, France, Spain, New Zealand, Japan.
• Children's rights and international NGOs: Kenya, South Africa, India, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Belgium (headquarters).

What are the risks of working in welfare organisations with children abroad, and are you insured against those risks? 

• What are the risks of working in a welfare organisation and with children?
  • It is common to experience significant emotional strain: working with vulnerable people and young people can be emotionally demanding. You witness sadness, trauma, or difficult home situations, which can lead to burnout.
  • There is often a lot of stress due to responsibility, a strong sense of helpfulness, miscommunication, or cultural and linguistic problems.
  • There is often a high workload: due to long days, staff shortages, or intensive supervision.
  • It is common for the working environment to be unsafe: infrastructure, health risks, political instability, and manners.
  • It is common for accidents to happen with more or less serious consequences.
  • It is common for someone to contract a contagious or local disease, which means you cannot work for a while or even have to be flown home.
• Are you insured while working for a welfare organization and with children?
  • Local employers usually offer no or limited, supplementary insurance.
  • There is a risk of accidents because, for example, you are doing work with which you have little experience.
  • During work, an internship, or volunteer work abroad for which you receive compensation or a salary, the coverage of your own health insurance in your home country may lapse.
  • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad. See the pages: international insurances for working abroad, for internships abroad, for volunteering abroad, or for expats and emigrants.