What is Projects Abroad Pro?

Dr. Peter Slowe,
Projects Abroad Director

Projects Abroad Pro is an initiative run by volunteer organisation Projects Abroad to encourage graduates, professionals on a career break and retired seniors to take part in voluntary work in a developing country. We are looking for people with a skill or qualification who want to make a difference, using their knowledge to help some of the poorest communities in the world.

Projects Abroad, based in the UK, are a leading international overseas volunteering organisation. We have been offering volunteer placements for over 17 years and our Head Office boasts a dedicated team of 20 people who have all experienced overseas voluntary work. Our operation has gradually grown over the last decade and we now provide over 500 projects on 5 different continents.

Our goal has always been to look forward and constantly seek ways to improve the work we do in our overseas destinations. After consultation with both previous volunteers and the local people involved in our projects we decided that the best way to achieve this is by actively recruiting skilled and experienced individuals to work alongside them.

Skilled Volunteering

The main difference between a volunteer placement with Projects Abroad and one with Projects Abroad Pro is that this specific initiative is looking for volunteers with a skill or qualification. We understand that many of our volunteers are looking for experience prior to attending university and some qualified individuals may simply want to try something completely new and away from their current area of expertise. Anyone falling into those categories would be perfectly suited to a regular Projects Abroad placement. However, we frequently find volunteers who want to make practical use of their training and experience and this is where Projects Abroad Pro fits in.

Each project has specific requirements regarding qualifications, but generally speaking, Projects Abroad Pro are looking for the following individuals:

• Professionals on a career break with a diploma in the relevant area
• Retired seniors
• University Graduates
• Individuals with at least two years’ experience in the relevant area but who hold no degree or diploma.
• Individuals who hold non-professional qualifications in the relevant area. Examples of acceptable qualifications can be seen below:
  • UEFA coaching badge
• Examples of qualifications that we will not accept:
  • Duke of Edinburgh Award

What is unique about Projects Abroad Pro?

Volunteer having spanish lessons in Argentina

Projects Abroad Pro offer certain features that really make us stand out when compared to other organisations. Some aspects of our projects come from being a part of Projects Abroad, such as every one of our 17 destinations possessing a knowledgeable and experienced Country Director who is in regular contact with all volunteers and projects operating in their country. Some of the features unique to Projects Abroad Pro are the flexibility of being able the choose the exact dates, and duration of your project, the chance to perfectly match you with a project that will make full use of your specific skills, and a team of skilled recruitment staff who have taken career breaks and can advise you using their own experience.

The major factor that we feel attracts skilled and experienced professionals to Projects Abroad Pro is what we call ‘Peer to Peer contact’. This is to say that when you volunteer with Projects Abroad Pro you will get the chance to meet fellow professionals in your field who have a completely new take on the industry due to being faced with the daily pressures associated with a developing nation. Some staff will need your help and guidance and you will be able to work with them to improve their knowledge and skills. Other colleagues will be able to teach you new aspects of the profession and you will be able to consult with them, sharing opinions and ideas. Above all, volunteers working with Projects Abroad Pro will know that they are making a difference.