Financial considerations

CUSO-VSO offers a comprehensive package of support that includes pre-departure and in-country training, return airfare, health insurance, accommodation overseas and a modest living and support allowances. Please visit the benefits section to learn more about the terms and conditions for overseas volunteers.

‘Voluntary service overseas’ means that you are willing to take your professional skills and apply them in context that encourages a sense of partnership with the people with whom you are working. You will not receive a salary equivalent to a North American employee in a similar role, but you will receive a living allowance similar to that of your local colleagues.

In most cases, your salary will be paid by a local employer as part of their commitment to the volunteer placement. In some instances, if your employer does not have the means, CUSO-VSO will assist in supplementing your allowance. Most volunteers find that the allowance they receive is adequate to maintain a comfortable but humble quality of life while overseas.

CUSO-VSO also covers your expenses relating to pre-departure training, airfare, health insurance, immunizations and accommodation while you are overseas. CUSO-VSO provides a comprehensive package of training and support for each volunteer-sending program. Please review the descriptions for each program to review which expenses are covered.

As a registered charitable organization, CUSO-VSO funds our work through individual and other donations. We therefore encourage all volunteers to fundraise in support of our programs, with a suggested goal of $2,000 for each volunteer placement. CUSO-VSO provides training, support and resources to help volunteers reach their fundraising goals.