Deadline: Ongoing (3 cycles in a year)
International Citizen Service (ICS) is a UK Government funded programme providing volunteer placements to 18-25 year olds, and Team Leader placements to 23-35 year olds in a number of countries around the world.
ICS makes the most of the unique contribution young people can bring to development – passion, energy and the ability to reach other young people. Our programmes are in Livelihoods, Health and Education.
Every ICS team is made up of volunteers from the country where the project is running, and volunteers from the United Kingdom and European Union.
All you need to take part in ICS is the ambition to make a difference.
Where ICS Works:
We’re currently active in eight countries in Africa and Asia:
- Bangladesh
- Cambodia
- Kenya
- Nepal
- Nigeria
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Zambia
How it Works:
Volunteers work side-by-side with partners from the UK, staying with local families in the community and working on community development projects.
ICS is demanding but hugely rewarding. It’s a great opportunity for personal development, a stepping stone to future careers and a chance to make your world a better place.
Placements are 10-12 weeks in length, and you will receive structured training and support throughout.
ICS is your opportunity to gain valuable skills and experience, while bringing about lasting change in your community.
Costs/Funding:
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Placements are unpaid, but you will receive all travel, food and accommodation, as well as a small living allowance. There is no cost to you to volunteer.
What you’ll do:
Our programmes are focused on three key areas: Health, Education and Livelihoods. All of our projects work to support young people to make them aware of their rights, exercise their voice and improve their quality of life.
The type of project you’ll work on depends on the country you live in, and the specific needs of the local community.
Who can Volunteer?:
If you are aged 18-25, you can apply to be a Team Member. If you are aged 23-35, you can apply to be a Team Leader.
Eligibility:
Team Members
You don’t need any special skills to take part in ICS, but you must:
- be aged 18-25
- be committed to living and volunteering away from home for 10-12 weeks
- be willing to live in a family in the local community whilst on placement
- be committed to continuing your work in your home community after your placement
- not have taken part in ICS before – if you have, you can apply to be a Team Leader
- be resident in the country you’re applying from
Team Leaders
Spending between three and eight months on placement, you’ll support and manage a diverse group of young people working together to benefit your host community. Team Leaders work in pairs, so you will have a counterpart volunteer from the UK.
In order to volunteer as a Team Leader, you must meet the same criteria as for Team Members. In addition, you must:
- be aged 23 – 35
- have strong facilitation skills to help teams overcome challenges and achieve results
- be able to build trust to support individuals through difficult times
- be able to take an organised approach to project planning
- have communication skills to maintain effective relationships with stakeholders
- bring a mature and positive approach to challenges and realities of volunteering on ICS.
For enquiries:
If you have any questions about ICS or how to apply, you can get in touch with the ICS Applications team by emailing [email protected]
