How VSO ICS Works: Why Should I Go?
“What a jam-packed ten weeks it has been so far! Between environmental cleaning days with over 120 people, community blood donation events eliciting over 40 pints of blood, motivational training, library renovations and joining 5000 local women to run 5K on International Women day, we’ve still found time to become a tight-knit, diverse group which has formed lifelong cross-cultural friendships”
VSO ICS team report, Ethiopia
VSO ICS is a unique opportunity to learn new skills and fight global poverty. The programme has been 
designed to increase your understanding and experience of the world, and to help you learn how you can help the world’s poorest people. It will also help you develop important skills such as team-working, communication and decision-making, and increase your confidence: really important skills and attributes for finding a job and building your future.
You share your time where your help has been asked for – joining forces with young people on the other side of the world, and adding your energy to work that is already underway. You’ll encounter some of the biggest issues of our world today, like how young people in poorer countries can fulfil their potential, how to prevent more people from being affected by HIV and AIDS, and how countries across the world are linked by trade, aid, and the movement of people and information.
You’ll be working on solutions lead by the organisations, people, and young volunteers who face these challenges every day. It won’t be easy. But by assisting them to achieve what they want to, you’ll make sure you have an impact that will last long after you come home. You could play your part in helping people access better healthcare, widening opportunities for people who lack formal education, or increasing the number of people who stay safe from HIV.
Through ICS you’ll deepen your understanding of life outside the UK , and experience living and working as part of another culture. You’ll understand more about life in tough circumstances, and learn firsthand what people are doing to improve their lives. Working in a international team, you’ll get the chance to develop your communication, negotiation and teamwork skills, and grow your confidence by taking on new challenges.
You'll also gain CV-boosting skills and experience and the insights and friendships you bring home will stay with you for a lifetime.
