VSO is an international development agency that works through volunteers. 

We promote volunteering to fight global poverty, by supporting people to share skills, creativity and learning with communities around the world.  Through personal commitment and practical action, volunteers help build a fairer world. 

As part of VSO international, VSO Canada recruits, trains and matches volunteers from the United States and Canada.  If you are living outside North America, please visit www.vso.org.uk to get more information on the nearest recruitment office to you. 

Frequently Asked Questions
  What is the difference between VSO and Peace Corps?
  I am not a US citizen but I am a permanent resident (Green Card), can I still apply?
  Do US volunteers get the same financial package as Canadian volunteers while overseas?
  How do I learn more about VSO for US volunteers? Are there any VSO groups in the US?
   How can I support VSO without volunteering?

If you don't see the answer to your question in this section or in the general FAQ section of the site, please contact us.

What's the difference between VSO and Peace Corps?
VSO is not affiliated with the Peace Corps. Because Peace Corps is well-known in the US, some people's "shorthand" description of VSO may be to call it "the Canadian Peace Corps" or the "British Peace Corps", but the two organizations are completely separate.

There are similarities: both organizations offer two-year placements, both work in many of the same countries, and VSO and Peace Corps volunteers may work close by each other or even in the same location. But there are also differences. Most notably, whereas Peace Corps is a US federal agency, VSO is an independent charitable organization, supported by grants and donations.  Also, whereas Peace Corps volunteers are paid by Peace Corps, in almost all cases, VSO volunteers are employed directly either by the government of the country to which they are posted, or by a local non-governmental organization (NGO). Their salary, which is commensurate with what local citizens receive, will be paid by their local employer as part of their commitment to the volunteer placement.

VSO matches volunteers to specific placements, based on the level of skill and experience they require, and in most cases, at least two years work experience is needed.

VSO may not be for everybody, and there are many other organizations in the US that offer excellent volunteer opportunities. Information about other volunteer opportunities is available at: www.volunteerinternational.org .

I am not a US citizen but I am a permanent resident (Green Card), can I still apply?
VSO Canada considers applicants with unrestricted entry to Canada or the US. Remember, though, that if you are a permanent resident and will be staying out of the US for more than a year, you should, at least 30 days prior to the proposed date of departure, apply while in the United States to the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service for a re-entry permit. The permit is valid for two years and may not be extended. It will be your responsibility to organize permits and related documents. For more information, see www.immigration.gov .

Do US volunteers get the same financial package as Canadian volunteers while overseas?
Yes. VSO will provide the US $ equivalent of the payments described in Canadian dollars in the section of the website on VSO's financial package.

How do I learn more about VSO for US volunteers? Are there any VSO groups in the US?
VSO holds regular Meet VSO information sessions in the United States.  Upcoming Meet VSO will be listed on this website.

How can I support VSO without volunteering?
 You can support VSO's work by making a donation to VSO.  Donors in the US can make a donation through CAF www.cafonline.org and receive a charitable tax receipt.