In this section we've tried to provide the answers to the most frequently asked questions we receive from people from the US who are interested in going overseas with VSO Canada. If you don't see the answer to your question(s) in this section or elsewhere within the website, please contact us. We'll do our best to answer your question, and will consider adding it to the other FAQ's found here.
If I apply to VSO, what's the process?
If you satisfy the criteria at the application stage you will be invited to an assessment day either in Ottawa or Vancouver, and if you are selected you will attend pre-departure training usually in Ottawa. VSO will meet the cost of your travel expenses to and from the assessment and training and travel to your placement from your home in the US. However, we ask you to keep in mind that we are a charitable organization and any expense claims that you are able to forgo are tremendously appreciated.
What's the difference between VSO and Peace Corps?
VSO is not affiliated in any way with the Peace Corps. Because Peace Corps is so 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 they are actually completely separate organizations.
There are similarities: both organizations make 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, without ties to the US or other governments. 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. For more information about Peace Corps, go to www.peacecorps.gov.
VSO may not be for everybody, and there are many other organizations in the US that offer excellent volunteer opportunities, including shorter-term placements. 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?
Yes, 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 Reentry Permit. The permit is valid for two years and may not be extended. It will be your responsibility to organize this.
For more information, see http://www.immigration.gov/graphics/howdoi/travdoc.htm.
Do US volunteers get the same financial package as Canadian volunteers while overseas, including assistance with student loan interest payments?
Yes, VSO will provide US $ equivalent of the payments described in Canadian dollars in vsocanada.org/eng/faqs/finances.html.
What are the health requirements to be accepted for VSO? Where does the medical assessment happen? Does VSO place volunteers who are HIV positive?
Living and working in the developing world, where conditions may be fairly basic, demands a certain level of physical and psychological fitness. Therefore, it is VSO's policy that you receive medical clearance from our medical advisor before you go overseas. You will be required to have a medical examination with a local doctor (such as your Family Doctor). The report of this exam is sent to VSO's medical adviser, who gives clearance. Medical conditions, including HIV status, are not an automatic barrier to volunteering as long as the condition can be managed satisfactorily in your placement. We take into account the nature of the condition, potential access to medical assistance and drugs overseas, and the costs of ongoing prescription medication. The VSO medical team (which has lots of experience in this area) will liaise with you and your doctor before making a decision.
How do I learn more about VSO for US volunteers? Are there any VSO groups in the US?
In the San Francisco Bay Area, we hold regular drop-in sessions for people to learn more about VSO - call 415-305-6791 for times and locations. Other upcoming Meet VSO Events in the US are listed at www.vsocan.org/eng/in_your_city/index.htm. VSO Canada is in the process of setting up local networks in the US to support our recruitment, fundraising and general profile-raising initiatives. Please contact for more information on joining or establishing a VSO local network in your community.
How can I support VSO without volunteering?
You can help us put the word out about VSO to people in the US. Call 415-305-6791 for more information. You can also support our work through donating directly to VSO Canada, http://www.vsocan.org/eng/donate/. Also donors in the US can make a donation through CAF http://www.cafonline.org/cafamerica/ and receive a charitable tax receipt.
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