Frequently Asked Questions

Volunteer Service Abroad Te Tūao Tāwāhi (VSA) is New Zealand’s largest and most experienced volunteering agency in International Development. We connect Kiwi volunteers with locally identified and led initiatives across the Pacific. By sharing industry skills and expertise, VSA supports capacity building through sustainable, ethical, and inclusive volunteering.

Please read through our Onboarding Journey Guide, which provides detailed information on every step of the volunteer journey, from recruitment to onboarding, for all types of volunteer assignments. The guide also includes contact details and a handy glossary.

Each volunteer’s journey is unique, but many describe their time with VSA as life-changing. Common benefits include:

• Personal growth and development
• A broader global perspective
• Career progression opportunities
• A sense of fulfillment from giving back
• Making lifelong friends and connections
• Creating a meaningful and lasting impact
  

Volunteers are expected to:

• Be culturally aware and adaptable
• Represent VSA values at all times
• Conduct research on their host country before deployment
• Adhere to MERL (Measurement, Evaluation, Research, and Learning) reporting
• Follow VSA’s fundraising expectations (volunteers aim to raise $1,000 to support the program)
  

• Join a VSA Interest Group
• Make a donation or bequest
• Become a VSA Member
• Engage on social media (like, share, follow)
  

Yes. Volunteers must be New Zealand Citizens or Permanent Residents. If a volunteer holds a non-NZ passport, they must disclose this upon application, as it may impact consular support in case of emergencies.

VSA welcomes experienced professionals across a wide range of industries, including:

• Education
• Policy
• Marketing and Communications
• Tourism
• IT
• Engineering
• Agriculture
• Health
• Law
• Community Development

Most importantly, soft skills matter! Volunteers need to be:

• Adaptable and flexible
• Respectful and culturally aware
• Resilient and resourceful
• Open-minded with a sense of humor

The recruitment and onboarding process ensures the safety and success of both the volunteer and the local community.

Recruitment Stage:

• Screening & Background Checks
• Two Interviews (including a panel interview with a subject matter expert)

Onboarding Stage:

• Medical Clearances & Visa Applications
• Pre-departure Briefing (3-day course in Wellington for in-country volunteers)
• E-volunteers complete online and in-person modules

Once onboarding is complete, the volunteer officially starts their assignment.

Note: Volunteers should not make significant life changes (e.g., resigning from work, selling a house) until they receive final confirmation from VSA.

• Volunteers are typically over 25 years old with industry experience.
• Recent graduates (under 30) may apply for UniVol positions.
• Some countries have age restrictions (usually under 65 or 70 years).
• Assignments are not open to those over 75 years old.
  

Long-term assignments (6+ months): Partners can accompany volunteers but must go through a similar onboarding process.

Children: VSA is currently unable to accommodate families with children due to logistical and insurance constraints.

E-volunteers (remote from NZ) may work.

In-country volunteers cannot take paid work as it may breach visa conditions and agreements with host governments.

Yes, all in-country volunteers must complete a medical clearance, including COVID-19 and other relevant vaccinations.

Volunteers with well-managed health conditions may still be eligible. All medical concerns must be disclosed during the application process, and in-country volunteers undergo a comprehensive medical check.

VSA assists with:

• Visa applications & flights
• Logistical arrangements
• Comprehensive pre-departure briefing (3 days in Wellington, flights & accommodation covered)
  

• A dedicated VSA Programme Manager for on-the-ground support
• Modest accommodation and living allowance
• Country orientation and language lessons
• Comprehensive medical insurance (during the assignment + 4 weeks post-return)
  

Volunteers receive a standard economy baggage allowance. If additional luggage is required for the assignment (e.g., school supplies), VSA may cover the cost upon approval.

An assignment is a volunteer role within a local partner organisation. These are locally identified needs and typically involve living and working within the community the assignment serves.

In-country assignments require volunteers to live in the Pacific community where they work.
E-volunteer assignments allow volunteers to contribute remotely from New Zealand, typically committing 5–20 hours per week.

Volunteers work for a local partner organisation—not VSA itself. These could be:

• Community organisations
• Businesses
• Government agencies
• National or international NGOs
  

Assignments are based on locally identified needs, but volunteers can apply for any available vacancy on the VSA website.

VSA takes duty of care seriously and works with external security advisors to assess risks regularly.

• Thorough pre-departure safety briefing
• On-the-ground Programme Managers
• Emergency plans and supplies in place