Individual Volunteers
What type of work is available?
There are opportunities to serve in education, health, AIDS work, pastoral, street children youth ministry, and technical work.
Will housing be provided?
While we do our best, housing may not be provided at the site. In such a case Maryknoll will make arrangements for lodging at a hotel or hostel near the worksite and at a reasonable cost to the volunteer. However, in many cases, the volunteer will live with a local family, at a mission station, or at a Maryknoll Society House.
What immunizations are required?
Each country has its own specific requirements. It is strongly suggested that the volunteer contact his/ her physician and/or a travel doctor for the required immunizations.
What is my financial obligation?
The volunteer is responsible for his/ her transportation to the country as well as his/ her medical insurance, room and board. (As mentioned above, in many cases, room and board may be provided.)
Is there an orientation program?
Orientation is conducted in the country of service prior to beginning work.
Is there a reentry program upon returning to the USA?
Maryknoll does not have a reentry program at this time. However, information and suggestions for a program will be provided to the candidate upon return to the United States.
Where does Maryknoll have overseas opportunities?
Maryknoll has opportunities in Bolivia, China, Taiwan and Thailand.
Are there other volunteers at the sites?
There may be other volunteers at the site. In some instances, other organizations may have volunteers in the same area.
Is language a requirement?
This often depends on the type of volunteer service and length of time one will commit to this service. When serving in Bolivia the volunteer is required to be able to function using Spanish but fluency is not required. Pending on the nature of the service the volunteer will provide he/she most often can function using English in Thailand, Taiwan and China. Fluency in the local language naturally allows the volunteer to better serve the people.
What is the length of the commitment?
The minimum commitment is usually eight weeks with a maximum of one year. The minimum period of time can be altered with respect to the type of volunteer service and how this relates to the needs at the worksite.
What can I expect during the application process?
Application process includes telephone and/or personal interview, background checks, drug testing, proof of good physical health, and letters of recommendation.
Will I receive guidance or supervision?
A Maryknoll missioner will supervise the work experience and be attentive to the volunteer’s needs.
Am I required to pay expenses?
Volunteers are responsible for most expenses: air fare, international medical insurance, vaccinations, visa, & personal expenses.
What are the age requirements and time commitments?
Catholics aged 21 – 70 are invited to work with Maryknoll missioners as volunteers for a period of 6 weeks up to 1 year. The length of time will depend upon the particular volunteer program.
