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Original poster

VOLUNTEERING ABROAD / placement for 19 year old - any advice please?

6 replies

54isanopendoor · 25/10/2023 15:50

My 19 year old has Autism.
He started his Uni year this year but support was not in place & he is now going to defer until next year (by which time a support package will be arranged).
So he now needs to use his time productively.

He has great people skills & recently took part in a 2 week academic trip to USA which he excelled in. So, he may be ASD but has a lot to offer.
He would like to volunteer abroad for a few weeks/months & / or preferably use his Tech skills (HNC Computing & Cyber Security) as an intern.

We don't have much money to support this / a big family to sponsor him so I don't know how realistic 'volunteering abroad' is?

I am not sure where to start as his 'direction' for this year is now so changed!

Can anyone advise as I'd love to help him set something up for post Xmas time?

OP posts:
LIZS · 25/10/2023 15:52

Workaway?

Original poster
54isanopendoor · 25/10/2023 16:13

Thanks @LIZS we'll have a good look at that! x

OP posts:
Original poster
54isanopendoor · 26/10/2023 09:24

does anyone else have any ideas for a scheme that he could join with others please as I think he is nervous about 'going it alone'? thank you

OP posts:
PinkRoses1245 · 26/10/2023 09:29

There's plenty of intern or volunteering opportunities in the UK if he has tech skills, I'd suggest reaching out to charities who I'm sure would be appreciative of those skills.

Original poster
54isanopendoor · 26/10/2023 09:39

@PinkRoses1245 I did wonder that but had a quick look yesterday & it seemed to be all about doing work in a charity shop which wouldn't be ideal atm. Would you just call up charities direct & ask if he can do 'tech work'?
(he'd be ideal to do PAT testing / recycling of old tech as he is great at that)
He'd also be great at doing 'online safety' talks at school as he has just done a Cyber Security HNC but I imagine that would be harder to organise.

OP posts:
Eve · 26/10/2023 09:51

European Solidarity Corp - part of EU Youth scheme alongside Euramus and funded by EU.

lots of opportunities are not open to UK citizens due to Brexit but there are some that are.

it’s a fabulous scheme and DS spent his year out working around various countries from Finland to Greece.

https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity_en

About | European Youth Portal

Are you between 18 and 30 and looking for an opportunity to help the wider community, in Europe and beyond? You could do this with funding and support from the European Solidarity Corps, which helps young people take part in projects that benefit commu...

https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity_en

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