Volunteering abroad at 62 with no particular skills

[Suburbanqueen]

Hi All,
I feel a burning need to get away from the UK for a year or so and volunteer somewhere. I have spent all my working life in big corporations and now work part time as a GP receptionist. Physically I am not too bad health wise with just a bit of arthritis which would make manual work difficult. Does anyone have any suggestions for where I might be useful?
Thanks

Teaching English to adults somewhere?

Yes, possible. I will find out if I need a TEFL qualification. Thanks

Operation Raleigh had volunteer opportunities in UK & abroad. However, I think it folded after covid. However, perhaps you find something similar.
Or the equivalent of National Trust abroad

Lots of animal charities looking for help abroad

How about working as a holiday rep abroad ?

Brexit has made it harder to work in Europe

I know people who have volunteered via their church to stay in an orphanage in Peru for a couple of weeks. They spent a year fund raising & went over as a group.

There must be loads of opportunities, it is finding something that is right for you. Or try several things ?

Perhaps post under AIBU there is more traffic there & you would receive more ideas

Some paid teach English jobs that I've looked at, have an upper age limit cut off

Good luck

Thank you both. I will check things out. Yes, agree, Brexit made so many things harder!

Workaway?

I hadn't heard of workaway but will look now. Thanks

Look at WWOOF, Willing Workers on Organic Farms. Not as ardous as it sounds. I did it about 20 yrs ago as a way to get around New Zealand safely on my own. The website can explain it better than me. I did more housesitting type of stuff than farming. Feel a safe way to travel as a solo female. Good luck.

I know people who have volunteered via their church to stay in an orphanage in Peru for a couple of weeks. They spent a year fund raising & went over as a group.

Please PLEASE don't do that. I'm appalled that this happens these days, and that poster's church should know better.

Dropping in to an orphanage full of children with attachment issues for two weeks, and then leaving so that the next bunch of volunteers can do the same, is incredibly damaging

I'm been on Workaway for over 11 years now and have hosted around 200 volunteers, from age 17 to 67! Age isn't an issue, attitude and willingness is key.