Diploma in International Volunteering

Overview

A Diploma in International volunteering is a great way to give back to local communities while getting academic recognition for the personal development and service-learning journey you’ll go through as a volunteer or undertaking a meaningful internship.

Gaining academic credit is always beneficial, but doing this while volunteering can deepen your service-learning experience on many levels. The diploma combines academia, travel, sustainability, global citizenship, project management and life experience - a unique combination of skills that will not only impress, but be formally recognized by universities and employers alike.

Regardless of your age and stage in life, a Diploma in International Volunteering is a globally-recognized and valuable asset you’ll have on your resume for the rest of your life.

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How do I earn an International Volunteering Diploma?

The Diploma in International Volunteering is an online course any student can complete virtually. The course will assist you before, during and after your volunteering journey. Upon completion, you’ll be able to gain academic credit and an accredited diploma-level qualification.

The course comprises five modules:

1. Learn about how to prepare for an international volunteering placement (6 hours)

2. Explore how to plan for selection as an international volunteer (8 hours)

3. Focus on fundraising (8 hours)

4. Undertake and complete your volunteering abroad placement (6 hours online content + 20 hours minimum work placement)

5. Reflect on your placement (8 hours)

The course requires students to volunteer abroad for a minimum of 2 weeks and takes approximately 36 hours of additional study time to complete. It is designed to be flexible, meaning you can start and finish each module at your own pace, on your own schedule.
 

Each module has a combination of course notes, videos, recommended readings and compulsory assignments. Ideally, the first 3 modules should be completed before you leave for your volunteering trip. The 4th module is completed during your volunteering abroad trip, and the 5th is done when you return. All five must be completed to receive course credit.

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How can I transfer my academic credit?

Around the world, academic course credits are measured in different ways.

The International Volunteering Diploma is a level 3 diploma, accredited by the National Open College Network (NOCN). While the course is based out of the UK, all credits are transferable internationally regardless of where you are from and what university or college you attend.

The NOCN Level 3 Diploma in International Volunteering is a 41 credit (TQT) of 410, including 173 Guided Learning Hours (GLH). In the UK, it is the equivalent of 16 UCAS points. 

In Europe, this qualification would equal 20-21 academic credits*.

In the US, this qualification would equal 10 academic credits*.

For the rest of the world, the number of academic credits you’ll earn will vary across countries but the academic value of the diploma should still be recognized and accepted by your university.

*For US and European students, please check with your home university’s credit system to determine the credit transfer. The calculations above have been based on industry averages, but every institution is different and may have its own credit matching criteria.

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How do I get started?
Anyone can enrol in this Diploma in International Volunteering and we can get you started on the course within a few days. However, you must be registered for an approved volunteer abroad program before you can begin the course.

To organise a 1:1 call back to discuss your options, and what you want to achieve, fill in your details below and one of the CGCS team will be in touch within 48 hours.

What you will learn

The course comprises five modules:

1. Learn about how to prepare for an international volunteering placement (6 hours)

2. Explore how to plan for selection as an international volunteer (8 hours)

3. Focus on fundraising (8 hours)

4. Undertake and complete your volunteering abroad placement (6 hours online content + 20 hours minimum work placement)

5. Reflect on your placement (8 hours)

The course requires students to volunteer abroad for a minimum of 2 weeks and takes approximately 36 hours of additional study time to complete. It is designed to be flexible, meaning you can start and finish each module at your own pace, on your own schedule.

What you require

You will need a willingness, a desire, and more importantly a charitable endeavour to go alongside this course.