Friends of the Orphans

More than half the children in the developing world are severely deprived of adequate shelter, sanitation, safe water, schools and/or health care. You can help make a difference.

flash to get placed here

Become a Volunteer

International Volunteer Program

The Friends International Volunteer Program sends qualified individuals, couples and families to support the staff and children living in the homes of Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos in Bolivia, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Peru.

Why Volunteer with NPH?

As a volunteer, you will:

  • Impact children's lives.
  • Play an integral role in the growing NPH family.
  • Provide encouragement and support to those who need it most.
  • Improve your Spanish, French or Creole skills.
  • Live in and experience a foreign culture.
  • Make friends with volunteers from around the world.

Basic Benefits of Volunteering at NPH

  • No fees to volunteer! We do ask that if accepted, volunteer applicants pay the $35 to cover their background check.
  • Free room and board.
  • A monthly stipend ~$50- $100 (depending on the country).
  • Access to free medical care at NPH's on-site clinics. Volunteers must also have travel insurance (at their expense).
  • Some free time to explore your host country.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are urgently needed for the following positions:

  • Healthcare Workers
  • Doctors
  • Nurses
  • Pharmacists
  • Childcare Workers
  • English Teachers
  • Maintenance
  • Tutoring Special Needs Students (Resource Teachers)
  • Physical Therapists
  • Family Correspondent
  • Social Workers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is my financial responsibility as a volunteer?

The volunteer is responsible for arranging and paying for all travel to and from NPH. The volunteer is also responsible for pre-travel medical expenses (i.e. vaccinations) and health insurance as well as any language school expenses (if needed).

Do I need to speak Spanish/French?

Volunteers who have a strong command of the local language(s) are better able to serve the children and will be given priority in the selection process. We ask that you are proficient in the language and/or make a commitment to attend a language school before you begin volunteering.

Is there an age requirement?

The minimum age for volunteers is 21. We have successful volunteers from ages 21 through 70 serving in NPH homes.

How long is the commitment?

The minimum volunteer commitment is 12 months in most homes. Honduras requires a 13-month commitment. This allows time for the volunteers and the children to form lasting relationships. Longer commitments are encouraged.

Do you accept short-term volunteers?

No, unfortunately, NPH does not accept short-term volunteers.

When should I apply?

Bolivia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Peru: For January placement, applications must be received by August 1st. For July placement, applications must be received by February 1st. Please submit your application before these deadlines if possible. Haiti: Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis for NPFS Haiti.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. It is best to apply early, since there are limited opportunities!

Where do volunteers live?

Volunteers are provided free room and board at the NPH home. Housing varies by country and ranges from apartments to dormitory-style room with fellow volunteers.

Is volunteering safe?

As with any international travel, risks are involved and it is important to be aware of your surroundings. NPH strives to provide a safe and secure environment for the children, staff, and volunteers.

www.friendsoftheorphans.org

Can I speak with a former volunteer?

Yes! Please contact us and we will put you in touch with a current or recently-returned volunteer from the country you are considering. Talking with a former volunteer can answer many questions and help you decide if NPH is the right place for you.

What makes a successful volunteer?

Successful volunteers are cooperative, extremely flexible and very patient. They have strong work ethics and are able to adapt to multi-cultural environments. NPH volunteers work with staff and volunteers from around the world. They are respectful of their host country and its culture, and have positive attitudes to share with the children.

How to Apply

Visit the NPH web site at www.nph.org.

Click on the volunteer section to find the application.

We prefer to receive applications via the NPH secured server. Using this form will speed up the application process. You may save your work and return to the application as many times as needed before submitting it. Please keep in mind that the application represents you to NPH; make sure that it is free of grammatical errors and typos.

If you must use the Word Document, please send it electronically to info@fotocan.org.

Once you have submitted your application, Friends of the Orphans will review it and contact you about the next steps.

You will be contacted for a phone interview if your application is approved.

Please expect the application process to take two to four months ... Apply early!

If you have any questions throughout the application process, you may contact the International Volunteer Coordinator at (519) 421-1992 or e-mail info@fotocan.org.