International Citizen Service (ICS) is a UK Government funded program providing volunteer placements to 18-25-year-olds, and Team Leader placements to 23-35-year-olds in a number of countries around the world. ICS makes the most of the unique contribution young people can bring to development – passion; energy as well as the ability to reach other young people.  Our programs are in Livelihoods, Health and Education. Every ICS team constitutes volunteers from the EU, the UK and the country where the project is running.

Volunteers work side-by-side with partners from the UK, staying with local families in the community and working on community development projects. ICS is demanding but hugely rewarding. It’s a great opportunity for personal development. As well as a stepping stone to future careers and a chance to make your world a better place.

Currently, ICS is active in eight countries in Africa and Asia:

• Bangladesh
• Cambodia
• Kenya
• Nepal
• Nigeria
• Tanzania
• Uganda
• Zambia

Placements are unpaid, but you will receive all travel, food, and accommodation, as well as a small living allowance. There is no cost for you to volunteer.

Volunteer as ICS Team Member

You don’t need any special skills to take part in ICS, but you must:

• be of age above 18 years and below 25 years
• Further, be committed to living and volunteering away from home for 10-12 weeks
• be willing to live in a family in the local community whilst on placement
• Also, be committed to continuing your work in your home community after your placement
• not have taken part in ICS before – if you have, you can apply to be a Team Leader
• be resident in the country you’re applying from

Volunteer as ICS Team Leader

Spending between three and eight months on placement, you’ll support and manage a diverse group of young people working together to benefit your host community. Team Leaders work in pairs, so you will have a counterpart volunteer from the UK.

In order to volunteer as a Team Leader, you must meet the same criteria as for Team Members.  In addition, you must:

• be aged 23 – 35
• have strong facilitation skills to help teams overcome challenges and achieve results
• be able to build trust to support individuals through difficult times
• be able to take an organized approach to project planning
• Likewise, have communication skills to maintain effective relationships with stakeholders
• bring a mature as well as a positive approach to challenges and realities of volunteering on ICS.

Apply for the ICS Volunteer Program

To become a participant of the ICS Volunteer Program, applicants must fill up the online form available at the website. Further, the candidates should specify whether they will volunteer as a team member or as a team leader.

Alternately, applicants can also download the application form (Word format) for the ICS volunteering program. Applicants will require complete the application and send it via email.