Volunteer Projects and Internships for Energy and Water
Volunteers eager to provide sustainable energy for those less fortunate, look no further. Volunteer for energy and water and contribute to finding solutions for green energy where they are needed most. Engineers or anyone with an interest in engineering and the environment are excellent candidates for these volunteer programs. Travel to some of the most spectacular places abroad and help the community access vital green energy resources and clean water. Work with other passionate volunteers and prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience abroad.
Why volunteer for energy and water?
Energy and clean water are vital resources that we take for granted. They are part of our daily lives and couldn’t do what we do on a daily basis if we were deprived of electricity and clean water. However, there are still many communities worldwide that simply don’t have access to sustainable sources energy and clean water.
The availability and potential to access energy is important for social and economic development in every community. Water plays a leading role in the development of energy infrastructures from the extraction of raw materials, purification, washing and treatment of raw materials to coolants in nuclear or thermal power plants to being a fuel for hydropower plants. The water infrastructures in turn rely on energy throughout its value chain, groundwater extraction, transportation, purification, distillation, distribution, collection and wastewater management and treatment.
Here are a few interesting facts regarding energy and water according to the
- Improved water and energy services reduce the burden on women and young girls who often spend several hours each day collecting water and gathering biomass for cooking. This will free up time for their participation in education and income generation activities.
- The provision of clean water and energy services is linked to improvements in the health, micro-enterprise activity, and agricultural productivity of women.
- The lack of availability and access to basic water and energy services impedes individuals and communities from achieving greater levels of well-being and benefitting from opportunities for social and economic development.
- Investing in water and energy services will lead to increased levels of human health, reduced levels of poverty and indigence, and increased opportunities for education and employment, resulting in overall national economic development.
Volunteers who are keen to contribute to creating renewable, sustainable energy programs will face a rewarding challenge. Those who are handy or interested in technical matters should definitely apply and join other like-minded individuals in one of the programs focused on energy and water. Engineering students looking for an opportunity to volunteer and travel abroad will embark on an unforgettable experience.
What will I do as a volunteer for energy and water?
Engineering volunteer work with energy and water will be a very hands-on experience. Projects will focus on sustainable energy initiatives and water treatment solutions for communities in need.
Energy
The organizations that are dedicated to this cause are focused on designing and implementing sustainable energy initiatives. Depending on the stage of the project and the length of your stay, you will contribute to the following tasks:
- Brainstorming sessions with the rest of the team
- Lead research on what could be done and come up with relevant solutions.
- Designing renewable energy solutions
- Get involved in project planning and management
- Get involved in the actual installation work
Volunteers with a technical, engineering or environmental background are a huge asset to these programs. This should now discourage less experienced volunteers though. Motivated volunteers who are eager to work abroad and lend a hand are usually always welcomed. Be sure to get in touch with the organization if you’re unsure whether you qualify.
Water
Several communities worldwide still don’t have continuous access to safe drinking water. As a volunteer, you will help create awareness about the importance of safe uncontaminated water to start with. There’s still a lack of understanding amongst locals about the implications of contaminated water and will therefore neglect the proper maintenance of it. Volunteers functioning as a clean water ambassador can play a very important part in improving the situation.
Other projects will focus on environmental solutions for the implementation of water sanitation that will treat wastewater and decrease the pollution of the ground above and below. Here are some tasks you may be taking part in during your stay:
- Be proactive in finding out how we can improve the sanitation of the area, carrying research independently and working jointly with the team of experts on the ground.
- Depending on progress made, you may find yourself getting involved in the management of the construction of sanitation facilities and the construction itself, such as dry toilets or the installation of pipes to expand the biodigesters irrigation reach.
- Share your knowledge and educational content. We'll need you to develop the project using your own knowledge and by working together with the team to decide what the best approach will be to engage the community.
- Brainstorming with the team and taking ownership of the project.
Skills that are important as a volunteer for energy and water
You might wonder if you are cut out to be a volunteer for energy and water. We have listed a few personality traits which are great to have for engineering volunteer work:
- a social mindset
- a good work ethic
- the ability to work as part of a team
- great communication skills
- adaptability to different types of tasks
- problem-solving ability
- initiative
- enthusiasm
- resilience
- a non-judgmental approach and respect for diversity
- great cultural awareness
- a professional attitude to work
- a strong regard for health and safety
- eagerness to travel
- an interest in environmental aspects
- dedication
These characteristics are simply a guideline, not a prerequisite. This is just to help you find your perfect engineer volunteer opportunity with energy and water.
What language skills are required?
English is the main language on all projects so it’s important that volunteers have a good understanding of English. This is important to communicate with the staff at the project center and other volunteers. For projects in South America, it would help if you gain a basic knowledge of Spanish prior to going as most locals don’t speak any English. Knowing some Spanish words would definitely help kickstart your green volunteer adventure and save you valuable time.
Best places to volunteer for energy and water
Volunteer project focused on energy and water are upcoming as till limited. This exciting and meaningful cause will take you to some of the most interesting placed abroad. Be sure to take a look and the various volunteer organizations. You are sure to find something that will inspire you.
Latin America
Are you attracted by the feisty spirit of Latin-America and lots of green? Then you will be delighted to hear that countries like Peru, Costa Rica and El Salvador as possibilities. Explore the diverse culture and landscapes of Peru and grasp the opportunity to visit one of the seven wonders our planet has to offer. If you love nothing more than experiencing nature and green, Costa Rica will give you the chance to experience life in a rainforest and witness some of the most exquisite creatures. If touristic hotspots aren’t your thing, opt for something off the beaten path travel to one of the most underrated countries of Latin America, El Salvador. Offering a mix of culture and nature, it won’t fail to impress.
Africa
If Africa calls for you, a volunteer project with energy and water will take you to Cameroon. Besides the African spirit you will find a versatile landscape of volcanoes, sandy beaches and green rainforests.
India
Another option is India. If you’re looking for color and friendliness mixed with rich culture, you will feel right at home in India.
Each destination has communities that equally deserve support. There are enough opportunities to make a difference and discover a wonderful destination.
Top 5 benefits of volunteering
There’s no doubt that volunteering in itself is a fantastic thing to do. By volunteering for an environmental cause like energy and water, you will be supporting communities and providing them with the basics to help them thrive. Let’s take a look at the benefits you will encounter when you decide to volunteer for an energy or water project:
1. Learning Opportunities
Doing an engineering volunteer project in energy or water will give you relevant hands-on experience and teach you what it is like to work for a nonprofit organization. The longer you commit to a program the more opportunities you will get. This experience will be great to mention on your resume for future job opportunities for those pursuing a career in engineering. Even those who are not engineers will benefit from mentioning this unique work experience on their resume. Future employers appreciate candidates who are eager to commit.
2. People
Once you decide to volunteer abroad, you will be sure to meet a lot of new people. You’ll be in touch with the local community and connect with other volunteers who have similar goals and interests. You’re bound to build some meaningful friendships that may last for years to come.
3. Experiences
By volunteering for one of the programs you’ll definitely get out of your comfort zone. Traveling to the other side of the world and working on a specific project will allow you to experience something completely different. New experiences are very valuable because you build resilience and become adaptable and flexible. This experience will prepare you for future endeavors that are yet to come.
4. Happiness
Research has shown that people who contribute to an external cause are happier. Volunteering opportunities give people a sense of purpose. Those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, function better and suffer less from depression later in life.
5. Travel
Whether you love rolling green hills on the horizon and experiencing the simple life or prefer being surrounded with culture and people, there are programs which will provide you with exactly what you’re looking for. Traveling will allow you to broaden your horizons and gain perspective. Witnessing how others live will allow you to perceive thing differently once you return to your old life.
How do I get started as a volunteer for energy and water?
You’ve decided you want to volunteer Energy and Water and you may be wondering, what’s next? Once you’ve taken a look at some of the available programs you would love to be part of, let’s take a look at the first 3 steps which will send you on your way to you volunteer opportunity:
- Check whether there’s a match between the project and your skills.
- Take a look at the location of the project and decide whether it would be a location you are willing to travel to.
- Get in touch with the organization and see whether your expectations and your schedule match up.
Once this is sorted. Let’s take a look at the practical steps:
Insurance (Health & travel)
Once you know your destination, take the following 3 steps before setting off on your life-changing adventure!
Visa, Passport and Documentation
Once you know your destination, take the following 3 steps before setting off on your life-changing adventure!
- Look into the visa requirements for the country you will volunteer in
- Make sure you have a valid passport considering the requirement of the host country
- Make sure you prepare the correct documents to fulfill the visa application
And you are set to change the world and work your magic at one of the organizations. Let the environmental volunteer adventure abroad begin and watch how you improve the life of others and your own.