Sabbaticals

Currently around 40% of workers feel that their jobs are extremely stressful. A quarter of employees see the workplace as the number one stress in their lives. There are many reasons this is the case, from job insecurity to a high-pressure environment. If you feel the same way as many other employees it might be time for a career break or sabbatical.

Take a rewarding and life changing career break - explore volunteering opportunities abroad with one of the leading independent development organisations in the world. VSO places highly skilled individuals who are taking sabbaticals from their career in volunteering opportunities abroad to help change lives of the world's poorest people.

Help make an impact on the lives of others whilst making a difference in your own. VSO volunteers share much needed skills, build potential, and promote understanding to individuals in impoverished developing countries. They often find that they are richly rewarded through their experiences overseas.

Some people may worry that asking for leave from current employment will put a strain on the progress of their career or interrupt benefits provided by their employer. However, findings indicate that individuals who take sabbaticals or a career break in order to pursue volunteering opportunities dramatically increase their commitment and motivation in the workplace after the experience and develop new skills.

Employees taking sabbaticals or a career break may find that their employer is willing to continue paying some or all of their salary, maintain employee benefits or provide some funding for volunteer work.

While these volunteer jobs abroad are unpaid positions, all expenses are covered including flights, accommodation and a local living allowance.

VSO volunteers live and work in local communities - where they are warmly welcomed and enriched by the experience of volunteering overseas in a very different culture.