International Post-Graduate Service Opportunities (Catholic)

Requirements for overseas programs vary widely, but often previous experience is necessary. Read through websites carefully to see the various requirements, including language competency.

Cabrini Mission Corps (Guatemala, Nicaragua, Philippines): To qualify, a volunteer must have a minimum of three months lived experience in a developing country and substantial volunteer experience in general.

Website: www.cabrini-missioncorps.org

Columban Lay Missionary Program (various locations): The vision of the founders of the Missionary Society of St. Columban was to bring the Good News to people who had not yet heard it, especially to the people of China. Since then, the mission has expended to 14 countries. The vision has been practiced in as many ways as there are Columbans. The missionaries work in solidarity with local communities and two essential requirements for doing mission are faith and teamwork. While practical skills are of use in mission, much more important is the lay missionary’s ability to reflect upon and share their experience of God and church.

Website: www.columban.org

Coprodeli Foundation (Callao, Peru): Coprodeli was founded in 1989 by Padre Miguel Ranera, a Spanish missionary priest. Since then Coprodeli has established 70 projects and institutions in the areas of humanitarian aid, education, employment development, pastoral care, housing, drug prevention, and outreach to homeless children.

Website: www.coprodeli.org

Farm of the Child (Trujillo, Honduras): Honduras is the poorest and least developed nation in Central America, Poverty and hunger prevail, leading to disease, violence, crime, and substance abuse. As a result, many families are weakened and destroyed. The children are left orphaned and abandoned. Farm of the Child provides homes for these children, ranging in age from1 to 17. Currently the Farm serves 45 children in 6 orphan homes, living in a family-like environment. Children are schooled at St. Peter's School and there is also a health clinic.

Web contact: farmvolunteers@earthlink.net

Holy Cross Associates (Chile, South America): Participants have the opportunity to integrate their Christian faith through service, community living, prayer, and a simple lifestyle.

Website: http://holycrossassociates.nd.edu

Jesuit Volunteer Corps (various locations): JVC volunteers work for social justice while living in community, growing in spirituality and sharing a simple lifestyle. International opportunities are available in Africa, Central and South America, and the Pacific.

Website: www.jesuitvolunteers.org

Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly (Ireland): Little Brothers is an international, voluntary organization committed to relieving isolation and loneliness among the elderly. There are internship opportunities in Ireland with the worker involved in a number of activities.

Web contact: Christine Bertrand, cbertrand.chi@littlebrothers.org

Marist Volunteers (Jamaica and Mexico): Opportunities are available for social work and education in Jamaica and in Mexico. Marist volunteers live in community, sharing prayer, meals, recreation and support. Each volunteer also has a personal mentor who works with him or her through the year.

Website: www.maristvolunteers.org

Mercy Volunteer Corps (Guyana, South America): Some of the opportunities available include heath care, social work, youth mentor, teacher, tutor, and working with HIV/AIDS ministry.

Website: www.mercyvolunteers.org

Missionaries of Saint Charles Scalabrinians (various locations): This mission of the Scalabrinians focuses on serving migrants and refugees worldwide.

Website: www.scalabrini.org and/or www.eramigrante.org

Missionary Cenacle Volunteers (Mexico, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica): Members serve in a variety of ministries including parish-based ministries, health care, social services, education, and more.

Website: www.TMC3.org

Passionist Volunteers International (various locations): Opportunities abound in education, health care, youth work and prison ministry. We are appealing to individuals who are wiling to share their gifts and talents to serve the poor and walk with the suffering.

Website: www.passionistvolunteers.org

Providence Volunteer Ministry (Taiwan)

Web contact: mmontgom@spsmw.org

Vincentian Service Corps (England): The volunteers of the VSC live in community, grow spiritually and serve those who are poor through work with youth, assisting immigrants and teaching in low income schools.

Website: www.vscorps.org