Volunteer: Frequently asked questions
- What is a voluntary internship with Oxfam?
- When does Oxfam recruit for interns?
- I need a visa to volunteer in the United Kingdom; can Oxfam support my Visa?
- I already have a UK visa/work permit and I am based in the United Kingdom, can I volunteer for Oxfam?
- Where are your internships based?
- In which countries does Oxfam offer internship positions?
- Does Oxfam offer financial support for a voluntary internship?
- Will completing an internship guarantee me a job with Oxfam?
- I don't think I am able to commit to an internship, how else can I support Oxfam?
If you have any further questions, please email internship@oxfam.org.uk
What is a voluntary internship with Oxfam?
Internships are one of the many styles of volunteering that Oxfam offers.
Interns are volunteers with clearly defined roles, which are predominantly project based. Interns are formally recruited and managed.
Interns tend to be recruited for a specific period of time of either 3, 6 or 12 months. We expect interns to volunteer for between 2-4 days per week.
All of our internships are advertised as a specific role. The majority of our internships are unique one-off segments of work experience.
When does Oxfam recruit for interns?
Oxfam GB recruits for interns throughout the year according each manager’s needs. Recruitment for specific positions generally takes place one month before the advertised start date.
I need a visa to volunteer in the United Kingdom; can Oxfam support my Visa?
Oxfam is not able to support individuals who need visas to come to the UK to volunteer. Oxfam cannot support volunteer visas, as we do not have the correct licence to do so.
I already have a UK visa/work permit and I am based in the United Kingdom, can I volunteer for Oxfam?
Most UK visas allow people to volunteer, although some may have restrictions to the number of hours you can volunteer/work. If you are not sure if your visa allows you to volunteer we suggest you contact the UK Borders and Immigration. Oxfam is not able to support applications for volunteer visas as we do not have the correct licence to do so.
Please note that Tourist/ Visitor visas and Student Visitor visas (usually students visiting for 6 months or less) do not allow people to volunteer.
Where are your internships based?
Oxfam GB internships take place in our head office in Oxford, in our shop network and in regional offices around the UK. All Oxfam GB internship positions are advertised on our website.
In which countries does Oxfam offer internship positions?
All of the internships that Oxfam GB offers are based in England, Scotland and Wales. In common with many other NGOs, Oxfam tends to recruit staff locally when working on projects overseas. If you are committed to working overseas, you could contact the Volunteer Development Agency (a department of Volunteering England) for further information.
Does Oxfam offer financial support for voluntary internships?
Oxfam cannot provide any financial support for interns. If we did you would not be classed as a volunteer in legal terms. However, we strive to offer:
- Flexible volunteering hours, so you can keep to your other commitments e.g. many of our interns work part time to cover their costs.
- Oxfam volunteers are eligible for reimbursement of reasonable expenses. Lunch will be reimbursed (maximum £6) when you volunteer for a significant number of hours before and after lunch. Oxfam will also reimburse reasonable local travel costs, to and from the place that you are volunteering.
- Oxfam cannot cover accommodation costs, flights, general living expenses or the expenses of any dependants.
Will completing an internship guarantee me a job with Oxfam?
Doing an internship will not guarantee you a job with Oxfam.
Our internships are designed to offer work experience. However, interns can apply to our paid vacancies, including those only advertised internally.
For obvious reasons an intern would need to have proven themselves in their current role, before expecting their volunteering experience to assist in an application to a paid post.
I don’t think I am able to commit to an internship, how else can I support Oxfam?
If you have decided that a voluntary internship is not for you why not consider some of the other ways you can support Oxfam?
Opportunities
Time is a special gift. Use yours as a force for good with Oxfam:
