Volunteering abroad is an opportunity to help underprivileged communities in some of the poorest regions of the world, but in many cases the experience can be mutually beneficial.

While the reasons for volunteering abroad should always be altruistic, volunteers often find that their careers benefit from the experience.

In a report issued by GVN, Eliza Raymond, an expert in international volunteering, has highlighted how volunteering abroad can help to enhance your CV and increase employability.

Raymond refers to research published by the Chartered Management Institute, which found that 94% of employers agreed or strongly agreed that volunteering abroad increases skills. A further 48% believed volunteering increased employability.

Media sources have supported this view. USA Today stated that “going to a foreign country for a volunteer experience is a huge boost on the resume. Employers love to see a person that can think outside the box and work past their comfort zone.”

Taking time out to volunteer abroad gives you the chance to step back from your regular routine and think about what you really want to do with your life. In this respect, volunteer work can help people to gain clarity in their future direction and career path, sometimes even prompting them to consider a change in career direction.

Read more about Inspire Volunteering and browse our volunteer opportunities to find out how you can make the most of your career break.