Diploma in International Volunteering
Are you planning a volunteer abroad trip and would like to gain academic recognition and credits? Or would a formal qualification in international volunteering help you prepare for a meaningful career in the non-profit sector?
IVHQ’s Diploma in International Volunteering, delivered in partnership with the Centre for Global Citizenship Studies, is designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to make a positive impact on the world.
This is an accredited international qualification that involves tutorials and written assignments that you complete online before, during, and after your IVHQ volunteer trip. It adds a layer of academic study on top of your IVHQ volunteering for an immersive service learning experience abroad.
In addition to gaining a formal qualification for your resume, this Diploma offers UK or US credits that can be transferred to your home institution to contribute towards your studies.
Key benefits
Very affordable way to gain internationally recognized academic credits towards your college or university course
Stand out to employers with an accredited diploma qualification on your resume
Choose from three exciting specializations: Global Citizenship, Wildlife Conservation and Marine Conservation
Learn about the cultural, social, political, and religious impacts of volunteering
Identify relationship issues due to workplace culture, language, workload, and cultural norms
Complete your study work from anywhere in the world before, during, and after your volunteer trip
Choose from 3 specialist tracks
Once you have enrolled in the Diploma, you can choose to study one of these three specialist tracks:
Global Citizenship
Our Global Citizenship track is focused on developing intercultural competence and understanding the complexities of global issues. This program will equip you with the skills needed to engage with diverse communities, collaborate with local organizations, and make a positive impact on social, economic, and environmental challenges. As a graduate of this program, you’ll have the skills and experience needed to pursue a career in community development, international education, or sustainable development. You’ll have the skills and experience to become a responsible global citizen who can contribute positively to the world.
Wildlife Conservation
The Wildlife Conservation track is perfect for those who are passionate about protecting and preserving endangered species and their habitats. Our program will equip you with the skills needed to work with experienced conservationists, participate in wildlife research projects, and contribute to the conservation efforts of some of the most iconic species on the planet. As a graduate of this program, you will be well-positioned to pursue a career in wildlife conservation and management, eco-tourism, or animal welfare. You’ll have the skills and experience to make a tangible difference in the fight against wildlife extinction and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Marine Conservation
Our Marine Conservation track is designed for those who love the ocean and its marine inhabitants. Our program will give you the skills and knowledge needed to work with local communities to promote sustainable tourism, participate in research projects focused on marine conservation, and help protect vulnerable marine species. Graduates of this program are well-positioned to pursue a career in marine conservation, eco-tourism, or sustainable fishing. You’ll have the skills and experience to become an ocean advocate and contribute to the protection of this vital ecosystem.
Download the course brochure
Review the course content, how long it takes to complete, and the number of academic credits you'll receive.
Download BrochureCourse overview
Diploma in International VolunteeringAfter completing the course, you will be eligible for:
This fee covers your study materials, supervision, grading, and academic transcript.
|
Module |
Learning outcome |
Duration |
Complete by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Module 1 | Learn about how to prepare for an international volunteering placement | 6 hours | Online before your volunteer trip |
| Module 2 | Explore your motivations and skillset you bring as an international volunteer | 8 hours | Online before your volunteer trip |
| Module 3 |
Diploma Specialist Track
GLOBAL CITIZENSHIPLearn the skills to engage effectively with the complex and interconnected global challenges facing the world. Explore a range of global issues and understand their role in promoting sustainable and equitable development around the world. MARINE CONSERVATIONUnderstand the Marine Environment and Conservation and the importance of marine conservation and its role in sustaining the health of the oceans and the planet. Understand the impacts of human activities on marine ecosystems and identify key marine conservation issues WILDLIFE CONSERVATIONUnderstand the complex and interconnected issues related to conservation biology and the environment. Students will gain knowledge of a range of global issues and become familiar with the principles of conservation biology, and the different strategies used to preserve biodiversity and manage natural resources sustainably. |
8 hours | Online before your volunteer trip |
| Module 4 | Undertake and complete your volunteering abroad placement | 26 hours | 6 hours online study plus minimum 20 hours volunteering experience |
| Module 5 | Reflect on your placement | 8 hours | Online after you've returned |
Please note that every academic institution recognizes academic credits differently. Please contact your home educational institution for guidance on transcript transfers. Read more on academic credits here.
How to enroll
Anyone can enroll in this Diploma in International Volunteering and we can get you started on the course within a few days. However, you must be registered onto an IVHQ volunteer abroad program before you can begin. Please follow these steps to get enrolled:
1. Apply for an IVHQ program
Choose the IVHQ volunteer program you’d like to join and apply online for free
APPLY NOW2. Register for your IVHQ program
Once you have been accepted onto your IVHQ program, secure your place by paying the Registration Fee
Register now3. Add the Diploma from the add-ons section of your your MyIVHQ checklist
Log into your MyIVHQ account and add the Diploma to your package from the 'Book recommended tours and add-ons' section of your MyIVHQ checklist. If interested in earning US credit for completing the Diploma, you should book both the 'Diploma in International Volunteering' and 'US Credit Upgrade' add-ons
Log into MyIVHQ4. Pay
Pay the enrollment fee when prompted
5. Get enrolled
Once we have received payment, the team at CGCS will be in contact within 2 days to get you started on the course
6. Choose your specialism and get started!
The team at CGCS will ask which of the three specialist tracks you wish to study. You’ll then need to complete Modules 1 to 3 prior to commencing your IVHQ volunteer program.
Why get a Diploma in International Volunteering
A Diploma in International volunteering is a great way to gain academic recognition for the personal development and service learning journey you’ll go through as a volunteer with IVHQ. It is also a very affordable way to secure additional academic credits towards your college or university course.
The skills, knowledge and experience from your studies, combined with their practical application through your volunteering, will leave you well-prepared for a range of career opportunities in the non-profit sector. The diploma blends academic study, travel, cultural immersion, global citizenship, project management, and life experience – a unique combination of skills that will not only impress, but be formally recognized by universities and employers alike.
Whether you choose to pursue a career in wildlife conservation, marine conservation, or global citizenship, our program will equip you for making a positive impact on the world. Our graduates have gone on to work for leading NGOs, government agencies, and international organizations. They are making a tangible difference in the world, and you can too.
How do I earn an International Volunteering Diploma?
The Diploma in International Volunteering is an online course any IVHQ volunteer can complete virtually. The course will assist you before, during and after your volunteering journey with IVHQ. Upon completion, you’ll be able to gain an academic credit transcript and an accredited diploma-level qualification.
The course comprises five study modules that you will need to complete before, during, and after your IVHQ volunteering program:
- Learn about how to prepare for an international volunteering placement (6 hours)
- Explore how to plan for selection as an international volunteer (8 hours)
- Focus on fundraising (8 hours)
- Undertake and complete your volunteering abroad placement (6 hours online content + 20 hours minimum work placement)
- Reflect on your placement (8 hours)
The course is designed to be flexible, meaning you can start and finish each module at your own pace, on your own schedule.
Each module has a combination of course notes, videos, recommended readings and compulsory assignments. Ideally the first 3 modules should be completed before you leave for your volunteering trip. The 4th module is completed during your volunteering abroad trip, and the 5th is done when you return. All five must be completed to receive course credit. Check out the course details summary above.
Through the Diploma, we offer two options for earning academic credit:
Around the world, academic course credits are measured in different ways.
- UK credit: The Diploma in International Volunteering is a level 3 diploma, accredited by the National Open College Network (NOCN). While the course is based out of the UK, all credits are transferable internationally regardless of where you are from and what university or college you attend. The NOCN Level 3 Diploma in International Volunteering is a 41 credit (TQT) qualification, including 173 Guided Learning Hours (GLH). In Europe, this qualification would equal 20-21 academic credits.
- US credit: The Diploma in International Volunteering equates to 10 US credits, awarded by Warren Wilson College. At the end of the course, you will receive a transcript for credit transfer back to your home institution.
Because every institution is different, we encourage you to have a conversation with your Academic Advisor to learn more about credit transfer and which option will best support your degree plan.
