FAQ
Download a comprehensive list of FAQs for volunteers going abroad – click here. Otherwise, see below:About the organisation
Is UNA Exchange part of the UN?
Is UNA Exchange a sect/is the Temple of Peace a religious building?
Volunteering abroad
Why should I pay to work for free?
Where does my money go?
Can I lead a project abroad?
I am a trained/qualified professional; can I use my skills volunteering abroad?
I’m not a student; can I do something with UNA Exchange?
Is UNA Exchange part of the UN?
We are part of the wider UN family, but quite a distant relative. Each member country of the United Nations has a UN Association which exists to lobby and campaign for government to fulfil its obligations under the UN Charter. We grew out of UNA Wales in the late 1960s/early 1970s as a practical vehicle for the promotion of international understanding. We are now a totally separate but compatible organisation.
Is UNA Exchange a sect/is the Temple of Peace a religious building?
No/no! As a registered charity, UNA Exchange is open to all people, regardless of religious belief. The Temple of Peace is a public building, built by a philanthropic Welshman in 1938; he was involved in international affairs and concerned about public health and so dedicated the building to the two causes of Peace and Health. Today the building is home to the National Public Health Service and the Welsh Centre for International Affairs, of which we are a member.
Why should I pay to work for free?
The organisation and co-ordination behind the activities we offer means we need paid staff to set up and run projects, arrange placements, create this website, and train/support volunteers. The fees we charge represent a contribution, not the total cost of providing these resources and we try to keep them as low as possible so that our activities are open to as many people as possible. As a participant on an International Volunteer Project you will gain so much experience which is over and above the work you do.
Where does my money go?
The fees paid by volunteers who join International Volunteer Projects contribute to the running costs of the organisation. The money we receive from volunteer fees represents approximately 10% of total income each year (the rest comes from public grants, projects costs (such as EVS), fundraising and membership fees).
Can I lead a project abroad?
Most years we do send a few volunteers to lead in other countries. Normally you should first have experience of leading with us in Wales (so that we are then happy to recommend you).
I am a trained/qualified professional; can I use my skills volunteering abroad?
The great majority of our projects are for volunteers without skills. There are many other organisations such as VSO or UNA International Service that recruit professional volunteers and make very good use of your valuable skills. As a rule, it won’t make any difference on an International Volunteer Project whether you have done anything similar or not (although if you’re a trained chef you will be very popular!).
I’m not a student; can I do something with UNA Exchange?
Yes you can! UNA Exchange is not a student organisation; we are open to everyone, whether you are working, unemployed, studying or already involved in volunteering