International Sites

The Sisters of the Good Shepherd are in 65 countries around the world that carry the same collective mission of ministering to women, children, and adolescents in poverty and neglect. For over ten years, GSV has placed volunteers internationally to serve these populations in need. Types of work include youth counseling, domestic violence, fair trade/economic justice, education, and community outreach.

Currently, GSV is placing volunteers in three countries abroad

Bolivia, Paraguay, and Malaysia. GSV may expand in the coming year to other placements in Africa, Southeast Asia, or Latin America.

Length of Service

GSV International, like our Domestic program, has a one-year commitment. Volunteers begin their service term in August and come home the following August. International GSVs are welcome to renew their service term for a second year. In addition, when volunteers return home, they are sent to a weekend “re-entry” retreat that provides tools with re-adjustment to live in their home country.

Financial Considerations

GSV sites provide housing, stipend, transportation, health insurance, and flights to/from the US. Volunteers are given approximately three weeks of vacation time.

GSV International has a fundraising component. GSV asks international volunteers to raise approximately $4,000. This may seem like a lot, but international volunteers are always surprised by the generosity of others. People have a real desire to give to those who are doing charitable works of justice, especially if they have a personal connection to them. The staff works with each GSV volunteer to help them find ideas and resources for fundraising. Put simply, fundraising is easier than you think!

Language

For Spanish-speaking sites, we require a basic knowledge in Spanish. There are opportunities for informal language training in-country. For Malaysia we do not require knowledge of the native language (Malay) and we provide basic language opportunities in-country.