Work on an assignment abroad
The Salvation Army’s International Development Office facilitates short-term volunteer work and the deployment of experts in our partner countries.
Go for Exchange!
Specialist and volunteer assignments
The Salvation Army’s International Development Office facilitates short-term volunteer work and the deployment of experts in our partner countries. This kind of international cooperation is known as “personal development collaboration” and aims to place the focus on productive encounters between people from different cultures, rather than on money or technology.
An exchange of skills and trust
With an exchange of knowledge such as this, the risk of dependency on the donor country is especially low. This is because Go for Exchange puts the focus on personal and professional exchanges. Work of this kind also helps the Salvation Army build a mutual and lasting relationship of trust with the local Salvation Army and its other partners.
Important experiences for us and you
The people who work for us in our partner countries are ambassadors for an open, committed and humanitarian Switzerland. They also share their experience and knowledge, helping to improve our projects and programmes on an ongoing basis and drawing attention to potential problems.
Our partner countries and options for working abroad
We offer the opportunity to work in the following countries, depending on the security situation:
- South America & the Caribbean: Brazil, Ecuador, Haiti
- Africa: South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Congo (RC)
- Asia: Myanmar and the Philippines
Short-term commitments
1 to 6 months
A short-term commitment usually lasts between three and six months. During this time, you will help with an existing project or in a local Salvation Army community. On a short-term commitment, you cover all of the costs yourself. We will give you suggestions, help you examine the various ways you can help, and organise your stay.
Required profile for a short-term commitment:
- You should meet the following requirements if you wish to work on a short-term commitment:
- Minimum age: 20
- You have a sincere commitment to development collaboration and an interest in intercultural exchange
- You are in good physical condition and are mentally resilient
- You are able and ready to live in modest surroundings with limited means at your disposal
- You identify with the fundamental Christian values of the Salvation Army and are ready to integrate into its hierarchical/organisational structure
- You have sufficient knowledge of the national language and/or English (working language)
- You demonstrate intercultural sensitivity
- You are able to work in tropical climates
- You are able to work in a team
- You have completed the preparation weekend
Long-term commitments
2 to 3 years
Long-term commitments last two to three years. The duration is decided by the International Headquarters in London and depends on the country of deployment. You will be assigned to projects that the Salvation Army Switzerland is supporting (education, health, construction, project management, organisational development).
During a long-term commitment, you will receive financial remuneration from the Salvation Army, for example a local salary and financial support from the International Headquarters, health and homeowner’s/personal liability insurance as well as social security contributions. The registration procedure begins roughly 12 to 18 months before the start of the commitment.
Required profile for a long-term commitment:
- Minimum age: 25
- You have a sincere commitment to development collaboration and an interest in intercultural exchange
- You have professional training and at least two years of experience
- You have specialist skills and are used to working independently and organising assigned tasks properly
- You have good social skills and are able to work in a team and interact respectfully with others
- You have Christian convictions, identify with the fundamental Christian values of the Salvation Army and are ready to integrate into its hierarchical/organisational structure
- You are in good physical condition and are mentally resilient, including in stressful situations
- You are able and ready to live in modest surroundings with limited means at your disposal
- You are a Swiss citizen, a foreign citizen who has lived in Switzerland for several years, or are married to a Swiss citizen
- You have very good knowledge of English (working language)
- You have sufficient knowledge of the national language (if this is not English)
- You demonstrate intercultural sensitivity
- You are able to work in tropical climates
- You are ready to support fundraising in Switzerland as an ambassador on the ground
Working abroad as an expert
Share your expertise
Your task will be to contribute your specialist professional knowledge to a project for a limited period of time, for example through training, monitoring or counselling. The Salvation Army Switzerland will provide a salary to cover basic costs and transport.
Required profile for specialist commitments:
- Minimum age: 30 / open to retirees
- You have a sincere commitment to development collaboration and an interest in intercultural exchange
- You have professional training and at least five years of experience and/or have already completed an assignment abroad
- You have good social skills, negotiating skills and life experience
- You have Christian convictions, identify with the fundamental Christian values of the Salvation Army and are ready to integrate into its hierarchical/organisational structure
- You are in good physical condition and are mentally resilient, including in stressful situations
- You are able and ready to live in modest surroundings with limited means at your disposal
- You are a Swiss citizen, a foreign citizen who has lived in Switzerland for several years, or are married to a Swiss citizen
- You have very good knowledge of English (working language)
- You have sufficient knowledge of the national language (if this is not English)
- You demonstrate intercultural sensitivity
- You are able to work in tropical climates
“I was impressed by how the children dealt with their situation”
“My name is Fiona Wagner, I’m 26 and I live in Zurich. In the city, you often get the feeling that constant consumerism is a necessity. But do we really need all those things? What is it like for people living in poverty in other countries? What could I do to help disadvantaged people? I applied to volunteer abroad for the Salvation Army to find answers to these questions. I wanted to do something that was focused on helping other people rather than myself.
I volunteered for three weeks at two children’s homes in the Philippines. I was deeply moved by the tragic stories of the young residents of the homes. I was also impressed by how positively the majority of children dealt with their situation.
The work motivated me to look for other opportunities and areas I could get involved in socially.”
The most meaningful holiday I’ve ever taken
“My name is Mathias Rudolf. I live in Ostermundigen and I’m a software developer. Social justice is very important to me. Because the Salvation Army is active around the world, I looked into the options for doing some work abroad. In the end, I worked at the Joyville Children’s Home in the Philippines.
My motivation for doing this was to use my abilities to serve God and my fellow man and to make a small contribution to increasing social justice in doing so.
Carrying out this kind of work is something I would definitely recommend. It is the most meaningful way I have ever used my holidays. My time in the Philippines was a blessing and a gift greater than I could ever have imagined. I was deeply moved by the appreciation and thankfulness of the children and team. Work commitments like this are also an ideal opportunity to acquire your first experience in the field of international development.”