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We receive many questions about the International Volunteer Program. Here are some of the most common ones. You are also welcome to send additional questions to the International Volunteer Coordinator.
What is the minimum time needed to volunteer? Also, what is the maximum time that I can volunteer?
Most programs are from two to three months to a maximum of 12 months in length. Many parks will not hire a volunteer for less than two months.
I’m a foreign student with an F-1 visa studying at a US university. What do I need to do to be able to volunteer?
To volunteer with National Park Service, you must apply to be in a special training status at your school’s foreign student office. For undergraduates, it is called Curricular Practical Training (CPT). For those who will graduate, it is called Optional Practical Training (OPT). Universities will issue a new “I-20” form which lists CPT or OPT. You will need to send that form to the International Volunteer Coordinator and then you will be eligible to be an international volunteer.
I am a permanent resident. Can I volunteer with a park?
Yes. You may volunteer at a park if you present the proper documentation (Form 551 –Permanent Resident Card) to the park volunteer coordinator or supervisor. Because you are a permanent resident, you can join the National Park Service domestic volunteer program without going through the international volunteer process. Learn more about the domestic National Park Service volunteer program.
Are all positions on Volunteer.gov open to international volunteers?
Not all openings are appropriate for international volunteers. Due to J-1 visa restrictions, international volunteers should not apply for positions in maintenance, fee collection, camp hosting, or trail work. Due to the J-1 visa training requirement, only volunteer openings that offer professional training are appropriate for international volunteers. We will work with you and the park to structure a specific training program based on your background, interest, and needs. Since most of our volunteers are university students, we typically base a training program on the student’s major.
Also, although Volunteer.gov lists opportunities for many US agencies, international volunteers coordinated with the National Park Service may only volunteer with national park sites.
How well do I need to speak English?
You must be able to speak and understand English. You need not be fluent; however, you should be able to converse in English and understand directions. We understand that your English skills will undoubtedly improve once you’ve been in the program for several weeks.
Are there any scholarship funds available to help pay for my participation?
Unfortunately, the National Park Service does not have funds available for use as scholarships. If you are a college/university student, you may want to contact the US Student Conservation Association. Their program does occasionally provide limited support to volunteers that participate in our program.
I want to participate with my friend. Is this possible?
It is rare for a national park to host two international volunteers at the same time. In the unlikely event that this occurs, both individuals must be committed to working on the tasks assigned to them. Our program should not be looked at as a working vacation—although we want you to have fun.
What kind of volunteer work will I be doing?
Our volunteers have received training in many different fields of park management. Volunteers have completed programs in visitor services, interpretive programs, search and rescue, invasive species management, wildlife management, botany, hydrology, museum management, and many other fields.
What are the housing accommodations like? Will I be sharing a room with someone?
If the hosting park provides free accommodations, more than likely you will stay in park housing. Though it can vary from park to park, usually you will be in a dorm room, possibly with a roommate, with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. Also, keep in mind that most parks are in very remote locations of the United States. The nearest small town may be two to three hours away.
When you are searching for volunteer opportunities, make sure that housing is offered by the park.
In my spare time, can I find a part-time job to earn some money?
No. The J-1 visa does not allow you to work with National Park Service or employers in any circumstances for a salary, even during your weekends or time off from your regular volunteer program. Failure to follow this guideline may cause a termination of your visa and harm your permanent Immigration record with the United States.
Will it cost me anything to get the J-1 visa?
Because you are being sponsored by the US government for your visa, you are not supposed to have to pay a fee for the issuance of your visa. However, in our experience, many volunteers are being charged, either for their visa, an appointment, or both. Contact the International Volunteer Coordinator for additional information.
How many hours will I need to volunteer each week?
You must volunteer 40 hours each week. Part-time positions are not open to international volunteers.
Once I obtain my J-1 visa, how soon can I arrive in the US? Also, how long can I stay after my volunteer program end?
You many enter the United States 30 days before the date on your visa and stay up to 30 days after the ending date.
Last updated: June 13, 2023