Working at the International Center on my university campus, I have a wide range of responsibility and am exposed to numerous programs of study, work, internship and volunteer abroad. One of my primary responsibilities is to organize and run our study abroad fairs.
I love this aspect of my job as it brings me into personal contact with the people who promote and facilitate the various programs we offer our students. And there is no substitute for the dialogue face to face contact brings.
Recently, the International Center hosted our spring fair, and I was introduced to a great opportunity that wasn't readily available by reading on- or off-line literature.
I have been intensely interested in a particular project, but it doesn't fit my time frame or academic program, so I hadn't seriously considered participating. While chatting with a coworker who is also enamored of the same project, I was informed that they offer flexibility in their programs that isn't advertised in their program information.
Immediately, I hunted down the representative for the project and started discussing with her ways that I could participate in their program while working around my needs. It was amazing to hear about the flexibility of the program, allowing me a chance to do something I thought was beyond my grasp.
The lesson I learned that day can be generalized to almost any volunteer or service project you might be interested in doing. If you've seen or heard of a project that piqued your interest, but discounted it due to logistics, revisit the idea. A large number of organizations in the study abroad and voluntary service industries are quite willing to work with people so both their needs and yours can be met. Study programs can be turned into internships or volunteer projects. If you're not a student, don't fret- there are organizations out there who will work with you so you can still participate in some way.
Also, if you see a full-time job listing from a company that gets your attention, but you're looking for a part-time volunteer position instead, check to see what they might have available. In fact, looking at posted opportunities in a new light and considering alternative possibilities just might get you in the door- it's possible the hiring coordinator hadn't thought of alternative positions either and would be willing to hear out your thoughts.
Contact the organization you're considering and see what they can do to work with you. Don't be afraid to send that e-mail or pick up the phone to make that call. You might well find that the project you were considering can, in fact, become a reality.

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