Become
an OV
OV
Application Process
To formally apply to become an OV, the individual should submit a letter of intent, a bio-data sheet, and a list of references. Details of each are described below. HB will arrange for interviews with the candidate once these materials are received.
Through
this process, HB works together with the candidate to see if volunteer service
overseas is a good fit for the individual, to identify strengths and weaknesses
that will help identify a suitable placement for service, and also to highlight
areas of focus for orientation. Selection is done on an expedited basis.
Interested
individuals should also make sure to have a valid passport (or re-entry permit
for permanent residents of the U.S.) and make arrangements for immunization
shots.
1.
INTENTION LETTER . We
ask those interested in becoming an OV to formally express the intention in the
form of a letter. In this letter, you may want to state why you want to do this,
what your availability will be in terms of time and also what you expect of the
experience. It would be useful to state your motivations for working overseas.
We have found that in writing this, the person is able to think through these
points and it would also help us in the orientation process that will follow
later. The letter need not be long but long enough to convey the information
requested.
2.
BIODATA. We
ask that you provide a "biodata" sheet -- a resume-plus. In addition to
information that one usually finds in a resume, it should also include details
such as your interests, strengths, weaknesses, experience in VN, family members,
languages you speak, and any other information that you would like to include
that you feel would help us know more about you and that would also help us in
finding a suitable placement for you in VN. We work closely with the field
director in VN and our partners in VN to find a placement that will result in
the best experience for the OV and allow the OV to make meaningful contributions
to the lives of those with whom the OV come into contact. The information
contained in the biodata sheet will help do this.
3.
REFERENCES.
Please give us names of at least two references not related to you -- who know
you well and would be willing to write/speak on your behalf.
4.
INTERVIEWS. The
OV applicant is usually interviewed by three people in addition to the person
who referred you to HB. At least one of the interviews will be in person while
the others can be by telephone. We will arrange the interviews only after
receiving the other background information from you.