Every Sunday, thousands pack football stadiums to watch two teams vie for a victory. Millions more huddle around TV's in homes, bars or restaurants to watch small groups of highly trained, exceptionally skilled professional athletes play the game.

Football is a spectator sport for most of us - lots of fans in need of exercise and a small group of men who actually play the game.

Kind of like life‚  until you decide you are ready to get involved and make a difference in the world. Until you say, "put me in coach, I'm ready to play!"

International volunteering is a great way to get involved.

A quick web search will tell you that there are a vast number of organizations out there looking for passionate, caring and generous people just like you to volunteer internationally. How do you decide which opportunity is right for you? Get started today by asking yourself a few quick questions.

Why do you want to go? Whatever your reasons, make sure you understand them to set goals and expectations.

 What do you want to do? Basically, there are two types of volunteer opportunities: 1) those for people with specific education and professional skills; and 2) those that are generally open to anyone.

Where do you want to volunteer? Try to come up with a short list of countries or regions of the world that interest you most.

How long can you go? In general, the longer you volunteer, the better! But if work, school and family obligations limit your availability, there are plenty of short-term opportunities available.

How much will it cost? Costs associated with volunteering abroad can vary greatly from country to country and from organization to organization. Make sure you understand the total cost of volunteering.

Which organization should I go with? Your answer to this question is critical! Do your homework.

Have you ever volunteered internationally? How did you select the right opportunity for you?

Posted by Shelley Laverty, IDEAS Recruiting and Placement Manager.

"I look for the best and the brightest and match them with opportunities in Asia, North Africa and the Middle East."

Email me at [email protected]