Winant Clayton Volunteers accept applications to the programme from all individuals between the ages of 18 and 80, from all backgrounds and from all over the UK. Previous voluntary experience is valuable but by no means essential. All we ask is for our volunteers to be open minded, flexible, like a challenge and have a genuine interest in making a real difference.
All our placements have been carefully selected by the US Team in New York and can include community clubs for the elderly, immigrant groups, at risk children and teenagers, shelters for the homeless or centres for those recovering from mental illness. Some placement work is very well structured, others less so, but all require enthusiasm and the ability to be flexible.
Volunteers are carefully matched to a placement by the US Committee, based on the information gathered from the application form, interview and personal profile. Placements are allocated to match the skills and experience of volunteers, and also to enable them to learn new skills and face new challenges.
Volunteers stay in the USA for 10 weeks in total; 8 weeks are spent volunteering with placements and then there are 2 weeks for independent travel. All our volunteers travel to and from the USA together, leaving in mid-June and returning at the beginning of September.
During the 8 week placement, volunteers live in student accommodation or with a host family, depending on the community organisation that they are volunteering with.
Throughout the summer, the US Committee works hard to make sure that all volunteers are well supported and supervised in their roles. This includes an orientation upon arrival in New York, regular supervision sessions and a thorough evaluation before departure. The US Committee also organise a number of social and cultural trips to enable volunteers to make the most of their time living in New York.
Anyone who is interested in the exchange programme should fill in the application form.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview in London and those who are successful will then attend a briefing day in the spring.
Each volunteer contributes £1500 to take part in the programme, and are provided with:
- return flights
- accommodation for the duration of your placement
- living expenses in the form of a cash stipend
- travel expenses to and from your placement
A limited number of subsidised places are available through our
bursary scheme.
Volunteers should budget for additional extra funds for leisure activities whilst living in New York and for the two weeks of independent travel at the end of the placement.
Upon return to the UK all volunteers attend a full evaluation day in London to share memories and feedback of experiences. We then hope that you stay in touch and become part of our strong and supportive alumni base!
Apply for the programme
Can't find the information you're looking for? Visit Frequently Asked Questions