You might be aged anywhere between your early 20s and late 60s, travel alone or with your partner, though rarely are families sent because of the cost.
You could be a midwife, librarian, electrician, occupational therapist, tourism adviser, strategic planning adviser, accountant, lawyer, doctor, human resources specialist, small business manager - almost any kind of skill is in demand.
Sheena Hudson, a career counsellor doing a doctorate on the effects of the VSA experience on volunteers' careers and lives, says of the 50 New Zealanders selected last year, half were women. Why did those selected apply?
For altruistic reasons; because they wanted challenge and adventure; to immerse themselves in another culture; to have the materialism of the Western world stripped away; and to advance their careers.
Only one person, however, thought they might be able to go back to their old job on their return. The rest had resigned.
"They were mainly people who were changing occupations or upskilling, and were proactive about what they wanted to do," says Hudson. "Some were interested in a career in development and thought a VSA posting would be a stepping-stone into paid work."
Mark says the qualities listed above should be seen as advantageous by any future employer. "Most volunteers come back saying it was an enriching and life-enhancing experience."
Seasoned volunteers offer this advice:
* Use the internet to find out what is happening in the area in which you're interested, and who's doing what, where.
* Decide whether you want to get paid for what you do, or are content to go as a volunteer and have just your living expenses covered.
* In some jobs, it will help to have a recognisable qualification and some NZ experience under your belt.
* Understand that living overseas will change you forever, particularly if you move to a developing country. You can end up feeling like you live between two worlds - New Zealand and the international community - which can be unsettling.
* Be prepared to go through a type of grief process when you leave a familiar place and move to a new one.
* Realise that you won't see loved ones again for many months, maybe a couple of years. Communication systems may not be reliable.
* People may look the same as you, but they will think and act differently.
* You may be part of a team made of people from a variety of cultures.
* You may have to dispense with a goal-oriented approach and be content with small steps, and passing on knowledge to others.
* Find friends outside the organisation in which you work to maintain some balance. If you're homesick, seek out other expatriates.
* Try to make your living space a home, not somewhere temporary.
* Phone home even if it costs a lot.
