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Help Centre and FAQ – We answer your questions

We try to answer as many questions as possible here and are constantly adding to the FAQ section. If you need further answers, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Just send us an email.

volunteer@coachabroad.de

General questions

Basic information about the duration, benefits, services and quality assurance of your volunteer work in sport.

What are the costs of volunteering, what is included and what is not?

The project-related participation fee for COACH ABROAD starts at approximately €1,900 for two months and covers accommodation with a host family, meals, airport transfer and organisational project costs. The exact amount varies depending on the partner project, location and duration of the assignment and is clearly stated in the respective project profile. The fee does not include flights, visas, travel health insurance and personal expenses – these must be organised and financed independently.

What does the COACH ABROAD ‘Badge of Trust’ mean?

The ‘Badge of Trust’ rates projects in bronze, silver or gold and shows you at a glance their transparency, communication quality and sustainability. It serves both as a guide for volunteers and as motivation for partner projects.

What exactly does COACH ABROAD offer me?

COACH ABROAD is a placement service that connects volunteer sports coaches with social sports projects abroad. The team handles the entire application process, helps you select the right position, and provides support before and during your stay abroad. This means you will experience growth in your intercultural skills, gain practical work experience in other cultures, and have the opportunity to have your assignment recognised as a mandatory internship.

What services does the host project offer me on site?

The partner project typically arranges accommodation with a host family, meals, and an airport transfer to the project location. Upon arrival, you will receive a personal orientation covering working methods, local life and cultural customs. Your specific tasks will be discussed and agreed with you individually. The core services, including the typical daily routine and project description, are clearly listed in the respective project profile.

Why do social projects need sports volunteers?

Sport creates structure in disadvantaged communities, promotes personal development and strengthens social cohesion. Many social sports projects in Africa are led by dedicated local coaches, but they need professional support, fresh ideas and additional training capacity to further develop their programmes. As a volunteer coach, you contribute sports expertise that is often not available locally, thereby helping to permanently improve access to quality sports for children and young people.

Why does COACH ABROAD recommend a minimum placement period of two months?

Staying for at least two months allows you to gain a deeper cultural experience, build stronger relationships with the children and coaches, and make a more significant and lasting impact on the project. Short stays rarely allow you to make real progress.

About your application

Find out everything you need to know about the application process, requirements and procedures to start your volunteer work abroad.

Are there any restrictions on choice of a project?

In principle, there are no exclusions based on gender, origin or religion; the only requirement is that the sporting criteria are met. However, some projects require female or male supervision for content-related reasons, for example in gender-specific sports groups. These requirements are clearly stated in the project profile and discussed during the interview. COACH ABROAD does not ask any questions about sexual orientation, but points out that in some countries, social or legal conditions may be relevant, which should be researched in advance.

How does the application process work?

The application process at COACH ABROAD consists of several steps: Once you have selected a suitable country and partner project, we will send you an application form. Please send us the completed form along with the required documents, including an extended police clearance certificate in English and any proof of sporting experience that may be required. This will be followed by a personal online interview with us to discuss your expectations, skills and any questions you may have.

What are the requirements for sports volunteering abroad?

You will need solid athletic skills, motivation, and an open attitude. While a coaching certificate is helpful, it is not essential. What's more important is your willingness to take on responsibility, act spontaneously, and embrace new cultural situations.

What happens if my application is rejected?

Although we cannot guarantee a placement, rejections are rare. If a project is full or the requirements are not met, we will suggest suitable alternatives that match your skills and interests.

When can I start supporting a sport project?

In principle, assignments are possible throughout the year. However, the exact start date is influenced by various factors, such as school holidays (the school year in many project countries begins in mid-January and ends in mid-December), local rainy seasons, national holidays, and religious periods such as Ramadan in Muslim countries. COACH ABROAD discusses the planned start date individually with the partner project and recommends applying well in advance.

When should I apply and is there an application deadline?

There is no fixed application deadline. However, you should ideally apply four months in advance to leave enough time for visa applications, necessary vaccinations, booking flights and other preparations.

Why do I need an extended police clearance certificate?

A current certificate is mandatory for working with children. It confirms your trustworthiness and ensures compliance with the security standards of all partner projects. The certificate must be in English and no older than three months.

Work in your project

Information about your tasks, your team and the daily workflow in the sports project.

Are there other volunteers in the project and can I get in touch with former volunteers?

The number of other volunteers on site depends on the size of the project, how many places are available, and the season. While working with other volunteers makes it easier to settle in and encourages spontaneous training ideas, it also carries the risk of less immersion in the local community. If you are the only volunteer, however, you will grow more quickly in terms of personal responsibility and cultural integration. COACH ABROAD is happy to share the experiences of former coaches. However, for data protection reasons, direct contact with alumni cannot be guaranteed for all projects.

What are ‘future activities’ in the project description?

‘Future activities’ are additional sports that are planned to be introduced in a partner project in the future. If you have experience in these sports, you can help to develop new training formats and get more children and young people excited about other sports.

What are my tasks when volunteering in sports?

You will train children and young people, plan training sessions, assist at sporting events, organise workshops and help with fundraising or public relations. Depending on the project, you may be actively involved in training, organisation and community work, or you may also take on creative tasks.

Will I be supported by local coaches or a contact person in the project?

Yes. At the start, the project mentor will introduce you to the team, the current working methods and the training plan. He or she will also be your first point of contact if there are any problems with the project or the host family. Once you are familiar with the projects, you can carry out the sports training independently, from planning individual training sessions to organising tournaments and community events. Creativity, strong communication skills and a hands-on mentality are required, always in consultation with the local managers.

Will I have free time to travel during my volunteering placement?

Yes, weekends, school holidays and days off are ideal for exploring, going on excursions and travelling. However, it is important to remember that your work on the project takes priority. For example, if sports tournaments take place at the weekend, you should discuss your personal plans with your team in advance.

Living in your community

Find out what life is like locally – from living with a host family and everyday life to safety, mobility and leisure activities in your new community.

Can I use the local public transport system?

Yes, you can. It is safer during the day and when travelling in groups. In the evening, alternatives such as taxis or ride-sharing are more advisable. Your host family and the project management team will explain what you need to bear in mind in terms of safe routes, timetables and procedures.

Can or must I cook in the host family?

It depends on how your host family is organised. Some will cook for you, while others will expect you to help out. Cultural differences are normal and will enrich your experience. Make sure you clarify any special dietary requirements in advance.

What can I do at the weekend and in my free time?

There are many ways to spend your free time: excursions to historical sites, nature parks or markets, taking part in activities with your host family, improving your language skills or make use of local sports facilities outside the project. COACH ABROAD recommends actively participating in local life rather than isolating yourself. This deepens cultural understanding and strengthens community trust. You should always discuss activities outside your accommodation with your host family or the project management team, especially in areas with limited security.

What happens when I arrive at the airport?

Transfers to and from the airport are usually organised by the partner project, and you will be picked up by a trusted person. Please inform us and the project of your flight details and any delays well in advance.

What kind of environment will I be living in and what can I expect from the local community?

Most partner projects are located in deprived urban areas or rural regions, such as townships on the outskirts of Cape Town and villages in rural Kenya and Tanzania. Living and training conditions can vary considerably from region to region, often differing significantly from what you are used to. Infrastructure, shopping facilities and leisure activities are often limited. However, the communities are generally warm and welcoming. Good preparation is important: those who inform themselves in advance about the country, culture, and specific location of their assignment will find it much easier to settle in.

Will I receive information about my host family before I arrive, and will I be able to contact them?

Detailed information about the host family is often only available shortly before departure, as the partner projects have to take many factors into account: proximity to the project location, length of stay, privacy, family situation and available places. COACH ABROAD deliberately focuses on accommodation with real host families rather than in hostels or volunteer dormitories – this promotes deeper cultural insights and supports the family financially. Once the coaching has been confirmed, the project mentor will inform us about the accommodation.