Singapore International Foundation

FAQ For In-Field SVOs

1. I hear that it is not easy to be selected as an SVO. Do I have to hold specific qualifications to become an SVO?
To become an SVO, applicants must be a Singapore citizen or Permanent Resident of above 21 years old. They should also have at least two years of relevant working experience and be able to commit for the entire duration of the assignment. When evaluating an applicant, we consider the 'whole person', including the life experiences, community involvement, volunteer work experience, motivations and your hobbies.

2. I am not a Singapore citizen or a Permanent Resident. Can I join the SVO programme?
We appreciate the interests of our friends around the world, only Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents may join the SVO programme.

3. How much will I get paid in the SVO programme? Do I have to pay for anything?
We do not pay our SVOs salaries. As an in-field SVO, you will receive a monthly allowance to cover necessities such as food, housing expenses (if applicable) and local transportation. The amount of stipend will vary from country to country. The SVO programme will also pay for transportation to and from your country of service and insurance, etc. You may visit 'Support for SVOs' for other details.

4. Can I choose where I'll serve as an SVO?
We will make every effort to accommodate your interest and preferences for serving as an SVO, but we cannot guarantee placement in any specific country or region. Our main priority is to place you in a country where your skills are most needed, so we encourage you to be flexible when you are offered an assignment.

5. Can I extend my SVO assignment?
A serving SVO at the end of his/her assignment may request for an extension, subject to agreement by SIF and the host agency.

6. Is there any specific time when I have to leave for my assignment?
Those going out to teach in schools usually leave for their country of service in June or December. Non-teaching SVOs will, in consultation with the SVO programme and their host agencies, determine the date to begin their assignments.

7. Will I get unpaid leave while on an SVO assignment?
The Public Service Division may grant a Civil or Public Service employee a year's no-pay leave to go on an SVO assignment. Employers in the private sector may also consider granting similar terms to their staff. It is your responsibility to make your own leave arrangements with your employer. We will provide you with supporting documents to your employer on request.

8. What is the OuTrEACH scheme for teachers?
This is a scheme by the Ministry of Education, which supports MOE Teachers on an SVO assignment. Please see 'Additional Support for Teachers from Ministry of Education' for more information.

9. I am serving a study bond. Can it be deferred or cancelled while I serve as an SVO?
The SVO programme does not grant deferments, cancellations for government or private sector study bonds. You must obtain them directly from your employer or the organisation administering your bond.

10. Can married couples join the SVO programme? Can I serve with my husband/wife or boy/girlfriend?
SVO service can be a rewarding, enriching experience for married couples. Some of our SVOs are married. For the married SVO who is serving alone, we provide his/her spouse with an air ticket for a visit during the term of the assignment. If you would like to serve as a couple, we will try to identify placements for both of you to live and work in the same community though you may not necessarily be assigned to a common workplace. Your assignment will be determined by the skills you have and the needs of the host agency. We however will not guarantee placement in the same country for couples who are not legally married.

11. Does the SVO programme accept senior citizens?
You are never too old to serve on the SVO programme. While volunteers must be at least 21 years old, there is no upper age limit. We welcome senior citizens who will bring a wealth of experience to the programme and the countries hosting our volunteers.

12. What support will the SVO programme provide before I leave for my assignment?
Kindly refer to 'Support for SVOs' for more information.

FAQ For Specialist Team SVOs

1. How are Specialist Team projects chosen? Can I recommend a project of my own?
Specialist Team projects may result from a direct request from the host country or from a suggestion by someone interested to lead a Specialist Team. You are welcomed to submit your detailed proposal to SIF for consideration.

2. I am interested to lead a Specialist Team. How do I go about it?
You can approach us to indicate the type of Specialist Team project you are interested to lead. If you already have something in mind, let us have your proposal for consideration. Alternatively, we will get in touch with you should we receive a request that can tap on your expertise.

3. Am I restricted in the types of Specialist Team projects I can lead?
We only carry out Specialist Team projects in countries currently hosting the SVO Programme. When evaluating a Specialist Team project, we use a set of criteria, including whether it meets our aim of capacity building through sustainable human resource development, the benefits to the local community at large, and whether the skills and technology developed are appropriate to the country's needs and available resources.

4. Is there a minimum time period I can volunteer?
Our Specialist Team projects generally last between two and five years. We require each Specialist Team to commit to carrying out at least one training mission per year, with each mission stretching from a week to four weeks. If you are planning to lead a Specialist Team, you need to be able to commit to serving for a two-year period at the minimum.

5. Will I be able to choose my team members? Do they all have to come from the same institution?
Once we have appointed you to lead a Specialist Team, you are required to put together a group of people with the skills required for the project. We have no preference to whether the team should comprise members from a single or different organisation. You do have to ensure your team members meet the basic requirements of having relevant skills, positive interest in volunteering overseas, high commitment and positive personal attributes.

6. Will I get unrecorded leave while on a Specialist Team project?
You are responsible for obtaining leave of absence directly from your employer when participating in a Specialist Team project. Specialist Team members working in government ministries or statutory boards may be granted unrecorded leave. The SVO Programme will provide supporting documents to the employers concerned.

7. Will I have to contribute financially to the Specialist Team project? What support does the SVO Programme provide me?
The SVO Programme will undertake to provide you with the transportation to and from your country of service, necessary immunisations, local transport and accommodation, and insurance coverage. You will also be provided with a daily allowance to cover your meals and incidentals. Grants for the purchase of training materials and equipment to support the project will be provided on a case-by-case basis. Please see 'Support for SVOs'.