Salient Reporter

Ever since NZUSA sponsored the formation of Volunteer Service Abroad in 1962 as a logical development of its own Volunteer Graduate Scheme, graduate volunteers have played an important and increasing role in VSA's work. A pattern of volunteer positions suitable for graduates is becoming apparent.

For new graduates the most likely avenue of service is in teaching, particularly of English, mathematics and science. Even for graduates not intending to become teachers, teaching at a school in a developing country can be an extremely valuable and satisfying experience, whatever their subsequent career.

Teaching posts are available for new or experienced graduates, with or without teacher-training, as teachers in secondary schools. Provided certification has been completed, teaching with VSA in New Zealand-inspected schools in the Pacific counts towards the discharge of Education Department bonds and superannuation and grading rights are safeguarded.

The Education Department will consider applications for deferment of teacher-training for women graduates to enable them to teach under VSA in these areas, although it prefers academic and professional training to be continuous. This applies to women graduates only, as part of the existing scheme for these teachers to defer their training.

In very exceptional circumstances, the department may consider applications for deferment of bond obligations and or leave and protection of rights in order to teach under VSA in Asian countries.

However, a department spokesman has warned that these applications are not normally agreed to.

Graduates under bond to any other Government Department will need to obtain that department's approval before offering themselves for service with VSA.

For new graduates of faculties such as agriculture, horticulture, engineering, medicine, or commerce, and for graduates of all faculties with postgraduate experience, opportunities exist in many other fields besides teaching. A candidate's suitability for these positions will depend on the nature of his degree and the length and type of his experience.