A day in the life of….Good Return’s Overseas Volunteer Program

A day in the life of….Good Return’s Overseas Volunteer Program

Since 2014 Good Return has offered an unique opportunity for passionate individuals to gain firsthand experience in international development through its “Field Support Officer” (FSO) volunteer program. Over the past decade, more than 40 FSOs have spent 12-18 months living and working in one of our markets in Asia Pacific, building practical skills, forming lifelong memories, and contributing meaningfully to Good Return’s development programs. 

Former FSOs consistently describe their experience as transformational. For many, it was a pivotal step into a career in development. Some found the journey personally challenging, yet deeply rewarding. Others reflect on their time as an unforgettable experience. 

Diana Tjoeng, Good Return Head of Asia and Impact Investments, on a field visit in Cambodia

Participants come from diverse backgrounds. Some are recent graduates from Bachelor's or Master's studies, eager to break into the development sector. Others are mid-career or retired professionals seeking a meaningful career shift or looking to give back while immersing themselves in a new culture. But all of them have a hunger to learn, have a spirit of adventure, and a commitment to making a difference. 

FSOs have been placed in destinations such as Tonga, Indonesia, Fiji, Cambodia, and the Philippines. Their roles have been just as diverse, spanning everything from championing our financial education programs to powering IT and Technology, steering Monitoring & Evaluation, and crafting compelling communications. Whilst this experience is unpaid, Good Return provides financial support for flights, visa, living expenses, and pre-departure and in-country training.

Excitingly, many FSOs transition into permanent roles at the conclusion of their overseas experience. Diana Tjoeng, for example, now serves as Head of Asia and Impact Investments at Good Return, after starting out as an FSO. Others have gone on to build successful careers with like-minded organisations both here in Australia and overseas, staying connected as valued members of the Good Return family.

Participants come from diverse backgrounds. Some are recent graduates from Bachelor's or Master's studies, eager to break into the development sector. Others are mid-career or retired professionals seeking a meaningful career shift or looking to give back while immersing themselves in a new culture. But all of them have a hunger to learn, have a spirit of adventure, and a commitment to making a difference.

Participants come from diverse backgrounds. Some are recent graduates from Bachelor's or Master's studies, eager to break into the development sector. Others are mid-career or retired professionals seeking a meaningful career shift or looking to give back while immersing themselves in a new culture. But all of them have a hunger to learn, have a spirit of adventure, and a commitment to making a difference.

So what does a typical day look like as an FSO living in the bustling city of Phnom Penh, Cambodia?

“I woke up to the sound of monks chanting - there must be a wedding nearby! 

After grabbing a sweet iced coffee from my usual street vendor, I jumped into a tuk-tuk to get across town to the office.

My morning in the office was spent writing a script for a financial education comic book. It was fun inventing characters and dialogue, but I also checked in with my colleagues to get their feedback - does it reflect the common money issues people are facing at the moment? Are the characters realistic?

I had lunch with my work friends at a restaurant in the nearby mall. I was craving Japanese food that day - Phnom Penh has an incredible variety of cuisines available so I try to mix it up between Khmer (local) food and food from other countries.

In the afternoon I connected with a local graphic designer, and also started planning a field trip to test the comics with target communities. Testing in the field is crucial to ensure the content in the comics is relevant and it uses common language. Plus it is so exciting to go to the countryside and explore more of Cambodia.

The FSO program offers so much more than work experience - it offers deep cross-cultural engagement and it is a launchpad into the world of international development.