The Olympic Games immediately bring to mind inspiring moments, compelling stories, incredible feats, and pride in not only one's country, but humanity as a whole. The Olympics bring people, nations, and the world together, including thousands of volunteers!

While qualifying for Olympic teams takes years of dedication, practice, and acquired skill, did you know that almost anyone can volunteer for the Olympic Games? That’s right! You could provide needed services across many aspects of the event before, during, and after the competitions.

Volunteering for the Olympics would be an exciting and unforgettable way to go abroad!

Volunteering for the Olympics is fulfilling, impactful, and above all, fun! Becoming an Olympics Volunteer is not as hard as you may think and makes this incredible event possible every two years (winter and summer).

The next Olympic event is in 2022, taking place in Beijing from February 4-22, 2022, with summer games to follow in 2024 in La Ville Lumière (Paris!). Read on to find out how to volunteer for the Olympics and what to expect when you join the Olympic community!

What do Olympic volunteers do?

There were over 80,000 volunteers working at the 2020 (2021) Tokyo Olympics. You’d expect with tens of thousands of volunteers there wouldn’t be enough tasks to go around, but that would be before you discovered how much of the Games depend on volunteer support!

Additionally, each volunteer comes with a unique skill set which is considered when making assignments. So, what exactly do Olympic volunteers do? Here are a few of the many volunteer jobs needed to successfully pull off the Olympic Games:

• Checking tickets and security services: This may include issuing IDs to Olympic workers as well.
• Translating and acting as a guide: People come from all over the world for the Olympics; you could be welcoming dignitaries and politicians as well as athletes and spectators.
• Delivering equipment: With competitions occurring at multiple venues and stages serving various purposes, equipment delivery can be more complicated than it sounds!
• Set up and break down of event stages: If you’ve ever worked stage crew for a theater, this volunteer opportunity may be right up your alley.
• Entering data and results: Perhaps the most important part of the Olympic Games—getting the competition results entered so athletes can truly become a part of history.
• Assisting photographers and reporters: Whether manning press conferences or helping to capture a photo from just the right angle, this volunteer position would take some creativity and patience, but ultimately be very rewarding.

While these are a few common examples of what you can expect as an Olympics volunteer, additional jobs may involve technical support, marketing, human resources, and more!

Where are the 2022 Winter Olympics?

The Olympics return to Beijing in 2022.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has the power to choose the hosts of the Olympic Games and does so through a majority vote cast through secret ballots. Cities approved after they bid for a spot on the ballot are first vetted to make sure they can support an international sporting event; think transportation, security, and accommodation. Fun fact: This selection usually happens seven years prior to the Games!

The 2022 Winter Olympics will take place in Beijing, the capital city of China and home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. While it may be too late to apply as a volunteer for the 2022 Winter Olympics, you could still join the crowds of spectators that will gather to experience the Games, gardens, temples, and palaces which will be on full display!

Take a look at the Beijing Olympic volunteer application to prepare for future opportunities in…(drumroll please)…

• 2024: Paris (Summer)
• 2026: Milan Cortina (Winter)
• 2028: Los Angeles (Summer)
• 2030: TBA 2022/2023 (Winter)
• 2032: Brisbane (Summer)

Can you picture yourself in any of the locations above? Volunteers truly “make the Games”; start preparing for them now!

How to volunteer at the Olympics

Almost *anyone* can volunteer for the Olympics, as long as you can get there.

In the true spirit of the Olympics, there are few volunteer application restrictions. Typically, you’ll need to be available for volunteer training and the events themselves, be at least 18 years old, and be fluent in English AND the language spoken in the host city/country.

Follow these steps for your best chance at being accepted as an Olympics volunteer:

1. Research and prepare

You’ll first want to check dates and make sure you’re available for the Games you wish to support. While there are usually few requirements, each Olympic city has their own volunteer recruitment program and eligibility guidelines.

For the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, you’d want to visit their site . Note there is also information on volunteering for the Paralympic Games which usually occur in the same city.

2. Gather materials and strengthen your application

Over 600,000 people applied to the Beijing Winter Olympics—so it goes without saying that you’ll want to make your application stand out! Emphasize any strong or unique skills you have, such as being bi- or multilingual, a TEFL graduate, healthcare worker, or athlete. Highlight any relevant education, work experience, or prior volunteering. Even driving experience could give you a leg up on the competition!

3. Apply

You can find official Olympic site information . Navigate to the application on the official Olympic Games page to submit your application. You should receive a notification if you make it to the next round of the application process. Good luck!

4. Ace the second-round interview if accepted

This is an in-person interview for those within the country holding the Games, or a video interview for those abroad. Decisions are usually made on a rolling basis and you should find out if you scored a golden ticket about 3-12 months out from the event start.

5. Budget wisely and prepare for your trip

One of the challenges you may face if accepted as a volunteer is getting there! Consider fundraising for your travel, apply for volunteer and travel grants, and see if you can find a host family for the duration of your volunteer experience. Make sure you arrive on time and have studied any materials provided!

5 Olympic volunteer benefits

Volunteering on its own is cool—but there are even more perks to being an Olympic volunteer!

Olympic volunteer benefits are many and varied—some you’d expect and others may surprise you! Although volunteering for the Olympics is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, it’s natural to wonder what you might be provided as a volunteer for such a prestigious event.

Before you invest your time in learning more about the opportunities available, review the benefits you’re sure to gain at the Games:

• Payment/Stipend (may not apply to all volunteer opportunities)
• Official Olympic uniforms
• Insurance/Healthcare (may not apply to all volunteer opportunities)
• Affordable accommodation
• Free tickets to some of the competitions and events

Other, less tangible (but just as valuable) Olympic volunteer benefits include:

1. Gain a new worldview

The cross-cultural exchange that happens at the Olympics is like no other! You’ll be meeting people from around the world with varying cultures, languages, and perspectives. An Olympic volunteer experience includes a truly intercultural education.

2. Build your network

With these new world-wide connections, you’ll leave the Olympics with a network spanning continents and cultures. This type of network can open all sorts of doors in your life and career!

3. Acquire new skills

While you’ll be chosen for the unique skills you can bring to the Olympic table, you’re sure to attain expertise in other areas as well. This includes potentially learning a bit of a new language, picking up cross-cultural communication skills, honing your leadership abilities, and discovering you're a data-entry wizard!

4. Volunteer experience

Talk about something interesting to put on your resume! There’s no doubt that future employers will be sure to notice an Olympics volunteer experience on your resume/CV.

5. Have a blast

This is definitely one of those moments you’ll be telling the grandchildren about. Check out on how her Olympic volunteer experience was life changing.

The next Olympics are just around the corner!

Will we see you volunteering at a future Olympic event?

Beijing, Paris, Milan Cortina, Los Angeles, and Brisbane…Surely you can envision yourself in one of these locations even if you may not live there! Everyone has a skill they can contribute to the Olympics and Paralympics. Keep in mind Olympics volunteers embody the Games and are team-oriented, adaptable, open-minded, positive, and collaborative. If this sounds like you, let the games begin!

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