How to become an Olympic Volunteer — Paris to L.A. 2028
You don’t have to be an athlete to join the Olympic Games in Paris 2024 or LA28. Find out more about the Olympic volunteers and how you can apply.
Views are my own.
Important: These details refer to the Summer Games and also include the Paralympic Games. But volunteers are also always needed for the Winter Games.
The Olympic Games are the biggest sporting event in the world and take place in breathtaking cities such as Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo, Paris and Los Angeles. Do you dream of working abroad, but not for too long? Then it’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in an international environment, experience all cultures of the world in close proximity and get to know incredible places. Every four years you have the chance to combine ambition and adventure in the most beautiful cities. If you want to go abroad for a longer period of time, you should definitely take a look at the international V.I.E. program at companies such as Dior or Airbus!
As an Olympic volunteer, you get closer to the most famous athletes than anyone else and write world history yourself. It is a myth that this event is only reserved for top athletes. Countless volunteers were involved in the breathtaking opening ceremony along the Seine and were an essential part of the show. Do you remember the magical scene when the mysterious flag bearer rode her white horse from the Eiffel Tower to the Trocadero? A crowd of colorful flags marched in the background. The flag bearers were no longer the athletes of the boat delegations, but volunteers.
We owe such unforgettable moments to the volunteers: who can say that they supported a global mega-event? I certainly don’t know anyone! The volunteers are the (unfortunately often) invisible heroes who bring the Olympic Games to life and create historic moments. Through their contribution, they make millions of eyes light up in front of the screens and make everyday life easier for the athletes on site. Impressive venues such as Paris or Los Angeles provide the perfect stage for these dedicated helpers.
Tasks as a volunteer at the Olympics
It’s a buzzing world: There is a lot going on behind the scenes of the Olympic Games. Most of the processes and To-Do’s are probably not even known to the public. As a volunteer, you are right in the middle of it instead of just being there. Your tasks could look like this:
- Accreditation: You check the entrances and provide athletes and media representatives with important information.
- Transportation: You help with logistics, either in the athletes’ village or at the venues. This may even include VIPs.
- Victory Ceremony & Event Support: You will assist with the organization and execution of the competitions, from looking after the athletes in the Olympic Village to ensuring that everything runs smoothly at the venues. You might even help with the medal ceremony.
- “Guest Experience” spectator support: You will provide guidance, look after information stands and answer guests’ questions. You will be the first point of contact for fans from all over the world.
- Marketing & Press: Coordinating photographers and press representatives as well as checking and maintaining promotional material, such as checking for damage.
This is just a general overview. There can be many other exciting tasks, for example as part of the opening ceremony. It certainly won’t be boring as a volunteer!
Requirements for volunteering at the Olympics
Please note that these criteria may change for each host city. The criteria for Paris were as follows:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be able to speak French and/or English
- Be available for at least 10 days between the opening of the Olympic Village and two days after the closing ceremony of the Paralympic Games
How can I apply for L.A. 2028?
The volunteer application period for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles has not yet begun. That’s good news, because you can be one of the first to sign up. Be prepared and read my tips for Job Hunting Abroad.
Information about this will probably be published on the official website a few years in advance. So keep checking back:
Criticism of the Olympic volunteer program
“Taking part is everything!” is a great motto in the world of sports, but volunteers are not paid like regular employees. Sure, they typically receive benefits like a free uniform, unlimited water and meals on-site. But the Olympic Games stand for equality, respect and solidarity. This discrepancy between the noble values and the reality in the form of unpaid work raises questions. Should participation really be everything?
Although the intensive commitment as a volunteer has numerous advantages and is definitely a formative experience, there are negative voices. After all, volunteers are not paid like regular employees of the Olympic Committee or the local “Paris 2024” organization. This can become a real problem, especially in expensive cities, and can lead to a tendency for volunteers from financially better-off backgrounds to apply. They can go weeks without an income. Yet greater diversity among volunteers would be so valuable!
Nevertheless, don’t let financial hurdles put you off, because there is always a solution! If it interests you, you should definitely give it a try and consider the benefits: as a volunteer at the Olympic Games, you will experience a world-class sporting event up close, which will make you stand out in future job applications. You can learn something for every possible job there. In addition, you will become part of a unique international network and make contacts for the future. Working side by side with people from all over the world, you will get to know new cultures and gain valuable experience that will enrich you personally and professionally. If you prefer a regular job overseas, make sure to check out job boards with offering for international candidates. On top of that, you will have the opportunity to take a look behind the scenes and learn many important skills. Applying as a volunteer could change your life!
Of course, long-term, paid jobs will also be advertised as part of the Olympic Games. Pay attention to what you should NOT include in the application form and check the following career pages regularly:
Jobs at L.A. 2028
Jobs at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Lausanne, Switzerland
. . .
For those who love global adventure, meeting new people and want to see behind the scenes of the world’s biggest sporting event, the volunteer program is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. So, think about it and maybe we’ll see you at the Olympic Games!
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