United Nations volunteers do receive compensation and other benefits. However, payment isn’t considered a salary. UN volunteers receive a monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA). The Volunteer Living Allowance includes a Monthly Living Allowance (MLA), which is intended to cover a modest standard of living in the host country. It also includes a Family Allowance (FA) for eligible accompanying dependents. Overall, you’ll have sufficient funds for safe and adequate accommodation, transportation, meals, and even entertainment. Beyond the Volunteer Living Allowance, UN volunteers have other benefits, including: -A pre-departure allowance for expenses incurred before traveling, such as a medical examination and vaccinations (for national volunteers, this is called a pre-assignment grant). -Payment for the travel of eligible family members -A settling-in grant to pay for initial expenses after arriving at your post destination -A resettlement allowance after completing the assignment -A well-being differential for volunteers working in hardship duty stations -Facilitation of a home visit (depends on the duration of the assignment) -Leave entitlements, including annual leave of 2.5 working days per month of assignment (up to 30 days per year). If applicable, you can also take maternity leave, paternity leave, learning and training leave, and special leave for emergency situations. -Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance -A resettlement allowance to assist with moving back home From monthly stipends to health insurance, the United Nations takes care of their volunteers. This way, you can focus on what matters most: Contributing to the mission. Finally, you can’t forget the main benefit of being a UN volunteer: the personal satisfaction the experience brings you. You get the opportunity to contribute to peace, development, and human rights! Beyond that, volunteering with the United Nations opens doors⁠—both personal and professional. It can be a path to great things in your life.